Invisalign® – Portland, OR
Straighten Your Teeth Discreetly
Invisalign® in Portland, OR is an orthodontic treatment that is virtually unseen, extremely predictable in its results, and easily removable for eating, brushing, and flossing. It usually requires less time than conventional braces, and we can even tell you what you will look like at given points during treatment. In 2012, Dr. Teasdale became the first and only general dentist in the entire state of Oregon to have earned the “Elite Provider” designation from Invisalign®.
Why Choose Evolution Dental for Invisalign®?
- Certified Elite Invisalign Provider
- Over 40 Years of Experience
- Treatment Designed with TekScan Technology
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is for adult patients who have a bad bite, also known as a malocclusion. This includes those with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or overcrowding of the teeth.
Designed for patients who are seeking a private way to straighten their teeth, this modern take on traditional braces allows you to get the look you want without the metal brackets and wires, enabling you to keep a more professional appearance. Our staff at Evolution Dental understands that few people enjoy the appearance of metal braces, but they would still like to improve the look of their teeth. Dr. Teasdale can discuss the benefits of both conventional braces and Invisalign® for your specific situation. Importantly, he can accelerate treatment using various methods, cutting times by up to 70%.
Invisalign® uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are customized to accommodate your teeth as they are and bring them into the positioning that you want. We can usually help you fully straighten your teeth in less than two years—most Invisalign® patients are treated in eighteen months.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your Invisalign® process begins with a visit to Evolution Dental. At this appointment, Dr. Teasdale will evaluate your tooth positioning and ask you questions about your TMJ or sleep apnea symptoms. Together, you will discuss which options may work most efficiently for you and your lifestyle because no one treatment is best for everyone.
Using specialized Invisalign® software, we will take 3D images of your teeth — this will help us view your current positioning. Then, the program will allow us to make the changes that you want using a 3D model of your teeth, so we can see the final results you are seeking. Once we have found your ideal positioning, a series of aligners will be ordered. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks, progressively moving your teeth into the desired position.
Who Can Invisalign® Help?
Good news: Invisalign® can help numerous patients who are struggling with misaligned teeth or an uneven bite. So, if you have a noticeable gap in your smile, you’re having trouble chewing, or your self-esteem has taken a hit because of overcrowding, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign®! In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the orthodontic problems that clear aligners can correct.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are one of the most common orthodontic problems and, like the others on this list, it can take a toll on the appearance, health, and function of your smile. So, don’t put off scheduling a consultation with Dr. Teasdale. Instead, get an appointment on the calendar to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign®. If you are, then you won’t need to worry about metal brackets and wires – your journey to a straight smile and aligned bite will be virtually invisible.
Gaps Between Teeth
If you have the opposite problem (there is too much space in your mouth), it’s important to move your teeth into proper alignment. If we can do that with Invisalign®, then we will have a custom series of clear aligners made, give you instructions on when to progress to the next set, and schedule check-in visits periodically throughout your teeth-straightening journey to make sure your teeth are moving as anticipated.
Overbite
Although you want your upper teeth to sit in front of your bottom ones, problems can arise if there is considerable space between the two. In other words, exploring your orthodontic treatment options now can save you from several problems later on, including chronic jaw pain and premature wear and tear on certain teeth. If your case isn’t too severe, then we can move your bite into proper alignment with a series of custom-made, comfortable, and clear aligners.
Underbite
Underbites are when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper ones. Naturally, there are some aesthetic drawbacks to this orthodontic problem, but we’re concerned about the effect it has on your overall quality of life. After all, patients with underbites often experience chronic jaw pain, trouble chewing properly, and even TMJ dysfunction. So, don’t wait – schedule a consultation with Dr. Teasdale to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign®.
Crossbite
Although they aren’t as talked about, crossbites also have the potential to negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. So, if some, but not all, of your top teeth sit in front of your bottom teeth, it’s time to find out what your treatment options are. If Invisalign® is one of them, then the journey to your absolute best smile won’t involve any metal at all.
Open Bite
The last orthodontic problem on this list is an open bite, which is when there is space in the front or back of your mouth that prevents you from biting down completely. The good news is that Invisalign® clear aligners can be used in tandem with rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories to correct even more moderate cases. So, don’t assume metal braces are your only option!
How We Use Invisalign® to Improve the Bite
Invisalign® enables us to work to an endpoint that we can see before we even start—literally, we "begin with the end in mind." And, because we have such vast experience and expertise with this system, we recognize what is possible, and we work to get there as quickly and as comfortably as we can without compromise.
For years, Dr. Teasdale has also provided traditional orthodontics with metal braces. As a result, we can blend both regular braces and Invisalign when it is more efficient and effective. If you have been told that Invisalign® will not work for you, or if you have any questions whatsoever, please call us today.
We are also very happy to provide exceptionally rapid orthodontic care to cut the length of treatments like Invisalign® to less than a third of their average time. Ask us about treatments like Propel, AcceleDent, and ProV5, and how they can help you complete your orthodontic treatment in far less time.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign initially became popular because of its discrete appearance, but there are many other benefits to this orthodontic treatment! We’ve put together a list of some of the lesser-known perks you’ll enjoy with Invisalign aligners. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, keep reading for more information, and don’t forget that we’re just a phone call away. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Better Dental Hygiene for Shinier Teeth
You might be more focused on correcting your dental misalignment than oral hygiene, but effective brushing and flossing is essential for maintaining pristine and healthy teeth. Since Invisalign aligners are 100% removable, you can clean your pearly whites as you normally would. Patients appreciate that they don’t have to worry about missing bacteria that’s hidden behind metal wires or brackets.
Speedy Follow-Ups and Treatment
Invisalign has a fast-paced treatment timeline, averaging out at about 12 – 18 months. The follow-up appointments are also speedy. There’s no metal for us to adjust, so we’re often able to complete these periodic progress checkups in 15 – 30 minutes. We’ll double-check your teeth’s alignment and adjustment to make sure you’re on track, then send you on your way to advance to your next-step trays.
Comfort During Correction
Metal braces work exceptionally well, but some patients find them to be bulky and uncomfortable. Invisalign might also feel strange at first, and you might experience some mild soreness after advancing to your next-step trays, but they’re custom-made with a smooth surface. That means no poking, pinching, or irritation. It’s unlikely you’ll need orthodontic wax with this treatment!
Treatment Flexibility
The removability of Invisalign aligners plus shorter check-in and treatment timelines makes it a very flexible option for busy patients. Though it’s important to take out your trays before eating, you won’t have to alter your diet – simply stick to your usual meal plan and remove your aligners as necessary.
And though clear aligners do require regular cleaning to keep their invisible appearance, your hygiene sessions will still be close to the recommended two minutes. Overall, Invisalign offers the most freedom out of modern orthodontic options.
Fantastic End-Results
Perhaps the best benefit to straightening your teeth with Invisalign aligners is that you’ll have a fantastic, glamorous smile waiting for you at the end of your treatment. No more awkward gaps, no more uncomfortable bite, no more crooked pearly whites – as convenient and slim as these plastic trays are, they can be just as effective as traditional braces!
Imagine enjoying pristine dental hygiene, speedy appointments, superior comfort, and treatment flexibility without a catch. It sounds almost too good to be true, no? Fortunately, there are many patients who can vouch for Invisalign aligners.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
From the discreet appearance to the shorter average treatment timelines, it is not hard to see why millions of patients have chosen Invisalign. But how much does Invisalign in Portland cost? It is a very common question we hear from patients; however, there is no one-size-fits-all price. But, there are a few factors that will help determine the answer. Read on to find out what they are!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
As mentioned above, several factors will be considered when determining the cost of Invisalign in Portland. Some of the most important ones include:
- How many aligners are needed to straighten your teeth
- Whether you are straightening one or two arches
- The need for additional accessories, like elastics.
Once you start treatment, there is another factor that will influence the cost: your compliance. For example, if you consistently misplace your aligners, do not wear them for 22 hours a day, or do not prioritize your check-in visits, then you will likely fall off-track with your treatment timeline. As a result, you will need more aligners than originally planned, increasing the cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Depending on your dental plan, the answer may be yes! While some patients do not have coverage, others have a once-in-a-lifetime benefit specifically for orthodontic treatment. Our team can go over your dental insurance plan with you. So, if you are currently insured and want to learn more about your benefits, let us know! Our team would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Invisalign FAQs
As an Elite Provider of Invisalign®, Dr. Teasdale is uniquely qualified to answer any questions you might have about the treatment and what it could do for you. We’ll listen to your desires and fully discuss all the steps of the process so that there are no surprises.
How Long Will Invisalign Take?
Every case is different, of course, depending upon where your teeth are and where we want them to be. Generally speaking, most treatments are completed in less than a year, but some take far less time while some occasionally take longer; it all depends on multiple factors. For those who want to shorten the Invisalign process, we have ways of cutting the treatment time by half or even more. Please let us know if you would like to learn more about these options.
What Is the Best Age for Invisalign?
We generally treat patients with Invisalign after all their adult teeth have come in, though exceptions can be made. If the patient is responsible enough to wear the aligners for the required amount of time, we can achieve wonderful results at any age. Adults tend to vastly prefer Invisalign because the aligners are virtually invisible, making them far easier to wear at work, at play, or during social events. And, if you have gaps in your smile due to missing teeth or implants, we can adapt the aligners to visually fill in those spaces. It will look like the missing teeth are suddenly there!
What Kinds of Corrections Can Invisalign Make?
Invisalign works best for uprighting, or tipping, of the teeth, which is the primary movement in orthodontics. It is also superior to conventional braces when it comes to pushing teeth back into the bone ("intrusion"). Together, these movements comprise well over 90% of what most people need to put their teeth in the best position. Additionally, once we create enough space and correct poorly aligned teeth, the lower jaw is able to shift to a more natural position, making a subtle or dramatic improvement to your facial contour. At the same time, your facial muscles may relax, which not only helps you feel better and more serene, but also decreases wrinkles, and perhaps TMJ pain. In other words, a smile treated by Invisalign is not just pretty; it is also relaxed and comfortable.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost, and Why Is the Price Different in Different Dental Offices?
Invisalign is priced competitively compared to traditional braces at Evolution Dental. The total price is related to several factors that we will address in our pre-treatment consultation; as they say, the best surprise is no surprise. The good news is that if your dental insurance carrier covers orthodontics, then it will likely cover Invisalign. We will work with you to make certain that your carrier reimburses you for everything you are entitled to.
Remember that every dental office has its own treatment goals, which can affect the overall cost. At our dental practice, we not only plan for the most aesthetic, natural-looking smile, but we also consider the final bite, given how it affects the individual in the long run. Ignoring the long-term function and treating the short-term esthetics of your smile may be faster, but it is not in your best interests. Invisalign designs and delivers aligners according to what the dentist requests so that the result is what the dentist wants. The key is having your case designed by a dentist who understands both your esthetic desires and your smile’s physiological function, and that is where Evolution Dental differs from the norm.