invisalign® in Washington, D.C.

Properly aligned, straight teeth are not only attractive, but they are also healthier and more comfortable. Crooked teeth and an improper bite can lead to long-term dental problems that can become painful and expensive to fix. This is why Dr. Kenneth Ingber and his team of dental professionals are pleased to offer Invisalign — removable, clear teeth aligners for our patients in Washington, D.C. Custom made for your teeth and your specific needs, Invisalign is more attractive and comfortable than traditional metal braces since they can be removed to make cleaning your teeth and eating much easier. If you are interested in getting straighter teeth with the Invisalign system, schedule a consultation at Ingber Dental to learn more.

Why is Invisalign Teen different than Invisalign? Many patients are wary of allowing their teen the responsibility of expensive aligners for their orthodontic treatment. It is a huge investment in time and money, but our dental team is aware of these factors when it comes to teenage patients. Invisalign Teen has three great features that ensure your teen ends up with a straight smile:

• Compliance indicators: There is a spot on the back part of the aligners that wears off with use. We will be able to tell if your teen is not wearing the aligners enough or if he or she is wearing them at all. This will keep the teenagers accountable for wearing the aligners 20 – 22 hours a day and keep them on schedule. Non-compliance issues mean your adolescent will be in treatment for a longer amount of time.
• Eruption tabs: The makers of Invisalign Teen understand that not all our adolescent patients will have in their last molars or "wisdom teeth." They have created the product with eruption tabs to leave space for the last molars. This is so they can grow in the right place without overcrowding the other teeth. Normal Invisalign does not come with this feature.
• Extra replacement aligners: We plan for mishaps and lost aligners by building six replacement aligners to your teen's treatment plan. Accidents happen, and we all misplace things from time to time so contact our office in Washington, D.C. if you have any concerns or need a replacement aligner.

There are several factors that can determine your teeth alignment: genetics, thumb-sucking as a child, the loss of a tooth or teeth, and trauma to your face. Dental misalignment can lead to other oral health problems, including dental malocclusion (a bad bite), abnormal enamel wear, trouble speaking and chewing, as well as toothaches and jaw pain. If any of these issues are identified during your annual exam, we may recommend an orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign.

The Invisalign system is wonderful for both adults and teens who want straighter teeth without the pain, hassle, and appearance of braces. While they do need to be worn for most of the time, Invisalign trays can be taken out for eating and brushing your teeth, as well as for special events and playing sports. Far more discreet than traditional metal braces that cut and poke your cheeks, your friends and family will typically not know that you are wearing your Invisalign tray.

Your first set of Invisalign trays will be created using digital impressions at Ingber Dental. Once they are ready, you will return to get your first sets along with care instructions. You need to wear your aligners at least 20 – 22 hours each day for the system to be effective, ideally removing them only for eating and cleaning. Over time, you will go to the next set of trays as they gently move your teeth into alignment. You should schedule follow-ups about every 4 – 6 weeks at Ingber Dental to have the fit of your aligners assessed and to have more digital impressions taken so your next aligners can be made. The length of time that you use Invisalign trays will vary based on the original position of your teeth and your cosmetic goals, but most patients wear aligners for about one year.

When your teeth are in alignment, it is crucial to stop your teeth from moving back to their old position. Invisalign's Vivera retainers are made with the same comfortable materials to help keep your teeth in their new position after your treatment is complete. Each retainer is custom made at the Invisalign dental laboratory based on digital impressions taken once your treatment is complete. We will talk to you about how many hours a day you should wear your retainer, plus how to care for it once it is sent from the lab. We will also continue to watch your teeth alignment and bite during your annual exams to ensure your teeth remain in the correct position.

For most patients, some of their Invisalign treatment cost is covered by dental insurance. Our office will confirm your benefits and calculate your out-of-pocket costs. Ingber Dental accepts several methods of payment for patients who do not have dental insurance. In your consultation, we can discuss an estimate of costs and ways to make your treatment affordable for you, including flexible payment plans and medical financing.

If you or your child are curious about getting straighter, healthier teeth without the problems of metal braces, schedule a consultation to decide if you are a candidate for Invisalign advanced teeth straightening system. We can develop your unique treatment plan with Invisalign at your appointment at Ingber Dental and get you started on the path to a beautiful smile.