How can we help you?
At McLean Dental Loft, we understand that visiting a new dental practice can raise questions, and we're here to ensure you feel fully informed and at ease every step of the way. Whether you're curious about our services, wondering what to expect on your first visit, or looking for more information about insurance and scheduling, we've compiled answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below.
Dr. Ardalan Sanati, Dr. Shohreh Shahrem, and our entire team are committed to transparency and open communication, because an informed patient is a confident one. If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please reach out to us directly. We're happy to answer your questions.
Browse through our FAQs below, and discover why McLean Dental Loft is McLean's premier destination for modern, patient-centered dental care.
Clear Aligners
Yes. Wearing retainers after completing your clear aligner treatment is essential for maintaining your new smile. Once your teeth have been guided into their final positions, retainers help keep them there and prevent them from gradually shifting back over time, a natural process known as relapse.
Immediately after finishing your aligner treatment, we will provide you with retainers custom-made to fit your newly aligned smile. You'll wear them at night while you sleep to keep your teeth in proper alignment.
Tips for Successful Retainer Wear
Here are a few things to keep in mind about your retainers:
- Consistency is key. The most common reason teeth shift after orthodontic treatment is irregular retainer wear. The more diligently you wear them, the longer your results will last.
- They require regular care. Clean your retainers daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, or with a retainer-cleaning solution. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
- They may need to be replaced over time. Retainers can wear down or become damaged with regular use. We recommend having them checked at your routine dental visits so we can ensure they still fit properly.
- Long-term wear is normal. For most patients, some level of retainer use is recommended indefinitely, particularly at night to preserve the investment you've made in your smile.
At McLean Dental Loft, we'll guide you through every stage of your retention plan and answer any questions along the way. A beautiful, lasting smile is a team effort, and we're with you for the long haul.
Invisalign® and Clarity™ clear aligners are quite similar in materials and performance, so if you're considering clear aligners to straighten your teeth, our dentists will help determine the right system for your needs. Here's what you should know.
What Problems Can Clear Aligners in McLean Fix?
Both Invisalign and Clarity can achieve similar results when moving teeth into correct alignment. Some of the problems they correct are:
- Teeth that overlap
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbites
- Overbites
- Underbites
What Are the Differences Between Clarity and Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Here are some ways Invisalign and Clarity differ from each other:
- Materials — Invisalign uses a single thermoplastic material called SmartTrack that balances constant force and flexibility. Clarity's material is a dual-system that offers both force and flex at different stages of the treatment plan.
- Attachments — Invisalign uses tooth-colored attachments that your dentist bonds directly to your teeth, while Clarity uses attachments that can be pre-loaded or 3-D printed to your aligners.
- Appearance — Clarity has a matte, smooth, and translucent finish, while Invisalign aligners tend to be glossier.
Which System Is Right for You?
The first step when choosing a clear aligner system to straighten your teeth is to book an evaluation with one of our dentists to determine which treatment is right for your needs.
You can talk with our team at (703) 775-4949 or request a visit with our dentists online.