Why Choose Invisalign for Orthodontic Treatment?

We often recommend Invisalign or another clear braces treatment option for patients who want to straighten their teeth in Fairfax or a nearby area. 

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and removable. With this orthodontic treatment, our patients can achieve straighter teeth discreetly and without needing to change their diet. They also don’t have to alter their oral hygiene routine. Instead, they can simply remove Invisalign aligners before brushing and flossing.

Additionally, Invisalign clear aligners are made with flexible plastic, which is comfortable for most patients. 

For the above reasons, many of our teen and adult patients prefer Invisalign treatment over more traditional orthodontic options, like metal braces.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?

The Invisalign treatment process begins with a consultation with your dentist. At Dr. Fairfax & Associates Family Dentistry, Dr. Cerina W. Fairfax will examine your teeth, taking impressions, digital x-rays, and photographs to determine if Invisalign is the best course of treatment for your orthodontic problem.

If Dr. Fairfax recommends Invisalign, we will then send the information we gathered during your appointment to the dental lab. The lab will use the information to create custom aligners for your teeth and smile goals.

You can pick up your Invisalign aligners at our office, where we will provide detailed information and instructions for using the aligners. We’ll also answer all your questions about Invisalign treatment and your aligners, so don’t hesitate to ask. 

Each set of aligners we provide you with will move your teeth slightly. Each slight movement will put you closer to your goal of a straight, better-aligned smile. We advise most of our patients to change their aligners out for the next set every two weeks. However, Dr. Fairfax may adjust that schedule based on your specific needs and the results we’re trying to achieve. 

The treatment time for Invisalign aligner treatment varies depending on the patient’s specific needs. However, studies have shown that clear aligners often provide a faster treatment time and better-segmented moving of each tooth than patients' experiences with traditional braces. 

In order to complete their treatment plan on time, however, patients will need to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours every day, only removing them when eating, drinking, and for their oral hygiene routine.

How Effective Is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is effective at correcting a variety of mild dental conditions, including:

• Openbite
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned or crooked teeth
• Overbite and underbite
• Crossbite
• Small gaps or spaces between the teeth

Studies have also shown that it may be possible to treat some complex dental situations with Invisalign as well, so treatment isn’t always limited to traditional braces, even for patients with more tooth alignment issues that are more challenging to resolve.

Overall, Invisalign and other clear braces treatments offer beautiful results in a relatively short amount of time.

The Long-Term Effects of Invisalign Treatment

Once we have achieved your perfect smile with Invisalign treatment, we want to help you maintain your new look. To help keep your teeth straight, we recommend wearing a retainer after your treatment. We provide a range of retainer options and will discuss your needs in our Fairfax dental office to find out which one works best for you. 

For patients who still want a discreet look, even with their retainer, we offer an option that looks very similar to the Invisalign clear aligner. 

If you do not wear a retainer after treatment, your teeth may begin to drift back into their original places, undoing all your work and dedication. We urge you to continue to invest in your beautiful smile after completing Invisalign treatment to keep it as attractive and healthy as possible.

Are Straighter Teeth Healthier Than Crooked Teeth?

A long-term benefit of straightening your teeth may be better oral health. When patients enjoy proper tooth alignment, they often have an easier time cleaning their teeth, which means they harbor fewer bacteria and less food debris in their mouths. 

With cleaner teeth and gums, your oral health should benefit, and you’ll decrease your risk of developing dental issues, like cavities and gum disease.

If you have other questions about how Invisalign clear aligners can benefit you, please contact our team. In addition, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about Invisalign treatment over the phone.

Invisalign in Fairfax

If you need Invisalign treatment in Fairfax, VA, our team of dental professionals is here to help. With Invisalign treatment, we’ve assisted many patients in achieving straight teeth so that they can enjoy better oral health and a smile they love sharing with the world. And with this orthodontic treatment method, you can achieve those goals without the need for traditional braces!

Please reach out to Dr. Fairfax & Associates Family Dentistry to book your Invisalign consultation with Dr. Fairfax today. After an initial consultation, we can work together to create a treatment plan customized for your smile.