Are you thinking about straightening your teeth but hesitant to commit to metal braces? If so, Invisalign® clear aligners might be the discreet, comfortable alternative you’re looking for. At SKS Dental, we’ve helped countless patients in Arlington, VA, Alexandria, VA, and even Washington, D.C. transform their smiles with Invisalign treatment.

Whether you’re new to the idea or doing your final research before booking a consultation, here are 11 essential facts you should know about Invisalign—some of which may surprise you.

1. Invisalign Usually Costs More Than Traditional Braces

The higher cost is because the lab fees charged for Invisalign are typically more than those charged for regular braces. The fees are paid directly to the manufacturer of Invisalign.

2. Millions of Happy Invisalign Clients

Each day, more people choose Invisalign treatment, and the number continues to rise. Advancements in digital technology have made the process very effective and very convenient.

3. Flexibility & Comfort

You can remove your Invisalign trays, which allows you to have flexibility and freedom in terms of what you eat and drink. This also allows you to brush and floss just as you usually would without the Invisalign trays.

If you need additional tips on how to properly brush and floss while undergoing Invisalign treatment, we’re here to help!

4. No Specialist Needed

Invisalign is a streamlined process that can be done by a general dentist or an orthodontist. The popularity of the treatment encourages more oral health professionals to offer the service as one of their cosmetic dental procedures. If a dentist is experienced in the use of Invisalign, they are very likely to be successful in helping you treat your misaligned teeth.

5. Fewer Appointments and No Hardware

With Invisalign, no metal brackets or wires are used. This reduces the need for frequent visits to your dental office for adjustments or repairs. With Invisalign, you are not required to go in for as many dental appointments as with traditional braces. With checkups scheduled every six weeks, you can apply three different sets of trays yourself without going in to see the dentist. This has a significant convenience advantage. Most patients love the fact that they don’t have a mouthful of metal and can still attend social events without embarrassment.

6. Same Process, Same Results

Invisalign trays are about the same as traditional braces because both are specifically designed to provide consistent pressure to specific teeth to create the most effective realignment of teeth that have grown out of place. For mild to moderate alignment problems, Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional braces. For severe malocclusion, traditional braces will be the more appropriate treatment and provide more comprehensive treatment.

7. Do Your Homework

It is a good idea to research several Invisalign treatment providers and to select the best one. Check their reviews online, as well as their credentials, experience level, and reputation.

Before choosing a provider, explore our detailed overview of orthodontic treatments to understand your options and ensure you’re choosing the path best suited to your smile goals.

8. Diligence is Important

You will be required to wear the Invisalign aligners for between 20 and 22 hours every day. If you do not wear the aligner trays for the specified amount of time, you may not achieve the results you desire with this treatment. You will need to change your Invisalign aligner trays every two weeks. Each set of Invisalign aligner trays is shaped slightly differently, with the teeth moving each time slightly, getting a little bit closer to your desired alignment goal.

9. Follow-up is Necessary

You will likely require a retainer after Invisalign treatments to prevent your teeth from shifting back into the position they were In before the treatment procedure. Wearing your retainer every night will ensure that your teeth stay in an optimal position.

10. Quality Materials are Essential

Invisalign aligner trays are made from a thermoplastic material that is soft and comfortable. They look similar to the trays used in teeth whitening. Your final set of aligners can often be used for whitening treatments in the future. Each Invisalign tray is correctly shaped individually to move your teeth in the sequence that has been determined by your treatment specialist.

11. There is a Time Commitment

Invisalign trays control both the timing and the force of the application. During each 10-day to 3-week treatment cycle, only individual specified teeth are adjusted. Over time, all of the desired teeth are gradually moved into position by the sequential application of trays, each of which is a slightly different shape.

Book Your Invisalign Consultation with Our Expert Today

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision—and Dr. Smita Sabharwal and the team at SKS Dental are here to make the process seamless and stress-free. If you’re in Arlington, Alexandria, or the Washington, D.C. area, schedule a consultation today to find out if Invisalign is the right fit for you.

We also offer cleaning and prevention services to help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment.

Why Patients Choose SKS Dental for Invisalign:

  • Trusted provider for over a decade
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Convenient office locations in Northern Virginia
  • Advanced digital technology for comfort and accuracy

Ready to take the first step toward a straighter, more confident smile?

Call SKS Dental or book an appointment online today.