Invisalign
FAQ

Absolutely! Invisalign is convenient for even the busiest patients.

• Do you live for snacks? You can eat and drink anything and everything as long as you take your aligners out first.
• The removable aligners allow you to brush and floss your teeth just like you normally do to keep your smile healthy
• Prom? A wedding? Night out at a restaurant? You can occasionally take your Invisalign aligners out for special events and pictures.
• From athletics to playing wind instruments, Invisalign fits into all of your hobbies.
• Most people won’t notice you’re wearing aligners, so you can continue to smile with confidence while straightening your teeth.
• Invisalign treatment appointments will work for your schedule. Visits are quick, in-and-out progress checks once every six to eight weeks.

The Invisalign system offers a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and get a smile you’re proud to show off. Invisalign treatment relies on advanced, 3D computer imaging technology. Our Washington DC orthodontists Dr. Talley and Dr. Clark create your treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to their final, ideal places, on a virtual model of your smile.

The Invisalign lab then prints a series of custom clear aligners based on the doctor’s treatment plan. The aligners move your teeth little by little as you make your way through each set.

You’ll wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day, changing to the next tray every week or two, depending on your treatment plan. When you take out your final Invisalign aligners, you’ll have a stunning, healthy smile.

Invisalign aligners are clear and custom-made to fit your smile and your smile only. This makes them virtually invisible and ensures treatment fits seamlessly with your lifestyle and daily interactions.

Unlike braces, you can simply remove your aligners, giving you the flexibility to eat and drink whatever you’d like during your treatment. Because you’ll remove your aligners to brush and floss as well, you don’t need any special tools and it’s easy to maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath.
Invisalign aligners don’t have brackets or wires that can cause irritation. There’s nothing that can break on them and they don’t require adjustments. Overall, you’ll spend less time in the orthodontist’s chair and may have fewer appointments.

Lastly, our Washington, DC Invisalign providers can use digital technology to show you your treatment plan and future results, letting you see what your smile will look like before ever starting treatment.

You should wear your Invisalign aligners for about 22 hours per day for optimal results. You’ll only remove your aligners to eat, drink anything aside from plain water, brush and floss your teeth, and wear a mouthguard while playing sports.

You’ll see all sorts of tips and tricks for how to clean Invisalign aligners. But, truthfully, the easiest and most affordable way to clean your Invisalign aligners is to simply brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm (not hot) water. For a little extra cleaning power, you can also use a mild, unscented dish soap.

The length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of your case and how well you follow your wear schedule. Treatment times can range from six to 30 months. When you come in for a consultation and Dr. Clark or Dr. Talley creates your digital treatment plan, they’ll be able to accurately estimate your Invisalign treatment time.

The majority of our DC Invisalign patients visit us every six to eight weeks for a check-up. These visits are quick and easy and allow Dr. Clark and Dr. Talley to keep tabs on your progress.

No, Invisalign does not hurt. However, when you first start treatment, and occasionally after changing to a new set of aligners, your teeth might feel a little bit sensitive and tender. Any discomfort is generally mild and only lasts for a few days. If needed, try eating soft foods until the sensitivity subsides. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

You can chew gum with Invisalign, but taking your aligners out first will help you avoid a mess. Dr. Talley and Dr. Clark actually recommend chewing sugar-free gum before putting your aligners back in after eating. This helps to remove plaque and food particles and keeps your teeth clean.

No. Smoking will discolor your aligners, and they’ll no longer be invisible. It’s also worth noting that smoking has a negative effect on your oral health, and your teeth move most efficiently in a healthy mouth!

There are no food restrictions with Invisalign! But make sure you remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything aside from plain water. Food and beverages will stain your aligners and debris and liquid can also get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, which will increase your risk of tooth decay.

Invisalign aligners are made of clear, medical-grade, BPA-free plastic. This is why they’re durable, flexible and virtually invisible.

Yup. You’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Without the aligners to keep them in place, your teeth will give into their natural tendency to shift back towards their old positions. Wearing a retainer prevents this and helps to lock your new smile in place for lifelong results.

At Bird Smiles Orthodontics, we offer Vivera® retainers. These durable, removable, clear retainers are made using the same cutting-edge technology as your Invisalign aligners.

We know, we know, this is the million dollar question. And while we wish we could tell you exactly how much your Invisalign treatment will cost, it will depend on the severity of your orthodontic case and individual treatment needs.

In an effort to make Invisalign affordable for all of our patients and families, we work with many insurance plans. If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, it likely covers Invisalign. We recommend talking with your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage.

We also:

• Offer paid-in-full discounts
• Have flexible financing options
• Work with HSA/FSA funds
• Accept all major credit cards

The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for Invisalign is to visit an orthodontist for a consultation. If you’re interested in Invisalign in Washington, DC, book an exam at our Tenleytown orthodontics office.

After x-rays and a comprehensive exam, Dr. Clark or Dr. Talley will let you know if Invisalign is the ideal option for you. Because we’re a Platinum Invisalign provider with extensive case experience, most patients are candidates for Invisalign and Invisalign Teen at our office.

Call or text Bird Smiles Orthodontics at 202-686-2108 to schedule your Invisalign consultation today!