No, Invisalign® does not hurt. Patients do sometimes experience mild discomfort from the shifting of their teeth, but the series of aligners makes the movements incremental enough for the discomfort to quickly dissipate.
Invisalign® Overview
When you imagine clear aligners, you probably imagine Invisalign®. Orthodontists have used Invisalign® since 1998 to improve their patients smiles without the need for invasive metal braces or elastic ties.
Addresses
Invisalign can be used to treat a broad range of orthodontic problems, including:
Crooked teeth
Crowned teeth
Gapped & spaced teeth
Malocclusion
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift and straighten your teeth. These aligners are crafted from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, which is specifically designed for comfort and flexibility. You’ll receive a new set of aligners every few weeks to continue the teeth’s movement towards the desired position. This process is planned using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, allowing for precise and effective treatment under the care of our skilled Fairfax orthodontists. Invisalign’s discreet and removable nature makes it a preferred alternative to traditional braces for many patients.
What to Expect
Using advanced scanning technology, we create a highly accurate digital impression of your mouth. Your Invisalign® aligners will then be designed to fit your individual needs in order to move the teeth into alignment. You’ll meet regularly with your provider to ensure your treatment using Invisalign in Fairfax is going as planned.
Fairfax’s Home for Invisalign®
Advanced Techniques
We achieve the most accurate fit of Invisalign® by utilizing state-of-the-art 3D scanning techniques that give unprecedented visual access to the teeth and gums.
Focus on Education
Our role is to help patients understand the “why” behind their treatment, every step of the way. Before any patient leaves their appointment, they’ll know everything about their orthodontic solutions and be an active part of their own treatment.
Always Accessible
With 5 board-certified orthodontists and 4 convenient locations in Northern Virginia, we’ve made it easy for you to obtain the friendly, positive care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each patient will have their own timeline for their Invisalign® clear aligner therapy. We typically use Invisalign® for longer term corrective treatments, which could be in the range of 12 to 18 months.
Yes, Invisalign® should be a permanent solution to your alignment issues. Just as with traditional metal braces, there is potential for your teeth to shift back after treatment. Your habits at home are key to ensuring your results last.
Yes, like traditional braces you will need to wear a retainer. Without the use of a retainer, your teeth could shift back to their pre-treatment position.
Yes! Trü Orthodontics is committed to providing flexible and accessible payment options. Our goal is to make orthodontic treatment more affordable for everyone getting Invisalign in Fairfax! Our options include discounts for those without insurance, monthly promotions, and even extended payment plans through our trusted third-party agency, Cherry.
While most people are eligible for Invisalign, certain factors can enhance treatment outcomes.
- Ideal candidates usually exhibit mild to moderate dental issues like crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Invisalign is less effective for severe or complex orthodontic problems.
- Adults and older teenagers, with fully erupted teeth including second molars, are best suited for this treatment, as younger individuals’ developing teeth and jaws may not be compatible.
- A strong commitment to wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily is essential for success.
- Good oral hygiene practices are crucial to prevent dental problems during treatment.
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit have a better experience, as smoking can stain aligners and affect the treatment process.
Invisalign offers several benefits as a modern orthodontic treatment:
- Aesthetics: The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option compared to traditional metal braces. This is particularly appealing to adults and teens who are conscious of their appearance.
- Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, aligners are generally more comfortable to wear, with no sharp edges or brackets that can irritate your mouth.
- Removability: You can easily remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing, giving you more control over your oral hygiene and no dietary restrictions.
- Less Time in the Orthodontist’s Chair: Invisalign typically requires fewer office visits than traditional braces, as there are no wires or brackets to adjust.
- Predictability and Planning: With Invisalign’s 3D planning technology, you and your Fairfax orthodontist can preview the expected outcome of the treatment, providing a clear understanding of the process and the results.
- Potentially Faster Treatment: For some patients, treatment with Invisalign can be quicker than traditional braces, though this depends on the individual case.
Attachments are small, tooth-colored dots made of a composite material that are temporarily bonded to certain teeth during Invisalign treatment. They serve as anchors to help the aligners apply the necessary force to move the teeth more effectively, especially in cases that require more complex adjustments.
Whether you’ll need attachments depends on your specific orthodontic needs. They are not required for every Invisalign patient, but they are common in many treatment plans. Attachments are typically used when more precise control over the movement of individual teeth is necessary, such as rotating a tooth or moving it vertically.
Your orthodontist in Fairfax will determine if attachments are needed for your treatment based on a detailed analysis of your teeth alignment and the desired outcome. The decision is highly individualized, taking into account the complexity and specific goals of your orthodontic treatment.
Find Out Where Invisalign® Can Take You
Our orthodontists are here to help you get the most from your smile.