What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

What is Invisalign?

What is Invisalign® and How Does it Work?

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign in Warrenton, VA
what is invisalign

Invisalign is a newer method of straightening out a patient's teeth. It is a method that has grown in popularity and is now widely used across the globe. This is because it uses clear, plastic aligners instead of the traditional braces that have uncomfortable metal wires, brackets, and bands. These clear aligners are custom made to fit a patient's teeth and slowly shift them over the span of a few months or years. At Warrenton Dental Center, we have used Invisalign on a number of happy patients who have achieved great results.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign involves a set of high-grade plastic aligners that patients are advised to wear for about 22 hours out of the day. These aligners are worn during all activities besides eating, and once a patient is done eating, they are expected to brush their teeth and then put the aligners back in. Every 1-2 weeks a patient is given their new set of custom-aligners, which will slowly help the shift of their teeth. This entire process can last a few months or a few years, depending on the patient, their dedication, and the complexity of the case.  This means a patient can have anywhere from 20-50 aligners spread out throughout the entire process.

The Advantages Of Invisalign

When discussing Invisalign, there is not just one singular, shining benefit to this service. In fact, Invisalign has a number of great advantages, especially when compared to traditional braces. The most notable advantages to these clear aligners include:

They are transparent. This means they do not attract as much negative attention as braces do. 

They do not change your lifestyle. Eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing should be a part of each and every day. Fortunately, Invisalign does not change these tasks because it does not change your diet. It also allows you to brush your teeth like you normally would, while patients with braces must learn to maneuver their way around the many metal brackets and wires. 

They can help increase a patient's self-esteem. We often hear many patients say that they feel self-conscious when they have traditional metal braces, because of the way braces attract attention. With Invisalign, it's almost impossible to tell if have them in, which means nobody looking at your mouth while you speak. 

Invisalign means less visits to your dentist. Patients who have braces are expected to go to the dentist every few weeks to get the braces tightened, and continue the shifting process. With Invisalign, there is no need to go to the dentist unless it is to check the progress! This also means less pain at dental visits, since the tightening of braces can be a little painful. 

Invisalign is comfortable. Traditional braces have a reputation for being characterized uncomfortable. Invisalign does not involves any tightening or wires, which makes them less comfortable. 

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How Does Invisalign Work?

You will receive your new Invisalign aligners every 1-2 weeks. Each time you get a new set of aligners, they will be slightly different from the last set. As you progress further into your treatment plan, these aligners will shift your teeth more and more. The reason for such small adjustments is so that we are continually moving your teeth towards the goal of being straight, but doing it in a way so that it is comfortable for you. 

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Most Invisalign aligners will cost a patient anywhere from $3,000-$5,000. This number is dependent on how complex your dental issues were before starting Invisalign, how many aligners you will need, etc. Fortunately, some dental insurance carriers will cover some of these costs.

Our Procedure

One of the best ways to help decide where or not a dental service is right for you is to ask about the procedure. This will typically give you a good idea of how much time you will need to invest, how many visits you will have, how long the entire process will last, etc. Below outlines our process from start to finish when a patient gets Invisalign services:

Assessment. Every dental service should begin with assessment. In Invisalign's case, this is where we see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, or if braces would be a better choice.

Data. Once we have decided that Invisalign is the right dental solution for you, we will need to collect data. This usually means x-rays and moldings of your teeth, which we send to the Invisalign lab. They need this data to create your aligners! 

Creation. The professionals at Invisalign will then begin to create your one-of-a-kind, custom aligners. This involves the utilizing of high-grade medical plastics that are formed to the exact shape of your specific teeth.

Education. Before giving you your new aligners and sending you on your way, we will explain to you how to use them. We will tell you how often to expect new aligners. We will also stress the fact that you are expected to wear these aligners for about 22 hours a day, including at night. This means that only times Invisalign should be taken out is while eating, or brushing/flossing. 

Checkups. During the Invisalign process, you will need to visit your dentist every 6-10 weeks to ensure that your teeth are shifting, as planned.

How To Care For Your Invisalign

The best way to get successful, quick results from Invisalign is by taking care of your aligners.Here are some helpful tips for keeping your aligners clean and long-lasting:

Brush your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. This ensures that your aligners will not accumulate food.

Pay attention to any signs of calcium build-up. If you notice any form of build-up, reach out to your dentist. 

Don't just brush your teeth, brush your aligners too! Do this with a soft toothbrush, and sensitive toothpaste to keep Invisalign trays clean. 

Get A Straighter Smile Today

If you are looking for a professional dentist to help create your Invisalign treatment plan, look no further. At Warrenton Dental Center, you can trust that our knowledgeable and dedicated staff will take good care of you, and have your teeth straightened in no time. To schedule an appointment or speak with a team member, give us a call today! 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or visit our  contact page.

Schedule an Appointment


For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or fill out the form below.

Contact Us

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