Request Request Appointment Like Us Like us on Facebook Reviews Read Our Reviews Call Give us a Call Map View our Map

Invisalign – Fairfax, VA

Achieve a Straighter Smile Without Metal Braces

Closeup of smiling woman holding out Invisalign in Fairfax

Do you wish you had straighter teeth, but hate the idea of having a mouth full of awkward, bulky metal braces? Many adults and teens avoid getting the orthodontic treatment they need because they don’t want their professional, academic, or social lives to be hindered by wires and brackets. At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can help you achieve a straighter smile without metal braces thanks to a revolutionary treatment called Invisalign! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with your Fairfax dentist Dr. Malcolm Murray or Dr. Ahmed Saadoon and discover if Invisalign in Fairfax is right for you.

Why Choose MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry For Invisalign?

How Does Invisalign Work?

Closeup of patient placing Invisalign in Fairfax

Invisalign in Fairfax is designed to correct teeth and bite misalignment issues as comfortably, conveniently, and discreetly as possible. Instead of semi-permanent wires and brackets bonded to your teeth, these custom-made clear aligners fits snugly over your pearly whites to gently push them into place. They’re nearly invisible when worn, and you can remove them to brush, floss, and eat. An Invisalign treatment gives you the freedom to smile confidently and keep living your busy lifestyle while achieving a straighter, healthier smile. 

Am I A Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Man with straight teeth thanks to Invisalign in Fairfax

Nearly anyone who wants a straighter smile can benefit from Invisalign. However, there are some exceptions. We don’t recommend Invisalign for children because all of their permanent teeth haven’t come in yet and they’re more likely to accidentally lose their aligners. Additionally, more severe orthodontic issues may need to be treated with traditional braces. During your consultation, we’ll carefully inspect your teeth, jaw, and bite to determine if Invisalign is the most effective way for you to achieve the results you’re looking for.  

What Is the Invisalign Process Like?

Fairfax dentist and patient discussing Invisalign in Fairfax

Once we’ve decided that Invisalign is right for you, we’ll take impressions of your mouth and use them to create a series of clear aligners. You’ll wear each set for at least 20-22 hours every day for two weeks before moving on to the next one. The aligners apply certain amounts of pressure in specific areas of your mouth to gently push your teeth into their ideal positions. Every four to six weeks, you’ll come see us for a quick and easy checkup so we can ensure your treatment is on track. In most cases, you’ll have the straighter smile of your dreams in just 12-18 months!

Indications for Invisalign

woman smiling with Invisalign results

Depending on the severity, Invisalign can be used in mild or moderate cases of the following scenarios.

Crowded Teeth

When teeth are too close together and tightly packed within an arch, it can be difficult to keep them all perfectly clean. Bacteria and plaque can gather in nooks that are hard to reach with your toothbrush, potentially leading to more cavities or the development of gum disease. Our clear aligners can shift your teeth to get rid of these problem areas.

Gaps Between Teeth

Just as you don’t want teeth to be overly crowded, large gaps between your teeth can be just as undesirable. Bigger bits of food can become stuck, allowing bacteria to grow and spread inside your mouth. Invisalign can close the gaps and make sure your teeth are evenly spaced.

Bite Alignment

If you have a crossbite, open bite, underbite, or overbite, you can have more problems than just with your appearance. For instance, eating can become a challenge, to say the least. In addition, having upper and lower teeth that don’t match up properly can put extra strain on your jaw joint and wear down certain teeth faster than the rest. By correcting a misaligned bite, you can have an easier time eating and help your teeth stay strong for as long as possible.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

hand holding Invisalign aligner

At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that each patient’s smile is unique and requires customized attention. That’s why it’s difficult to estimate the cost of treatment for the general public. First, we need to examine your teeth to get an idea of how long you’ll wear Invisalign before we can give you a price quote. Keep in mind that our team can also take a deep look at your insurance coverage—some plans cover part of the cost of Invisalign. In addition, we offer affordable financing, which divides the total into monthly payments.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

patient during dental checkup in Fairfax

Many factors influence the total cost of Invisalign in Fairfax, including:

  • The number of aligners needed to straighten your teeth. It usually depends on the type and severity of your dental misalignment.
  • Whether you’re straightening one arch or both. Logically speaking, it’ll cost more to straighten both the upper teeth and lower teeth than just one or the other.
  • Your treatment compliance. Losing an aligner or failing to follow your orthodontist’s instructions can delay treatment, meaning you’ll have to pay more for extra trays.
  • Whether you require additional accessories. Depending on your case, you may need extra tools like elastics to ensure successful treatment.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

person holding two clear aligners

If you’re on a budget, you may be thinking about getting do-it-yourself clear aligner therapy like SmileDirectClub™. It usually costs under $2,000, while Invisalign can run anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. Although you’ll initially be paying less, it’s important to remember that just because it’s cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth having.

There are distinct differences between Invisalign and SmileDirectClub™, such as:

  • Material – DIY clear aligners are usually made out of cheap plastic. Meanwhile, Invisalign uses a patented material designed for comfort and more efficient tooth movements.
  • Effectiveness – Some patients who’ve used SmileDirectClub™ claim it has worsened their dental misalignment, resulting in issues that need to be fixed by a professional anyway. Invisalign has consistently proven to be successful!
  • Support – Most DIY aligner companies offer little to no oversight from a trusted dental professional. With Invisalign, you can enjoy the personalized support from our team at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry every step of the way.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

dental insurance form on table in Fairfax

The good news is that some dental insurance plans offer some form of coverage for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. If your policy is applicable, you can expect your out-of-pocket expenses to reduce by $1,000 or more. Before committing to anything, you should contact your insurance provider to find out exactly what your plan covers. Our team is more than happy to help with that step if needed.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

stack of money with dental tools

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! We offer third-party financing to help make your Invisalign treatment fit into your budget. CareCredit allows you to split the total cost into a series of smaller monthly installments. Plus, there’s often little-to-no interest attached! At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we also periodically run special promotions to help you save money on certain treatments. Currently, you can get Invisalign for as low as $109 per month!

Are you ready to start working towards the smile of your dreams? Give our office a call and schedule a consultation today! We’ll explain your financing options and create a treatment plan that fits your budget perfectly.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners offer a host of advantages over traditional metal braces, such as:

It’s never been easier to correct crooked teeth! Schedule your Invisalign consultation today and start your journey towards the smile you’ve always wanted!

Invisalign FAQs

Dentist pointing to Invisalign tray with patient

With completely removable, virtually undetectable, and incredibly effective aligners, Invisalign is the obvious choice for achieving your smile goals. With that being said, it’s natural for patients to have questions before committing to treatment. To make the process of researching everything about Invisalign in Fairfax easier, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact our office so our knowledgeable staff can help!

How Do I Take Care of My Aligners?

To preserve their shape and prevent them from staining, there are a few best practices you should follow regarding caring for your aligners. First is to brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste at the end of each day. This will keep them free of food particles and plaque that can discolor them. Next, always place them in a designated case during meals, so they don’t get accidentally thrown away or misplaced while they are out of your mouth.

What Can I Eat While Wearing Invisalign?

If you are a self-proclaimed foodie, you may be wondering whether Invisalign will get in the way of enjoying your favorite foods. The answer? Absolutely not! Since they are completely removable, they don’t require you to follow an extensive list of food restrictions. That being said, there are some foods you should avoid simply because they pose a risk to your oral health. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from sugary, sticky, acidic, and hard foods.

Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?

To properly enunciate words, your tongue makes a series of distinct movements against your teeth. So, naturally, it may take a few days or weeks for your tongue to adapt to the aligners when you first begin treatment. However, many patients don’t experience any difficulty, and those that do can quickly adjust by repeating the difficult words over and over again. In short, the small period of time you may have a slight lisp shouldn’t stand in your way of achieving a straight, beautiful smile with Invisalign.

Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After the Invisalign Treatment Is Finished?

Yes! After you have completed your final set of trays, our dentist in Fairfax will provide you with a custom-made retainer. Neglecting to wear it will cause your hard-earned results to fade before your eyes as your teeth shift back into their previous position. So, make sure to be diligent about wearing them and bring them with you to your six-month appointments to ensure they are in good condition.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Since Invisalign doesn’t rely on clunky metal brackets or pesky wires, patients find their clear aligners to be much more comfortable. After all, they are custom-made to fit your unique smile, limiting the potential of the trays rubbing up incessantly against the inside of your cheeks. Therefore, while you can expect some soreness from the aligners guiding your teeth into the desired position, the overall consensus is that Invisalign doesn’t hurt.

Have a Question? Get an Answer.
National Guard logo Virginia Dental Association logo American Dental Association logo American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo American Academy of Implant Dentistry logo Academy of General Dentistry logo National Dental Association logo American Orthodontic Society logo