3-plus clear advantages of Invisalign® aligners in Chevy Chase, MD vs. conventional orthodontics
You can get straighter teeth and correct a “bad bite” without the hassle of traditional braces. Health 360 Dental is pleased to offer to patients in Chevy Chase, Bethesda MD, and the greater DC area an alternative to fixed, silver-colored metal “hardware”: Invisalign®.
A clear alternative: Invisalign® aligners
Traditionally, braces have used a system of metallic wires and brackets connected to teeth with rubber bands to correct alignment and bite problems. These parts apply consistent, low force to gradually move teeth through bone, repositioning them. Invisalign® straightens and realigns with aptly named oral appliances called aligners or aligner trays. These aligners look like retainers or nightguards; however, they use similar principles to braces to incrementally reposition teeth. Unlike braces, Invisalign® treatment is:
- Removable – Aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning.
- Discreet – The aligner trays are made from transparent thermoplastic. When they slip into your mouth, the aligners are barely visible.
- Comfortable – Each aligner tray is also smooth. There are no metal components that poke against the insides of the mouth. Likewise, there are no wires that can break and, in turn, require repairs and special trips to the dentist’s office.
Notably, Invisalign® treatment progresses forward due to how each aligner tray corresponds with a different stage in the process of straightening your teeth. For this reason, it is essential to wear the trays in the correct order. Around every one to two weeks, you will no longer wear the current tray and progress to the next tray in the series, wear that tray for the same period, and so on. For treatment with braces to move forward, the dentist or orthodontist would have to tighten the wires precisely. Only your dental professional can place, remove, or adjust these braces because they are fixed securely to your teeth.
Straightening that aligns with your schedule, lifestyle
With Invisalign®, you are in the driver’s seat. As long as you wear your aligners as advised by our dentists, Drs Hosaka or Cassis, you can get a healthy bite and correct crowded, crooked, unevenly spaced teeth around the same time as braces. It is achieved without the hassle and undesirable features accompanying conventional orthodontic treatment. With that being said, compliance is essential. Wear each aligner for at least 22 hours every day.
Schedule your Invisalign® consultation today. We can even show you how your treated teeth will look during your appointment, thanks to software that creates a 3-dimensional simulation of your treatment plan. You can reach us at (301) 686-5255 for an appointment.
Dr. Erick Hosaka, DDS, MBA, FAGD
Dr. Erick Hosaka is a fourth-generation dentist with over 28 years of experience in Chevy Chase. He holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Hosaka's commitment to excellence has earned him recognition as a Top Dentist by Washingtonian Magazine and Bethesda Magazine. He is known for his expertise and patient-centered care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and watching the Ravens.
Dr. Valerie Cassis, DMD
Dr. Valerie Cassis is a compassionate and skilled dentist who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine. She further honed her expertise through a General Practice Residency at Abington Memorial Hospital near Philadelphia. Now proudly serving the Bethesda community, Dr. Cassis is dedicated to providing personalized care to her patients. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, crocheting, drawing, and spending time with her beloved cat, Amelia.
