Invisalign
All About Invisalign How Does It Work?
Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and bands to alter the position of a patient's teeth. Invisalign relies on clear plastic aligners. These clear plastic aligners are worn like a retainer or mouth guard, fitting right over the teeth. Over time, the aligners straighten a patient's smile, applying controlled pressure much like braces.
Treatment usually takes 12–18 months, and you'll switch to a new set of aligners within your custom series every two weeks or so.
In addition to aligners, Invisalign treatment may also use attachments. These attachments are tooth-colored bumps that are applied to the teeth. The attachments serve as anchors for the aligners and work a lot like the brackets used in orthodontic treatment with braces. The attachments help shift teeth into a better position.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Clear Aligners Are Nearly Indetectable
The aligners are virtually invisible when you're wearing them. Most people will not even notice you are undergoing Invisalign treatment. You can also take out the aligners for photos and special occasions.The Aligners Are Comfortable
The clear aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic. The aligners will not irritate your cheeks and gums, which is a common complaint about braces. No brackets or wires are required.Easy to Remove and Clean
Unlike traditional braces, aligners are easy to clean. No time-consuming hygiene routines are required. You can remove aligners when brushing and flossing, and clean the aligners with ease.Eat Your Favorite Foods
Braces impose limitations on your diet, but that's not the case with Invisalign. Because you can remove the aligners to eat, your diet will not be restricted in any way during the course of your treatment.Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign Speak with Dr. Han and Dr. Ahn
Metal braces aren't the only option for having a straighter, healthier smile. Invisalign may be just what you need if you have crooked teeth but want an alternative to traditional braces and orthodontics.
Dr. Ahn's training as a dentist and orthodontist allows her to craft custom treatment plans that consider dental health and aesthetics. Whether you're an adult or teen suffering from malocclusion, she can help you.
To learn if Invisalign is the right option for your needs, contact Han & Ahn DMD online or call our office in McLean, VA, at:
(703) 356-7001
"Amazing experience at this dental office." Dentists That the People of McLean, VA, Can Trust
Sunmin Sophie Lee
McLean, VA
2023
I had an amazing experience at this dental office. Everyone was so welcoming and I was amazed by how personable yet professional Dr. Han was!
View on GoogleOlivia Valcarce
McLean, VA
2022
We love Dr. Ahn and her assistant Maria! They are always so kind and knowledgeable in what they do! We wouldn’t ever go anywhere else :)
View on GoogleDiamond Invisalign Provider We Are in the Top 1 Percent
/
Han & Ahn DMD is a Diamond-level Invisalign provider, putting us in a select group of practices in the country. Diamond status means that our McLean dental office performs 300 to 400 Invisalign treatments each year.
Which Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign can help you address virtually all of the same concerns that braces can, like:
Invisalign Is Best
For Mild to Moderate Cases
These removable clear aligners are intended to correct mild to moderate alignment concerns. This means that some people with especially complex malocclusion don't qualify for treatment, even with aligner attachments. If this turns out to be the case for you, don't worry—our McLean, VA, team can still straighten your smile. Dr. Ahn is a skilled orthodontic specialist who regularly helps patients with all types of needs see great results from their treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
/
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient based on the severity of their malocclusion. It can take as little as six months, or between 12 to 18 months. During your visit to our McLean practice, Dr. Ahn can provide an estimated treatment time using individualized computer models.
Invisalign Treatment Is Easy
Our dental office in McLean, VA, is fully modernized and designed for your comfort. You can enjoy amenities like aromatherapy and paraffin wax hand treatments during your Invisalign checkups.
You Might Not Need Braces to Straighten Your Teeth Talk to Our Orthodontist About What Invisalign Can Do for You
If you've been putting off exploring orthodontics because you don't want to wear braces, our team would love to help you see what Invisalign can do for you.
These aligners are completely removable, so you can eat what you want, when you want. Checkups are every six to seven weeks, and they don't involve any tightening as with braces. Best of all, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible during use. Invisalign can truly change your life—in all the right ways.
Contact our McLean, VA, office to get started with this modern form of orthodontics. You can also call us at:
(703) 356-7001
More Great Reviews From McLean and Beyond
William McGinnis
McLean, VA
2022
Very friendly, thorough, knowledgeable, and professional dentist. Gives patients lots of time to ask questions. Wonderful support staff. Highly recommend.
View on GoogleRob Tai
McLean, VA
2022
Dr. Ahn has been a fantastic ortho for my family's first foray into braces. She's patient, knowledgable and takes great care of her patients.
View on GoogleIt's Important to Wear Your Retainer Once Treatment Is Complete
After your teeth have reached their proper positions and Invisalign treatment ends, Dr. Ahn will provide a custom retainer for you to wear. Your teeth will still want to shift back to their natural positions for several months, so it's incredibly important you wear the retainer as directed to not risk your results.
Dr. Ahn may recommend wearing the retainer just as you wore your removable aligners, or she may recommend that you wear it only at night. It will be entirely dependent on your specific case.
If you do miss a day with your retainer, though, don't worry. It takes some time for teeth to shift back, and you won't undo your results overnight. Just focus on being consistent, and you can enjoy your beautiful smile for years to come.
Our iTero Scanner Makes Impressions Easier Than Ever Before
No one wants to deal with messy dental putty when it's time to take impressions. At Han & Ahn DMD, you don't have to.
Our dentists use the iTero® intraoral scanner to capture digital impressions of your teeth, gums, and oral structures. This handheld camera can take thousands of hyper-accurate images in a matter of moments, which reduces time and increases comfort in the dentist's chair.
These scans will be instantly uploaded to our computer systems, where Dr. Ahn can review 3D models of your teeth and get to work on a more precise treatment plan than would otherwise be possible.
Propel Orthodontic Technology Accelerating Invisalign Treatment
A recently developed orthodontic therapy called Propel® may be added on to your Invisalign treatment to deliver enhanced results in less time than ever before. Propel often cuts the overall treatment time in half.
This Propel method involves the creation of micro-osteoperforations, small pinholes around the bone tissue surrounding the teeth. These tiny holes make the bone on either side of a tooth more pliable, and hence responsive to the pressure exerted by the aligners. In addition, the process stimulates bone regrowth, increases blood flow, and restores jaw tissue quickly.
Dr. Ahn ensures this process is as comfortable as possible. During your consultation, she'll let you know if Propel is a good option for you.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance providers will cover Invisalign just like they cover braces, but not all. Our McLean team can help you verify your coverage ahead of time. We accept all PPO insurance plans and will work to get your coverage maximized.
Han & Ahn DMD also accepts CareCredit® financing so patients don't have to deal with high out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of insurance status.
Want to work out a payment plan with us directly? Let's talk about our in-house financing options. We offer 0% interest for patients who put 50% down at the start of treatment.
Invisalign Works For All Types of Patients
Invisalign for Adults
Many adult patients who want straighter teeth without the "braces phase" choose Invisalign. Rather than getting adult braces, patients wear their clear aligners throughout the day. Invisalign treatment means orthodontic care that doesn't affect your professional obligations, your social life, or most daily activities.
Invisalign for Teens
Many teenagers need orthodontic treatment but don't want metal braces. Invisalign can be a great choice for teenage patients who are dedicated to wearing their aligners as instructed to see the best results. If a teenage patient accidentally loses a set of aligners, our orthodontist can help them with replacements.
Invisalign Express
For people who experience minor issues with spacing, crowding, and misalignment, Invisalign Express is a great option. This form of treatment uses the same principles as traditional Invisalign. Only 10 clear aligners are required, and sometimes fewer. Final results are achieved in as little as six months.
"I can't say enough good things about this team" Skilled Dentists Serving McLean, VA
Cyndi
McLean, VA
2023
Both Dr. Han and Dr. Ahn have provided honest and transparent feedback about what would work best for me and I have felt like I was in good hands each time. Maria and Suha are the best and so welcoming and everything from scheduling to insurance/billing has been smooth. I can’t say enough good things about this team, and I’m so grateful to y’all for helping me finally learn to love my smile.
View on GoogleTerri Yoon
McLean, VA
2022
Dr. Ahn is just amazing! I strongly recommend her to anyone who needs braces. She is not just knowledgeable and experienced, she is very flexible, kind and patient with my teenager boy who went thru a very hard time emotionally during COVID. He just got his braces removed yesterday and it's just perfect and my son was very happy with the result. She and the staff are just wonderful and I cannot say enough about them.
View on Google
