Invisalign’s parent company, Align Technology, was founded in San Jose, California in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth.
The first step towards your new beautiful straight teeth is a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Doshi . They'll examine your teeth and gums, discuss your orthodontic goals, and help decide if Invisalign is right for you. With our iTero scanner, we can create digital impressions of your mouth without the need for dental putty. We'll then use this data to show you a digital mockup of your new smile, giving you a sneak peek of what the final result will look like with the Invisalign system.
You'll return to our Fairfax office for another Invisalign consultation once we receive your first few sets of aligners. You'll try them on and we'll make any necessary adjustments. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to wear them for the best results. Most patients are instructed to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Every two weeks or so, you'll also switch out the aligners for the next set.
Every 6 weeks, you'll come back to the office to check-in and pick up your next several sets of aligners. Your doctor will monitor your progress to ensure your smile is on the right track. As long as you're diligent about wearing your aligners for the correct amount of time every day, your teeth will continue shifting into the desired position.
Once your treatment has been completed, you'll receive a set of Invisalign retainers to ensure your beautiful new smile stays straight. These retainers look similar to Invisalign aligners, but their durability makes them better suited for long-term use, as they can handle excessive pressure without breaking down. Wearing your retainers nightly will keep your teeth straight for years to come.
An overbite is present when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. Overbites are a common occurrence, and often don't present an issue, but when the gap is too large, they can become a problem. The misalignment not only leads to premature wear and tear, but can also cause jaw pain. Invisalign can shift your teeth into a healthier position without the need for conventional braces.
Underbites occur when your lower front teeth sit in front of your upper arch of teeth. Often, underbites happen when the lower jaw is simply too far forward. An underbite can make it difficult to chew or speak properly, and can cause premature wear to your teeth. In some cases, underbites can be alleviated with Invisalign alone, but more severe cases may require oral surgery before beginning orthodontic treatment.
In an ideal bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth. A crossbite is present when some of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. This causes wear and tear, like chips or cracks. The pressure of your bite can lead to gum recession in some cases, resulting in sensitive teeth and even bone loss. Invisalign can fix certain cases of crossbites, so come into Healthy Smiles Dentistry for a consultation to find out which orthodontic option is best for you.
While common, gaps between your teeth can create significant risks for the health of your smile. Gaps are difficult to clean, making them easy places for food to get stuck in and can harbor bacteria that lead to gum disease. Close those gaps with Invisalign from our Fairfax dental practice for a seamless, healthy smile.
In an ideal bite, the upper and lower front teeth touch when the mouth is closed. For patients with an open bite, the teeth do not touch. Open bites can make eating and chewing difficult, and can cause problems with speech and premature wear. Invisalign can gradually reposition your open bite until all of your teeth are in alignment.
When your teeth overlap each other due to a lack of room in your mouth, it is called crowding. Crowding can make brushing and flossing difficult, allowing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria to build up. Over time, this buildup may lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. Fortunately, Invisalign is able to remedy most cases of crowded teeth.
Over 8 million patients have trusted Invisalign to transform their smiles.
Invisalign aligners are crafted with layers of photo-sensitive liquid resin, designed from impressions of your teeth. Once exposed to a special light, the resin cures into a hard and flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, which was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. It's got the approval of the FDA too!
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is the ease of use and maintenance. Keep your Invisalign trays clean by brushing them with a toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth. If you're out and about, you can simply rinse the aligners in lukewarm water. The most important thing to remember is to never use hot water or abrasive cleaners, as they can warp the plastic, rendering them ineffective, or even detrimental to your treatment. If you're interested in a more thorough cleaning regiment, you can also purchase an Invisalign Cleaning System.
Invisalign aligning trays are virtually invisible while they are being worn. In fact, most people won't notice them at all! Not only is the plastic clear, but there are no bulky metal brackets or wires to draw attention to your teeth. Plus, your aligners are custom-made to fit snuggly and are trimmed down so they don't show over your gum line.
In most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces or metal braces, but pricing will vary depending on your unique oral health needs. For a more accurate estimate, schedule a consultation with your Fairfax dentist at Healthy Smiles Dentistry today! Many insurance plans also cover some orthodontic treatments, so be sure to call your provider to get the details of your benefits.
Invisalign attachments, often called 'buttons', are small, tooth-colored dots of dental bonding placed on certain teeth to help facilitate movement. These attachments act as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push or pull on to move your teeth with precision. They are custom-made for each patient and are a crucial part of the Invisalign treatment process.
The number and placement of Invisalign attachments vary depending on the specific needs of each patient. Some may need several attachments, while others might not need any at all. These attachments are not permanent and will be removed at the end of your Invisalign treatment.
One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that there are no food restrictions. Unlike traditional braces, which have wires and brackets that can be damaged by certain foods, Invisalign aligners are removable. This means you can take them out when you eat and drink, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods.
However, it's important to remember to clean your teeth and your aligners before putting them back in after eating. Food particles can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, leading to potential issues like cavities and bad breath. Also, avoid drinking hot beverages with your aligners in, as the heat can warp the plastic.
While Invisalign is a highly effective treatment for many dental issues, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Invisalign can correct problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites, gap teeth, open bites, and crowded teeth. It's also a popular choice for generally straightening teeth.
However, there are some cases where Invisalign may not be the best option. Severe or complex dental issues, such as extreme overbites or underbites, large gaps, or rotated teeth, might require more traditional orthodontic treatments. Additionally, patients who lack the discipline to wear their aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day might not get the full benefits of Invisalign.
Remember, every patient is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. It's always best to consult with a qualified dentist, like Dr. Ridhi Shah at Healthy Smiles Dentistry, to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
The duration of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the complexity of your case and your compliance with wearing the aligners as directed. On average, treatment with Invisalign typically ranges from 6 to 18 months, with most patients achieving their desired results within a year.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Ridhi Shah at Healthy Smiles Dentistry, she will evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment goals to provide an estimate of how long your Invisalign journey may take. Factors such as the severity of misalignment, the number of aligners required, and your response to treatment can influence the overall duration.
It's essential to follow Dr. Shah's instructions diligently, wearing your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day and switching to a new set of aligners as prescribed. Skipping or prolonging the wear time of aligners can prolong the treatment process and may affect the outcome. Additionally, attending regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Shah allows for monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results within the expected timeframe.
Most Invisalign patients achieve their desired results in just 1 year.
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