If you want to straighten your teeth or fix your bite without the look of traditional metal brackets, modern clear aligners offer a comfortable, virtually invisible solution. At our practice, we combine advanced digital imaging with custom-designed aligner therapies to give you a beautiful, confident smile smoothly and efficiently.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a modern, high-tech alternative to traditional braces. Instead of using metal brackets and wires bonded to your teeth, this treatment uses a sequential series of custom-made, clear plastic trays. These trays slip directly over your teeth and apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually shift them into their ideal positions.
Because they are made from smooth, medical-grade polyurethane, they won’t irritate your cheeks or gums. Best of all, they are nearly invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly.
Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign®: What’s the Difference?
Do you offer Invisalign at your office?
Yes, Invisalign is the most widely recognized brand of clear aligners on the market today, and it is a key component of the clear aligner options we provide.
When people search for “Invisalign,” they are actually searching for a specific brand name rather than the treatment type itself. Just like tissues are often called “Kleenex,” clear aligners are frequently referred to as Invisalign. At our clinic, we use premium clear aligner systems, including Invisalign, to ensure your treatment utilizes the absolute highest quality materials and most predictable tracking software available.
The Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment
Choosing clear aligners to transform your smile comes with several major lifestyle advantages:
- Virtually Invisible: The ultra-clear plastic material means most people won’t even notice you are wearing them.
- Completely Removable: You can take your trays out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This means zero dietary restrictions and much easier oral hygiene compared to metal braces.
- Fewer Office Visits: Because you change your aligner trays at home every 1 to 2 weeks, you require fewer physical adjustment appointments in our office—making treatment highly convenient for busy schedules.
- Predictable Results: Using our advanced 3-D digital impression scanners, we can show you a virtual simulation of how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like before you even start treatment.
What Conditions Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Modern aligner technology is highly advanced and can correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowded Teeth: When there is not enough room in the jaw for teeth to fit naturally without overlapping.
- Gaps and Spacing: Closing unwanted spaces between teeth.
- Overbites & Underbites: Correcting alignment issues where the top teeth sit too far forward or the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth.
- Open Bites: Addressing situations where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day do I need to wear my clear aligners?
For your treatment to track predictably and stay on schedule, you must wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. You should only remove them to eat, drink anything other than plain water, and brush your teeth.
Can adults use clear aligners, or are they just for teens?
Clear aligners are incredibly popular for both teens and adults. In fact, because they are so discreet and fit seamlessly into professional lifestyles, a massive percentage of our clear aligner patients are adults seeking to improve their smiles without the look of traditional braces.
How do I clean my clear aligner trays?
The best way to clean your aligner trays is to brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water or a mild, clear liquid soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the medical-grade plastic and ruin the custom fit.
Does insurance cover Invisalign and clear aligners?
If your dental insurance policy includes an orthodontic benefit, it will typically cover a portion of your clear aligner or Invisalign treatment just like it would for traditional braces. Our team will verify your specific PPO benefits during your free consultation and integrate them directly into your flexible OrthoFi payment plan to keep your out-of-pocket costs low.
Ready to see if you are a candidate for clear aligners? Contact our Washington, DC office today at (202) 333-2200 to schedule your 100% complimentary new patient exam and digital 3-D smile simulation!