Everyone deserves to have the smile of their dreams!

Clear Aligners use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Why Invisible Aligners? Because it’s invisible! Not only are the aligners invisible, but they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment — plus, brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The invisible aligners for teeth are comfortable and contain no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Types of Clear Aligners

  • Invisalign Aligners

  • Invisalign Express
  • Invisalign Teen

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*We offer FREE, No Obligation Consultations – call 703-780-1418 or book online

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Invisalign

Invisalign Aligners straighten the teeth using a series of custom-made invisible aligners designed specifically for you. Keep your brand-new smile beautiful with clear teeth aligners.

Invisalign Express

Invisalign Express is an expedited clear teeth aligner treatment for milder cases. It uses fewer sets of aligners to correct the case in a shorter time frame thus clear aligners cost less as a treatment option.

Invisalign Teen

Specifically designed to help teenagers as alternatives to braces. These invisible aligners for teeth are clear plastic aligners that apply pressure to teeth and help them shift into alignment.

Custom Clear Aligners | AO Aligners

Which Is Better, Aligners or Braces?

Clear Aligners like Invisalign make brushing easier and help to reduce cavities and other periodontal disease. It minimizes the chance of chipped teeth, grinding, and all of that improves a person’s quality of life. So, which is the better choice: Aligners or Braces? Consider these factors:

Cosmetics

Convenience

Compliance

Comfort

Cost

Begin your journey today and start smiling!

At Alexandria Orthodontics, we offer FREE, No Obligation Consultations – call 703-780-1418 or book online

When Are Aligners Not the Right Choice?

Not every patient and every dental issue can be treated with aligners. For example, a person with a dental bridge or a porcelain veneer is not a good candidate for aligners. Some dental crowns can make a patient not a good candidate too. Other times those aligners aren’t the right way to go are:

Large gaps

Clear Aligners are great for a patient with spaces in their mouth, they will close those spaces, if the space isn’t more than 6 millimeters. Any spaces that are larger will need metal braces.

Misshaped

Teeth are not all shaped the same way, and it isn’t unusual for a patient not to be happy with the shape of their teeth, even if they are straight. Some teeth have an abnormal roundness, or they are pegged, or pointy shaped. Some teeth are unusually large or unusually small. For those patients, clear teeth aligners are not a good solution.

Jaw

Some patients have a jaw position that can be challenging, causing them not only cosmetic issues, but putting their oral health at risk. Metal braces for teens and adults are better for moving the jaw than teeth aligners.

How long should I wear aligners?

For optimal results, you must wear your teeth aligners approximately 22 hours a day, removing only during meals, when drinking liquids other than water, and during brushing and flossing. Compliance with wearing the trays is very important in attaining the desired result. After your meal or snack, it is best to brush your teeth and your tray and then replace your clear aligners on your teeth. The research shows that the optimal amount of tooth movement occurs after 4 hours of continuous wear. Therefore, it is best not to continuously take out the aligners for frequent snacking. Always wear the aligners to sleep.

What Is the Difference Between Aligners and Braces?

Difference Between Braces and Clear Aligners

Yes, they do the same thing, but in different ways. The difference starts with how they are made and how they are installed in the patient’s mouth.

Aligners are a tight-fitting custom-made mouthpiece that slips over the patient’s teeth.

There are several different brands, which one is used is typically up to the dentist. By placing a gentle pressure on the teeth, aligners guide the teeth in small movements with pressure to the roots to jawbone. The jawbone responds to this gentle force by essentially moving the tooth sockets. The teeth are simply moving with the sockets.

Aligners move the teeth one step at a time to reach the desired and final positioning. A tooth-colored composite resin with small bumps is attached to numerous teeth that give the aligner grip to the teeth, so it can correctly move.

The general perception we have is that teeth and the jawbone are directly connected. However, there is a membrane under the gum that is wrapped around the jawbone and the roots are attached to that membrane.

Metal wires connect the bands and rubber bands provide additional force to assist the teeth rooted in that membrane to move to the correct position.

Everyone’s teeth are different, and so is their orthodontic treatment. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about braces, so just give us a call or stop by!

Still Uncertain & Have Questions?

If you’re still confused, wondering about the clear aligners cost, or uncertain about orthodontic procedures for you or your child, schedule a consultation. This can be a difficult decision if orthodontics are needed, and whether braces or clear teeth aligners are best for you or your child.

Start with a consultation with your dentists for an examination and x-rays. They can evaluate the dental condition, advise if there are dental issues to be taken care of first, and then refer you to an orthodontist in Alexandria, VA.