If you have issues with crooked or crowded teeth or bite problems like an overbite, you may think that braces are your only option for orthodontic correction. However, Invisalign offers a discreet alternative that can be used by either adults or teens. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign in Washington, DC, call our team today to schedule your consultation.
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. Instead of using brackets, rubber bands, and metal wires to shift your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear, smooth aligners that look similar to a retainer.
These aligners are built to place pressure on your teeth and shift their positions over time, just like braces do. By working through multiple sets of aligners over the period of about a year, you can correct issues like crooked teeth, minor overbites and underbites, and other orthodontic problems.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
To begin the process, you’ll need to come to see one of our dentists for a consultation. At your appointment, your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral exam and determine if Invisalign is right for you. If you’re approved, they will answer any questions you may have and begin creating your treatment plan.
Next, you’ll come to our office a few weeks after your initial appointment to pick up your first few sets of Invisalign aligners. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on proper wear and care for your aligners. You will need to wear your aligners for at least 20 (ideally 22+) hours per day. They should only be removed when you have to brush or floss your teeth, and whenever you eat and drink, except for tap water.
You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks, in most cases. Every 4-6 weeks, you will come back to our office for a quick 15-minute checkup, and to get a few more sets of aligners. You’ll continue to repeat this process until your treatment is completed, which usually takes about 12 months. Treatment time may vary depending on your case as each patient’s alignment needs are different.
Benefits Of Invisalign Treatment
The most obvious benefit of Invisalign is that it does not greatly affect your appearance or your speech. This makes it easy to work towards a brand new smile no matter what stage of life you are in.
Invisalign is also more comfortable than braces. There are no metal pieces that may rub or poke against your oral tissue, and smooth, durable plastic shifts your teeth more gently than traditional braces.
Finally, Invisalign aligners are also a lot more convenient. You can remove them to eat and drink, so there are no dietary restrictions. You also can take your aligners out to brush and floss, so it’s easier to clean your teeth thoroughly and keep them healthy and cavity-free.
Is Invisalign Treatment Right For Me?
By scheduling a consultation, you can discover if Invisalign is the right fit for your smile. Invisalign has the ability to correct a variety of alignment issues, making it an alternative for braces in many cases. Schedule your initial visit and get all of your questions answered including a timeline for treatment, financing options, and more. Call our office today!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.