Do you want to treat your crooked teeth? Are you looking for an alternative to metal braces? Invisalign in our Washington, DC, dental office 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 who offers Invisalign treatment in Dupont Dental, his Washington, DC office.
Why Choose Invisalign Over Metal Braces?
Metal braces are the traditional method for straightening crooked teeth. They use metal brackets and wires to move your teeth into alignment. Benefits of Invisalign in our Washington, DC dental office include:
Subtle Look
One of the main reasons patients go for Invisalign is that they have clear plastic aligners that aren’t visible on the teeth. You can’t hide metal braces, and they can make you feel self-conscious when you’re out in public. Invisalign boosts self-esteem and allows patients to smile with confidence.
Comfort
Metal mechanisms protruding from your teeth are uncomfortable. The brackets and wires rub against the soft tissue of your cheeks and lips and can pinch your soft tissues in certain places. You need to use wax or other products to prevent this from occurring, often needing to reapply multiple times throughout the day.
Invisalign aligners fit tightly to your smile, so they can’t pinch anything. They’re made of soft, smooth plastic that’s comfortable in your mouth and doesn’t irritate gums and other soft tissues.
Removable Aligners
Another positive is that you can remove your Invisalign aligners. You can eat all the foods you normally would without worrying about issues. Chewy and hard foods are limited when you have metal braces because they can break the wires or get caught, so you cannot remove them easily. You also don’t have to learn how to brush around brackets and wires. Since the aligners come out, you brush and floss your teeth normally.
Quick Treatment
Lastly, Invisalign treatment is often quicker and cheaper than metal braces. On average, Invisalign takes 12-18 months versus years for braces. You also don’t have to visit the office as often for checkups.
With metal braces, you have to come in every month to tighten wires, which move your teeth. Since you change your aligners at home, you can have fewer checkups to ensure treatment is proceeding correctly.
Invisalign Treatment 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. We perform a thorough exam to ensure that Invisalign is best for you.
Invisalign treats mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. If you have a more severe case, we may have to refer you to a trusted orthodontist for more extensive treatment.
Digital Treatment Planning
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. You’ll also see a preview of what your smile will look like when treatment is complete.
Aligner Fabrication
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.
Retainer
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.
Please let us know if you misplace your retainer so we can provide you with a replacement as soon as possible. Your teeth can shift out of alignment if you do not consistently wear your orthodontic retainer.
How to Care for Invisalign Aligners
If you want your aligners to work correctly, you must properly care for them. Follow these tips to care for your clear aligners:
Rinse Your Aligners
You should rinse your aligners with warm or cool water each time you take them out of your mouth. This removes saliva buildup and any debris that’s accumulated in them. Never use hot water to care for your aligners; it can warp the plastic.
Clean Your Aligners
At least once daily, thoroughly clean your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and either non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. If you use harder bristles or abrasive chemicals, it can damage the aligners. Bacteria can get into the scratches, making things harder to clean and more dangerous. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria from building up in your aligners. Harmful bacteria can make you extremely sick or even kill you.
Deep Clean Your Aligners
At least once weekly, deep clean your aligners. Soak your aligners for the instructed amount of time using a specified aligner cleaner or a non-alcoholic mouthwash solution. This soak sterilizes your aligners, removing any bacteria that have hung on through daily cleanings. It also eliminates odors caused by food and bacteria.
Use a Case
When you dry your aligners, ensure they’re in a well-ventilated area. Never put them in a case without ventilation, as bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments. Store them in a ventilated case whenever you’re not wearing them.
If you eat, take them out, and put them in a napkin, you risk throwing them away with your garbage when finished. A case ensures you always know where your aligners are.
Never store your Invisalign aligners in direct sunlight or hot areas. Since they’re plastic, they can warp and melt. If they don’t fit properly, they won’t straighten your teeth properly, making your treatment take longer.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about Invisalign in Washington, DC, with answers to these common patient questions:
How much does Invisalign cost?
The exact price depends on how much work your teeth need and how long the treatment will take. Some dental insurance plans may help cover part of the cost. During your consultation, your dentist can give you a more specific price and talk about payment options or financing to make the treatment more affordable.
How long do you have to wear Invisalign each day?
You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for about 20 to 22 hours each day. To get the best results, you must keep your aligners in most of the time. You should only take them out when you eat, drink anything other than water, brush, or floss your teeth.
Do I have to visit the dentist frequently during Invisalign treatment?
You don’t have to visit the dentist as often with Invisalign as you would with traditional braces. You’ll need to visit our dentist every 6 to 8 weeks. Our dentist will check your progress during these quick appointments and give you new aligners to continue your treatment. These visits help ensure everything is going well and your teeth are moving as planned.
What can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you can eat and drink whatever you like because the aligners are removable. Just make sure to take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent stains and damage to the aligners. After eating, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to keep your teeth and aligners clean. Following these steps will help keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy!
Is Invisalign noticeable?
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic that is nearly invisible when worn. This means that most people won’t even notice you have them on your teeth
The aligners are custom-made for your teeth, which helps them fit snugly and comfortably. Since they don’t stick out like braces, they blend in with your smile. You can smile, talk, and laugh without worrying about people seeing metal brackets or wires.
Is Invsialign faster than braces?
Invisalign can be faster than traditional braces. On average, Invisalign treatment can take about 12 to 18 months. Some people may finish in as little as 6 months, while others might take longer. Traditional braces usually take about 18 months to 2 years to complete.
Braces may be more effective if your teeth need a lot of movement or if you have a complex dental issue. In these cases, braces might work faster than Invisalign.
With Invisalign, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Failure to do so can slow down your treatment. We will provide an estimate of how long your Invisalign treatment will take.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign may cause some discomfort, but it usually isn’t very painful. When you first start wearing a new set of aligners, you might feel some pressure on your teeth. This pressure is a sign that the aligners are working to move your teeth into the right position.
Some people experience mild discomfort or soreness for the first few days after getting new aligners. This is normal and usually goes away quickly as your mouth gets used to the aligners.
Will Invisalign provide permanent results?
Invisalign can give you lasting results. However, once you complete treatment, you must wear your retainer. This custom-made appliance keeps your teeth in their new positions. It’s normal for some teeth to shift slightly as you age, even if you wear a retainer. However, wearing your retainer consistently can help keep your teeth in place.
Straighten Your Smile
Call our office for comfortable Invisalign treatment in our Washington, DC, dental office today at (202) 946-4720. You can also request a dental consultation with us online. If you have questions about Invisalign, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help.