invisalign® in Gainesville, VA

Teeth that are straight and properly aligned not only create an attractive and confident smile, they are also more comfortable and easier to clean. Bite misalignment, spaces between teeth, and crooked or crowded teeth can often lead to dental problems over time that may require more extensive treatment to restore. Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics is proud to offer the advanced orthodontic treatment concept known as Invisalign®. Under the guidance of our skilled orthodontic specialist, Dr. Nguyen, teen and adult patients can undergo orthodontic care with comfortable, clear aligner trays.

Highly discreet, Invisalign clear braces are removable and make eating and cleaning your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment much more effective. Many patients love that they can straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal braces. Dr. Shak is a Preferred Invisalign Provider and can help you get the smile you have always wanted with this discreet orthodontic system. If you or your teen are interested in straightening your teeth with the advanced Invisalign system, contact our Gainesville, VA practice today to schedule a private consultation.

A number of factors can influence how your teeth are aligned, including developmental issues, genetics, tooth loss, jaw injury, and thumb sucking as a child. Improper bite alignment between the upper and lower jaws can also create other oral health concerns, such as abnormal wear on teeth, chipped teeth, jaw pain, gum recession, and conditions that may interfere with normal speaking and eating abilities. If you or your teen have any of these issues, Dr. Shak may recommend Invisalign to improve your oral health and wellness.

Invisalign may be appropriate for teens and adults who want to straighten their smiles without the look or challenges of wearing traditional metal braces. Though Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day, they are simple to remove when eating and easy to keep clean and maintain. Invisalign clear aligners are so discreet, that your friends and family likely will not notice that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Many types of orthodontic concerns can be corrected with Invisalign; however, traditional braces may still be recommended for some patients.

Invisalign works through a series of trays that are worn for about two weeks at a time and then replaced with the next in the series. Dr. Shak will begin your Invisalign care by taking a panoramic x-ray of our jaw and teeth and digital impressions of your upper and lower arches. These diagnostic records will be used to create your unique Invisalign treatment plan and will be sent to a special lab for the creation of your clear aligner series of trays. When they are ready, you will return to our office to receive your trays and instructions on how to wear and care for them.

Every two weeks, you will trade out your current set of trays for the next in series. Our team will schedule appointments for you with Dr. Shak about every 4 – 6 weeks so that she can monitor your progress and make any adjustments as needed. Your Invisalign trays should be worn for 20 – 22 each day. You can remove them for eating and when brushing and flossing your teeth. The total treatment time for your Invisalign process will depend on your unique needs but typically lasts for about a year for most patients.

In some cases, Dr. Shak may combine Invisalign treatment with Propel Orthodontics. Propel technology allows Dr. Shak to reduce treatment time and increase predictability by stimulating the jawbone tissue in a minimally invasive way. This allows the teeth tooth to move through the bone at a faster rate, achieving their desired position in less time than with a traditional approach. Propel Orthodontics may be beneficial for adults seeking to minimize their treatment time and number of visits and reach their desired smile at a faster rate.

Once your treatment is complete, we will take new impressions of your teeth and have a custom retainer created for you. Made from the same comfortable, discreet material as your Invisalign aligners, Vivera® retainers help keep your teeth in their newly aligned position. Dr. Shak will provide instructions on when and for how long to wear your retainer and how to clean it on a daily basis. Wearing your retainer as recommended following orthodontic care is crucial to maintaining your treatment results and a healthy, straight smile. Our team will continue to monitor your bite alignment during your regular dental cleanings and exams at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics.

If your dental insurance includes orthodontic care, treatment with Invisalign may be a covered benefit. Our business team will contact your provider and review your plan details. To help orthodontic treatment fit within your budget, Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics accepts patient financing through CareCredit® along with several other convenient payment options.

Get the smile you have always wanted with comfortable, clear Invisalign aligners. Invisalign may be ideal for you or your teen if you wish to improve your oral health and smile without the look or challenges of metal braces. Schedule an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Shak at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics today and learn if treatment with Invisalign is right for you.