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The Invisalign® Treatment Process

August 5th, 2016

Invisalign is gaining traction as a sought-after solution for orthodontic problems. Unlike traditional braces, which require the placement of brackets on teeth and the connection of unsightly wires, Invisalign works nearly invisibly (as its name suggests). Particularly for those who do not wish to draw attention to their orthodontic work, Invisalign provides an attractive solution.

Consultation with a Treatment Provider

Our practice has received specialized training to work with Invisalign. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek will assess your smile needs. In some cases, the type of problem may not lend itself to correction through Invisalign, and we may offer an alternative solution.

Creation of a Custom Treatment Plan

Invisalign works using a series of customized clear trays that fit almost perfectly over the teeth. To create these trays, Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These are submitted to a specialized laboratory that makes a 3D image of your smile. This is used to create a specialized treatment plan that provides an estimate of how long treatment will take.

Arrival of Custom Trays

Once your customized trays have arrived, the treatment begins. For Invisalign to work properly, you must wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. The trays gently draw your teeth into proper alignment, correcting your orthodontic problems as you go about your everyday life.

In general, you will replace your aligners with a new set every two weeks. This is to encourage your teeth to continue moving throughout the treatment process. You’ll need to check in with our Vienna, VA & Great Falls VA office every six weeks or so to ensure treatment progresses smoothly.

Beautiful Smile: Complete!

Once you complete your individualized treatment plan, you’ll have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Like with traditional braces, Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek may recommend that you wear a retainer to ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions.

What is AcceleDent®?

July 29th, 2016

If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek, we bet you would probably welcome any innovation that could reduce the time you spend wearing braces.

Our team at Garai Orthodontic Specialist is proud to offer our patients AcceleDent, an innovative device designed to increase your rate of tooth movement as well as potentially decrease your overall treatment time.

AcceleDent is a comfortable, lightweight, hands-free device that is held between your teeth for 20 minutes a day while you undergo treatment with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek. Using microvibrations that help stimulate bone movement, AcceleDent complements the controlled force braces provide to help bring your teeth into ideal alignment.

AcceleDent, which is easy to use and clean, is compatible with both teen and adult patients, and allows patients to enjoy everyday activities during the 20 minutes each day. Simply press the removable mouthpiece into the activator, bite down firmly enough to hold the device in place, and turn on AcceleDent.

A study has indicated that AcceleDent is an effective treatment in safely speeding bone movement, and can even reduce the time you spend wearing braces 38 to 50 percent faster than usual.

To learn if AcceleDent is right for you, please give us a call at our convenient Vienna, VA & Great Falls VA office to schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek.

What is AcceleDent®?

July 29th, 2016

If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek, we bet you would probably welcome any innovation that could reduce the time you spend wearing braces.

Our team at Garai Orthodontic Specialist is proud to offer our patients AcceleDent, an innovative device designed to increase your rate of tooth movement as well as potentially decrease your overall treatment time.

AcceleDent is a comfortable, lightweight, hands-free device that is held between your teeth for 20 minutes a day while you undergo treatment with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek. Using microvibrations that help stimulate bone movement, AcceleDent complements the controlled force braces provide to help bring your teeth into ideal alignment.

AcceleDent, which is easy to use and clean, is compatible with both teen and adult patients, and allows patients to enjoy everyday activities during the 20 minutes each day. Simply press the removable mouthpiece into the activator, bite down firmly enough to hold the device in place, and turn on AcceleDent.

A study has indicated that AcceleDent is an effective treatment in safely speeding bone movement, and can even reduce the time you spend wearing braces 38 to 50 percent faster than usual.

To learn if AcceleDent is right for you, please give us a call at our convenient Vienna, VA & Great Falls VA office to schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek.

Do I really need to wear my rubber bands with my braces?

July 22nd, 2016

Most of our patients at Garai Orthodontic Specialist will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek may also recommend using rubber bands to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop by our Vienna, VA & Great Falls VA office and pick up more!

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