Woman smiling

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 experienced dental team 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.

We Make DC Smile "Truly the best dentist I've ever had." 

"I switched here after a bad dentist experience. Truly the best dentist I’ve ever had, and the hygienists are so gentle and kind! Everyone is very patient and takes time with you to explain options."

What Is Invisalign?

Woman holding Invisalign tray

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: 

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.

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. 

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.

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

Invisalign vs 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

Family

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

Person brushing Invisalign tray with toothbrush

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

Girl holding Invisalign tray

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?

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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.

Ready To Smile With Confidence? Contact Our Dental Practice

Drs. Thornton and Van der Linden take pride in helping their DC-area patients achieve their dream smiles. Our dentists listen to each patient's needs and goals to create a custom Invisalign treatment plan. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from our dental team's care.

Our Washington, DC, practice can help if you're tired of feeling self-conscious about your teeth. Request your consultation to get started.

(202) 293-5805

Our Patients Are Our Priority "I left the office smiling and laughing."

1

Alissa Swango

2022

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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.

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1

Andrea Husbands

2022

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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.

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Invisalign Gold Plus Providers Our Dentists Have Extensive Experience

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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.

Creating and Receiving Your Aligners STRAIGHTER TEETH IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS

Are you looking for an orthodontic alternative to straighten your teeth? Contact our Washington, DC, practice to request your Invisalign consultation.

Invisalign is a comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Invisalign is a comfortable alternative to traditional braces.

Initial Consultation

To receive Invisalign, you must first request a consultation with an Invisalign provider to discuss your concerns and goals. Our Washington DC office is proud to offer this service.

Digital Scan with iTero

Our dentists will take digital scans of your teeth to map out the best way to move them into their ideal position.

​Create Aligners

Your impressions will be sent to a lab where your aligners will be created. Once your first set of aligners is complete, you can start wearing them immediately.

​Continue Treatment

Over the course of several months, you will continue to receive new aligners at our DC office to gradually reposition your teeth.

​Retain Your Results

Once you've completed treatment, you can wear a retainer or your final set of aligners to hold your teeth in their new aligned position while the bone heals around them.

5-Star Reviews From Our Patients "It's great to have a dentist you can trust."

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Michael Meadows

2022

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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!

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1

Kyle Ward-Dahl

2022

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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!

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The Cost Of Invisalign

The cost of your Invisalign treatment depends on a variety of factors, including:

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.

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.

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.

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. 

We Create 5-Star Experiences "I highly recommend the entire practice!"

I started visiting Dr. Thornton 8 years ago and now my entire family sees him for all our dental care. It is rare that you get excited to go to the dentist, but I must say it is always a pleasure when we visit their office. From the warm greetings we get upon check-in to the careful care from the hygienists and the amazing patient rapport from Dr. Thornton, it is always a positive experience. I highly recommend the entire practice!
Dr. Will Thornton and Dr. Nathan Van der Linden

Thornton Dental Associates, P.C.

The friendly team of professionals at Thornton Dental Associates, P.C. provides comprehensive dental care to patients throughout Washington, DC. Dr. Will Thornton and Dr. Nathan Van der Linden are affiliated with prestigious organizations, including the:

- American Dental Association
- District of Columbia Dental Society

To request an appointment at our Washington, DC, dental office,
contact us online or call (202) 293-5805.

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