Invisalign® Downtown Portland, OR

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.

These clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position.

Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign is virtually invisible, making it an attractive option for those who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.

The aligners are also removable, allowing you to eat, drink, and clean your teeth with ease.

With Invisalign, you can achieve a beautiful, straight smile without the aesthetic concerns associated with metal braces.

Dental Alignment

Misaligned or crooked teeth is not just an aesthetic concern, but having misaligned teeth can make them harder to clean. As a result, one is more susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay. In addition, there is a risk of bone loss, or worse, tooth loss. Properly aligned teeth would help your teeth, as well as your jaw joints, work more efficiently.

Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign offers numerous benefits for those seeking to achieve a straight and beautiful smile.

One of the most appealing aspects of Invisalign is that the aligners are virtually invisible, made from clear plastic that is barely noticeable when worn.

This makes them an excellent choice for anyone concerned about the appearance of traditional braces. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, drinking, and cleaning, which helps maintain good oral hygiene.

The aligners are designed to be comfortable, with a smooth and gentle fit that minimizes irritation.

Invisalign is effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild to complex cases, and the treatment process is often more convenient, requiring fewer office visits and less frequent adjustments compared to traditional braces.

Paying Attention to Dental Care: Scheduling an Appointment

Having a healthy set of teeth is very important. When you have great oral health, you not only look good, but you also feel good. Taking good care of your oral health also prevents tooth decay, bad breath, and other gum problems.

Also, making sure that your teeth are in good shape can prevent you from losing them once you get older.

For crowded teeth, Invisalign® clear aligner therapy can make the teeth more easily cleanable and promote improved gum health to ensure that your teeth last a lifetime.

Similar to cleaning retainers, it is important to use specific cleaning products to maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of your Invisalign aligners.

Dental Alignment with Clear Aligners

Misaligned or crooked teeth are not just an aesthetic concern, but having misaligned teeth can make them harder to clean. As a result, one is more susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay.

In addition, there is a risk of bone loss, or worse, tooth loss. Properly aligned teeth would help your teeth, as well as your jaw joints, work more efficiently.

The Invisalign treatment process is started with a consultation with an Invisalign doctor.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

The Invisalign treatment process starts with a consultation with an Invisalign doctor. During this initial appointment, the doctor will examine your teeth and determine if Invisalign is the right option for you. If you are a suitable candidate, the doctor will create a personalized treatment plan that includes a series of custom-made aligners designed to move your teeth into their desired positions.

The process typically involves several key steps:

•	Digital Impressions: Using a 3D scanner, our dentists will take digital impressions of your teeth to create a precise model.
•	Treatment Plan: Based on these impressions, our dentists will develop a detailed treatment plan outlining the movement of your teeth and the duration of the treatment.
•	Aligner Creation: The custom aligners are then created according to the treatment plan and sent to our dentist's office.
•	Fitting: During a follow-up visit, our dentists will fit the first set of aligners and ensure they are comfortable and secure.
•	Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners

Proper care for your Invisalign aligners is crucial to maintaining their effectiveness and preventing bacterial buildup. Here are some essential tips to keep your aligners clean and bacteria-free:

•	Rinse with Warm Water: After each meal, rinse your aligners with warm water to remove any food particles.
•	Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to the areas around the teeth.
•	Use Mild Soap or Toothpaste: Clean your aligners with a mild soap or toothpaste, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage them.
•	Soak in a Cleaning Solution: Periodically soak your aligners in a cleaning solution specifically designed for Invisalign for about 15 minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
•	Avoid Hot Water: Never use hot water to clean your aligners, as it can warp the plastic material.
•	Avoid Abrasive Materials: Steer clear of abrasive materials like bleach or harsh chemicals when cleaning your aligners.
•	Regular Visits to Your Invisalign Dentist: Schedule regular visits to our Invisalign dentist to ensure your aligners are fitting properly and to address any concerns or issues.

By following these tips, you can keep your Invisalign aligners in top condition, ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment experience.

Braces vs. Invisalign: Consulting an Invisalign Dentist

Both conventional braces, with wires and brackets, and Invisalign clear aligners are methods used to position misaligned teeth.

However, conventional braces can be quite hard to brush and floss around, create sores on the inside of the cheeks and lips, and sometimes trap and retain food, creating an embarrassing situation.

Invisalign clear aligners are more comfortable to wear due to the lack of wire and bracket edges and because you remove the aligners to eat and clean your teeth, eliminates the other challenges of conventional braces.

The appearance of the aligners when worn is discrete and many people can’t tell that aligners are being worn at all.

Click here to learn more about Invisalign® vs Braces.





Dr. Krippaehne has been providing Invisalign orthodontics since 2004 and participates in an ongoing study club and continuing education.

West End Dental can digitally scan your teeth and provide an immediate rendering of a simulated outcome of your orthodontic treatment.

In some instances, additional techniques may be employed to accelerate the completion of orthodontic care through the use of Propel micro-osteoperforations and Acceledent vibrational aligner seating devices.

It is important to keep your oral health in good shape. However, brushing alone is not always enough. Using Invisalign clear aligners is one of the methods that could help.

With the experienced professionals here at West End Dental, we are happy to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Propel micro-osteoperforations and Acceledent vibrational aligner seating devices. It is important to keep your oral health in good shape. However, brushing alone is not always enough. Using Invisalign clear aligners is one of the methods that could help.

With the experienced professionals here at West End Dental, we are happy to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Call us at (503) 446-2957 to schedule a consultation today.