If you have crooked teeth, you could be among the millions experiencing lowered self-confidence that affects your social and professional life, and your happiness. An estimated four million people in the U.S. (a quarter of them adults) are in traditional braces. Brackets and wires are not for everyone, though. Dr. Richard Weigand offers a discreet, comfortable, and effective orthodontics option for patients in Spokane, WA.
How Invisalign can improve your smile
With advancements in modern dental technology, there is now a faster, more affordable orthodontic solution to get the straighter smile you deserve. Using the latest technology in orthodontics and having over 30 years of experience, he can help you get a straighter smile and renewed confidencewith clear aligners.
Instead of cemented brackets and metal wires, this method of teeth straightening uses smooth, transparent plastic aligners to gently reposition teeth. Invisalign is popular because the aligners are barely noticeable, and they do not irritate the gums, cheeks, or lips.
Dr. Weigand tailors the treatment plan to your needs. You receive multiple sets of aligners to wear over the course of your treatment time, switching to the next set about every two weeks. These aligners progressively make minor adjustments, until teeth reach desired positions. Aligners are worn for 20-22 hours each day, but are removed for normal eating, brushing, and flossing.
In 1998, when the FDA approved Invisalign, it was considered a treatment for minor, cosmetic misalignment. The technology has continued to advance, however. Today, Invisalign can be used effectively for:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and uneven spacing
- Overlaps, twisted, and shifted teeth
- Overbite correction
- Underbite correction
- Crossbite correction
How Spokane, WA patients benefit from orthodontics
Straight teeth have fewer nooks that trap food debris, and they make it easier to keep your mouth clean. That reduces harmful oral bacteria, which lowers risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth can also affect bite – how the upper and lower arches close together. Unbalanced bite leads to accelerated dental wear (chips, fractures, and worn-down teeth). It can also contribute to painful clenching and grinding, TMJ problems, headaches, and migraines.
For teens and busy adults, comfortable, discreet Invisalign clear aligners can be an ideal alternative to traditional braces. Call (509) 485-8620 for an orthodontic consultation at Richard D Weigand DDS in Spokane, WA.