What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gently move your teeth into a straighter position over time. It’s designed to improve your smile without the look and feel of traditional metal braces.
At Dr. Jared Bowyer’s office in Vancouver, Washington, your aligners are made from impressions of your teeth and switched out every few weeks as your teeth shift. Many patients choose Invisalign for the discreet appearance, but straightening teeth can also support better oral health by improving how your teeth fit together and making cleaning easier.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Many adults and older teens are good candidates for Invisalign, especially if they want a more comfortable, less noticeable option than braces. It can be a great fit if you speak publicly, play contact sports, or prefer an orthodontic treatment with minimal lifestyle disruption.
Invisalign is often recommended once teeth have finished growing in—and for patients who can follow a consistent wear schedule. Invisalign commonly treats mild to moderate crowding, spacing, crooked teeth, and bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite). If your case is more complex, Dr. Bowyer can help confirm the best option during a consultation at our office in Vancouver, Washington.
How many hours a day do I need to wear Invisalign?
For best results, Invisalign aligners should be worn about 20–22 hours per day. That means you’ll wear them most of the time, removing them only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
One of the biggest advantages over traditional braces is that Invisalign is removable, so you can keep up with normal oral hygiene and avoid food restrictions. Patients often like that they can also take aligners out briefly for photos or special events. Consistent wear is key—wear time is one of the biggest factors in staying on schedule and getting the outcome you want.
What is the Invisalign treatment process like?
The Invisalign process starts with a consultation to confirm you’re a good candidate and discuss your goals. Next, Dr. Bowyer creates a customized plan using X-rays and impressions to map out how your teeth should move.
Once your aligners arrive, temporary attachments may be bonded to your teeth to help the aligners grip and guide movement. You’ll typically switch to a new set about every two weeks and visit our Vancouver, Washington office for check-ins about every six weeks (or as needed). At the end of treatment, attachments are removed and you’ll likely wear a nighttime retainer to maintain your results.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatment commonly lasts anywhere from about 6 months to 2 years, depending on how much tooth movement is needed. The timeline varies based on the severity of crowding, spacing, and bite issues, as well as how consistently you wear your aligners.
During your consultation, Dr. Bowyer will review your specific alignment and outline a projected timeline. You’ll progress by changing aligners on schedule (often every two weeks) and attending periodic checkups. Wearing aligners the recommended 20–22 hours per day is the most reliable way to stay on track and finish treatment as efficiently as possible.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bowyer to see if Invisalign braces are right for you. You can call us at (360) 253-2640, email us at info@drbowyer.com, or use the form on this page to request a free consultation.
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