Get A Straighter Smile With Invisalign

Explore Your Braces-Free Orthodontic Options

If you have crooked teeth, an uneven smile, or a bite issue, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. And orthodontic issues aren’t just cosmetic, either. If your teeth don’t fit together properly, this can raise your risk of cavities, gum disease, and even things like premature tooth wear and TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

At Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry, our team is here to help. Dr. Diane Pham has years of experience in Invisalign, and can help you straighten your smile in Vienna, VA without braces. Explore the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners below, or by scheduling your orthodontic consultation with Dr. Pham right away.

What Is Invisalign, And How Does It Work?

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments like braces. Rather than using wires, brackets, and rubber bands to move your teeth, it uses clear plastic “trays” or “aligners.” These are made from thin, strong plastic, fit perfectly over your teeth, and exert gentle pressure on them. 

Over time, each pair of Invisalign aligners slowly moves your teeth to healthier positions in your mouth. Instead of seeing a dentist for adjustments, Invisalign requires you to switch to a new set of aligners about every 1-2 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. When you switch to a new set, this process starts all over again.

Understanding The Benefits Of Invisalign

• Invisible when worn – Unlike braces, Invisalign is nearly invisible to others. Your trays are made from thin, transparent plastic, and will not be visible unless someone’s looking at your teeth very closely.
• Removable to eat and drink – Want to eat popcorn, chips, or other foods that are off-limits with braces? Take out your aligners and eat whatever you want! There are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign.
• Simple oral hygiene – You can also take your aligners out to brush and floss, which means it’s much simpler to keep your teeth healthy throughout the Invisalign treatment process.
• Faster treatment time – Most patients need between 12-18 months of Invisalign treatment to correct their smiles. In contrast, braces usually take at least 18 months, and can take even longer for some patients.
• Get a healthy, confident smile – Once you’re done with Invisalign treatment, you’ll never have to hide your teeth again, and you can feel more confident in your appearance. A healthier bite and a straight smile help protect your oral health, too!

What To Expect from Invisalign Treatment

Orthodontic consultation

First, you’ll meet with Dr. Pham to make sure you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment in Vienna, VA. Most patients qualify, but some patients who have serious orthodontic issues may need to get traditional braces instead.

Creating your Invisalign plan

Once you’re approved, Dr. Pham will take digital impressions of your mouth. Then, she will work with Invisalign to develop a plan for moving your teeth, correcting your bite, and providing you with the straight, healthy smile you deserve. Once your plan is finished, Invisalign will begin building your first several sets of aligners.

Picking up your aligners

It usually takes a couple of weeks for your first sets of aligners to arrive at our office. You’ll come into Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry to pick them up, then start wearing them for 20-22 hours per day. If you want to keep your treatment on track, it’s important to wear your aligners as much as possible.

Continued Invisalign treatment

You will switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks. You also will need to come in for a visit with Dr. Pham every 6-8 weeks. She will check on your progress, make sure your Invisalign treatment is on track, and give you a few new sets of aligners at each visit.

Finishing up

It usually takes 12-18 months to complete Invisalign treatment. Once you’re done, you’ll come in for one last visit with Dr. Pham. She’ll give you a set of retainers to wear. You will need to wear them according to her instructions to prevent your teeth from shifting back toward their original positions.