Invisalign
Minor misalignment can put a damper on your smile, but traditional braces are unattractive and can cause feelings of embarrassment. Fortunately, Invisalign® is a virtually unnoticeable orthodontic treatment that can straighten your teeth in months. Drs. Will Thornton and Nathan Van der Linden in Washington, DC, can give you the dazzling smile you desire through Invisalign.
Feeling Self-Conscious?
CONTACT OUR DENTAL PRACTICE TODAY
Invisalign is an effective and discreet alternative to braces. Our dentist in Washington, DC, can assess your aesthetic goals and oral health needs to create an Invisalign treatment plan that can give you your dream smile. Contact our Washington, DC, practice to request your consultation.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear aligners that are custom-fitted to your teeth to slowly move them into their ideal position over the course of 12 to 18 months.
These aligners can straighten minor misalignment concerns. You may be a better candidate for another orthodontic option, like braces if you suffer from severe misalignment.
The Benefits Of Clear Aligners
Why Many Patients Prefer Invisalign Over Braces
Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that can correct minor to moderate tooth misalignment in a discreet way. Many of our Washington, DC-area patients choose clear aligners over braces because they are:
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Comfortable
Unlike braces, which use metal wires and brackets, clear aligners are made of smooth plastic. The aligners will not irritate your cheeks and tongue.
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Removable
You should wear your aligners for 22 hours daily to achieve your desired results. Fortunately, you can remove them to easily enjoy any foods you like, floss your teeth, and keep your entire smile clean during treatment.
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Discreet
Probably the biggest benefit to clear aligners over braces is that they are virtually undetectable while in place. Patients can enjoy the life-changing results of this orthodontic process without being self-conscious about metal wires or brackets.
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While Invisalign can correct minor to moderate misalignment issues, more severe misalignment may require braces. Contact our Washington, DC, practice to find out if Invisalign or another solution is right for you.
The Differences
Between Invisalign and Braces
| Can Treat Minor Misalignment | Can Treat Severe Misalignment | Discreet | Removable | Can Treat Gapped Teeth | Can Treat Overcrowded Teeth | Can Treat Overbite/ Underbite | |
| Invisalign | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Braces | X | X | X | X | X |
Exploring Candidacy for Invisalign
Most patients with mild to moderate misalignment who wish to achieve a straighter smile make good candidates for Invisalign treatment. The best way to determine your candidacy is to contact our Washington, DC, practice to request your consultation. In the meantime, here are the basics of Invisalign candidacy:
Children and Adults
Children and adults alike can be candidates for orthodontics, and Invisalign is no different. Though many adults love the advantages of clear aligners as a discreet treatment, children as young as the age of seven can benefit from treatment and set themselves up for a straight and healthy smile for life. Teenagers also enjoy the discretion of Invisalign over braces.
Good Oral Health
Before you receive any kind of orthodontic treatment, it's important for your mouth to be healthy. Follow an at-home oral care routine that consists of brushing, flossing, and using an oral rinse, visit the dentist for regular exams and cleanings, and receive any necessary preparatory treatments so your mouth is healthy enough for orthodontics.
Commitment
To be a good candidate for Invisalign, candidates must be willing to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours each day. Though Invisalign can be taken out quickly and easily, removing the aligners for long periods of time can extend your treatment timeline and even result in your teeth reverting back to their misaligned position.
Why Should I Choose a Dentist
Instead of an Orthodontist?
Our dentists approach is to consider a comprehensive treatment plan that encompasses cosmetic dentistry goals. Unlike orthodontists, we work directly with our clients to fully understand their goals and take full control over the treatment process. This enables us to achieve the desired outcome with greater precision and control.
Our Patients Are Our Priority
"I left the office smiling and laughing."
Alissa Swango
Washington, DC
2023
I am a new patient and was referred to this office by a friend. Since the very first intake call, I have been unexpectedly over- impressed by this dental office. I have never once had a reason to say that ever in my life.
Andrea Husbands
Washington, DC
2023
I have not been to the dentist in years and this office came as a recommendation. I was terrified but Dr. Thornton and Jamie crew put me at ease...Office is clean and comfortable. Front staff are very friendly.... I left the office smiling and laughing which I did not expect.
Invisalign Gold Plus Providers
Our Dentists Have Extensive Experience
Invisalign providers are classified according to how many Invisalign treatments they complete each year. Our dentists are proud to be Gold Plus providers, meaning we help at least 25 patients per year benefit from this treatment.
We Use the Latest Technology
To Improve Your Invisalign Experience
Our office uses the iTero® intraoral scanner to provide the best quality care.
What Is It?
The iTero intraoral scanner takes 3D images of your teeth. It is a hand-held wand your dentist will use to scan over your mouth and capture precise images of your teeth and gums.
Visualize Your Results
This digital scan allows patients to see a virtual preview of what their teeth and smile could look like following Invisalign treatment. It can be an effective motivator for patients to stick to their treatment.
Quick and Comfortable
Since this is a digital scan, there is no need for messy impressions that can be uncomfortable for those with a sensitive gag reflex. The process is quick, taking under 15 minutes to complete.
Caring for Your New Aligners
Watch What You Drink
It's absolutely okay to drink a glass of cold or room-temperature water while wearing your aligners. However, if you want to enjoy any other type of beverage, remove your aligner. Cola and other dark-colored drinks can stain your aligner, and hot drinks like coffee can cause them to become warped.
Clean Your Aligners
Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cold water to avoid buildup. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and hard-bristled toothbrushes as these can cloud and scratch your aligners and make them more noticeable while wearing them. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic and affect your treatment.
Brush After Eating
Brush your teeth after you eat or drink anything besides water before reinserting your aligners. Without cleaning your teeth, food and sugar residue will sit against your teeth and gums, which can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Keep Them Safe
Because they are removable, clear aligners can be easily lost, misplaced, or damaged. Put your aligners in a safe place each time you remove them. Do not place them in an area where they can easily be damaged.
Let Our Dentists Straighten Your Smile
Contact Us Today
Patients from all across DC choose our practice to straighten their smiles because we are:
Patient-Focused
Our patients are our priority, and we want each patient to leave our office with a healthy, beautiful smile.
Experienced
Our dentists have many years of experience, and as Invisalign Gold Plus providers, you can be sure you're getting excellent Invisalign treatment.
Technologically Advanced
Our practice uses the latest technology available in dentistry. Our iTero scanner allows our patients to preview their results before treatment.
Contact our Washington, DC, practice today to request your consultation with our experienced and compassionate dental team.
5-Star Reviews From Our Patients
It's great to have a dentist you can trust."
Michael Meadows
Washington, DC
2023
I've been seeing Dr. Thornton for almost a decade. It's great to have a dentist you can trust. All of the hygienists in the office do excellent work. Couldn't be happier!
Kyle Ward-Dahl
Washington, DC
2023
Couldn’t be happier - I’ve been coming here for 6 years. Started with all sorts of issues, they’ve been wonderful since day 1, got me back on track. Strong recommend!
The Cost
Of Invisalign
The cost of your Invisalign treatment depends on a variety of factors, including:
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Time
The amount of time needed to straighten your smile affects your cost. The longer your treatment, the more clear aligners you will need. The more clear aligners that are needed, the higher the cost of treatment.
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Complexity
Minor misalignment and gaps are less expensive to correct. Typically, more complex orthodontic issues take more work, time, and aligners to correct, all of which affect your cost.
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Insurance
Many dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of your Invisalign treatment. However, not all plans cover Invisalign.
Paying for Treatment
Our Washington, DC, dental staff is passionate about helping patients achieve their best smiles. Here is how we can help make Invisalign treatment a fit for your budget:
Insurance
Your dental insurance may cover a portion of your Invisalign treatment. Our staff is happy to work with your insurance provider to ensure you are getting the most from your benefits.
Financing
We offer CareCredit® financing to help our patients budget for any out-of-pocket costs. CareCredit breaks down the cost of your dental care into no-interest or low-interest monthly payments, depending on your credit score.
The Benefits
Of a Straighter Smile
It's hard to put a price on the benefits of having a straight smile. After undergoing this discreet type of orthodontic treatment under the guidance of our Washington, DC, practice, you can experience:
Boosted Confidence
Crooked teeth can make you self-conscious and cause you to hide your smile from the world. After Invisalign, you will have a straight, beautiful smile you'll be proud to show off.
Enhanced Function
A properly aligned bite can enhance your ability to speak clearly and chew comfortably.
Easier Cleaning
Overcrowded and crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean your teeth. After your alignment treatment, you'll be able to easily brush and floss in areas that were difficult to reach before.
Better Overall Health
Because a straight smile is easier to brush and floss, Invisalign can lower your risk of bacteria buildup and tooth decay, which have been linked to heart issues.
Avoid TMJ
A misaligned bite can lead to complex dental issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). By aligning your bite, you can prevent this and other future oral health issues that could require multiple treatments to correct.
How To Maintain Your New Smile
Keep Your Smile Straight and Healthy for Your Lifetime
With proper care, your straightened teeth can last a lifetime. You will need to wear a retainer following your treatment. This retainer should be worn at night to ensure that your teeth do not shift back out of place. Often, patients can use the last aligner in their treatment as their retainer.
Maintaining your oral health can keep your smile healthy and beautiful. However, if there are still aspects of your smile you wish to enhance, our practice offers several cosmetic dentistry procedures that can give you the smile of your dreams. For instance, following Invisalign with teeth whitening can illuminate everything that's stunning about your new smile.
Contact our Washington, DC, practice today to learn more about our cosmetic options like veneers and whitening, and how they can further enhance your smile.