What Is Invisalign?

Crooked teeth. They can cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile. Anyone who's ever hidden their smile in a selfie or on a Zoom meeting knows what it's like to feel embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth. However, wearing braces may seem worse than just living with crooked teeth.

Did you know that it's possible to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing? With Invisalign in Fairfax, VA, you can straighten your teeth with clear plastic aligners rather than wearing braces. Patients love the freedom that invisible braces give them! Here's what you should know.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic, BPA-free aligners that Dr. Fairfax customizes for your smile. The aligners fit snugly against your teeth, and apply gentle pressure to move them into alignment. Patients who wear their aligners daily for 20 to 22 hours see the best results and finish treatment on time.

How Do I Keep My Aligners Clean?

One of the advantages of invisible braces is they're removable, which means you can remove them to brush and floss your teeth. Be sure to rinse your aligners whenever you take them out, and you can also brush them gently to remove any plaque buildup inside them.

It's essential to remove your aligners whenever you eat and avoid drinking beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine that could stain your aligners.

How Long Does It Take to Straighten Teeth?

The length of treatment time varies for each patient depending on their unique and specific needs. For example, a patient who needs their bite corrected might have a longer treatment time than a patient who just needs to close some gaps between their teeth.  Most patients can finish treatment with Invisalign in 12 to 18 months.

Do you have questions about cosmetic dentistry in Fairfax, VA? Contact our team at (703) 273-1033 for more information.