Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Finding Your Best Fit
Choosing the right path to a straighter smile depends on what you value most: visibility, lifestyle freedom, and long-term health. Here’s a straightforward look at how Invisalign stacks up against traditional braces.- If a Discreet Appearance Matters to You: Invisalign offers a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth. The clear aligners blend seamlessly, allowing you to go through treatment without drawing attention. Traditional braces, with their noticeable brackets and wires, are visibly apparent throughout your treatment.
- If You Want to Keep Your Lifestyle Flexible: Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out to enjoy any food, maintain your normal oral hygiene routine, and participate in activities without restriction. Traditional braces are fixed, which can mean avoiding certain foods and spending extra time cleaning around them.
- If Comfort is a Top Priority: Invisalign trays are made of smooth, flexible plastic that gently guides your teeth with minimal irritation to your cheeks and gums. Traditional braces can sometimes cause discomfort from wires and brackets, especially after adjustments.
- If You’re Focused on Long-Term Oral Health: Invisalign, under Dr. Jenson’s Dawson-trained approach, is part of a Complete Dentistry philosophy. This means your treatment considers the long-term function and stability of your bite, not just tooth alignment. Traditional braces primarily focus on moving teeth into position, which may not address underlying bite function with the same comprehensive approach.
- If Simplicity is Key: Invisalign needs fewer in-office appointments for adjustments, saving you time. Traditional braces need regular visits for tightening and adjustments throughout treatment.
- Choosing between Invisalign and braces is a big decision. During your consultation, Dr. Jenson will help you weigh these factors honestly. We’ll make sure your choice leads to a smile that’s truly healthy and built to last.
Our Invisalign Treatment Process
We’ve streamlined the process to be as clear, comfortable, and predictable as your aligners themselves. Here’s a step-by-step look at your journey with us.Step 1: Your Comprehensive Smile Assessment
It all begins with a thorough, no-obligation consultation. Using a digital scanner, Dr. Jenson will capture a precise 3D image of your smile. But because of his Dawson Academy training, his evaluation goes further. He’ll also examine the function and health of your bite, jaw joints, and gums. This “Complete Dentistry” approach ensures your treatment plan creates a smile that is straight, stable, and healthy for the long run. You’ll leave this visit with two powerful things: a digital preview showing a moving simulation of how your smile will transform, and a personalized timeline.Step 2: Getting Your Custom Clear Aligners
Once your custom aligners arrive at our Vancouver office, we’ll have a brief fitting appointment. Dr. Jenson will ensure your first set fits perfectly and give you your next few sets to take home. We’ll show you exactly how to wear and care for them. You’ll wear each set for about 20-22 hours a day, switching to a new set every 1-2 weeks as your teeth gently shift.Step 3: Simple, Check-In Appointments
About every 6-8 weeks, you’ll pop into our office for a quick check-in. These visits are fast and easy. We’ll ensure your treatment is progressing exactly as planned and give you your next series of aligners. Unlike traditional braces, there are no painful “tightening” appointments.Step 4: Finishing Treatment & Ensuring Lasting Results
Once your final aligner is done, you’ll be amazed at your new smile! To ensure your teeth stay perfectly in their new positions, we’ll take a final digital scan to create custom retainers. These are made from durable, clear material and are essential for protecting your investment for a lifetime.Why Vancouver Patients Choose Invisalign
Invisalign is about fitting treatment seamlessly into your life. The removable aligners give you the freedom that metal braces simply can’t:- Live Without Restrictions: Take them out to eat whatever you love with zero worry. Then, simply brush and pop them back in.
- Protect Your Oral Health: Floss and brush exactly as you always have. No tricky brackets to clean around, which means a lower risk of cavities and staining during treatment.
- Unmatched Comfort: Made of smooth, BPA-free plastic, Invisalign aligners gently guide your teeth without the irritation of wires and brackets against your cheeks and gums.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about Invisalign in Vancouver, WA.
How long will my Invisalign treatment take?
Every smile is unique. While many cases take between 12 to 18 months, Dr. Jenson will give you a personalized timeline after a thorough examination. We use advanced digital scanning to show you a preview of your potential results!
Does Invisalign work for complex cases?
Today’s Invisalign technology can address a range of issues, from simple spacing to more complex crowding and bite concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Jenson will honestly tell you if Invisalign is the right tool to achieve your specific goals.
Can I eat normally with aligners?
Absolutely! One of the major advantages of clear aligners is that they’re removable. You can eat all your favorite foods without any restrictions. Simply take out your aligners before meals and snacks, and remember to brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Is cleaning difficult?
Cleaning your teeth is easier with clear aligners compared to metal braces. You can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, without having to navigate around brackets and wires. You should clean your aligners regularly by rinsing them with water and using a gentle soap to keep them clear and free of bacteria.
Will the aligners hurt?
You’ll feel gentle pressure for a day or two with each new set of aligners, which is a sign they’re working. Most patients find this far more comfortable than the adjustment appointments required with metal braces.
What about the cost?
We believe a confident smile is a priceless investment. We offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans to make treatment affordable. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost breakdown and help you explore financial options.
The Dawson-Trained Difference: More Than Just Straight Teeth
Here’s what sets care at Hazel Dell Dental Care apart. Dr. Jenson isn’t just moving teeth; he’s ensuring your entire bite is healthy, stable, and functional. His advanced Dawson Academy training in Complete Dentistry means he evaluates your smile with a bigger picture in mind.
Why does this matter for your Invisalign treatment?
A beautiful smile is also a healthy one. By considering the precise function and long-term stability of your bite from the start, Dr. Jenson’s approach gives you a result that’s straight, comfortable, and built to last. It’s the difference between just aligning teeth and creating optimal oral health.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Wondering if Invisalign is right for you? Let’s find out together at our Vancouver dental office, with no pressure and no obligation. Schedule your Invisalign consultation with Dr. Jenson today. In this one-on-one visit, you will:
- Receive a thorough, Dawson-inspired examination of your smile and bite
- See a digital preview of what your new smile could look like
- Get a clear, personalized treatment plan and timeline
- Have all your questions answered honestly
Don’t just dream about a confident smile. Experience the clear difference. Contact Hazel Dell Dental Care today at (360) 233-8831 or request an appointment online.