How does Invisalign work?

When you schedule a consultation with our dentist in Arlington, VA, for Invisalign, an evaluation will be complete to help create your custom treatment plan. After your treatment plan is approved, your series of custom clear aligners are created. The clear aligners are based on molds of your teeth. They will help gradually move your teeth into position by exerting pressure as you switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks until the end of treatment.

Am I a candidate for Invisalign?

If you’re looking to achieve a straighter smile, Invisalign is a great orthodontic solution for adults and teens! While Invisalign effectively straightens teeth, Invisalign requires patient responsibility due to the flexibility of being removable without the help of a cosmetic dentist. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Matney is a great way to determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign!

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Patients love Invisalign because Invisalign aligners are:

Clear and Discreet
Comfortable to Wear
Easy to Clean and Keep Clean
Removable; No Food Restrictions
Very Efficient and Effective

How do you take care of Invisalign clear aligners?

Keeping your aligners clear is easy as long as they are cleaned regularly and properly. You should rinse your aligners every time you take them out and brush them at least once a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Invisalign offers several disinfecting products to keep them in good shape, or you can also clean them with liquid soap and soak them in distilled white vinegar. Never clean them with toothpaste or hot water, as that can damage them.

Can I just wear my aligners at night?

Invisalign aligners must be worn as often as possible. Ideally, patients should only take out their aligners to eat and drink, brush and floss their teeth, and to clean the aligner. If you don’t wear them often enough, the aligner won’t have enough time to do its job, and your treatment plan will be disrupted. We also recommend that patients always take their aligner case with them, as wrapping an aligner in a napkin makes it easy to accidentally throw it away.

Is Invisalign painful?

Your teeth are not used to being shifted, so the first week of wearing aligners can be a little painful and uncomfortable. However, it shouldn’t be anything that over-the-counter pain medication can’t relieve. When you switch to a new aligner, putting it in at night can help with soreness, as all of the initial movements will be made while you’re asleep. You can also try applying dental wax to areas on the aligner that are causing particular soreness.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Invisalign is typically more of an investment than other cosmetic or orthodontic procedures. Clear aligners are made with high-quality materials and advanced technology in a lab. Though more of an investment, the benefits of Invisalign remain unmatched. At Ballston Dental Care, we’re insurance friendly, offer flexible payment plans, and accept cash, check, debit, and credit cards. We encourage you to contact our front office to learn more about how much your Invisalign treatment would cost.

How long after Invisalign do I need to wear a retainer?

Even though Invisalign treatment is relatively short compared to other orthodontic treatments, wearing a retainer after Invisalign is still part of the process! A retainer is another orthodontic appliance worn after treatment to help your new smile retain its shape and alignment. The first three to six months after aligners are crucial when wearing a retainer. Consistency in wearing your aligners and retainer is key to successful Invisalign treatment!

Invisalign® Orthodontics in Arlington, VA