How Straight Can the Teeth Get with Invisalign® Aligners?

Have you been dreaming about having a dazzling smile? You have probably heard about Invisalign® aligners as a viable option to old-school metal braces. However, you might wonder if aligners can effectively straighten your teeth. The answer is a resounding - Yes! Invisalign aligners can straighten your teeth in about six to eighteen months, in most cases.

Our doctors at Washington Center for Dentistry in Washington, D.C. will meet with you to examine your dental health to determine if Invisalign aligners are the right choice for your particular needs. They will develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and will help you reach your goal of straight teeth. Our dental team will collaborate with you during the entire process.

Conditions Invisalign aligners effectively treat include the following:

• Crowding occurs when teeth grow close to each other and often overlap.

• Extreme overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth.

• Crossbite is when the upper teeth in the back of the mouth do not fit correctly over the lower teeth.

• Malocclusion refers to improper alignment of the teeth when you chew or bite.

• Spacing is when there is an excessive amount of space between each of your teeth.

• Open bite is when the teeth do not completely close in the front, back, or side of the mouth.

• Underbite occurs when the bottom teeth jut out further than the top teeth.

• Straightening teeth before cosmetic porcelain dentistry to improve function and health.

What to expect from Invisalign treatment

If you decide that Invisalign aligners are the right choice to give you a lovely straight smile, then you’ll need to undergo x-rays and have a digital impression scanning with our iTero to develop a digital 3D image of your smile and mouth. Using all the information, our team will create a precise map of how your teeth will move with the aligners. This will provide you with a precise timeframe of how long it will take to move your teeth. Our team can review the digital scan with you that shows your projected straight smile following the Invisalign treatment.

Fully customized Invisalign aligners are developed to help meet your personalized plan. The plan moves your teeth into straight alignment using clear aligner trays. Depending on your needs, you will receive a sequence of aligners made from BPA-free plastic so they do not irritate your gums or teeth. You will wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours per day and remove them when you eat or brush/floss your teeth. Each set of clear aligners moves your teeth incrementally into place. You’ll change your aligners every week. Usually, we will provide you with several aligners at a time so the frequency of visits is minimized. Our doctors at Washington Center for Dentistry in Washington, D.C. will monitor your progress about every six to ten weeks. During each stage, you will notice the difference as your teeth start to straighten and your smile improves.

After your Invisalign aligner treatment is complete, you’ll need to protect your straight teeth by wearing a retainer. At Washington Center for Dentistry, our doctors offer custom-made Vivera® retainers that are formed using the same technology as Invisalign aligners to maintain your straight smile.

Schedule an Invisalign aligner consultation in Washington, D.C.

If you want a straight smile without wearing metal braces, then we encourage you to schedule an Invisalign aligner consultation with our doctors at Washington Center for Dentistry in Washington, D.C. The dental team will evaluate your dental health to determine if Invisalign aligners are right for your needs. Contact us to learn more.