Invisalign is the most advanced clear aligner in the world. No other clear aligner is backed by the data and experience of 4 million cases.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. It's made of a clear material that can straighten your teeth, without interfering with the look of your natural smile. Invisalign is custom-fitted and designed to deliver the correct amount of pressure on each tooth. With thousands of happy patients, Let's Smile Dental is the Top 1% Invisalign provider in the Northern Virginia metro area.
Invisalign Vs. Braces
Which is better...Invisalign or braces? Read on for a comparison of braces and Invisalign.
What Can I Expect With Invisalign?
Will it hurt? What can I eat? Find out everything you can expect when living with Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign?
If you or a loved one has considered getting braces, chances are you've heard of Invisalign. A popular alternative to metal braces, the Invisalign clear aligners are braces that are custom-made for the patient. Not only do these braces fit comfortably over the teeth, but they are practically invisible. This means very few people will be able to tell that a patient with an Invisalign has braces. If you want to straighten your smile, here is some more information about these aligners.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The aligners work by shifting the teeth gradually to the right position. Invisalign aligners can move the teeth vertically and horizontally. In fact, when necessary, the aligners can rotate the teeth to the right position. These aligners have been engineered to exert the optimal amount of force at the ideal time and in the correct place. In most cases, you will change your set of aligners every single week. The doctor will plan out the custom treatment for you after the initial consultation, which involves taking 3D digital images of your teeth and possibly doing a physical impression.
Taking Care Of Invisalign Aligners
Most people are pleased to learn that taking care of the aligners is fairly simple. The only change that you need to make to your bedtime routine is cleaning the aligners every night. You can use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to clean your aligners every night. Another option that you have is buying an Invisalign cleaning kit. Other than cleaning your aligners every night, there is nothing else you need to do.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Many people struggle to maintain their oral hygiene when wearing metal braces. However, if you choose to get this type of aligner, you will find it far easier to maintain your oral hygiene. All you need to do is remove the aligners and you will be able to floss and brush your teeth as normal.
Day-To-Day Life
Invisalign aligners won't have a major impact on your day-to-day life. As you probably know, wearing metal braces comes with many food restrictions, because crunchy and sticky foods can get stuck in the wires and brackets. However, since these aligners don't have brackets or wires, there are very few food restrictions. In fact, you should remove them before eating. Therefore, you don't need to give up your favorite foods for a few years to achieve a perfect smile.
Playing contact sports is still possible with Invisalign. Since there are no sharp brackets, you won't have to be concerned about injuring your gums. Also, you can remove the aligners to put on a mouthguard, if necessary.
Invisalign Vs. Braces
Invisalign treatment is not the same as braces or other types of orthodontic devices. When it comes to considering “Invisalign vs Braces,” it’s important to understand one is not necessarily better than the other. There are a lot of differences between the two, yet they both serve similar functions. Orthodontists will typically suggest one of these two methods but for different reasons. Which one is right for you? Do you need Invisalign or braces? Speaking to an orthodontist can help you decide.
Invisalign And How It Works
Invisalign is a treatment option for malocclusions or bad bites. Custom, clear, plastic trays go over your teeth. These trays will gently move your teeth into the desired configuration a little at a time. After a brief time, a new set of aligners will go in to continue the process. The trays are clear and can go undetected. It’s also possible to remove them so you can eat and tend to your dental hygiene without encumbrance.
How Invisalign Differs From Braces
You can not remove braces, and you must exercise care when eating or cleaning your teeth. Many people don’t like braces because of the metal and wires. They would rather people not focus on the braces when in public. However, braces are sometimes necessary. This is especially true for younger people. There are also multiple options for braces to make them less visible, such as clear braces, which are not the same as Invisalign.
Choosing Between Invisalign Or Braces
Many adults choose Invisalign because the aligners are less visible. This can become important for their day-to-day life and activities. Braces are ideal for people with severe or complex bite issues. Your own temperament may help your decision as well. Invisalign puts you more in control of your treatment, so it requires some discipline on your part. By contrast, low maintenance braces remain on your teeth and do their work without you needing to do much else.
The Price Of Invisalign Vs. Braces
The price of any orthodontic treatment will depend a lot on your particular bite problem. For many people, the cost of Invisalign vs braces is often comparable. The convenient and custom nature of Invisalign can sometimes add to the cost. It’s not easy to say which will cost more in the end. It’s important to see your orthodontist for an x-ray and consultation first. From there, you can discuss your options.
What Can I Expect With Invisalign?
If you have been dreaming about having a straight smile that you can be proud of, but don't want the hassles of traditional braces, the Invisalign is the perfect solution. No longer do you have to put up with the inconveniences of traditional braces, and, best of all, they are hardly detectable when you wear them. Simply take Invisalign aligners out to eat and brush and leave them in throughout the day and watch the incredible results happen over time.
Comfort And Convenience
One of the biggest drawbacks associated with traditional braces is the lack of comfort. When you choose to correct your smile with these invisible aligners, you don't have to worry about discomfort. The Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear all day and don't require tightening, which is one of the major factors associated with discomfort with traditional braces. They are simply switched out over time as your teeth move into the proper position. Also, changing and removing your Invisalign aligner retainer is quick, easy and pain-free. It is the perfect solution for correcting your smile without interfering with everyday life.
Getting Started
Getting started with your treatment plan is simple. Make an appointment with your dental care provider to get X-rays of your mouth, which gives the dentist the information they need to form a treatment plan for your individual needs. They will then create your custom aligners, which are worn from 20 to 22 hours per day. Over the course of time, they will move your teeth into the correct position. You wear them all day and only take them out to eat and sleep.
Changing Aligners
The aligners will be changed weekly and you should schedule an oral exam with your dental care provider every six weeks to check your progress. Each person is different and there is no specific treatment time frame, so ask your dental care provider for more information about the treatment process to get a better idea of how long it will take. You may require a retainer after completing your treatment to help keep your teeth in place and prevent them from moving.
Incredible Results
You won't believe how quickly and effectively the Invisalign system works. They are able to correct the issues you have without requiring a great deal of maintenance or attention. Simply put them in and take them out and get incredible results that make you want to smile.
Maintaining Your Smile With Vivera Retainers
After you’ve invested the time to align your teeth, you may wonder how to go about choosing a specific type of retainer to continue to keep them straight. You likely don’t want any more dental treatments than you have to after either braces or Invisalign. Vivera makes clear retainers that can quickly stabilize your teeth so they’re unlikely to shift back, and they’re made to be as comfortable as possible to the wearer.
What Are Vivera Retainers?
Vivera retainers are types of Invisalign retainers, and they’re designed to set teeth in place using a clear, durable plastic device. They’re highly recommended if you’ve used Invisalign to straighten your teeth, but they can be used regardless of the treatment option you’ve chosen. During this final phase of completing your ideal smile, it’s extremely important to follow through with the retention phase.
What Are They Made Of?
Vivera retainers use the same type of technology that Invisalign uses to align teeth to their optimum position. It’s made of a specific type of thermoplastic that you won’t find anywhere else. The company uses 3-D digital imaging to ensure you get the best possible fit. These Invisalign retainers are also extremely durable, allowing them to sustain wear and handling.
We Are The Leading Invisalign Provider In Fairfax, Reston, and Springfield
We are a Diamond Invisalign Provider, which means we're part of the top 1% of all Invisalign providers. Our expert orthodontists will make sure your smile is exactly as you envisioned. Come visit us in any one of our convenient Northern VA locations for your complimentary consultation.