Clear Braces in Washington, DC

Invisalign FAQ

1. What is Invisalign?
A tooth-straightening procedure that uses a series of clear removable trays-called aligners-to straighten teeth. The plastic trays that are changed about every two weeks move teeth-little by little, week by week-until they have moved into the final position the dentist has prescribed.

2. Who is a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign treats the majority of common alignment problems for adults and teens-whether a smile needs minor improvements or more dramatic change. From crowding or excess spacing to complex overbites, under bites and cross bites, an Invisalign treatment plan can improve any smile.

3. Are the aligners comfortable?
Comfortable plastic trays work to slowly move teeth while patients continue enjoying a normal active lifestyle. They are comfortable to wear, and removable. Patients eat, drink, brush and floss-as usual!! No metal or wires irritate lips or cheeks, and there is no worry about injury while playing sports.

And Invisalign is easily removed while attending special events or for a late-night snack.

4. How long does it take?
A typical case takes about one year. The doctor checks your progress about once a month, or two, and every few visits, patients get new aligners to continue the treatment.

5. How many aligners does a patient get?
The average number of aligners worn during treatment runs between 18 and 30, but the treatment time and the number of trays varies from case to case.

6. Is it true that no one will know I'm wearing trays?
Virtually no one will detect that you are wearing aligners-unless you tell! It's likely you have already known someone in Invisalign treatment-and didn't know it!

7. I really want a straighter, more beautiful smile. What should I do first?
Visit a dentist who is experienced with Invisalign. During the first visit, the dentist assesses how Invisalign can be used to improve your smile. Impressions and photos of your mouth are taken and get sent to Invisalign for processing.

8. How do they turn my impressions into the trays that will change my smile?

Invisalign uses a 3-D computer scanning technology to produce an accurate, three-dimensional digital model of your teeth.

The software then simulates the movement of your teeth during treatment.

The doctor reviews, modifies and approves the treatment plan before the aligners are made.

Then the process transforms the impressions of your bite into precise molds of your teeth at each stage of treatment.

THEN a set of custom, clear removable aligners are made from the models and sent to the doctor's office. The set usually includes 18 to 30 trays.

9. How long does it take to make the aligners?
Usually the trays are ready in a few weeks-during your next visit to the dentist. And during the visit, patients usually receive additional sets of trays to wear before the next appointment.

10. What are the instructions for wearing the trays?
Patients wear each set of trays day and night for about two weeks-taking them out ONLY to eat, drink, brush and floss.

11. How long does it take to complete the treatment?
Most patients complete treatment in about a year. There are regular visits with the dentist during treatment to make sure the treatment is progressing as planned.

12. Are there other benefits from Invisalign?

Healthier gums -- Studies show that properly aligned teeth are more likely to have gums "fit" tighter around them-which may lead to better periodontal health.

Easier hygiene -- Without the brackets or wires of traditional orthodontics, Invisalign patients have an easier time keeping good oral hygiene-which means less plaque build-up, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Improved chewing and speech -- In some cases, speech problems result from poorly positioned teeth and jaws. Correction of the bite can help improve chewing and speech.

Less wear and tear -- Properly aligned teeth also create less stress on supporting bone and joints in the jaw.

13. What are common diagnoses of candidates for Invisalign?

Cross bite: When the upper back teeth fit inside the lower teeth.

Crowding: When teeth grow close together, and in some cases, overlap.

Deep bite: Extreme overbite when the upper front teeth hide the lower teeth.

Malocclusion: Improper alignment of the biting or chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Open bite: When the teeth don't close or come together in the front, side or back of the mouth.

Over bite: When the upper jaw and teeth overlap the bottom jaw and teeth.

Spacing: When there is too much space between teeth.

Under bite: When the lower jaw and teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.

If you are considering Invisalign contact our cosmetic dentists in the Washington, DC area, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation.

Washington Center for Dentistry
1430 K Street NW, Eighth Floor
Washington D.C., 20005
(202) 223-6630

Disclaimer: The Washington Center for Dentistry services patients in Washington, DC (District of Columbia) and Northern Virginia. This site only provides information about dental and cosmetic dental procedures including One-Hour Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Porcelain Crowns, Drill-Free, White Fillings, Bonding, Cerec III, Same Day Crowns and Veneers, Gum Reshaping, Invisalign and Dental Implants. It is not meant to be taken as advice.

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