Alexandria, VA Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that will gradually move your teeth into the proper alignment. The aligners are removable, and they are custom-made to fit your teeth. Each set of aligners is slightly different, and they are typically worn for a few weeks, after which you will switch to a new set of aligners. The aligners are created using 3D digital scans of your teeth, allowing for a precise and predictable treatment plan. Over time, your teeth will be guided into their ideal positions without the need for brackets or wires.

Invisalign is suitable for many patients, including children, teenagers, and adults. It can address a wide range of alignment issues, including:

• Crowding of teeth, resulting in overlapping or misalignment
• Gaps in your smile
• Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
• Open bite issues

The cost of Invisalign can vary depending on the length of treatment that will be required. The costs are comparable to braces, and dental insurance may provide coverage for these treatments. At Alexandria Dental Art LLC, we will provide you with a detailed cost estimate, and we will discuss the payment options that are available. We accept payments in cash, checks, credit cards, CareCredit, and GreenSky, and we can set up flexible payment plans.

Patients often choose Invisalign because it offers several benefits, including:

• Comfort: The smooth plastic aligners can help to reduce irritation to the gums and cheeks.
• Appearance: The aligners are clear, making them nearly invisible.
• Easy Cleaning: Patients can remove aligners to eat their favorite foods and to brush and floss their teeth.
• Predictability: The 3D scanning technology used for Invisalign will provide a preview of what teeth will look like when treatment is complete.

Keeping Invisalign aligners clean is important for oral health, and it can help ensure that the treatment will be successful. To keep alingers clean, you should:

• Rinse aligners with lukewarm water before reinserting them.
• Brush aligners gently with a soft toothbrush.
• Store aligners in their protective case when not being worn.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after meals before reinserting aligners.
• These steps help keep the aligners clear and odor-free while reducing the risk of damage, bacteria buildup, or other issues that could affect oral health or the success of Invisalign treatment.

Yes, retainers are typically necessary after Invisalign treatment. Once your teeth have been moved into their correct positions, they need to be held in place while the surrounding bone and gums stabilize. Without the use of retainers, your teeth may begin to shift out of position over time. At Alexandria Dental Art LLC, we will provide you with custom retainers and detailed instructions on how often they should be worn to make sure you can maintain your smile.

The amount of time needed to complete Invisalign treatment will depend on the complexity of your tooth alignment issues. Some patients see results in as little as six months, while others may require 12 to 18 months or more. Our dentist will provide an estimated timeline during your consultation, helping you understand what to expect during the process. By wearing aligners consistently, you can make sure your treatment will stay on track.

When you begin using a new set of aligners, you may feel some pressure on your teeth. This is normal, because your teeth are being moved into new positions. Pain will usually subside within a few days as your teeth adjust. Many people find that Invisalign is far more comfortable than traditional braces, which involve brackets and wires that can cause irritation in your mouth.

Unlike traditional braces, which may include restrictions on eating foods that could damage wires or brackets or become stuck in a person's teeth, there are no restrictions on food or drinks when using Invisalign. You can remove aligners while eating, ensuring that you can chew food comfortably. Once you have finished eating, it is a good idea to brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners to maintain proper oral hygiene.