Invisalign® in Chevy Chase, MD
Straight, properly aligned teeth are not only attractive, but they are also healthier and fit more comfortably in your mouth.
Stop Avoiding Orthodontic Treatment With Invisalign
If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because you don’t want a mouth full of metal, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Smiles of Chevy Chase offers Invisalign clear aligner treatmentfor patients throughout Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, and the surrounding areas of Maryland. Under the care of Dr. Despina Markogiannakis—known by patients as Dr. Marko—you can straighten your teeth discreetly, comfortably, and on a timeline that fits your life.
Invisalign in Chevy Chase works the same way as traditional braces—applying gentle, consistent pressure to shift teeth into alignment—but without the brackets, wires, or dietary restrictions. The clear, removable aligner trays are custom-made using 3D scanning technology and Align Technology’s patented SmartTrack® material, giving you a precise fit from day one.
Crooked teeth and malocclusion (misaligned bites) aren’t just cosmetic issues. Left untreated, they can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even TMJ disorder—all of which are far more costly and painful to correct later. Invisalign addresses alignment problems early, protecting both your smile and your long-term oral health.
Ready to see if Invisalign is right for you? Call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-0656 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marko today.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system developed by Align Technology, the world leader in digital orthodontics. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible plastic trays to gradually move your teeth into their ideal position.
Each set of aligner trays is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. The trays are removable, meaning you take them out to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, and floss—making oral hygiene significantly easier to maintain compared to traditional braces.
Invisalign clear aligners are crafted from SmartTrack®—a patented thermoplastic material engineered for a more comfortable fit and more predictable tooth movement than earlier aligner materials. Each tray is produced using digital impressions (no messy molds) and precision 3D scanning, so it fits your unique mouth exactly.
With over 18 million patients treated worldwide and an 80–90% success rate, Invisalign is one of the most clinically proven orthodontic treatments available—and at Smiles of Chevy Chase, it’s delivered by an experienced, award-winning dental team right here near Bethesda, MD.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Clear Aligners Treat?
Invisalign isn’t just for minor crowding. Today’s Invisalign system is capable of treating a wide range of orthodontic conditions, including:
- Crowding: Teeth that overlap or don't have enough space
- Spacing and Gapped Teeth: Unwanted spaces between teeth
- Overbite: Upper teeth bite too far over lower teeth
- Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth don't align side-to-side
- Open Bite: Upper and lower teeth don't meet when the mouth closes
- Rotation: Individual teeth turned out of position
- Post-Orthodontic Relapse: Teeth that have shifted after previous treatment
Not sure if your case qualifies? Request a consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase, and Dr. Marko will evaluate your smile and walk you through all your orthodontic treatment options—no pressure, no commitment.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Metal Braces: What's the Difference?
If you’re weighing your options, here’s a clear, honest comparison:
Feature | Invisalign Clear Aligners | Metal Braces |
Visibility | Nearly invisible | Highly visible |
Removable | Yes—for eating and hygiene | No |
Comfort | Smooth plastic, no sharp edges | Brackets and wires can irritate |
Oral Hygiene | Brush and floss normally | Requires special tools |
Treatment Time | 6–18 months on average | 18–36 months typically |
Office Visits | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–8 weeks |
Diet Restrictions | None—remove to eat | Many (no sticky/hard foods) |
Both options are effective—the best choice depends on your specific bite, your lifestyle, and your smile goals. Dr. Marko will discuss both with you honestly during your consultation.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Is About More Than Aesthetics
A confident smile matters—but straight teeth aren’t just about how you look. Properly aligned teeth are genuinely healthier teeth. Here’s why orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term dental health:
- Easier Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are far simpler to clean, reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar that leads to tooth decay and gum disease
- Better Gum Health: Crowded or gapped teeth create hard-to-clean areas where gum disease can develop silently
- Reduced Risk of Tooth Wear: Misalignment forces uneven pressure on your teeth, accelerating enamel erosion over time
- TMJ Relief: Malocclusion is a leading contributor to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, jaw pain, and chronic headaches
- Improved Digestion: Teeth that bite and chew properly support better digestion and nutrient absorption
- Cardiovascular Health: Gum disease linked to poorly aligned teeth has been connected to increased risk of heart disease
Patients who come to us from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, and nearby areas often tell us they wish they had started treatment sooner. The good news: it’s never too late. Invisalign works for adults at any age—and the clear aligner market has seen the fastest growth among adults aged 35–50, who tend to benefit most from this technology.
Your Invisalign Treatment Process at Smiles of Chevy Chase
We make starting Invisalign simple. Here’s exactly what to expect from your first visit through your final retainer:
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Invisalign Consultation
Your journey starts with a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Marko. She'll review your dental and medical history, examine your teeth and bite, assess your gum health, and discuss your smile goals and budget. If you have existing dental concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, those are addressed before Invisalign treatment begins, ensuring the best possible outcome. Dr. Marko will be upfront about whether Invisalign is the right fit for your case, and if a different orthodontic approach would serve you better, she'll tell you that too.
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3D Digital Scanning and Custom Treatment Plan
If Invisalign is right for you, we take precise digital impressions of your teeth using advanced 3D scanning technology—no messy putty or uncomfortable molds. These digital scans serve as the blueprint for your aligner trays and allow us to map out your entire treatment plan before a single tray is made. You'll be able to see a simulation of how your teeth will move throughout treatment and what your final smile is expected to look like—before you commit to anything.
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Receiving Your Custom Invisalign Aligners
Your aligner trays are manufactured at the Invisalign dental laboratory using your unique digital scans. When they're ready, you'll come into our Chevy Chase dental office to receive your first set. Dr. Marko will ensure the fit is perfect and provide detailed care instructions before you head home.
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Wearing Your Invisalign Trays
For Invisalign to work effectively, you must wear your aligner trays for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Trays are removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. The more consistently you wear them, the faster and more predictable your results. Every 1–2 weeks, you'll transition to the next set of trays in the series, each one applying gentle, calibrated pressure to continue moving your teeth toward their target position.
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Follow-Up Visits Every 4–6 Weeks
You'll return to Smiles of Chevy Chase every 4–6 weeks for a check-in. Dr. Marko will assess your progress, confirm your teeth are responding as planned, and take new digital impressions when additional aligner trays need to be made.
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Retainer After Treatment
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, Dr. Marko will fit you for Vivera® retainers by Invisalign, made from the same SmartTrack® material as your aligners, to maintain your results and prevent post-orthodontic relapse. Retainer wear instructions vary by patient and will be explained at your final appointment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a highly versatile treatment, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. During your consultation, Dr. Marko will evaluate whether clear aligners are the right choice for your specific needs.
Invisalign tends to work best for:
- Adults and teens with mild to moderate orthodontic issues
- Patients who want a discreet treatment that doesn’t affect their professional appearance
- Individuals with good overall oral health—no active gum disease or significant untreated cavities
- Patients who are committed to wearing aligners as directed (22 hours/day)
- Adults in the 35–50 age range, who statistically benefit the most from aligner therapy
Invisalign may not be the right fit for severe skeletal misalignment or highly complex bite issues—though in some cases, a hybrid approach combining aligners with brief braces use can achieve excellent results. Dr. Marko will be honest about what treatment will serve your smile best.
For children ages 6–10, Invisalign First®â€”a pediatric dentistry adaptation of the system—can address early alignment concerns and reduce the likelihood of complex treatment later. Please note that we may not provide Invisalign treatment for young children at our Chevy Chase office.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost? Insurance and Financing in Chevy Chase
Invisalign treatment at Smiles of Chevy Chase is priced comparably to traditional metal braces—and for many patients, it costs about the same or only slightly more. The actual cost of your treatment depends on the complexity of your case, the number of aligner trays required, and the length of your treatment plan.
What most patients don’t realize: a significant portion of Invisalign costs can often be covered by dental insurance. Our front desk team will verify your dental insurance benefits, calculate your out-of-pocket costs upfront, and answer any coverage questions before you commit to treatment.
For patients without dental insurance or those with remaining balances, Smiles of Chevy Chase offers:
- Flexible monthly payment plans
- Medical financing options (CareCredit)
- Transparent cost estimates provided during your consultation
We believe cost should never be a reason to put off treatment that improves your health. Dr. Marko will walk through all available options at your initial appointment.
Why Choose Smiles of Chevy Chase for Invisalign Near You?
Patients looking for Invisalign near Chevy Chase, MD, or an Invisalign dentist near Bethesda have plenty of options—here’s why they choose Dr. Marko:
- Award-Winning Practice: Ranked #1 by Washingtonian Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and Potomac Magazine.
- Experienced Invisalign Provider: Dr. Marko has successfully treated patients of all ages with Invisalign clear aligners.
- Advanced 3D Scanning Technology: No uncomfortable impressions; digital precision from the first appointment.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: No cookie-cutter protocols; every smile is different and treated that way.
- Comprehensive Dental Care Under One Roof: From general dentistry and periodontal maintenance to cosmetic dentistry and sedation dentistry, we handle it all.
- Convenient Chevy Chase Location: Steps from Bethesda, Potomac, and greater Montgomery County, MD.
- Flexible Scheduling and Financing: We work around your life, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most adult Invisalign patients complete their treatment in six to 18 months, depending on the complexity of their case. Simple spacing or crowding corrections may take as few as 6 months; more involved alignment issues can require up to 22 months. During your consultation, Dr. Marko will provide a personalized timeline based on your specific treatment plan.
Will Invisalign keep my teeth permanently straight?
Invisalign delivers lasting results, but all orthodontic treatment, including traditional braces, carries some risk of post-orthodontic relapse, where teeth gradually shift back toward their original position if not retained. To prevent this, Dr. Marko recommends Vivera® retainers by Invisalign after treatment is complete. Worn as directed, retainers maintain your new smile long-term.
Can I get Invisalign if I've had dental implants or crowns?
In many cases, yes. Invisalign can work alongside existing dental implants and dental crowns, though these restorations cannot be moved by the aligners since they are anchored in the bone or cemented to teeth. Dr. Marko will assess your specific situation during your consultation and plan your treatment accordingly.
What happens if I don't wear my aligners enough?
Invisalign requires a minimum of 22 hours of wear per day to work as planned. Wearing aligners for less time slows tooth movement, extends treatment duration, and can affect final results. Compliance is the single biggest variable in Invisalign success—patients who wear their trays consistently get the best outcomes in the shortest time.
Is Invisalign right for teens?
Yes. Invisalign offers a teen-specific version of its system with compliance indicators built into the trays. For younger children (ages 6–10), Invisalign First® addresses early alignment concerns before the adult teeth are fully developed. Dr. Marko will recommend the right approach based on your child’s age and dental development.
How is Invisalign different from mail-order clear aligners?
Mail-order or direct-to-consumer aligner companies skip the in-person examination entirely—which means issues like gum disease, untreated cavities, bone loss, or complex bite problems can be missed entirely. Doctor-supervised Invisalign treatment, like what Dr. Marko provides, includes a thorough clinical exam, diagnostic 3D scanning, and oversight throughout every stage of treatment. The results are safer, more predictable, and more precise.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Chevy Chase, MD
Your straightest, healthiest smile is closer than you think. Whether you’re in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, or anywhere in Montgomery County, Dr. Marko and the team at Smiles of Chevy Chase are ready to build a personalized Invisalign treatment plan designed around your teeth, your timeline, and your budget.
Don’t wait for alignment problems to become bigger dental issues. The sooner you start, the sooner you’re smiling with confidence. Call our Chevy Chase dental practice at (301) 652-0656 to schedule your Invisalign consultation. Our dental office is located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Serving Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Montgomery County, MD.