Do you want to treat your crooked teeth? Are you looking for an alternative to metal braces? Invisalign can help. Modern Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners to straighten crooked and misaligned teeth. This cosmetic dental treatment benefits patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems who want a discreet treatment option. Dr. Christopher Banks is a cosmetic dentist that offers Invisalign treatment in Dupont Dental, his Washington, DC office.
Why Choose Invisalign Over Metal Braces?
While metal braces are an effective way to straighten teeth, metal brackets, and wires may not be aesthetically pleasing. Braces can be challenging to clean, and food can get caught in the brackets. Metal braces must remain on the teeth following attachment by an orthodontist and are only removable by a professional.
Invisalign uses clear aligners that are removable for easy cleaning. It’s simple for patients to remove their aligners to clean their natural teeth and aligners. In addition, traditional metal braces can also irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth. Invisalign aligners are smooth, comfortable, and custom fit to your mouth. They do not have any sharp or protruding edges.
Invisalign in Washington, DC
Before Invisalign treatment, Dr. Banks ensures that patients are healthy. Dr. Banks will address outstanding dental problems like gum disease or tooth decay before recommending Invisalign. He also utilizes treatment planning to create custom aligners. When you wear Invisalign braces, you know what to expect through the process because the treatment uses a computerized plan. This plan helps you understand how long you’ll wear the aligner trays before putting a set on.
Dr. Banks takes and sends impressions of the teeth to a lab, where technicians fabricate the Invisalign aligners out of durable, clear plastic. Each set of aligners is different as they gradually shift the teeth into the proper position. Dr. Banks will keep track of your progress, although he will not require as many in-office visits as is required with metal braces.
Once you complete the Invisalign treatment, Dr. Banks will provide you with a retainer. Wearing a retainer keeps the teeth straight and prevents orthodontic relapse. At first, you will need to wear the retainer constantly. After several months, you must only wear the retainer at night.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
We recommend that patients wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Wearing the aligners for an appropriate amount of time each day ensures that patients are on track to completing treatment on time. Patients must also remove their aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Removing the aligners, cleaning them, and cleaning the teeth and gums prevent stains and bacterial buildup in the aligners. There are multiple methods for cleaning Invisalign aligners. Patients can use Invisalign crystals, or mouthguard soaks to clean their aligners or gently clean them with liquid soap and lukewarm water. We recommend that patients avoid hot water to prevent warping.
Straighten Your Smile
Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of Invisalign treatment? Call our office for comfortable Invisalign treatment today at (202) 946-4720 or request a dental consultation with us online.