Invisalign® in Herndon, VA

The good news is that almost everyone can get Invisalign! A good candidate typically has mild to moderate dental alignment issues, such as crowded teeth, gaps, or certain types of bite misalignments. You’ll need to be committed to following the treatment plan closely, including wearing the aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day and attending regular dental check-ups to monitor progress.

This treatment is not recommended for children as their jaws are still developing, and many of their permanent teeth have yet to come through. It is well-suited for adults and teens who prefer a more discreet orthodontic solution than braces.

We can schedule a free consultation to determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you.

Invisalign can effectively treat most orthodontic issues, especially with advancements in the technology and techniques used. Invisalign is well-suited for addressing a wide range of dental alignment problems, including:

1. Crowded Teeth: Helps in spacing out overlapping or tightly packed teeth.
2. Gaps Between Teeth: Effective in closing unwanted spaces between teeth.
3. Mild to Moderate Malocclusions: Includes overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
4. General Straightening: Suitable for overall teeth straightening for cosmetic or functional reasons.

However, while Invisalign is versatile, the effectiveness for complex cases depends on the specific situation. Some severe cases or unique dental issues might require more traditional orthodontic approaches or a combination of treatments.

The cost of Invisalign treatment is typically comparable to that of traditional braces. The total cost of treatment will depend on various factors, such as the complexity and duration of the treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your Invisalign aligners is crucial for oral hygiene and the effectiveness of the treatment. To clean your Invisalign, start by removing the aligners from your mouth and rinsing them under lukewarm water; avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear, gentle liquid soap to brush the aligners gently, ensuring you cover all surfaces. This helps remove plaque and eliminate any lingering food particles.

After brushing, rinse the aligners thoroughly under running water to wash away soap residue. To keep them hygienic and clear, it’s also recommended to soak your aligners daily in a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Always wash your hands before handling your aligners and brush and floss your teeth before reinserting them to maintain good oral health and prevent trapping harmful particles against your teeth. Remember, regular cleaning of your aligners is as important as your daily dental care routine.

Attachments are small, tooth-colored dots of dental bonding material that are placed on certain teeth during Invisalign treatment. These attachments serve as anchors, providing extra grip for the aligners. They help in applying the necessary force to move teeth into the desired position more effectively, especially in cases where complex tooth movements are required.

The use of attachments depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Not everyone who undergoes Invisalign treatment will need attachments. They are typically used when more precise or controlled tooth movement is necessary, such as rotating a tooth or shifting a tooth vertically.

Your dentist in Herndon will determine whether attachments are needed based on your dental structure, the alignment issues being corrected, and the overall treatment plan.

Invisalign Teen is specifically designed to cater to the unique orthodontic needs of teenagers, incorporating certain features that differentiate it from regular Invisalign, which adults typically use. The key differences include:

1. Compliance Indicators: Invisalign Teen aligners come with compliance indicators, which are small blue dots that fade over time as the aligners are worn. These indicators help parents, our dentists, and the teens themselves to monitor how consistently the aligners are being worn. This feature is particularly useful since consistent wear is crucial for the treatment’s effectiveness.
2. Eruption Tabs: Understanding that teenagers might still have growing teeth, Invisalign Teen is designed with eruption tabs or spaces to accommodate the eruption of second molars and other late-blooming teeth. This ensures that the treatment doesn’t hinder natural tooth growth and development.
3. Replacement Aligners: Recognizing that teens might be more likely to lose or damage an aligner, Invisalign Teen includes replacement aligners in the treatment plan at no extra cost. This helps keep the treatment on track despite such mishaps.
4. Treatment for Mixed Dentition: Invisalign Teen can be used even when the patient has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it a suitable option during the transition phase of dental development.

Overall, while Invisalign Teen is tailored for younger patients with lifestyle and developmental considerations in mind, it utilizes the same technology as regular Invisalign to straighten teeth effectively.