Invisalign® in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

Straight, properly aligned teeth are not only attractive, but they are also healthier and fit more comfortably in your mouth. Crooked teeth and an improper bite can lead to long-term dental issues that later become painful and expensive to fix. This is why dentist Dr. Despina Markogiannakis is proud to offer the Invisalign system — removable, clear teeth aligners for her patients in Chevy Chase, MD. Custom made for your teeth and your specific needs, Invisalign is more attractive and comfortable than traditional metal orthodontics since they can be removed to make eating and brushing your teeth much easier. If you are interested in getting straighter teeth with Invisalign technology, schedule a consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase to learn more about the program from Dr. Markogiannakis.

A straight smile helps you get the most out of your teeth, making them easier to clean, and delivering a beautiful, lasting smile. Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct dental misalignment and get you the straight smile you deserve

You may feel hesitant to undergo treatment if your doctor has prescribed metal braces. Fortunately, at Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Markogiannakis (often called Dr. Marko) can offer Invisalign clear aligners as an alternative.

Invisalign clear aligners are transparent aligner trays made from patented SmartTrack® material that gently guide your teeth into their proper place.

Like traditional metal braces, Invisalign corrects dental misalignment by exerting pressure on your teeth over an extended amount of time. Invisalign clear aligners can treat a number of orthodontic conditions including:

• Crossbites
• Crowding
• Rotation
• Post-orthodontic treatment relapse
• Open bites
• Gapped teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners are:

• Removable
• Comfortable
• Easy to clean
• Nearly invisible
• Fast working

Before you can begin treatment with Invisalign, you’ll have a consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis. During your consultation, she’ll examine your mouth to diagnose any underlying issues, review your medical history, and discuss your budget and smile goals with you. Dr. Markogiannakis will be sure to let you know about all of your orthodontic treatment options so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Once treatment with Invisalign has been selected, we’ll take digital impressions of your smile that will serve as the blueprints for your aligner trays. You’ll return once your trays are done being made at an offsite laboratory. Dr. Markogiannakis will ensure that the first set of aligners trays fits properly and send you home with care instructions.

You’ll need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours every day for the system to be effective. The trays will only be removed for eating, drinking fluids besides water, and cleaning your teeth. After the prescribed amount of time, you’ll move on to the next set in the series. This process will gradually move your teeth into their proper positions.

You’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments every 4 – 6 weeks at Smiles of Chevy Chase. We’ll check the fit of your Invisalign trays and take more digital impressions so new sets of aligners can be made.

Will Invisalign make my teeth permanently straight?

Invisalign is a highly effective orthodontic treatment, but post-orthodontic treatment relapse is possible. For some patients, once they stop orthodontic treatment, their teeth will begin to shift back into their pre-orthodontic treatment positions.

To prevent this, Dr. Markogiannakis recommends Vivera® retainers by Invisalign. Vivera retainers are designed with the same patented SmartTrack material and help keep your teeth in place after your treatment has concluded. Each retainer is custom made at the Invisalign dental laboratory based on digital impressions taken after your treatment is complete.

Dr. Markogiannakis will inform you about how often to wear your retainer and provide care instructions once we receive it from the lab. Dr. Markogiannakis will continue to monitor the alignment of your teeth and bite during your annual dental exams to ensure your teeth remain in the correct position.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment?

This service is great for both adults and teens who want straighter teeth without the discomfort, hassle, and appearance of traditional metal braces. For children six to ten years old, Invisalign First is the best way to enjoy the benefits of Invisalign.

How long do I have to wear my Invisalign clear aligner trays?

The length of time that you use Invisalign will vary based on the original position of your teeth and your cosmetic dental goals, but most patients wear their aligners for about one year.

How much does orthodontic treatment with Invisalign cost?

Invisalign tends to cost about as much or slightly more than traditional metal braces, making it an affordable treatment for many patients. For most patients, some of their Invisalign treatment costs can be covered by dental insurance.

Our front office will confirm your benefits and calculate your personal costs. Smiles of Chevy Chase accepts many different payment methods for patients who don't have dental insurance. During your initial consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis can go over your estimated costs and ways to make your treatment more affordable, including flexible payment plans and medical financing.

Thanks to Invisalign clear aligner trays, you can get the orthodontic treatment you need without worrying about metal brackets and wires poking your mouth and obscuring your smile. Dr. Markogiannakis and the team at Smiles of Chevy Chase can help you get on track to a straight, healthy smile in half the time of metal braces.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis at our office in Bethesda & Chevy Chase by dialing 301-652-0656 or by filling out our contact form. With Invisalign, your orthodontic treatment can be faster, comfortable, and best of all, discreet.