Invisalign Clear Aligners in Hillsboro, OR

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Transform Your Smile Discreetly with Invisalign at East Wind Dental Care

At East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, Oregon, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) offers Invisalign clear aligner therapy as a modern, virtually invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. Located at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, our practice provides comprehensive Invisalign treatment for teens and adults seeking straighter teeth without the aesthetic concerns of metal brackets and wires.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series, progressively shifting your teeth into alignment.

The Invisalign system was developed using advanced 3D computer imaging technology that allows Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) to plan your complete treatment from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. This technology creates a precise roadmap for your smile transformation, with each aligner representing a small step toward your perfect smile.

How Invisalign Works: The Clear Aligner Process

Let’s discuss the financial aspects of your treatment.

Let’s discuss the financial aspects of your treatment.

Initial Consultation

Your Invisalign journey at East Wind Dental Care begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O). During this appointment, he will examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment option for your specific orthodontic needs. This consultation includes a thorough evaluation of your bite, jaw alignment, and overall oral health.

Digital Imaging and Treatment Planning

If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will take detailed digital impressions of your teeth using advanced 3D scanning technology. Gone are the days of uncomfortable putty impressions. These digital scans are incredibly accurate and provide the foundation for your custom treatment plan.

Using specialized Invisalign software, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) creates a precise 3D model of your teeth and designs a step-by-step treatment plan. You’ll be able to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move throughout treatment and preview your expected results before you even begin wearing aligners.

Custom Aligner Fabrication

Once your treatment plan is finalized, your custom aligners are manufactured at an Invisalign laboratory using state-of-the-art technology. Each aligner is precisely crafted to fit your teeth and apply the exact amount of pressure needed to achieve the planned tooth movements. You’ll receive multiple sets of aligners at once, typically enough for several weeks or months of treatment.

Wearing Your Aligners

For Invisalign to work effectively, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. You’ll remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks, depending on Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O)’s specific instructions for your treatment plan.

As you progress through each set of aligners, you’ll notice gradual changes in your smile. The aligners apply controlled force to specific teeth, slowly moving them into their planned positions. Most patients report that aligners feel tight for the first few days after switching to a new set, which is normal and indicates that the aligners are working.

Regular Progress Checks

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll have periodic check-up appointments with Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) at East Wind Dental Care, typically every six to eight weeks. These appointments are usually brief and allow Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) to monitor your progress, ensure your teeth are moving as planned, and provide you with your next sets of aligners. These visits are much shorter than traditional braces adjustment appointments.

Refinements if Needed

In some cases, additional refinement aligners may be needed at the end of your primary treatment to perfect your results. This is completely normal and is included in most Invisalign treatment plans. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will take new impressions and create a new series of aligners to fine-tune your smile.

Retention Phase

After completing your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile. Retainers prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will provide specific instructions on retainer wear, which typically involves full-time wear initially, then transitioning to nighttime-only wear.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies based on the complexity of your case and your specific orthodontic needs. On average, most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months. However, treatment times can range from as short as six months for minor corrections to 24 months or longer for complex cases involving significant tooth movement or bite correction.

Several factors influence your treatment timeline:

Severity of Misalignment: Minor crowding or spacing issues can be corrected more quickly than severe malocclusions or complex bite problems.

Compliance: Wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is crucial for staying on schedule. Patients who don’t wear their aligners as directed will experience slower progress and extended treatment times.

Age: Adult teeth sometimes move more slowly than younger patients’ teeth, though this isn’t always the case.

Biological Response: Everyone’s body responds differently to orthodontic treatment. Some patients’ teeth move more quickly than others.

Complexity of Movements: Rotating teeth, closing large gaps, or correcting significant bite issues takes longer than simple alignment corrections.

During your consultation at East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline based on your specific case. Many patients begin seeing noticeable improvements in their smile within the first few months of treatment.

Cost of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment costs typically range from $3,500 to $8,000, with most patients paying between $4,000 and $6,000. The cost of your specific treatment depends on several factors:

Complexity of Your Case: More complex orthodontic issues requiring longer treatment times and more aligners will cost more than simple corrections.

Treatment Duration: Longer treatments requiring more aligners are typically more expensive.

Geographic Location: Orthodontic costs vary by region, and Hillsboro falls within the Portland metropolitan area pricing range.

Provider Experience: Experienced Invisalign providers like Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) may charge differently than general dentists just beginning to offer Invisalign.

Additional Procedures: If you need dental work before starting Invisalign, such as fillings, extractions, or periodontal treatment, this will add to your overall cost.

At East Wind Dental Care, we believe everyone deserves access to the smile they’ve always wanted. We offer several payment options to make Invisalign treatment affordable:

• Flexible payment plans with monthly installments
• Interest-free financing options for qualified patients
• Acceptance of most major dental insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments

During your consultation, our team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate and discuss all available payment options. We’re committed to working with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget.

Your choice of dentist significantly impacts your results and experience.

Your choice of dentist significantly impacts your results and experience.

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: A Comprehensive Comparison

Appearance

Invisalign: The clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them ideal for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Most people won’t notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them.

Traditional Braces: Metal brackets and wires are highly visible. While ceramic brackets offer a less noticeable option, they’re still more visible than Invisalign aligners.

Comfort

Invisalign: The smooth plastic aligners don’t have sharp edges or protruding parts. There are no wires to poke your cheeks or brackets to irritate your lips. Most patients report minimal discomfort, mainly tightness when switching to new aligners.

Traditional Braces: Brackets and wires can cause mouth sores, especially when first placed or after adjustments. Wires can occasionally break and poke soft tissues.

Dietary Restrictions

Invisalign: Since you remove your aligners to eat, there are no dietary restrictions. You can continue enjoying all your favorite foods, from crunchy apples to sticky caramels.

Traditional Braces: Many foods must be avoided to prevent bracket damage, including hard candies, nuts, popcorn, sticky foods, and hard fruits and vegetables.

Oral Hygiene

Invisalign: You remove your aligners to brush and floss, so you can maintain your normal oral hygiene routine without any special tools or techniques. This makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

Traditional Braces: Brushing and flossing around brackets and wires requires special tools like floss threaders and interdental brushes. Cleaning takes longer and is more challenging, potentially increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Treatment Time

Invisalign: Average treatment time is 12 to 18 months, though simple cases may be completed in as little as six months.

Traditional Braces: Average treatment time is 18 to 24 months, though this varies based on case complexity.

Office Visits

Invisalign: Check-ups every six to eight weeks are typically brief, often lasting just 15 to 20 minutes. No adjustments are needed.

Traditional Braces: Appointments every four to six weeks for wire changes and adjustments, usually lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

Effectiveness

Invisalign: Highly effective for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues. Some complex cases may still require traditional braces or a combination approach.

Traditional Braces: Can treat virtually any orthodontic problem, including the most severe and complex cases.

Cost

Invisalign: Generally comparable to traditional braces, ranging from $3,500 to $8,000.

Traditional Braces: Typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on case complexity and whether metal or ceramic brackets are used.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign can effectively treat many common orthodontic issues, but it’s not right for everyone. During your consultation at East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Conditions Invisalign Can Treat

Crowding: When there isn’t enough room in your jaw for all your teeth to fit normally, they can overlap or twist. Invisalign can create space and align crowded teeth.

Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth can occur due to small teeth, missing teeth, or jaw size discrepancies. Invisalign can close these gaps effectively.

Overbite: When upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, Invisalign can help bring them into proper alignment.

Underbite: When lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, Invisalign may be able to correct mild to moderate cases.

Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down, Invisalign can often correct this misalignment.

Open Bite: When the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, Invisalign may provide correction for mild cases.

Requirements for Successful Invisalign Treatment

Good Oral Health: You must have healthy teeth and gums before starting Invisalign. Any cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues should be treated first.

Compliance: Success requires wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day without exception. Patients who can’t commit to this level of compliance should consider other options.

All Permanent Teeth: Generally, all permanent teeth should be present, though some exceptions exist.

Realistic Expectations: Understanding what Invisalign can and cannot achieve is important for satisfaction with results.

Age Considerations: While there’s no upper age limit for Invisalign, younger children whose jaws are still developing may need to wait or use other orthodontic options.

Cases That May Require Traditional Braces

Some complex orthodontic issues may not be suitable for Invisalign, including:

• Severe crowding requiring tooth extractions
• Significant jaw discrepancies requiring surgical intervention
• Teeth that need to be rotated more than 20 degrees
• Large vertical tooth movements
• Very short teeth that don’t provide enough surface for aligners to grip

Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best orthodontic treatment for your specific needs.

Invisalign Attachments and Buttons

Many patients are surprised to learn that Invisalign treatment often involves small tooth-colored attachments bonded to certain teeth. These attachments, also called buttons, are an important part of how Invisalign achieves precise tooth movements.

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps made of dental composite material that are bonded to specific teeth. They’re custom-shaped and positioned according to your treatment plan. The aligners have small indentations that fit over these attachments, allowing the aligners to grip the teeth better and apply force in specific directions.

Why Are Attachments Necessary?

Attachments serve several purposes:

• Provide anchor points for the aligners to apply rotational forces
• Help move teeth vertically
• Improve the aligners’ grip on smooth, rounded teeth
• Allow for more complex tooth movements
• Increase treatment predictability and effectiveness

What Do Attachments Look Like?

Attachments are made from tooth-colored composite resin that blends with your natural tooth color. They’re typically small, ranging from 2 to 4 millimeters in size. While not as invisible as the aligners alone, they’re far less noticeable than metal braces brackets. Most people won’t notice them unless they’re looking closely at your teeth.

How Long Do You Wear Attachments?

Attachments remain on your teeth throughout your treatment, though some may be removed partway through if they’re no longer needed for the remaining tooth movements. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will remove all attachments at the end of your treatment by gently polishing them off your teeth. The removal process is painless and doesn’t damage your tooth enamel.

Caring for Attachments

Attachments require no special care beyond your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss as usual, being careful not to dislodge them with aggressive brushing. If an attachment falls off, contact East Wind Dental Care to schedule an appointment to have it replaced.

The Importance of Compliance: Wearing Your Aligners 22 Hours Per Day

The success of your Invisalign treatment depends heavily on your compliance with wearing your aligners. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) and the Invisalign company recommend wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and oral hygiene.

Why Compliance Matters

Your teeth are constantly trying to return to their original positions. The aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to overcome this tendency and move your teeth to their new positions. When you remove your aligners for extended periods, several problems occur:

Teeth Can Shift Back: Without the constant pressure from the aligners, teeth can partially return to their previous positions, undoing recent progress.

Aligners Won’t Fit: If you leave aligners out too long, your current set may no longer fit properly when you try to put them back in.

Treatment Delays: Poor compliance extends your treatment timeline, sometimes significantly.

Compromised Results: Inconsistent wear can lead to suboptimal results that don’t match your treatment plan.

Tips for Maintaining Compliance

Set a Schedule: Put your aligners in immediately after eating and cleaning your teeth. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Use Reminders: Set phone alarms to remind you to put your aligners back in after meals.

Plan Meals: Rather than snacking throughout the day, plan specific meal and snack times to minimize the time your aligners are out.

Carry Your Case: Always have your aligner case with you so you have a safe place to store aligners when eating.

Track Your Time: Some patients find it helpful to track how long their aligners are out each day to stay accountable.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day while wearing your aligners. This helps with comfort and oral health.

What If You Forget to Wear Your Aligners?

If you occasionally forget to wear your aligners for a few hours, don’t panic. Put them back in as soon as you remember and continue with your normal schedule. However, if you’ve left your aligners out for an extended period (more than several hours) or if they no longer fit comfortably, contact East Wind Dental Care before advancing to your next set of aligners. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) may recommend wearing your current set for a few extra days to ensure your teeth are in the proper position before progressing.

Eating and Drinking with Invisalign

One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want. However, there are important guidelines to follow to protect your aligners and teeth.

Removing Aligners for Meals

You must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food particles can get trapped under aligners, increasing the risk of cavities. Additionally, chewing with aligners in place can damage them.

What You Can Drink with Aligners In

Water: Plain, room-temperature water is the only beverage you should drink while wearing your aligners.

What You Should Never Drink with Aligners In

Hot Beverages: Coffee, tea, and other hot drinks can warp the plastic aligners, affecting their fit and effectiveness.

Colored Beverages: Soda, juice, wine, and other colored drinks can stain your aligners, making them visible.

Sugary Drinks: Sugar trapped between your aligners and teeth can lead to rapid tooth decay.

Acidic Beverages: Acidic drinks can damage tooth enamel, especially when trapped against teeth by aligners.

Eating Tips for Invisalign Patients

Plan Meals: Since you need to remove, clean, and replace your aligners with each meal, many patients find it helpful to eat three main meals rather than snacking throughout the day.

Rinse Before Replacing: After eating, rinse your mouth with water before putting aligners back in. Ideally, brush and floss before replacing them.

Avoid Staining Foods Before Events: If you have an important event where you’ll be removing your aligners, avoid foods that stain teeth right before, such as curry, berries, or dark sauces.

Enjoy Your Favorites: Unlike braces wearers, you can enjoy crunchy, sticky, and hard foods without worry. Just remove your aligners first.

Managing Social Situations

Many patients worry about eating in social situations with Invisalign. Most find that discreetly removing aligners before meals becomes second nature. Keep your aligner case with you, excuse yourself to the restroom if needed, and store your aligners safely while eating.

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Proper cleaning of your aligners is essential to maintain their clarity, prevent odors, and protect your oral health.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Morning and Night: Brush your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, anti-bacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the aligners, making them more visible.

Rinse After Removal: Every time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water to remove saliva and plaque.

Soak Daily: Soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or a specialized aligner cleaning solution for 15 to 20 minutes once daily.

What to Avoid

Hot Water: Never use hot water to clean your aligners, as it can warp the plastic.

Colored Soaps: Avoid colored or scented soaps that might leave residue or affect the taste.

Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach or other harsh chemicals that can damage the aligners.

Toothpaste: Most toothpastes are too abrasive for aligner plastic.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Invisalign makes oral hygiene easier than traditional braces, but you must maintain excellent habits:

Brush After Every Meal: Before replacing your aligners, brush your teeth thoroughly to remove food particles and bacteria.

Floss Daily: Floss at least once daily, preferably before bed.

Use Fluoride: Consider using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen enamel.

Regular Dental Cleanings: Continue your regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings every six months.

Poor oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment can lead to cavities, gum disease, and staining. Your aligners can trap bacteria and sugar against your teeth, so cleanliness is crucial.

Retainers After Invisalign

Completing your Invisalign treatment is an exciting milestone, but your journey doesn’t end when you finish your last aligner. Retainers are essential to maintain your beautiful new smile.

Why Retainers Are Necessary

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions. The bone and soft tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. Retainers hold your teeth in place while this stabilization occurs.

Types of Retainers

Vivera Retainers: Made by Invisalign, these clear retainers look similar to your Invisalign aligners but are made from a stronger material. They’re custom-made based on your final tooth positions.

Hawley Retainers: Traditional removable retainers made from acrylic and wire. They’re very durable and adjustable.

Fixed Retainers: Thin wires bonded to the back of your front teeth, providing permanent retention. Often used in combination with removable retainers.

Retainer Wear Schedule

Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will provide specific instructions for your retainer wear, but a typical schedule includes:

Months 1-6: Wear retainers full-time (22 hours per day), just like your aligners.

Months 6-12: Transition to nighttime-only wear.

Year 1 and Beyond: Continue nighttime wear indefinitely to maintain results.

Some patients may need to wear retainers more or less frequently depending on their specific case and age.

Caring for Your Retainers

Care for retainers the same way you cared for your aligners: clean them daily, store them in a case when not wearing them, and avoid hot water. Vivera retainers should be replaced every few years as they wear out.

Invisalign for Teens vs Adults

Invisalign is suitable for both teenagers and adults, though there are some differences in treatment considerations.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for younger patients with features that address common teenage concerns:

Compliance Indicators: Blue dots on the aligners fade with wear, helping parents and Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) monitor whether the patient is wearing aligners as prescribed.

Eruption Tabs: Special features accommodate teeth that haven’t fully erupted yet.

Replacement Aligners: The treatment package includes up to six free replacement aligners for lost or broken sets, acknowledging that teens may be more prone to misplacing them.

Flexibility: Treatment plans can be adjusted as patients grow and develop.

Considerations for Teen Patients

Compliance Challenges: Teens must be responsible enough to wear aligners 22 hours per day and not lose them.

Social Benefits: Many teens prefer Invisalign over traditional braces for aesthetic and social reasons.

Sports and Activities: Invisalign is ideal for teens in sports or who play musical instruments.

Maturity: Parents should honestly assess whether their teen has the maturity and responsibility for Invisalign before choosing this option.

Invisalign for Adults

Adults choose Invisalign for various reasons:

Professional Appearance: Many adults want to improve their smile without the appearance of metal braces in professional settings.

Second Chance: Some adults had braces as teens but didn’t wear retainers, leading to shifting teeth.

Life Changes: Adults may choose orthodontic treatment before weddings, career changes, or other significant life events.

Health Benefits: Straightening teeth improves oral health, making cleaning easier and reducing risks of gum disease and tooth decay.

Adult Considerations

Treatment Time: Adult teeth may move slightly more slowly than teenage teeth, though this isn’t always the case.

Dental History: Adults may have crowns, bridges, or other dental work that affects treatment planning.

Commitment: Adults are typically more compliant with the 22-hour wear requirement.

Bone Density: Older adults may have reduced bone density, which can affect tooth movement speed.

Insurance Coverage for Invisalign

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage that can be applied to Invisalign treatment, though coverage varies significantly between plans.

Typical Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign similarly to traditional braces. Common coverage patterns include:

Lifetime Maximum: Many plans offer a lifetime orthodontic benefit of $1,000 to $3,000, regardless of the type of orthodontic treatment chosen.

Age Restrictions: Some plans only cover orthodontic treatment for patients under 18 or 19 years old.

Percentage Coverage: Plans may cover 50 percent of orthodontic treatment costs up to the lifetime maximum.

Waiting Periods: Some plans require you to be enrolled for a certain period before orthodontic benefits become available.

Maximizing Your Insurance Benefits

At East Wind Dental Care, our team will:

• Verify your insurance benefits before treatment begins
• Submit predetermination requests to understand exactly what your plan will cover
• Provide detailed cost estimates showing insurance coverage and your out-of-pocket expenses
• Handle all insurance paperwork and claims
• Work with you to create a payment plan for the portion not covered by insurance

Alternative Financing Options

For patients without orthodontic insurance coverage or who need help covering their out-of-pocket costs, we offer:

Payment Plans: Monthly payment plans that spread the cost of treatment over the duration of your care.

Third-Party Financing: Partnerships with healthcare financing companies that offer low or no-interest payment plans for qualified patients.

HSA/FSA: Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can be used for Invisalign treatment, providing tax advantages.

Family Discounts: Special pricing for families with multiple members undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Benefits of This Treatment

Choosing the right treatment can significantly impact your oral health and quality of life. Here are the key benefits you can expect:

• Improved Function: Restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Achieve a natural-looking result that complements your smile
• Long-lasting Results: Enjoy durable solutions designed to stand the test of time
• Better Oral Health: Prevent future complications and maintain overall dental wellness
• Increased Confidence: Feel good about your smile in social and professional situations

Did you know? Regular dental visits can help detect issues early, often preventing more extensive treatment later.

Here’s what you can expect during your treatment journey:

Understanding the procedure helps patients feel more confident and prepared.

Why Choose East Wind Dental Care

Choosing the right dental practice makes all the difference in your treatment outcome.

Experienced Expertise
Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) brings extensive training and years of experience to every procedure. His commitment to continuing education ensures you receive care using the latest techniques and best practices.

Advanced Technology
We invest in cutting-edge dental technology to provide more accurate diagnoses, more comfortable treatments, and better outcomes for our patients.

Patient-Centered Care
From your first phone call to your follow-up visits, our team prioritizes your comfort, convenience, and satisfaction. We take time to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions.

Comprehensive Services
As a full-service dental practice, we can coordinate all aspects of your care under one roof, providing continuity and convenience.

Community Trusted
Proudly serving Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, and Orenco Station, we’ve built our reputation on exceptional care and lasting relationships with our patients.

Did you know? Modern dental technology allows us to plan your entire treatment digitally before we even begin.

We understand you may have questions about your treatment. Here are answers to the most common concerns:

Let’s address some frequently asked questions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Does Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign typically causes less discomfort than traditional braces. Most patients experience some pressure or tightness when they switch to a new set of aligners, which is normal and indicates the aligners are working. This discomfort usually subsides within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed. Unlike braces, there are no brackets or wires to cause mouth sores.

Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign?

Smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners is strongly discouraged. Smoking can stain the clear aligners, making them highly visible and defeating the aesthetic purpose of Invisalign. Additionally, smoking is harmful to oral health and can slow down tooth movement and healing. If you must smoke, remove your aligners first, though this will reduce your wear time and potentially extend your treatment.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

Most patients experience a slight lisp or speech change during the first few days of wearing Invisalign aligners. This is completely normal and temporary. As you become accustomed to speaking with aligners in your mouth, your speech will return to normal, usually within a week or less. Practicing speaking, reading aloud, or singing can help you adjust more quickly.

Can I chew gum with Invisalign?

You cannot chew gum while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Gum will stick to the aligners and can damage them. If you want to chew gum, you must remove your aligners first. However, this counts toward your daily removal time, so it’s best to avoid gum during treatment or chew it only during meal times when your aligners are already out.

How often will I need appointments?

Invisalign requires fewer office visits than traditional braces. Most patients visit East Wind Dental Care every six to eight weeks for progress checks. These appointments are typically brief, lasting only 15 to 20 minutes, as there are no adjustments to make. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will check your progress and provide your next sets of aligners.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

If you lose an aligner, contact East Wind Dental Care immediately. Depending on where you are in your treatment and how long you’ve been wearing the current set, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) may recommend moving to the next set, going back to the previous set, or ordering a replacement. Invisalign Teen packages include replacement aligners, but adult patients may need to pay for replacements.

Can I get Invisalign if I have dental work?

Many patients with crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants can still use Invisalign. Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will evaluate your specific dental work during your consultation. Dental work doesn’t always prevent Invisalign treatment, though it may affect the treatment plan. Attachments may need to be placed differently, and certain tooth movements may be limited.

Will my teeth stay straight forever after Invisalign?

Your teeth will stay straight only if you consistently wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O). Without retention, teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions. Most patients need to wear retainers every night indefinitely to maintain their results. This is true for all orthodontic treatment, not just Invisalign.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite or underbite?

Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites and underbites. Severe bite discrepancies may require traditional braces or a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will evaluate your bite and determine whether Invisalign can achieve your desired results.

Is Invisalign faster than braces?

Invisalign treatment often takes less time than traditional braces for comparable cases. Average Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months, while traditional braces typically take 18 to 24 months. However, treatment time depends more on case complexity than treatment type. Simple cases can be completed quickly with either method, while complex cases take longer regardless of the treatment chosen.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

If you’re ready to transform your smile with Invisalign, contact East Wind Dental Care today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O). During your visit, Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O) will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan designed to give you the confident, beautiful smile you deserve.

East Wind Dental Care is conveniently located at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124. We proudly serve patients throughout Hillsboro and the surrounding Portland metropolitan area. Call us at (503) 614-0198 to schedule your appointment. Same-day appointments are available for your convenience.

Don’t wait to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. With Invisalign at East Wind Dental Care, you can straighten your teeth discreetly, comfortably, and effectively. Contact us today to begin your journey to a more confident smile.