Do you want a straighter smile? Are you tired of your crooked teeth? Invisalign may offer the solution you need.
Invisalign is a more comfortable alternative to traditional orthodontics that uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal brackets. These aligners move and shift teeth over time to create the proper adjustments. This treatment option is discreet as it is virtually invisible.
Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS offers Invisalign treatment to patients in Washington, D.C. Straightening crooked teeth not only improves the cosmetic appearance of your smile, but also helps protect against tooth decay and gum disease. A properly aligned smile is easier to clean than a misaligned one. Invisalign is a cosmetic dentistry service that Dr. Cantanzano provides to the public.
Benefits of Invisalign
As compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is often a faster and more comfortable treatment option. Metal braces can pinch the gum tissue surrounding teeth and often have an average treatment time that spans several years. The average time of treatment with Invisalign is twelve months or less.
Patients who use Invisalign can also take clear aligners out to eat and brush their teeth, so there are no foods or drinks that they can’t consume. Because the aligners used in Invisalign treatment are clear, they are less noticeable than traditional braces.
Treatment with Invisalign in Washington D.C.
Dr. Catanzano will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. To begin the process, a mold of your teeth will be made for your first custom aligner. Each aligner will be worn and then switched to a slightly different aligner after a couple of weeks.
The clear aligners are changed every two weeks as teeth shift. Treatment with Invisalign is highly customized to each patient because each aligner is mapped out to conform to teeth as they shift. Depending on your individual needs, Invisalign treatment can last from six months to twelve or eighteen months.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about Invisalign:
How long should I wear the clear aligners each day?
The Invisalign clear aligners should be worn for about 20 to 22 hours per day. Dr. Randall or Melissa Stewart will go over your daily use of the aligners and their care.
Is treatment with Invisalign painful?
Invisalign treatment is no more painful than traditional braces. You may feel some mild pressure or discomfort as you adjust to each new aligner, but this discomfort will fade as your teeth adjust.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign does not require any dietary restrictions because you can remove the clear aligners to eat. Be sure you brush and floss your teeth before wearing the aligners again to keep them fresh and clean.
How long does it take for teeth to set after Invisalign?
To keep your teeth in their new positions after you stop using Invisalign, you’ll need to use orthodontic retainers. Teeth require 9–12 months to become fully stabilized by bone, and less likely to shift post treatment. We recommend wearing retainers during this period to prevent any shifting.
Is it common to lose weight while wearing Invisalign?
Patients who use Invisalign are more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as cutting down on sugary drinks and increasing water consumption, which can lead to weight loss. Many patients have reported losing 10–15 pounds while using Invisalign aligners, due to the healthy habits that it encourages.
Can I use toothpaste to clean my Invisalign?
You may use a mild toothpaste and toothbrush mixture to clean your aligner. Brush the aligner softly and with care using a toothbrush with extremely soft bristles. Denture cleanser may also be used to clean invisalign aligners.
Request a Dental Exam & Invisalign Consultation
Do you want to straighten crooked teeth quickly and effectively? Try Invisalign. You can contact Foxhall Smiles for Invisalign treatment today at 202-315-2188. You may also schedule a consultation with Dr. Catanzano today. Patients who have any questions about Invisalign or any of our other dental services can ask a member of our dental team for clarification. Our team is friendly and willing to help.