Invisalign
in Greenbelt, MD

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern approach to straightening teeth using a series of custom-made, virtually invisible aligners. Unlike traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Whether you're dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, an overbite, or simply want a more aligned smile, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable solution that fits into your lifestyle.

Benefits of Invisalign

Nearly Invisible Treatment

The clear aligners are so discreet that most people won't even notice you're wearing them. You can smile confidently during treatment, whether you're at work, school, or social events, without feeling self-conscious about metal braces showing in photos or during conversations.

Freedom and Flexibility

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out when eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing. This means no food restrictions and much easier dental hygiene.

Comfortable Experience

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic with no sharp edges or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums. They're custom-fitted to your teeth and use gentle pressure to move them, typically causing less discomfort than traditional braces.

The Invisalign Process

Step
1

Consultation and Digital Scanning

We'll start by discussing your smile goals and examining your teeth to make sure Invisalign is right for you. Then, we'll use our iTero digital scanner to create a precise 3D model of your teeth in just minutes. This comfortable, goop-free scanning process captures every detail needed to plan your treatment.

Step
2

Treatment Planning and Smile Preview

Using your digital scan, we'll create a personalized treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Before we even start treatment, you'll get to see a digital preview of how your teeth will move and what your new smile will look like when you're done. This snapshot of your future smile helps you make an informed decision about moving forward.

Step
3

Receiving Your Custom Aligners

Once you approve your treatment plan, your custom aligners are fabricated using advanced 3D printing technology. When they arrive at our office, we'll check the fit of your first set and show you how to properly insert, remove, and care for them. Most patients receive several sets of aligners at once, so you can change to the next set in the series every 1-2 weeks as directed.

Step
4

Progress Check-ups and Refinements

You'll visit us every 6-8 weeks so we can check how your teeth are moving and give you your next sets of aligners. After your final aligner, we might recommend a brief refinement period with a few additional aligners to perfect small details. Then we'll provide retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign can correct many of the same issues as traditional braces, including crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. While early Invisalign was limited to simpler cases, today's advanced technology allows us to treat even more complex alignment problems. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your specific situation to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time varies based on your specific needs, but most Invisalign cases take between 6-18 months to complete. Simple alignment issues might be corrected in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases could take longer. The average treatment time is about 12 months, which is often shorter than treatment with traditional braces. Your estimated treatment time will be part of your personalized treatment plan that we'll discuss during your consultation.

Do I really need to wear the aligners 20-22 hours per day?

Yes, consistent wear is the key to successful treatment. Your aligners only work when they're in your mouth, so we recommend wearing them 20-22 hours daily, removing them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and your oral hygiene routine. The good news is that most patients adapt quickly to wearing their aligners and find them comfortable enough to forget they're even wearing them.