Orthodontics

If you are interested in improving your smile, you’ve come to the right place! Our doctors have extensive experience with cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. Before choosing the best type of orthodontic treatment, our doctors will evaluate your bite and overall oral health to create a customized treatment plan. To schedule orthodontic care in Northern VA, give us a call today!

Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Straightening crooked teeth will boost your smile confidence but crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic dental concern. What many patients may not realize is that crooked teeth can affect your overall dental health. They can lead to additional oral health complications that may damage your gums, teeth, and jaw. Crooked teeth can be more difficult to clean with brushing and flossing, are more prone to damage over time and can lead to bite problems. Other issues they may lead to include:

  • TMJ and chronic jaw pain
  • Increase your chance for tooth decay
  • Cause overcrowding
  • Cause malocclusion
  • Make patients self-conscious of their smile

Invisalign®

Invisalign provides a discreet, convenient option for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Our doctors are Northern Virginia Invisalign and Invisalign Teen providers, offering treatment with clear aligners for a wide range of dental health and cosmetic concerns:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Gaps between teeth

Our doctors can straighten your smile and improve your dental health with Invisalign without impacting your appearance or quality of life – no one has to know you are wearing braces. The clear aligners are comfortable, removable and will gently reposition your teeth in about 6-10 months. Invisalign is often the perfect solution for teens and adults who do not want the hassles and discomfort of traditional metal braces, or adults experiencing shifting teeth after previous orthodontic treatment.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Treatment planning begins with digital dental impressions of your mouth. These high resolution images will be used with CAD/CAM technology to carefully plan treatment and design your custom aligners for repositioning your teeth. The number of aligners needed will be determined by your specific goals.

You will change aligners according to your personal treatment plan, but generally every two weeks. The aligners are to be worn about 22 hours per day, leaving plenty of time to remove them so you can enjoy the foods you love and maintain good oral hygiene with thorough brushing and flossing.

With Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions and the risk of tooth decay is significantly decreased. Patients appreciate the flexibility and comfort of the clear aligners, which are made of a smooth, BPA-free material and easily placed and removed.

Invisalign® Teen

When it comes to orthodontics, most teens feel embarrassed by traditional metal braces. The effect on their self confidence takes away from the smile they are trying to achieve. Invisalign Teen offers teens a solution when mild to moderate treatment is needed. Invisalign Teen can give your teen a smile they will feel good about while improving their oral health. Ridgetop Dental Group offers a family friendly environment that welcomes teens and provides patient-focused care for their smile. Our staff will work with your teen to educate them on how to care for their teeth and gums to maintain a healthy smile during and after Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign® FAQs

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign®?

Mostly anyone can qualify for Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is best used for patients with mild to moderate misalignment issues. Your dentist will evaluate your malocclusion and recommend the appropriate treatment options. Younger patients have a greater success rate with Invisalign because their teeth are still growing and shift more easily.

How fast does Invisalign® work?

If you follow all instructions, brush at least twice a day, use mouthwash and floss, you may start seeing results within the first month. Generally, Invisalign treatment can be completed in about 6 -10 months. Although, this will heavily depend on how crooked and misaligned your teeth are, as well as other treatment factors.

Are invisible braces covered by insurance?

Invisible braces are typically not covered by insurance. Ridgetop Dental Group will help you with any billing and paperwork to maximize your dental insurance benefits. We also offer third-party dental financing and payment plans for patients concerned about the cost of Invisalign treatment.

Six Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a clear braces system that is a modern alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. Utilizing clear braces and tooth-colored wires, Six Month Smiles is a discreet treatment for crooked teeth. In an average of six months, this system delivers straightened teeth comfortably and effectively. If you would like more information about Six Month Smiles in Northern VA, schedule your consultation today!

Many adults go their whole life hiding their smile out of embarrassment of their crooked teeth. They may have avoided braces for many reasons including the cost being too high or the treatment time being too long. The Six Month Smile technique allows our doctors to focus only on straightening the teeth seen when you smile without a full mouth full of braces. Because we are only focusing on these teeth, the treatment time is shorter. It uses low force to gently move teeth which is actually a standard orthodontic mechanic but only focuses on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.

Am I a Candidate for Six Month Smiles?

This treatment was designed for people who are interested in straightening their teeth located in the “smile zone”. It can be the ideal solution for adult patients with mild to moderate cosmetic concerns. It is also an effective solution for those who are experiencing orthodontic relapse as they grow older. This method is also used to realign a patient’s bite for a more comfortable, balanced smile. Six Month Smiles may provide fewer risks of damage to teeth and gums because the clear braces and wires are lighter than traditional metal braces.

The Six Month Smiles Process

Following a consultation, dental impressions will be taken to help create custom clear braces. Digital photography will also be used to determine where your teeth and bite are currently located. Our doctors will attach the clear brackets and wires in-office. You will also need regular checkup appointments to monitor your treatment progress. In about six months, your new straight smile will be ready. After the braces are removed, we recommend the use of a retainer worn nightly to ensure that your teeth remain straight.

Six Month Smiles FAQs

How does it work in just 6 months?

4-9 months is the average treatment time because this treatment is meant for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Before your treatment, your orthodontist will sit you down and set short-term and long-term goals. A 6 month timeline is usually a short-term amount of time. Many cases will be finished within 6 months, but some more difficult bites may take longer.

How do I know if a case is too difficult?

Six Month Smiles can aid most bites, although sometimes treatment may take longer than the originally estimated 6 months. In this case, we may recommend alternative treatments. If you are curious if you would make a good candidate for a six month smile ask your dentist or orthodontist.

Can Six Month Smiles treat patients with missing teeth?

Six Month Smiles can treat patients with missing teeth. Although the more teeth missing, the more difficult the case may be, and it may end up taking longer than expected. The process is also dependent on which teeth are missing. Some malocclusion issues can be fixed quicker than others.

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