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Invisalign

Alexandria Total Dentistry

General & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Alexandria, VA

If you think traditional metal braces are the only way to straighten your teeth for a flawless smile, think again. Invisalign® clear aligners, the latest advancement in orthodontics, can correct teeth alignment, straighten teeth, and close gaps — all without traditional wires and brackets. At Alexandria Total Dentistry in Alexandria, Virginia, orthodontic specialists Daniel J. Lee, DMD, and Steven J. Lee, DDS, offer an array of cosmetic dental services, including Invisalign. If you’re ready to get the smile you’ve always wanted, call the office or book your appointment online today.

Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic system that uses a progressive series of clear customized aligner trays to straighten your teeth. The Invisalign system can correct mild to moderate spacing problems and help fix small gaps, crowded teeth, protruding teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Made from medical grade, BPA-free plastic, Invisalign aligners are removable and inconspicuous, which means you can take them out when you need to eat or brush your teeth, and most people won’t notice when you’re wearing them.

The Invisalign system is backed by over two decades of clinical research, more than 700 patents, and the successful results of millions of patients.

How does Invisalign work?

Much like regular wire and bracket braces, the main objective of the Invisalign system is to modify the position of your teeth through controlled force. Invisalign aligners are more efficient and effective than traditional braces, however, because they allow for better control and timing of that force.

Invisalign uses sophisticated 3D computer imaging to create a series of custom aligners designed to fit closely against your teeth. During the one- or two-week period that you wear each aligner, it incrementally moves specific teeth until you’re ready for the next aligner in the series.

The treatment continues as you progress from one aligner to the next, until you finish with the final aligner and complete the process. Your personal treatment plan specifies which teeth should be moved at each stage for maximum efficiency and optimal results.

Although total treatment time depends on your personal needs, most people wear Invisalign for nine to 15 months. Office visits are scheduled every six to eight weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as desired.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The main advantages to choosing the Invisalign clear aligner system include:

Aesthetic appeal

Because they’re practically invisible, Invisalign aligners won’t bring unwanted attention. This makes them a good alternative to traditional wire and bracket braces, especially for older teens and adults.

Removable

Although you need to wear your Invisalign aligner for 20-22 hours a day to obtain optimal results, you can remove them when you need to. This feature is indispensable when you’re heading out on a first date or going to an important job interview.

Better hygiene

Because you can take them out before eating or when it’s time to brush and floss, Invisalign aligners are more hygienic than fixed braces.

Comfort

Made from a proprietary, multilayer SmartTrack® material that’s designed to fit closely and comfortably, Invisalign aligners have smooth contours won’t scrape your gums or damage your tooth enamel.

To learn more about the benefits of Invisalign, call the office today or schedule an appointment online.