invisalign® in Washington, DC

1. Consultation: From your first appointment to the final confident, new smile, it is important to select a doctor who you feel comfortable with. During your consultation, you and your doctor will talk about your case in detail, to determine if Invisalign is right for you. The features of your unique smile will determine the plan that will correct and straighten your teeth. This is an excellent time to ask questions about the entire Invisalign experience. Invisalign can easily tackle cases—from simple adjustments to more complex conditions.
2. Customized plan created just for you: Invisalign uses X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to create a digital 3D image of your mouth and smile. From these images, your doctor maps out a precise plan of the exact movements of your teeth. The plan itself dictates how long the treatment will take. Using the same technology, your doctor will show you a virtual picture of how your teeth will move in each stage of treatment. While every case is unique, Invisalign treatment usually takes about 12 – 18 months.
3. Get custom aligners based on your personalized plan. The plan to move your teeth calls for a series of custom, clear aligner trays created just for you. Most patients get between 18 – 30. The comfortable BPA-free plastic doesn’t irritate teeth and gums like regular metal braces. Just wear them throughout your day. Remove them to eat or to brush and floss. As you wear each set of clear trays, your teeth gradually shift into place. And the whole treatment takes place without anyone knowing but you!

4. Change aligners every few weeks. A new set of aligners every 2 weeks advances you to the next stage. Your doctor monitors progress every 6 weeks or so. Wear aligners 20 – 22 hours a day. At every stage, you can track them moving closer to the straighter smile of your dreams.

5. Your new smile revealed. This is the moment! Big "High-Five!" Celebration! You have reached the last aligner, the end of treatment, and you will smile more now more than ever. 

6. Protect your new smile. Once your plan is complete, if your doctor recommends retainers to keep your teeth in their straight new position, Vivera® retainers are custom made with the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign. Vivera retainers lock your new smile into position. 

You might be like many other adults who think about having straighter teeth, but at this stage of your life, metal braces are a total "deal-breaker." Enter Invisalign: A convenient, flexible alternative to metal braces that will give you a better smile every day.

Benefits of Invisalign for Adults:

• Invisible alternative to adult metal braces: The Invisalign aligners, or trays, are made of a virtually invisible plastic. In fact, you will be utterly surprised to learn how many people won’t even know you are going through treatment. It’s an added benefit not having to feel self-conscious about how you look. You will absolutely look—just like yourself. One thing people might notice is that you’re starting to smile a lot more.
• Life goes on without interruption: With Invisalign’s smooth, comfortable aligners, there are not irritating, metal brackets to worry about and no foods to avoid that will change your eating habits. Plus, fewer doctor visits, as Invisalign fits conveniently into your busy life.
• Keeping optimal oral health: While Invisalign treatment is straightening your teeth, you can still brush and floss as usual, since the aligners are removable. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a critical component of health.