At Fenton Family Dental in Silver Spring, MD, we believe that achieving the smile of your dreams should be as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer Invisalign—an advanced orthodontic solution that aligns your teeth discreetly and comfortably. But what really sets Invisalign apart is not just the clear aligners—it’s the thoughtful, personalized process that goes into every treatment.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to get started, this page walks you through each step of the Invisalign process so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1: Your Initial Consultation
Your Invisalign journey begins with a one-on-one consultation at our Silver Spring office. During this visit, we take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and assess whether Invisalign is the right fit for your smile. What happens during your consultation:
- We perform a thorough oral exam and review your dental history.
- We use digital scans or impressions to capture an accurate model of your teeth.
- We take photos and x-rays as needed to assess alignment and bite issues.
- We discuss your lifestyle, goals, and timeline to customize your treatment plan.
By the end of this appointment, you’ll have a clear understanding of your options and what your Invisalign treatment will involve.
Step 2: Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan
Once you’re ready to move forward, we create a detailed digital treatment plan using 3D imaging technology. This software allows us to map out the precise movements your teeth will make during treatment, and it gives you a preview of your expected results. Your personalized plan will include:
- The current position of your teeth and how they will shift over time.
- The number of aligners you will need.
- The estimated length of treatment (usually between 12 and 18 months).
- Check-in intervals for monitoring progress and receiving new aligners.
This step ensures that every movement of your teeth is carefully planned and that your results are predictable and efficient.
Step 3: Receiving Your Custom Aligners
Once your plan is approved, your aligners will be fabricated using smooth, clear SmartTrack material. Each aligner is custom-molded to fit your teeth and guide them into their next position. When you receive your aligners:
- We show you how to insert and remove them properly.
- We review your wear schedule (typically 20–22 hours per day).
- We explain how to clean and care for your aligners.
- You’ll begin wearing your first set and transition to the next every one to two weeks.
Because the aligners are removable, you’ll still be able to eat your favorite foods and maintain your normal brushing and flossing routine.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Progress
Throughout your Invisalign treatment, we’ll schedule check-in appointments every six to eight weeks to ensure your teeth are tracking properly and make any necessary adjustments. These visits are typically shorter than traditional orthodontic check-ups and involve no painful wire tightenings. At each visit:
- We evaluate your smile and compare your progress to your treatment plan.
- We provide your next sets of aligners.
- We address any concerns or questions you may have.
- We make sure your treatment stays on track.
These routine visits help us maintain the accuracy and efficiency of your results.
Step 5: Completing Treatment & Maintaining Your Results
Once you’ve gone through all your aligners and your teeth have reached their final position, it’s time to celebrate your new smile! But like any orthodontic treatment, maintenance is key to preserving your results. To protect your investment, we provide:
- A custom retainer to keep your teeth in their new alignment.
- Instructions on when and how often to wear your retainer.
- Follow-up visits to monitor the stability of your results.
By continuing to follow our post-treatment care instructions, you can enjoy your straighter smile for years to come.
Expert Care, Personalized Process, & A Smile Studio Like No Other
At Fenton Family Dental, your Invisalign experience is more than just receiving clear aligners—it’s a fully customized journey supported by a compassionate team and cutting-edge technology. From the first digital scan to your final retainer, we are committed to making your transformation seamless and rewarding. Patients in Silver Spring, MD, and surrounding communities choose us because we deliver:
- A modern, spa-like setting designed with comfort in mind.
- Personalized treatment plans crafted by experienced Invisalign providers.
- Advanced imaging and scanning for precise, mess-free impressions.
- Flexible appointment times and a caring, knowledgeable team.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way with the support and attention you deserve. If you’re ready to take the first step toward the confident smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to schedule your Invisalign consultation today. Your future smile starts now.
