Alexandria, VA
Orthodontics
Invisalign®
Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign®. Invisalign® is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
If you are a candidate, Invisalign® provides an almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign® is available at Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Call us at (703) 763-1078 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.
How Invisalign® Works To Straighten Teeth
Invisalign® treatment involves wearing a series of clear aligners that gradually straighten teeth over time. These aligners are removable and do not have any brackets or wires. They consist of a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® that fits snugly over teeth. Each aligner in the series encourages a slightly different position than the previous one, making the overall correction a steady yet gentle progression.
Before a patient can begin Invisalign®, they must have a consultation to discuss the treatment process and have their smile evaluated. We will map out a precise, customized digital plan that shows the patient the step-by-step transformation of their smile during this appointment. Once the patient approves the plan, we will take digital scans, X-rays, and photos of their teeth and mouth to create an accurate model. This information goes to the Invisalign®
laboratory to create custom-fitting trays.
Three Steps to Transform a Smile
The process to get Invisalign® aligners involves three simple steps. The first step includes examining the patient before taking records of their current teeth and bite. Our team will need to take photographs, scans, and X-rays to create an accurate model of their mouth and teeth. Once we collect this information, the next step is to send this information to the Invisalign® laboratory.
Technicians will perform a digital scan of the patient's dental impressions and use the data to create a 3-D model before developing a proposed treatment plan. Our team will review the plan and make any necessary changes before approving it. During the last step, the Invisalign® laboratory will manufacture and mail out the entire series of aligners. When the aligners are ready, the patient will return to our office to check the fit. The process of getting Invisalign® typically takes about four to six weeks.
Caring For Invisalign®
Keeping aligners clean and caring for them properly is a vital part of Invisalign® treatment. With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria. People with Invisalign® should brush their trays every time they take them out or put them back in.
It is essential for people to not only keep their aligners clean but also their teeth. Use a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap or the Invisalign® cleaning system to keep aligners free from plaque and bacteria. Avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain aligners and leave an unpleasant smell. It is best to take out the aligners while eating or drinking anything.
Invisalign® FAQs
How Long Will Treatment Take?
The treatment length will depend on various factors, such as the case complexity and how often the patient wears their aligners. Our team will determine how long each patient's treatment will take based on their specific needs and goals. We will provide patients with a more precise duration estimate during their consultation.
The average length of Invisalign® treatment is 12 to 18 months. However, people will be able to start seeing changes within a matter of weeks. Invisalign® might treat mild non-extraction cases more quickly, but more complicated cases require more time than fixed appliance treatment.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
Invisalign® treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and the teeth are moving into alignment.
How Often Will I Return For Appointments During Invisalign® Treatment?
Invisalign® treatment can save patients time coming to the office. While other orthodontic treatments typically require patients to return for adjustment appointments about every three or four weeks, Invisalign® patients do not need checkups as often. Patients will need to visit our office about once every four to six weeks to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.
What Are Invisalign® Attachments?
Invisalign® attachments are small button-like attachments that are temporarily attached to teeth. We place these attachments at specific locations to help the aligners grip teeth as they are moving them into alignment. Not every patient will need Invisalign® attachments. Our team will determine whether they are necessary.
Will Wearing Invisalign® Aligners Affect My Speech?
Any orthodontic appliance has the potential to affect a person's speech. Invisalign® is not likely to cause any speech problems. Patients may notice a slight lisp when speaking, but it should disappear as the tongue gets used to the aligners.
Is It Normal For My Teeth To Feel Loose After Removing My Invisalign® Aligners?
It is normal for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after removing aligners. This is because their teeth are shifting. As aligners gradually move teeth into their proper position, the gums are also re-forming around each tooth.
Braces for Teeth Straightening
Get The Straight Smile You Have Always Wanted
Braces have been used for teeth straightening treatments for centuries, and they remain one of the options a dentist might recommend for patients with teeth alignment issues like overbites, crossbites, crooked, and misaligned teeth.
Besides ruining the way your smile looks, these teeth alignment problems can also lead to symptoms like headaches, toothaches, and jaw pain. Poorly aligned teeth are also prone to being damaged by the uneven pressure caused by other teeth.
Braces and many other orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth work by constantly applying pressure on the patient’s teeth, moving them into a more natural alignment over time. Braces are one of the most effective ways to address alignment issues since they can fix problems caused by poor jaw or teeth alignment. Other teeth straightening options like clear aligners are only effective on teeth alignment problems caused by poor teeth positioning.
Reasons A Dentist Might Recommend Braces
Some of the reasons a dentist might recommend teeth straightening with braces for some patients include:
Poorly Aligned Teeth Due To Abnormal Jaw Spacing
A general dentist might recommend braces for patients with malocclusions caused by their jaws not being correctly aligned. Examples of dental issues caused by poor jaw alignment include overbites and underbites. Clear aligners would not do much for such patients, but braces would be one of the treatment options explored. Other appliances that might be combined with braces include headgear, upper jaw expanders, and reverse-pull face masks.
Teeth That Require Intrusion Or Extrusion
Braces are typically recommended for patients who need intrusion or extrusion (their teeth need to be moved down or up) as part of their treatment since clear aligners cannot be used to provide vertical force.
Large Gaps Between Teeth
Patients with large gaps between their teeth – medically termed diastema – might need braces to correct their alignment problems since clear aligners can only fix small gaps. Depending on the severity of the gaps between the patient’s teeth, additional treatments – like composite bonding – might be needed to close up all their gaps.
Severely Rotated Teeth
Patients with severely rotated teeth might have to use braces to achieve the straighter smile they desire. Clear aligners can be used to rotate teeth that are up to 20 degrees out of position, but braces are typically needed for anything more than that. People with severely rotated teeth are also more likely to have severe orthodontic issues – like overbites – that require braces.
The Patient Might Not Be Ready For Clear Aligners
Braces are typically recommended for younger patients since treatment with clear aligners requires a certain level of responsibility children might not have. Clear aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours daily for the treatment to be effective. Skipping days or not wearing clear aligners long enough regularly diminishes the effectiveness of the treatment.
Braces are fixed in place once placed by a dentist, so there is no need to remember to wear them daily. Some adults who prefer not to deal with the hassle of making wearing clear aligners a part of their daily routines might be better off with braces.
Important Things Patients Should Know About Braces
Metal braces are the most commonly used type of braces, and they are made up of brackets, wires, and elastic bands. A bracket is bonded on each of the patient’s teeth and the wires are used to link the brackets on each half of their jaw. The more taut these wires are, the more force the braces apply on the patient’s teeth, advancing their positioning over time. The elastic bands go around the brackets and connect the dental arcs.
Some of the other types of braces patients get to choose from include:
- Ceramic Braces: These are a lot like metal braces, but the components are swapped out for more aesthetic varieties. Instead of metal brackets and wires, patients get tooth-colored or transparent brackets and wires.
- Lingual Braces: These braces have metal components just like traditional braces, but the brackets and wires are attached to the back of the patient’s teeth, instead of the front, making them less visible.
- Self-Ligating Braces: These look a lot like metal braces, but they do not require elastic bands since they have an in-build system that keeps the archwires in place.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
During childhood, orthodontic problems can develop without warning. Fortunately, treatment can help restore your child's smile. Early orthodontics straighten crooked teeth, improve the bite, and fix jaw misalignment.
Parents may worry if their child develops crooked teeth or an irregular bite. However, they should keep in mind that a child's mouth changes dramatically during the ages of six through 10. During this period, children lose most of their baby teeth. Their jaws may also develop a new size and shape. Thus, childhood can be a time of great change. Sometimes these changes include new orthodontic problems.
Phase 1
The American Academy of Orthodontics states that children should receive an evaluation by age seven. During this evaluation, the dental team may take measurements or make impressions. They also examine the child's bite and check for misalignment. Next, they will develop a treatment plan.
If the child has lost their baby teeth early, the team may recommend a space maintainer. These appliances help prevent crowding. In addition, they can help the child's adult teeth shift into the right position.
The team might also suggest a palate expander to widen the child's jaw. Expanders create extra space for adult teeth. Sometimes, expanders also help fix a bite problem.
Phase 1 treatments usually will not involve braces, and dental providers may delay braces until the child has all their adult teeth. But if a child has a significant dental issue, the team may recommend braces right away. In addition, early braces might help shorten the next stage of orthodontic treatment.
Phase 2
After completing phase 1, the next step is phase 2 orthodontic treatment after carefully evaluating each patient's progress.
Resting:
Some patients may need to enter a resting phase before starting phase 2. During this step, the patient may need to only wear a retainer and have monitoring appointments. When the teeth are in the resting stage, the orthodontist will not place new dental appliances or braces.
Straightening: Then, the child is ready for braces. Our staff places the wires, bands, and brackets onto the child’s teeth during an appointment. This stage may take between 12 and 24 months.
Monitoring: Throughout the phase 2 treatment, the patient must come in for regular monitoring appointments. During an appointment, the dental provider will check the patient’s progress and may make adjustments. Once treatment is done, the orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer to keep the teeth in alignment.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards aren't just for athletes. These dental devices can address many different health issues in both children and adults, ranging from teeth grinding to sleep apnea relief. Made of plastic, a mouth guard fits over the teeth of your upper jaw and protects your teeth, tongue, gums, and cheeks from trauma. Various types of mouth guards are available on the market today, including custom-fitted ones that are comfortable and effective.
Dental mouth guards are appropriate for both children and adults and can keep teeth protected from various risks. Many people suffer from teeth clenching and grinding, especially at night. This leads to excessive wear and tear on the teeth, jaw pain, and severe headaches. A mouth guard covers the top teeth and separates them from the bottom teeth to prevent grinding and alleviate muscle tension caused by clenching.
People who have braces or other fixed dental appliances can also use mouth guards. Typically, a mouth guard covers just the upper teeth, but patients can also receive one for braces on the lower teeth. A mouth guard remains especially important for anyone who has braces and participates in sports. Due to the metal brackets and braces, a hit to the face can lead to a significant injury to the mouth's soft tissues.
Mouth Guards and Sports
Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards
If you are an athlete, you probably already know how rough it can get out on the field or court. A mouth guard can help prevent unnecessary oral injury. These simple devices slip over the upper teeth to protect them from the surrounding oral tissues.
Many dental injuries are sports-related. Mouth-related sports injuries can result in fractured tooth roots, broken or chipped teeth, and cuts to the lips or inner cheeks. Mouth guards are essential pieces of equipment for any person who plays sports to avoid dental trauma. They are especially important for people who play high-contact sports and are at greater risk for facial trauma. The highest risk sports for dental injuries are basketball, football, hockey, martial arts, and boxing. People who play non-contact sports, such as skating, biking, and gymnastics, can also benefit from wearing a mouth guard to protect their mouths.
The Risks of Store-Bought Alternatives
Not all sports mouthguards are created equally. A custom mouth guard fitted by our dental team will provide the most protection as it offers a tailored fit for the unique shape of the upper teeth. This level of smile security cannot be matched by a generic mouthguard found at a sporting goods store.
Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly, and consist of a weaker material, which is not enough when playing contact sports.
An investment in a custom-fit mouthguard also represents an investment in an athlete's long-term oral health. The materials used remain durable, yet still allow the athlete to breathe and talk with ease. However, using a temporary mouth guard while waiting for a custom one remains better than not wearing one at all.
Mouthguard FAQs
When Should I Wear a Mouth Guard
Invisalign® treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and the teeth are moving into alignment.
How Much Does A Mouth Guard Cost?
The cost of a mouth guard depends on the type, material, and other specifications. Some insurance plans may help cover the cost. Since every insurance plan is different, patients should contact their insurance provider for more coverage information.
How Should I Take Care Of My Mouth Guard?
It is important to take care of mouth guards to prevent them from breaking or warping. Rinsing the device with cold water and brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush will remove unwanted bacteria and debris. We recommend storing it in a protective container and avoiding hot surfaces or sunlight that can cause the mouth guard to warp.
What Is The Process For Creating A Custom Mouth Guard?
Custom mouth guards provide people with the best protection and fit for their mouths. They are designed to meet a patient's specific needs, whether it is for sports or nighttime use. Our team personalizes these devices to a patient's bite to provide optimal protection and comfort for the teeth and gums. The first step of creating a custom-fitted mouth guard is to take a mold or impression of the patient's teeth.
The impression will serve as a replica of the mouth, so we can create a mouth guard over it. There are two methods to create custom mouth guards. The first method involves stretching the thermoplastic mouth guard material over the model with a vacuum machine. The other method is the pressure laminate method, which involves using a pressure thermo-forming machine to stretch the mouth guard material over the model. This technique gives mouth guards multiple protective layers rather than only one.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism is when someone grinds their teeth and clenches their jaw. It is often the result of stress, sleep disorders, acid reflux, or a misaligned bite. Certain activities, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, can also increase the risk of grinding teeth.
Can Mouth Guards Go Over Braces?
Braces wearers should use a mouth guard since they are especially vulnerable to sports-related injuries. Braces can help prevent soft-tissue injuries to the inner cheeks and lips. Patients can have custom-fitted mouth guards that fit over braces.
How Long Does A Mouth Guard Last?
The longevity of a mouth guard will depend on how frequently a person uses their device. With the right care, mouth guards can last for several years. Patients should bring their mouth guard to dental check-ups for inspection. Custom-fitted mouth guards are typically more durable than over-the-counter ones.