Invisalign®: A Comfortable and Convenient Alternative to Braces

Clear Aligners | Clear Braces Bethesda MD

Straighten your teeth with clear aligners that are virtually invisible.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth. Just as effective as traditional braces but much more modern, this virtually invisible technique is an excellent option for those who would prefer a more advanced, less noticeable approach to braces.

What are clear braces?

Clear braces are smooth BPA-free plastic, removable aligners that you comfortably wear over your teeth all day every day to pull them into alignment. In fact, for them to be most effective, you’ll only remove them when you’re cleaning your teeth or eating.

Can you eat while wearing Invisalign®?

No. As mentioned above, you will need to remove the aligners when you eat and pop them back in as soon as you’re finished. One advantage to using Invisalign® rather than traditional braces is that there are no dietary restrictions or broken brackets resulting from biting down on hard foods. Enjoy all your favorite crunchy and chewy foods without worrying about them hurting your braces. Simply remove the clear braces before you eat and brush your teeth right after—before you place them back in your mouth.

Should I get Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is an excellent option for patients of all ages who enjoy an active and social lifestyle and would prefer no one know they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. These clear plastic aligners also appeal to those who would like a comfortable alternative to metal and wires that tend to poke and bother gums. The removable feature of Invisalign® allows you not only to eat all your favorite foods, but also to brush and floss your teeth without the difficulty of maneuvering around brackets. Aligners make tooth decay prevention much easier.

How does Invisalign® work?

The first step in your teeth-straightening journey is a consultation with us. We are proud to be one of the few dentists in our area to offer this advanced orthodontic treatment, and we’ve been highly trained to create individualized plans that result in beautiful outcomes.

We take x-rays and 3D impressions of your teeth to create a virtual image chart of the movements of your teeth and what you can expect to see as they shift and straighten. If your teeth are widely gapped or overly crowded, Invisalign® brings them all into perfect alignment and spacing.

Once we’ve mapped out a plan that is unique to you and your needs, we begin the fabrication of a series of aligners that are custom-made for you. You’ll receive a new set every two weeks, and to ensure all is going as planned, you’ll pop in for a checkup with us every six weeks.

How long is Invisalign® treatment?

This depends on a variety of factors. Adults can usually complete the treatment in a year. Teens take about the same amount of time to complete Invisalign® as traditional braces. The key is to make sure to wear the aligners 20-22 hours a day. Wearing them consistently is what will shift your teeth into place in the shortest amount of time.