Phone: (202) 783 - 3368 -
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
What is Invisalign?
Thanks to the modern day computer technology, Invisalign® is a boon to so many people to correct their teeth in a less embarrassing way. Invisalign uses clear computer-fabricated removable teeth aligners. Each aligner is custom-made for you, based on the correction required for your specific condition. Besides being practically invisible, they move teeth more efficiently and more quickly than conventional wires and brackets.
Invisalign Vs Traditional (Conventional) Braces
In general, Invisalign can be better than traditional braces for many people. If you are considering this option, please call us to have a comprehensive dental exam and we will advise you if you a are good candidate for Invisalign. 
Invisalign
- Invisible, comfortable, least impact on your lifestyle.
- Can be removed at will - better for maintaining good oral hygiene.
- For most cases, it can be the same cost as traditional braces - sometimes less.
- All the braces are made in advance - Hence finer adjustments in the middle of the treatment are not easy.
- For corrections that warrant tooth removal are done better with traditional braces.
- Since the braces are removable, user compliance is required for expected results.
Traditional Braces
- Best suited for more complex cases.
- When the correction requires tooth removal, traditional braces is a better choice.
- As your dentist, I will have a finer control throughout the treatment duration to alter or adjust the end results.
- More visits to our office is required.
- Can interfere with good oral hygiene practices.
- Teenagers accept metal braces as part of growing up. Yes, they are not aesthetically appealing - especially if you are an adult.
Getting traditional metal braces means changing your lifestyle while being treated. But with Invisalign you can go about your life without anyone noticing that you are wearing braces!
Invisalign cannot be used in all cases of crooked teeth. However, in the case of most front teeth correction, Invisalign offers a very attractive alternative to traditional metal braces.
The average treatment time with Invisalign is one year. We at James E. Johnson DDS, & Associates P.C. are experienced in Invisalign treatment. Please come by our office and we can give you an evaluation.
How is it done?
During your first visit to us, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan specifically for you. This will include checking your teeth alignment, taking a full mouth panoramic X-ray etc. We also take bite impressions of your teeth. This will be sent to Invisalign’s lab to develop a series of computer-generated molds. Using these molds, a series of clear, removable aligners are custom-made, which will gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
You will change your aligners to a new one every two weeks, correcting your teeth little by little. We will check your progress after each set of aligner is given to you. We can also give you a series of aligners at once if you prefer to visit us less frequently. You must wear your aligners all the time, except when you eat, brush and floss.
In general you, will see results in a few months of wearing. Depending on the extent of correction required, usually treatments can be concluded in six months to one year. It should be noted that individual results would vary considerably depending on their response to orthodontic forces. Poor cooperation in wearing the appliances can lengthen the treatment time and can adversely affect the quality of the end result.
What are the risks and other considerations?
- If you fail to wear the Invisalign aligner regularly you may find that your teeth are not moving as fast as you would like.
- Some people with sensitive teeth and gums may find some discomfort when they switch to a new aligner.
- Also, if you do not maintain meticulous oral hygiene then there is a high risk of cavity formation. While you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, you should minimize the amount and frequency of sugar in your diet. Cleaning by your family dentist is necessary during treatment.
- As we already mentioned, Invisalign is not the recommended choice when severe teeth correction or bone movement is required.
- For many patients, Invisalign treatment temporarily affects their speech. Most speech impediments caused by Invisalign treatment usually disappear within a few days.
- In some cases where crowded teeth are involved, thinning the width of teeth is often part of Invisalign treatment. This procedure will remove a slight amount of enamel between the teeth to create space for the required correction.
Follow-up
The correction and alignment achieved at the end of your treatment may not be perfectly stable. Teeth have memory and may migrate back to their pre-invisaligned positions! So, we ask you to continue wearing the retainers at night.How much the Invisalign ® treatment cost?
The cost of Invisalign is generally comparable to traditional metal braces. The cost is mostly dependent on how extensive the required correction, how long your treatment plan will last etc. Please give us a call at (202) 783-3368 to schedule an appointment so that we could give you an accurate estimate of the cost in your particular case.