According to the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontics, most people have some type of dental misalignment.
While most of these are minor, some require orthodontic intervention. We offer Invisalign in Chevy Chase, MD, an alternative to traditional metal braces.
How Invisalign® Works?
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners designed to put gentle, even pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into their appropriate position. They are a convenient, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. The treatment timeline ranges from six months to 18 months, depending on the type and severity of your misalignment.
While the aligners can be removed for eating/drinking and oral hygiene, they should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Each aligner will be worn for one to three weeks based on your personal treatment plan and, at the end of that time period, you will switch to the new one. However, make sure that you do not dispose of the previous aligner just in case you lose the current one.
Once your treatment timeline is complete, you will be given a retainer to reinforce the new position of your teeth. When you first begin wearing the aligner, it will need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day- but over time, you will gradually reduce this time until you only wear it overnight.
Why Choose Us
The team at Chevy Chase Dental Care is highly trained in orthodontic treatment options including Invisalign. We can help you understand the pros and cons of this alternative as well as how it compares to traditional braces. You can be sure that at the end of your treatment, you will have a picture-perfect smile.
Advantages Of
Invisalign®
Invisalign offers several advantages compared to traditional braces, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. Here are some key advantages of Invisalign:
- Aesthetics
- Removability
- Comfort
- No dietary restrictions
- Shorter treatment time in many cases
- Predictable treatment planning
- Fewer office visits
- Suitable for a variety of malocclusions
- Less speech impairment
- Digital monitoring
While Invisalign has numerous advantages, it’s important to note that the suitability of this treatment option depends on individual cases. Consulting with an orthodontic professional will help determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your specific orthodontic needs and lifestyle.
Who Is A Suitable Candidate For
Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment that can address a variety of dental misalignments. Suitable candidates for Invisalign treatment generally include individuals with:
- Mild to moderate misalignments
- Adults and teens
- Commitment to compliance
- Good oral hygiene practices
- Discipline in following instructions
- No severe bite issues
Treatment Timeline
The Invisalign treatment timeline can vary based on individual factors, including the complexity of the orthodontic issues, the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners, and the frequency of necessary adjustments. On average, treatment takes a minimum of six months and may take up to 24 months. The treatment timeline consists of the following steps:
- Initial consultation
- Digital impressions/3D scans
- Treatment planning
- Aligner fabrication
- Regular aligner changes
- Checkup appointments
- Adjustments as needed
- Completion of treatment
- Post-treatment retention/retainers
Invisalign® Vs. Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are viable options for orthodontic treatment—but there are a few differences:
Invisalign®
- Appearance: Virtually invisible, little impact on facial appearance
- Comfort: Made of smooth plastic with no sharp edges
- Treatment timeline: Average of 6 to 18+ months
- Dietary restrictions: No dietary restrictions
- Removability: Can be removed for eating, brushing/flossing,
and special occasions - Oral hygiene: Easier to maintain proper brushing/flossing
Traditional Braces
- Appearance: Noticeable metal brackets/wires, may cause slight changes in facial appearance during treatment
- Comfort: Can be uncomfortable, especially following adjustments
- Treatment timeline: Average of 12 to 24+ months
- Dietary restrictions: Certain restrictions to avoid damage to brackets/wires
- Removability: Permanently fixed in place until the end of treatment
- Oral hygiene: Requires extra effort for cleaning around brackets/wires
Both options have their own advantages and considerations. The choice depends on your personal preferences, the complexity of your case, and lifestyle factors. The best way to determine which option is right for you is with a consultation with the team at Chevy Chase Dental Care.
Invisalign® For Special Cases
Invisalign is appropriate for a variety of ages and cases:
InvisalignⓇ For Adults
Traditional Invisalign treatment, sometimes referred to as Invisalign for adults, offers several treatment options. Invisalign Lite is designed to treat mild malocclusion, while Invisalign Comprehensive is designed to treat more complex cases.InvisalignⓇ For Teens
One of the biggest concerns with teens is compliance. Therefore, Invisalign offers aligners designed with this in mind. The aligners include tiny blue dots that slowly fade away as the aligners are worn. This can give parents peace of mind.Complex Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign aligners are primarily designed to treat mild to moderate malocclusion- but may also be used for more complex cases. Invisalign offers attachments that can be bonded to the teeth for the aligners to clip to.
Invisalign® Cost Factors & Insurance Coverage
Invisalign treatment at Chevy Chase Dental Care ranges in cost from around $1,500 to $8,000+. Several factors are used to determine the cost of your treatment, including:
- Type/severity of misalignment
- Number of aligners needed/length of treatment
- Number of follow-up appointments needed
- Additional treatments required
The good news is that most dental insurance providers recognize Invisalign as a viable alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments. Therefore, most will cover a portion of the treatment.
If you do not have insurance or your insurance coverage is inadequate, our friendly office team at Chevy Chase Dental Care will explain our in-house and third-party financing options.
Invisalign®: A Discreet Alternative To Resolve Dental Misalignment
If you have a dental misalignment and have been considering orthodontic treatment, schedule your consultation with the team at Chevy Chase Dental Care today. We will evaluate your condition and discuss your goals/expectations to create a custom treatment plan.
