Fixing crooked teeth can improve your smile’s appearance and oral health. Most adult patients with crooked teeth have no desire to wear traditional metal braces. However, there is an alternative. Invisalign is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments we provide to the public in Washington, DC.
Dr. Justin Deckard is a trusted and highly trained dentist in Washington, DC, who offers clear aligners. His natural eye for balance and beauty makes him the ideal partner in your cosmetic dentistry journey. At DC Precision Dentistry, we aim to help each of our patients achieve a beautiful smile through personalized dental care.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that gradually repositions your teeth throughout treatment. You can remove the aligners to brush, floss, eat, and drink without restrictions. Invisalign is ideal for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns.
Most patients opt for this transparent aligner system because it is more discreet than metal braces. Invisalign aligners are also more comfortable. They offer an easy solution for crooked teeth.
Not all orthodontic concerns are equal. Some patients with advanced concerns may require the specialized care of an orthodontist. Dr. Deckard will work with patients to create a specialized orthodontic treatment plan for advanced cases.
Invisalign can address:
- Gaps between teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Overcrowding
- Crossbite
- Open Bite
The Invisalign braces are clear, removable, and will not irritate the gum tissue. This way, you can straighten your teeth comfortably.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Dr. Deckard will begin Invisalign treatment by taking digital impressions. Using 3-D dental technology and digital imaging, Dr. Deckard will quickly capture images of your teeth. Using these images, he will create accurate measurements and molds of your teeth to ensure a precise fit.
We send these molds to a dental lab. Invisalign aligner trays are made using SmartTrack material specially designed for your comfort.
Once the aligners are complete, you will return to our office. Dr. Deckard will fit the first pair of aligners and ensure they fit correctly. He will send you home with the aligners and case.
Each week, you switch to a new set of aligners. With each new set, your teeth will slowly move into proper alignment. You must wear each set of aligners for at least twenty-two hours daily for the best results. The length of your treatment and the number of aligners you need will depend on your specific issues.
On average, treatment lasts between twelve to eighteen months. However, this will vary from patient to patient. Dr. Deckard will explain all aspects of your treatment during a visit to our Washington, DC, dentist’s office.
How to Care for Invisalign Aligners
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can easily clean your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing will prevent food debris and bacteria buildup in your aligners. You can also soak your Invisalign aligners with Invisalign crystals. When you are not using your aligners, please keep them in their case.
Do not eat or drink anything other than cool or room-temperature water with aligners on your teeth. Hot water can damage Invisalign aligners.
How to Keep Your Teeth Straight
We will provide you with retainers after you complete the Invisalign treatment. Wearing retainers keeps your teeth in their straight positions. If you do not wear your retainers long enough each day, or if you forget to wear them, you can experience orthodontic relapse. This means your teeth shift to their previous positions. You may experience tooth gaps or crooked teeth.
We recommend wearing retainers twenty-two or more hours a day. After several years, we may recommend only wearing your retainers at night. Wearing them for as long as possible will ensure your teeth stay straight.
Invisalign FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about Invisalign to learn more about this cosmetic treatment:
How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
Caring for your aligners is easy. You should rinse and brush them every night. Using your toothbrush, gently brush your aligner to keep it fresh and clean. To help reduce the amount of food stuck in your teeth, we recommend you brush after you eat and before putting your aligners back in.
Can Invisalign damage teeth?
Invisalign clear aligners contain safe materials that do not harm or stain teeth. You can also remove your aligners if you notice odd discomfort or sharp pain. If they cause pain, contact your dentist right away. Clean your aligners daily to reduce your chances of tooth decay and other diseases.
How long do you have to wear Invisalign?
Your treatment time will depend on your orthodontic problem. You may not have to wear the aligners for longer than a year if you have minor crooked teeth issues, such as having just one or two misaligned teeth. Although, you may need to wear the aligners for up to 3 years if you have moderate to significant alignment issues.
What can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment does not restrict you to a specific diet. You can take the aligners off before you eat. Just brush your teeth if you eat sticky foods. We always recommend at least rinsing your mouth before putting your Invisalign aligners back on your teeth.
Does Invisalign work permanently?
Yes. Proper care allows Invisalign to provide lasting results like traditional braces. The aligners move the teeth slowly and gradually in their desired positions until they align permanently.
Wear the aligners as directed for the best results. You will also need to wear retainers to keep teeth straight after treatment.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign treatment is typically not painful. However, some patients may experience discomfort in the first few days of wearing the aligners. This is normal as your teeth slowly adjust to pressure from the aligners. Any discomfort should be mild and generally fade within a few days. You should contact your dentist if you experience severe or ongoing pain.
Schedule A Consultation for Invisalign in Washington, DC
To learn more about Invisalign, visit DC Precision Dentistry. Washington, DC, dentist Dr. Deckard works with patients one-on-one to design a personalized solution based on their needs. If you want to achieve a straighter smile, consider Invisalign invisible braces. To schedule a consultation, call (202) 851-7554. You can also request an appointment online.