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Invisalign and Clear Aligner Alternatives: Fact and Fiction

Advertisements for orthodontic aligners, including Invisalign and its alternatives, are confusing in several respects.  One important source of confusion is the distinction that aligner companies, such as Aligntech, the maker of Invisalign aligners, and others, attempt to draw between their “product” and the aligner of another company.   To resolve this confusion, there is one… Read more »

Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Alignment?

Invisalign aligners can be used by a skilled orthodontist to address a variety of jaw alignment issues.  Invisalign aligners can be used by a specialist in orthodontics (orthodontist) to address teeth and jaw alignment in a variety of situations.  These include: Although it would be tempting to think that treatment with Invisalign aligners can in… Read more »

How Long do Braces Take?

The desire for a confident smile leads individuals of all ages to explore orthodontic treatment. A common question is, “How long do braces take?” In this paragraph, I’m using the word “braces” to stand in for all appliance types, including precision braces on teeth such as LightForce 3-D brackets, as well as Invisalign aligners, and… Read more »

The Ten Most Important Facts about Invisalign:  What to Know Before Seeking Treatment

If considering orthodontic treatment using Invisalign clear aligners, there are ten important facts that will assist you when making a treatment decision.  These facts fall into three categories; (1) the orthodontist’s role in successful Invisalign aligner treatment, (2) your or your child’s role in successful Invisalign aligner treatment, and (3) the alternative “invisible” appliance to… Read more »

How to Guarantee the Best Invisalign Treatment Result: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction Embarking on the journey to a straighter, more beautiful smile with Invisalign aligners is an exciting step toward improved oral health and self-confidence; however, achieving the best possible outcome requires more than simply slipping on those aligners. This comprehensive guide will explore the key factors that can make or break the success of treatment… Read more »

The Updated Seattle Insider’s Guide to Invisalign

Why See an Orthodontist for Invisalign The use of Invisalign aligners is a popular and discreet alternative to traditional braces for correcting misaligned teeth, and since the expiration of the Invisalign company’s patents in 2017, many new companies have entered the clear aligner market.  The competitive environment has led aligner companies, including Invisalign’s parent company,… Read more »

Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Treatment Methods:  Exploring Invisalign, Precision Braces, and Brava

In this post, we will explore the principles behind tooth movement and the mechanisms orthodontists use to achieve desired outcomes.  A basic understanding of this process will inform your treatment decisions and aid you in understanding your orthodontist’s recommendations, which may include the following tools: For instance, while aligner/Invisalign treatment can be very appealing to… Read more »

The Seattle Series, Classical Music 2024

Hello, valued patients! I am proud to be a Board member of The Seattle Series, an intimate chamber music series featuring world-class Seattle-based artists and their special guests from around the nation and globe. The performances are, needless to say, excellent! I am pleased to say that The Seattle Series sponsors music students for each… Read more »

Now Offering Virtual Retainer Checks!

For your convenience, routine retainer check appointments can now be done virtually!   If you feel that your removable retainer(s) are fitting well, we welcome you to submit photos and answer a few questions to complete a virtual retainer check. Once your answers and photos are submitted via email (contact@drkeithbwongseattle.com) or text (206-812-4494), Dr. Wong… Read more »

Finding and Choosing an Orthodontist for Invisalign

Is there an official Invisalign Orthodontist? There is a very meaningful difference between an orthodontist who has mastered the specific and unique way one needs to approach any case with Invisalign and an orthodontist who has not completed the associated “learning curve.”  There is an even greater (and more crucial) difference between an orthodontist who… Read more »

Do athletic mouthguards help protect my child from tooth and/or brain injury?

First, let me point out that many types of mouthguards are available—from thin, loosely-fitting generic models to precision-fit, pressure-laminated custom units.  Regarding tooth protection, most mouthguards offer some benefit; however, the better-fitting, thicker mouthguards are able to absorb and diffuse the impact energy of a given collision leading to greater protection from tooth injury. Regarding… Read more »

My child has an “overbite.” How is that corrected?

The term overbite is typically used to describe what is referred to by orthodontists as overjet.  This is excessive distance between the upper and lower incisors in a horizontal direction with the upper teeth forward of the lower.  This finding can describe a number of situations.  For example, the same overjet may result from protrusion… Read more »

When should I take my child to an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened orthodontically at age seven.  Sometimes the reaction to this is one of surprise (“Isn’t that young?”) or suspicion (“Orthodontists can’t wait to get your money.”).  There are, however, very sound reasons for this recommendation.  The intent of the age seven screening is to confirm… Read more »

I bite my tongue: can that be changed?

If you repeatedly bite your tongue or cheek, you may have malocclusion of the dentition that is contributing to this painful situation.  Typically, the shapes of the tooth surfaces facing the tongue (lingual) and cheeks (buccal) are such that, when the teeth are positioned correctly, the tongue and cheeks are guided safely away from the… Read more »