Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes. Dr. Divis holds a Washington State permit to administer moderate IV anesthesia and has completed over 100 hours of dedicated sedation training through the Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia in Dentistry. Throughout every sedation appointment, the latest monitoring equipment tracks your vital signs continuously. We will not proceed with treatment unless you are fully relaxed and safely sedated.

Will I be unconscious during sedation?

It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide keeps you fully awake and aware. Oral sedation produces deep relaxation and you may drift in and out of a light sleep but can be roused. IV sedation creates a deeper state where you will have little to no memory of the visit, though most patients are not fully unconscious in the traditional sense.

Can I drive myself to and from the appointment?

Only if you are receiving nitrous oxide, which wears off within minutes of the mask being removed. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you must have a trusted adult bring you to the office and take you home. We will not allow you to drive yourself after these procedures for your own safety.

Is there an additional cost for sedation?

Yes, there is a fee for sedation beyond the cost of the dental treatment itself. We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available if you need flexible payment options. During your consultation, we will review costs with you transparently so there are no surprises.

What if I have avoided the dentist for years?

You are exactly who sedation dentistry is designed for. Many of our sedation patients have gone years or even decades without care. We will not judge you and we will not overwhelm you. Your first visit is simply a conversation — we go only as far as you are comfortable, and we build a plan from there at your pace.

Invisalign / Clear Aligners Wenatchee, WA

Crowded, gapped, or slightly shifted teeth can make you hesitant to smile in photos or speak up in meetings, even when everything else about your oral health is in good shape. Many adults in the Wenatchee Valley assume that fixing this means months of visible metal brackets, awkward wires, and a look that feels more suited to a teenager than a working professional or retiree who simply wants a straighter smile without anyone noticing the process.

At Wenatchee Dental Arts, we have provided comprehensive and cosmetic dental care to the Wenatchee Valley for more than 30 years, and clear aligners are one of the ways we help adult patients straighten their smiles discreetly. Dr. John Divis and our team approach every case as part of our broader procedures, evaluating your bite, spacing, and long-term oral health before recommending any treatment path.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-fabricated, transparent trays that gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position. Each set is worn for a set number of weeks before you move to the next in the series, and because the trays are removable, you can eat, brush, and floss without the restrictions that come with fixed metal braces.

For many adults, clear aligners are simply a more convenient way to reach the desired result. They are nearly invisible when worn, which is part of why they have become a popular option for people who want to improve their smile without changing how they look day to day.

Common Concerns Clear Aligners Can Address

Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, gapped teeth, and some bite irregularities. They are not the right fit for every case, which is why we always start with a thorough exam rather than assuming aligners are the answer before we have looked at your teeth.

Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?

Clear aligners tend to work best for adults with healthy gums and mild to moderate alignment concerns, though every case is different. Demand for this kind of treatment has grown steadily among adults nationwide. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the total estimated number of adult patients being treated in the United States rose to approximately 1.91 million in 2024, up from 1.64 million in 2022, reflecting how many adults are now pursuing straighter smiles later in life.

Before starting treatment, it helps to know whether you are a reasonable candidate. Good candidates for clear aligners generally have the following:

Mild to moderate crowding or spacing between teeth
Healthy gums with no active periodontal disease
The discipline to wear trays for the recommended number of hours each day
Realistic expectations about treatment timelines

If you are unsure whether your case fits these criteria, a consultation with our team is the most reliable way to find out rather than guessing based on what you have read online.

Ready to Get the Care You’ve Been Putting Off?

You do not have to white-knuckle your way through dental care. Schedule a no-pressure sedation consultation with Dr. Divis and find out which option fits your situation.

Request an Appointment or call (509) 664-2920

Our Clear Aligner Process

Every clear aligner case at our practice begins with a conversation about your goals, followed by a detailed evaluation of your teeth and bite. From there, we build a treatment plan specific to your mouth rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning

We use intra-oral and extra-oral digital facial scanning technology to capture a detailed view of your teeth and facial structure, which helps us plan a treatment path suited to your specific smile. This digital approach lets us map out how your teeth will move over the course of treatment before you ever wear your first tray.

Wearing and Caring for Your Aligners

Once your aligners are ready, you will wear each set for approximately one to two weeks before moving to the next, switching out trays as your teeth gradually shift. We schedule periodic check-ins throughout treatment so we can monitor your progress and make adjustments if your teeth are not tracking exactly as planned.

Why Choose Wenatchee Dental Arts

We are an independent, non-corporate practice, not part of a larger dental chain, which means Dr. Divis and our team make treatment decisions based on what is right for you rather than a corporate quota. Dr. Divis holds a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and has pursued continuing education across multiple areas of dentistry, and our team includes Spanish-speaking staff to serve the Wenatchee Valley’s Hispanic community.

We accept CareCredit financing to help make treatment manageable, and we are in-network for benefits through Delta Dental and Premera, while also working as a fee-for-service provider for patients with other coverage. If you want to learn more about how clear aligners compare to other options, our guide to orthodontic treatment and our breakdown of common orthodontic concerns offer additional background. Patients considering a broader smile makeover alongside clear aligners can also explore our cosmetic dentistry services.

Schedule Your Clear Aligner Consultation With Wenatchee Dental Arts

We specialize in your smile, and for Dr. Divis, there is little that compares to helping a patient go from self-conscious about their teeth to confident in every photo and conversation. If you have been putting off straightening your smile because you assumed it meant visible metal brackets, clear aligners may offer the discreet alternative you have been waiting for.

Our team is ready to evaluate your smile and talk through whether clear aligners are the right fit for your goals and your budget. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a straighter smile.

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We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.