Invisalign® & Clear Aligners
Why Are Invisalign® & Clear Aligners So Important?
Clear aligner therapy represents a revolutionary approach to orthodontic treatment that eliminates many drawbacks associated with traditional braces.
Using a series of custom-designed, nearly invisible plastic aligners, we can gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment without metal brackets or wires. This discreet approach lets you maintain your professional image and social confidence throughout treatment.
Beyond aesthetics, properly aligned teeth contribute significantly to your overall oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean effectively, reducing your risk of decay and gum disease. Correcting bite issues can prevent abnormal wear on teeth, reduce strain on jaw joints, and even alleviate headaches or TMJ discomfort in some patients.
Our integrated approach allows for seamless coordination between your aligner therapy and any other dental work you might need, ensuring all aspects of your treatment work together harmoniously. Whether you're seeking minor corrections or comprehensive smile transformation, our clear aligner therapy provides a comfortable, convenient path to the smile you've always wanted.
Our clear aligner treatment is distinguished by Dr. Shin's prosthodontic specialty, bringing advanced expertise in occlusion (bite relationships) and comprehensive smile aesthetics beyond simple tooth straightening.
Unlike general practices that offer aligners as an isolated service, we integrate orthodontic movement into comprehensive treatment planning that considers your overall dental health and long-term goals. Our digital workflow includes advanced 3D scanning, virtual treatment simulation, and precise monitoring throughout your treatment for predictable, efficient results.
We offer multiple aligner options including Invisalign® and other premium systems, selected based on your specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Our comprehensive assessment identifies and addresses underlying issues like TMJ dysfunction or habits that might affect your treatment success.
Throughout your aligner journey, our concierge approach includes direct communication with your doctor, fewer in-office visits through virtual monitoring options, and a comfortable, anxiety-free environment that makes achieving your ideal smile a convenient, pleasant experience with results that enhance both aesthetics and function.
Benefits of Professional Invisalign® & Clear Aligners
- Virtually invisible during treatment
- Removable for eating and cleaning
- More comfortable than metal braces
- Requires fewer office visits
- Provides predictable, digital results
What to Expect During Your Clear Aligner Treatment
Your Prostho Endo Experience: 5 Simple Steps
When you arrive at our office, you'll be greeted by our friendly front desk team with genuine smiles.
Instead of clipboard paperwork, we provide an iPad for quick, paperless registration that respects your time.
Our relaxing and welcoming environment is designed to put you at ease from the moment you step through our doors. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and refreshments make this first step pleasant and stress-free.
A dedicated dental assistant will personally escort you to your treatment room, introducing you to our office layout and amenities along the way.
Feel free to ask questions as we walk and talk! Once in your private treatment room, you'll settle into our ergonomic chair while watching a brief welcome video.
We'll ensure you're completely comfortable with pillows, blankets if needed, and entertainment options before proceeding.
Our team uses state-of-the-art technology to gather the information needed for your personalized care plan painlessly.
No more uncomfortable, gagging impression materials—our digital scanners capture precise images quickly and comfortably.
When necessary, our low-radiation 3D imaging provides detailed views while prioritizing your safety.
Throughout this process, we'll explain each step so you know exactly what's happening.
Now it's time to meet with either Dr. Shin (Prosthodontist) or Dr. Kim (Endodontist), who will personally review your assessment results with you.
Using clear language you will understand with ease and not confusing dental jargon. They'll discuss your specific concerns and goals while answering all your questions.
You'll receive a detailed digital treatment plan with transparent pricing via email, so there are never any surprises.
Whether you need same-day treatment or a comprehensive multi-phase plan, everything will be explained thoroughly.
Experience dental care that truly prioritizes your comfort using the latest technology.
From digital smile design for aesthetic procedures to advanced root canal techniques that minimize discomfort, every aspect of your treatment is designed to be as pleasant as possible.
Before you leave, you'll receive clear post-procedure instructions and the option to schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
You'll walk out not just with improved dental health, but with a newfound confidence in your smile.
Are you ready to experience dental care that transforms anxiety into confidence? Many patients tell us they wish they hadn't waited so long to visit us! Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign® & Clear Aligners
Clear aligner therapy has evolved significantly and can now effectively address most orthodontic concerns, though the complexity of your case will determine whether it's the optimal approach. Clear aligners excel at treating mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues, correcting rotated teeth, closing gaps, and resolving many bite discrepancies including overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
They can also be effective for adults experiencing relapse after previous orthodontic treatment. For more complex cases involving severe crowding, significant bite issues, or teeth requiring substantial rotation or vertical movement, Dr. Shin will evaluate whether clear aligners alone can achieve optimal results or if a combination approach might be recommended.
Some complex movements may require temporary auxiliary components like tooth-colored attachments (small bumps bonded to certain teeth) that enhance the aligners' effectiveness for particular movements.
During your consultation, Dr. Shin will perform a comprehensive assessment and clearly explain whether clear aligners are suitable for your specific situation or if alternative approaches might better achieve your goals. Our focus is always on recommending the most effective treatment, even if that means suggesting traditional orthodontics when appropriate.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
Pre-OP Instructions for Invisalign® / Clear Aligners
Before starting your Invisalign or clear aligner treatment, please follow these guidelines to prepare for a smooth and successful experience.
1. Dental Readiness
- Make sure you’ve had a recent dental cleaning and exam—decay or gum disease must be treated before starting aligners.
- Any necessary extractions, fillings, or attachments will be discussed and scheduled prior to treatment.
- If interproximal reduction (IPR) is required, your provider will inform you in advance.
2. What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- We will place attachments (small tooth-colored bumps) on certain teeth to help guide the aligners.
- We may perform IPR (slight reshaping) between some teeth to create space for movement.
- You’ll receive your first few sets of aligners, instructions for use, and cleaning supplies.
3. Comfort and Schedule Planning
Keep your schedule light that day—some patients prefer not to return to work/school immediately after the first fitting.
Your teeth may feel tight or sore for the first few days—this is normal and means the aligners are working.
Plan to take mild pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen) if needed.
Post-Operative Instructions for Invisalign® / Clear Aligners
To ensure successful treatment and avoid delays, please follow these guidelines closely throughout your aligner journey:
1. Wear Time
- Wear aligners for 20–22 hours per day, removing only for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
- Do not skip days or leave aligners out for extended periods—this can delay or reverse progress.
2. Changing Aligners
- Change to the next set as directed, usually every 7–14 days, depending on your provider's instructions.
- Save your previous set of aligners in case you lose or break your current ones.
3. Oral Hygiene
- Brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in.
- Clean aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap (avoid toothpaste—it can scratch them).
- Do not soak aligners in hot water—this may warp the plastic.
4. Eating and Drinking
- Remove aligners when eating or drinking anything other than plain water.
- Avoid sugary or acidic drinks while aligners are in—they can lead to decay or staining.
5. Attachments and IPR
- Be careful with crunchy or sticky foods if you have attachments—they can dislodge.
- Contact us if an attachment falls off or you feel sharp edges or discomfort.
6. Follow-Up Visits
If refinements or new scans are necessary, we’ll schedule those accordingly.
Attend all scheduled check-ins so we can monitor your progress and make adjustments if needed.
Treatment duration with clear aligners is typically comparable to traditional braces for similar cases, though individual factors significantly influence your specific timeline.
Most patients complete clear aligner therapy in 6-18 months, with simple cosmetic corrections sometimes finishing even faster. The primary factors affecting your treatment duration include the complexity of tooth movements needed, your compliance with wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily, your individual biological response to tooth movement, and your age (adult teeth typically move more slowly than those of adolescents).
One advantage of clear aligner therapy is the predictability of treatment timing due to the precise digital planning involved. During your consultation, Dr. Shin can provide a fairly accurate estimate of your expected treatment duration based on your specific needs.
While clear aligners may not always be faster than traditional braces, many patients find the treatment process more convenient due to fewer office visits, no emergency appointments for broken wires or brackets, and simplified oral hygiene without brackets to clean around.
For certain cases, we offer accelerated treatment options including specialized devices that can stimulate bone remodeling, potentially reducing treatment time by up to 50% for qualified candidates. These options can be discussed during your consultation if appropriate for your situation.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
Most patients find clear aligners significantly more comfortable than traditional braces. Rather than experiencing constant pressure and potential irritation from brackets and wires, aligner therapy applies gentle, consistent forces that gradually shift your teeth.
When beginning each new aligner set, you may experience mild pressure or tenderness for 1-3 days as your teeth begin to move. Many patients describe this as a “tight” feeling rather than pain.
This temporary discomfort is actually a sign that your treatment is progressing as planned and typically responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners have no metal components to cause cheek or lip irritation, though some patients may experience minor tongue irritation from aligner edges initially as they adapt. If you notice any sharp edges, we can easily smooth these for your comfort.
Many patients find it helpful to switch to new aligners before bed, allowing the initial pressure to occur while sleeping. Some also prefer to use over-the-counter pain relievers proactively when starting a new aligner.
Throughout your treatment, our team remains available to address any comfort concerns promptly. Most patients report that any minor discomfort is well worth the benefits of straightening their teeth without the appearance and lifestyle limitations of traditional braces.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
The investment in clear aligner therapy varies based on the complexity of your case, the specific aligner system used, and the duration of treatment needed.
At Prostho Endo Dental Specialists, clear aligner treatment typically ranges from $3,000-$8,000, comparable to the cost of traditional braces for similar cases. Simple cosmetic corrections requiring limited movement may fall at the lower end of this range, while comprehensive treatment addressing significant bite issues may require greater investment.
During your consultation, after Dr. Shin has completed a thorough evaluation and developed your personalized treatment plan, we'll provide a detailed breakdown of costs with no hidden fees or surprises. Many dental insurance plans now provide orthodontic benefits for clear aligner therapy, typically covering $1,000-$3,000 of treatment costs.
Our team will verify your benefits and help maximize your coverage. We offer multiple financing options through TuaPay, Cherry, Lending Club, and CareCredit, many with interest-free payment plans that make achieving your ideal smile more accessible.
Our Essential Smile Plan membership program also provides discounts on orthodontic treatment for patients without insurance.
We recognize that clear aligner therapy represents a significant investment in your health and confidence, and our financial coordinators work with each patient individually to find payment solutions that make treatment affordable while never compromising on the quality of your care or results.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
Proper care of your aligners during treatment and diligent retention afterward are crucial for optimal, lasting results. During treatment, clean your aligners daily using lukewarm (never hot) water and a soft toothbrush with either clear antibacterial soap or specialized aligner cleaning crystals.
Avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive and create microscopic scratches that harbor bacteria and cause cloudiness. Always remove aligners when eating or drinking anything besides plain water to prevent staining and damage. Store aligners in their protective case when not in your mouth to avoid loss or damage. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before reinserting aligners to prevent trapping bacteria against your teeth.
After completing treatment, consistent retainer wear is absolutely essential for maintaining your results. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout life, particularly in the first year after orthodontic treatment. We typically recommend full-time retainer wear for the first few months, then transitioning to nighttime wear indefinitely.
We provide detailed retainer care instructions similar to aligner maintenance. We recommend replacing retainers approximately every 1-2 years due to normal wear, and we offer convenient reordering using your digital records.
Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor your retention and address any minor shifts before they become significant. With proper maintenance, your beautiful, straight smile can last a lifetime.
Book online or call / text (301) 377− 8306 to make an appointment.
At Prostho Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care whether you have insurance or not. That’s why we created our in-house Prostho Dental Membership Plan. A smart, affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance.
If you’re among the millions of Americans without dental coverage, you’re not alone. Traditional insurance plans often come with annual caps, long waiting periods, deductibles, and confusing claims. We wanted to change that.
Our membership plan is designed to give you peace of mind and real value with no hidden fees, no annual maximums, no waiting periods, and no pre-approvals.
From day one, you’ll get access to:
- Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Emergency exams and fluoride treatments (varies by plan)
- Exclusive savings on procedures completed at our practice
- Immediate benefits—no deductibles or claims
- Flexible options for children, adults, and periodontal care
Whether it's for you or your whole family, our membership makes dental care more affordable, predictable, and stress-free.
We’re proud to serve our Maryland and Virginia communities and invite you to experience the personalized care we’re known for at Prostho Dental.
Download our Essential Smile Membership Plan printable flyer to learn more, sign up at our front desk, or just point your phone camera at the QR code.
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NORTH BETHESDA OFFICE
5904 Hubbard Drive,
North Bethesda, MD 20852
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Call/Text: (301) 377-8306Proudly Serving Our Maryland & Virgina Communities
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