Many adults and teens dream of having perfectly aligned teeth but hesitate to pursue treatment due to concerns about traditional metal braces. At Burien Signature Dentistry in Washington State, we understand these concerns and offer a discreet, comfortable alternative that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Dr. Andy Kim and our experienced team provide clear Invisalign aligners that gradually straighten your teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires. Our cosmetic dental practice combines advanced technology with personalized care to help you achieve the confident smile you’ve always wanted.
How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners is designed to make slight adjustments to tooth positioning, gradually moving your teeth into their ideal locations. You’ll typically wear each set for about two weeks before progressing to the next set in the sequence.
The treatment process begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Andy takes detailed impressions and digital scans of your teeth. These measurements are sent to the Invisalign laboratory, where your custom treatment plan is created using advanced 3D technology. This technology allows us to show you a preview of your expected results before treatment even begins.
Most patients wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends this wear time to ensure optimal results and stay on track with your treatment timeline.
Benefits of Choosing Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer numerous advantages over traditional braces, making them an attractive option for both adults and teenagers. The most obvious benefit is their nearly invisible appearance, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.
Comfort and Convenience
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners have smooth edges that won’t irritate your cheeks or gums. There are no emergency appointments for broken brackets or poking wires. The removable design means you can eat all your favorite foods without restrictions and maintain your regular oral hygiene routine with ease.
Predictable Results
The digital treatment planning process provides a clear roadmap of your progress, allowing you to see how your smile will transform throughout treatment. Regular check-ups with Dr. Andy ensure your treatment stays on track and any adjustments can be made promptly.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign technology has advanced significantly and can now address a wide range of orthodontic issues. Common conditions we treat with clear aligners include crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
During your consultation, Dr. Andy will evaluate your specific case to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you. Some complex cases may require traditional orthodontic treatment, but many patients are excellent candidates for clear aligner therapy.
The treatment process typically takes 12-18 months for most cases, though some patients may see results in as little as six months for minor corrections. More complex cases might require up to two years of treatment.
Caring for Your Clear Aligners
Proper care of your Invisalign aligners is essential for successful treatment and maintaining good oral health. Clean your aligners daily using lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic, or harsh chemicals that might damage the material.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more important during orthodontic treatment. Brush and floss thoroughly before reinserting your aligners to prevent bacteria and food particles from being trapped against your teeth. Regular fluoride treatments can provide additional protection against decay during treatment.
Always store your aligners in their protective case when not wearing them. This prevents loss and protects them from damage. Keep backup cases in your car, office, and gym bag to ensure you always have a safe place to store your aligners.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Andy examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and determines if clear aligners are right for you. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll take detailed impressions and photographs that will be used to create your custom treatment plan.
Once your aligners arrive, typically within 2-3 weeks, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. Dr. Andy will ensure proper fit and provide detailed instructions on insertion, removal, and care. Small tooth-colored attachments may be placed on certain teeth to help the aligners grip better and facilitate more precise movements.
Throughout treatment, you’ll visit our Burien office approximately every 6-8 weeks for progress checks. These appointments allow Dr. Andy to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide your next sets of aligners. Most patients receive several sets at each visit to reduce the frequency of appointments.
Life After Invisalign Treatment
Completing your Invisalign treatment is an exciting milestone, but maintaining your results requires ongoing commitment. Just like with traditional braces, you’ll need to wear retainers to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions.
Dr. Andy will discuss retainer options with you as treatment nears completion. Some patients prefer removable retainers similar to Invisalign aligners, while others opt for fixed retainers bonded to the back of their teeth. The choice depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and specific case requirements.
Your beautifully aligned smile will complement other cosmetic bonding or teeth whitening treatments you may choose to enhance your overall appearance. Many patients find that straighter teeth make them more confident about pursuing additional cosmetic improvements.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment required. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed treatment estimate and discuss payment options to make your investment in a beautiful smile as affordable as possible.
Many dental insurance plans that cover traditional orthodontics also provide benefits for clear aligner treatment. Our team will work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
We offer Cherry financing to help make treatment accessible for patients of all budgets. This allows you to begin treatment immediately while spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments with low or no interest options.
Start Your Clear Aligner Journey with Dr. Andy Kim in Burien
Transform your smile discreetly and comfortably with Invisalign clear aligners at Burien Signature Dentistry. Dr. Andy Kim brings years of experience and a commitment to personalized care to every patient’s orthodontic journey. Our modern facility and advanced technology ensure you receive the highest quality treatment in a welcoming environment.
Don’t let concerns about traditional braces prevent you from achieving the straight, confident smile you deserve. Clear aligners offer a convenient, virtually invisible way to correct alignment issues while maintaining your active lifestyle. Contact our office today at (206) 246-3222 or visit our contact form to schedule your Invisalign consultation and take the first step toward your dream smile.
FAQs about Invisalign
How much does Invisalign cost in Burien, Washington?
Invisalign treatment at Burien Signature Dentistry typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case. Many dental insurance plans covering traditional orthodontics also provide benefits for Invisalign. We offer Cherry financing with flexible monthly payment plans so you can begin treatment right away. During your consultation with Dr. Andy, we’ll provide a detailed estimate and work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most Invisalign cases at our Burien office take 12 to 18 months, though minor corrections may finish in as little as 6 months. More complex cases involving significant bite corrections could take up to 2 years. Your timeline depends on the severity of your alignment issues and how consistently you wear your aligners (20 to 22 hours daily). During your consultation, Dr. Andy will use 3D technology to preview your expected results and provide an accurate timeline.
Does Invisalign really work as well as traditional orthodontics?
Yes, Invisalign is highly effective for treating crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Clinical studies show comparable results to traditional orthodontics for mild to moderate alignment problems. The key difference is comfort and appearance: Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and free of brackets or wires. Success depends on wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. During your consultation, Dr. Andy will determine if Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatment is the right fit for your case.
What can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is you can eat and drink whatever you want. Simply remove your aligners before meals and snacks. You should only drink water while wearing your aligners, as other beverages can stain them or cause tooth decay. Always brush your teeth after eating before reinserting your aligners to prevent bacteria from being trapped against your teeth. Keep removal time to no more than 2 hours per day to stay on track with treatment.
Is Invisalign painful or uncomfortable?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional orthodontic options, though you may feel mild pressure when switching to a new set of aligners. Most patients describe slight soreness subsiding within 2 to 3 days. Unlike traditional metal brackets, Invisalign has smooth edges that won’t irritate your cheeks or gums, and there are no emergency visits for broken brackets or poking wires. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed, though most patients find this unnecessary after the initial adjustment.
Dr. Andy Kim
Dedicated to providing expert dental care with a focus on patient comfort, advanced treatments, and long-lasting healthy smiles.
Dr. Payal Patel
Passionate about creating confident smiles with personalized orthodontic treatments, ensuring patients achieve perfect.
Dr. Jane Chang
Specializes in enhancing smiles with advanced cosmetic procedures, from teeth whitening to veneers, for a radiant, natural look.
We make quality dental care affordable with flexible payment options.
We are in-network with Delta Dental PPO, MetLife, Cigna Dental, Aetna Dental, Guardian, Ameritas Dental, United Concordia, United Healthcare Dental, Humana Dental, Principal Financial Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Principal Dental. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment.
We offer financing through Cherry and other trusted partners, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at (206) 246-3222 to discuss your insurance coverage or financing options.
Burien Signature Dentistry offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Burien, WA. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and preventative approach delivers exceptional results.
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Dentistry
Looking for an experienced dentist in Burien, WA? Dr. Andy Kim and our team at Burien Signature Dentistry provide expert general and cosmetic dental care to patients throughout the Burien area, including Normandy Park, Seahurst, Des Moines, Tukwila, and surrounding communities.
We serve patients from Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, White Center, Riverton Heights, and throughout South King County. Our office welcomes new patients and offers convenient scheduling to fit your busy life. No referral needed – you can schedule directly with our caring team.
- 131 SW 156th St Suite 200,
Burien, WA 98166 - 206-246-3222
- Monday–Friday,
8 AM–4:30 PM - Saturday–Sunday,
Closed
