Invisalign® Aligners in Mukilteo, WA
Straighten Teeth Without the Hassle of Braces with Invisalign Near You
Tired of hiding your smile because of misaligned teeth? You’re not alone. Many people desire straighter teeth but are put off by the thought of traditional metal braces. Fortunately, the world of orthodontic treatment has been revolutionized by Invisalign, offering a nearly invisible braces solution that fits seamlessly into your life. The Invisalign system was first developed by Align Technology, founded in 1997, and has since transformed orthodontic care.
At Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists, home of the top dental specialists in Mukilteo, we specialize in Invisalign treatment, guiding you through the journey with personalized care. We believe everyone deserves to share their most confident smile. Ready to find out if clear aligner therapy is right for you? Call us today at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from Mukilteo, Edmonds, Everett, and Lynnwood.
Experience the Unmatched Skill of Care From an Orthodontic Specialist in Mukilteo
For the most precise and effective Invisalign treatment, choosing an Orthodontist provides a clear advantage. Dr. Lauren Lewandowski brings specialized knowledge and experience directly to our local patients.
Dr. Lewandowski attended the prestigious University of Washington School of Dentistry, where she earned her Master’s in Orthodontics—three years of focused training beyond dental school. This makes her an expert in diagnosing and correcting complex alignment issues for patients of all ages. As a certified Platinum+ Invisalign Provider, she utilizes advanced technology and skill to achieve truly exceptional results. Certified Invisalign providers must complete a specific training program to be qualified, ensuring the highest level of care.
Types of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign Full/Comprehensive
This is the most common and extensive form of Invisalign treatment. It is used to correct moderate to severe orthodontic problems, including significant crowding, spacing, and bite issues. There is typically no limit on the number of aligners needed, allowing for full orthodontic treatment and complex tooth movements.
Invisalign Lite
Designed for minor orthodontic problems, such as slight crowding or spacing, or minor relapse from previous brace wear. This option uses fewer custom-made aligners (typically up to 14) and generally has a shorter treatment time than the Comprehensive option.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express therapy is used for very minor corrections, like closing small gaps or fixing slight shifts. This is the shortest and least expensive option, utilizing fewer than 10 aligners.
Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign Teen treatment features specifically for younger patients, including compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade with wear to help parents and doctors monitor usage) and eruption tabs to accommodate teeth that have not fully emerged.
Who Qualifies for Invisalign Orthodontics?
Most people seeking to straighten teeth without braces are candidates for Invisalign clear aligners. Ideal candidates typically include:
- Adults and Teens: Invisalign is highly effective for both age groups, addressing common issues like crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
- Individuals with Good Oral Health: Patients must be free of active gum disease or significant untreated decay before beginning treatment. Excellent oral hygiene is essential during the process.
- Those Seeking a Discreet Option: Anyone prioritizing aesthetics and comfort over traditional metal brackets often finds Invisalign to be the best of the available teeth straightening options.
- Patients with Moderate to Complex Needs: While the Lite and Express options handle minor movements, the Comprehensive plan can often address bite issues that were once thought to require traditional braces.
The biggest factor for success is compliance: Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. To learn more about the treatment cost or schedule your Invisalign consultation with Dr. Lewandowski, call (425) 215-0001.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Choosing Invisalign offers a compelling array of benefits that traditional braces simply cannot match, making it a popular choice for patients of many ages:
Virtually Invisible: Made from a clear, medical-grade plastic, clear aligners are barely noticeable, allowing you to straighten your teeth with confidence.- Comfortable: Without metal wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks and gums, Invisalign offers a much more comfortable experience.
- Removable: Because the aligners can be removed before meals, this means no dietary restrictions and easy maintenance.
- Effective: Invisalign can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, spaced teeth, crossbites, overbites, and underbites.
- Predictable Results: Our advanced 3D planning software allows you to visualize your treatment journey from start to finish.
- Fewer Office Visits: While regular check-ups are necessary, Invisalign typically requires fewer and shorter office visits compared to traditional braces, as there are no wires to tighten or adjust.
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
Invisalign clear aligners operate on the principle of gradual, controlled force. Here is the process: Invisalign aligners are made from an elastic thermoplastic material, which allows them to apply gentle pressure to move teeth effectively.
- Digital Planning: Advanced 3D imaging maps the current position of your teeth and precisely plots their final position.
- Staging: The software calculates the necessary intermediate steps, or stages, for your teeth to move from start to finish.
- Fabrication: A series of custom-made clear aligners is fabricated, each representing one tiny movement in the overall progression.
- Controlled Force: Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one. When you place a new tray over your teeth, it exerts gentle, consistent pressure to push the teeth into the aligner’s new shape.
- Sequential Movement: You switch to a new set of Invisalign trays every one to two weeks, continuing the sequential movement toward the goal.
- Attachments (Buttons): Small, tooth-colored bumps called “attachments” or “buttons” are often bonded to your teeth. These give the aligners something to grip, allowing the system to exert more complex rotational or vertical movements. Additionally, a digital 3D representation of the teeth is created using scanned dental impressions, ensuring precision in the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Invisalign aligners do not typically “hurt,” but you may feel temporary discomfort or pressure for the first few days after switching to a new set of trays. This feeling is a sign that the clear aligners are working to gently move your teeth into position.
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for Invisalign costs, often treating it the same as traditional orthodontic treatment. The amount covered depends on your specific plan’s lifetime orthodontic maximum benefit. We recommend checking with your provider, and our office can help verify your specific Invisalign coverage.
You must wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for the treatment to be effective. The total duration of Invisalign treatment varies by patient, but the average length is typically 12 to 18 months. Our local orthodontic specialist will provide a timeline based on the complexity of your teeth straightening options. Each aligner is designed to be worn for an optimal 22 hours a day for one to two weeks, helping to improve control and ensure steady progress.
Yes, you must brush and floss your teeth after every meal or snack before reinserting your Invisalign trays. Failing to do so traps food particles and bacteria between your teeth and the aligners, which significantly increases your risk of cavities and bad breath during clear aligner therapy.
Streamlined Invisalign Treatment with Our Certified Platinum+ Invisalign Provider
Don’t let the thought of traditional braces deter you from achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign offers a modern, discreet, and comfortable path to alignment. It’s time to invest in yourself and unlock the full potential of your smile.
Are you ready to discover the life-changing benefits of Invisalign? If you live in Everett, Edmonds, or Lynnwood, we warmly invite you to explore your teeth straightening options with us. Call Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists today at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your Invisalign consultation. Let us help you embark on your journey to a more confident, beautiful smile!