Invisalign
behind the scenes at beyond
Invisalign® Vienna, VA
Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign . Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
If you are a candidate, Invisalign provides an almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is available at Tysons Corner Advanced Dental Center in Vienna and the surrounding area. Call us at (703) 288-4700 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.
An Alternative to Traditional Braces
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
“Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth.”
Invisalign’s Three Steps
The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist. Our staff will look at overall oral health and take impressions of the mouth. Next, that impression is sent to Invisalign and used to make aligners unique to the patient’s mouth for a custom fit.
Once the aligners have been made, our staff will make sure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups with Tysons Corner Advanced Dental Center will make sure treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.
After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.
“The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist.”
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Invisalign is not without its pros and cons. Thanks to the fact that they are next-to-invisible, both teens and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness of traditional metal braces. Many patients also appreciate that they can take Invisalign aligners out to eat, brush and floss, or for social situations.
However, since they are removable, they are more likely to be lost or broken. Patients also need to be careful about what they drink when their aligners are in. Anything but water should be avoided. Liquids can seep into the plastic and stay there until the aligner is removed. This can lead to staining of the aligner and even tooth decay.
