Straight Smiles with the Best Teeth Aligners

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Clear teeth aligners straighten your smile with a series of comfortable, removable trays.

These virtually invisible aligners let you enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without restriction, and they make brushing and flossing a breeze.

Made of smooth plastic, they’re gentle on your mouth and free of metal that can irritate your cheeks and gums.

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703-986-3533

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What’s best for you

Which Is Better, Aligners or Braces?

Clear aligners offer a lifestyle advantage. They’re removable, making brushing and flossing a breeze, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Plus, they eliminate the risk of chipped teeth or irritation from braces. Surprisingly, clear aligners cost less than you might think and are very affordable!

AO Go dental aligners are crafted from a remarkable biocompatible thermoplastic material known as Zendura Flex.
Zendura Flex is a material that is completely safe for use in the mouth, as it is free from BPA and phthalates.
Zendura Flex is an incredibly robust and long-lasting material that can easily handle the pressures of chewing and biting. Read more about Zendura Flex here.

Some of the advantages of clear aligners:

Cosmetics

Convenience

Compliance

Comfort

Cost

We Just Want To See You Smile!

At AO Aligners in Alexandria Virginia, we offer FREE, No Obligation Aligner Consultations. Stop making excuses and schedule a free consultation today.

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703-986-3533

Unlocking Your Smile

Are Clear Aligners Right for You?

Clear aligners are a fantastic option for many people, but they might not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some things to consider: For example, a person with a dental bridge or a porcelain veneer is not a good candidate for aligners. Some dental crowns can make a patient not a good candidate too. Other times those aligners aren’t the right way to go are:

Large Gaps

Clear Aligners are great for a patient with spaces in their mouth, they will close those spaces, if the space isn’t more than 6 millimeters. Any spaces that are larger will need metal braces.

Misshaped

While aligners excel at straightening teeth, they may not address concerns about individual tooth shape. If you have concerns about rounded, pegged, pointed, large, or small teeth, aligners might not be the best option.

Jaw

For some patients, achieving a healthy and beautiful smile requires addressing underlying jaw concerns. While clear aligners are fantastic for straightening teeth, traditional braces offer more precise control for jaw repositioning.

Unlock your dream smile faster

How long should I wear aligners?

For best results, wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. Take them out only for eating, drinking non-water beverages, and brushing/flossing. Brushing both your teeth and aligners after meals helps maintain hygiene and keeps your treatment on track. Remember, consistent wear is key! Research shows teeth move most effectively after 4 hours of continuous wear, so avoid frequent snacking with your aligners out. And don’t forget to wear them while you sleep!

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Which is Right for You?

Choosing Between Aligners and Braces

Yes, they do the same thing, but in different ways. The difference starts with how they are made and how they are installed in the patient’s mouth.

Difference Between Braces and Clear Aligners

Aligners are a tight-fitting custom-made mouthpiece that slips over the patient’s teeth.

There are several different brands, which one is used is typically up to the dentist. By placing a gentle pressure on the teeth, aligners guide the teeth in small movements with pressure to the roots to jawbone. The jawbone responds to this gentle force by essentially moving the tooth sockets. The teeth are simply moving with the sockets.

Aligners are custom made to fit out of a plastic so that they fit the patient’s teeth.

Aligners move the teeth one step at a time to reach the desired and final positioning. A tooth-colored composite resin with small bumps is attached to numerous teeth that give the aligner grip to the teeth, so it can correctly move.

Braces are moving the teeth with an exerted amount of pressure for a longer period.

The general perception we have is that teeth and the jawbone are directly connected. However, there is a membrane under the gum that is wrapped around the jawbone and the roots are attached to that membrane.

Braces are metal or porcelain bands wrapped around each tooth and attached to the teeth with a dental cement.

Metal wires connect the bands and rubber bands provide additional force to assist the teeth rooted in that membrane to move to the correct position.

Everyone’s teeth are different, and so is their orthodontic treatment. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the best teeth aligner options, clear aligner cost, braces or anything you need help with! Just give us a call or stop by!

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Reach out for more information

Unsure if aligners are right for you? Let’s chat!

Ready to unlock your dream smile? A consultation can answer all your questions about clear aligners, cost, and the best orthodontic option for you or your child. We understand choosing the right treatment can feel overwhelming – our experts are here to guide you every step of the way!

Start with a consultation with your dentists for an examination and x-rays. They can evaluate the dental condition, advise if there are dental issues to be taken care of first, and then refer you to an orthodontist in Alexandria, VA.

Need More Information About Aligners

Check Out some of our frequently asked Aligner questions and then Let’s chat!

Are aligners better than braces?2025-03-04T11:37:19-05:00

Are aligners better than braces?

Clear aligners and traditional braces each have their own advantages, and the best option depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and often more comfortable than braces. However, they require patient compliance—aligners must be worn consistently to be effective. Braces, on the other hand, are fixed and can treat more complex orthodontic cases. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, a consultation with an orthodontist can help determine the right choice for your smile goals.

Do clear aligners actually work?2025-03-04T11:35:05-05:00

Do clear aligners actually work?

Yes, clear aligners are a highly effective orthodontic treatment for correcting mild to moderate misalignment, including crowded teeth, gaps, and bite issues. They work by applying controlled pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and custom-made for each patient, making them a convenient and discreet alternative. However, their success depends on wearing them as prescribed—typically 20 to 22 hours per day.

How much do clear aligners cost?2025-03-04T11:36:51-05:00

How much do clear aligners cost?

The cost of clear aligners depends on the complexity of your case, treatment duration, and provider. At AO Aligners, we offer free consultations to provide a personalized estimate based on your unique needs. We accept most major insurance plans and offer multiple flexible financing options, including 0% in-house financing, to make treatment more accessible and affordable. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options!

How much does 1 year of Invisalign cost?2025-03-04T11:40:30-05:00

How much does 1 year of Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on your individual needs, including the complexity of your case and how long treatment lasts. At AO Aligners, we provide free consultations to evaluate your smile and give you a customized cost estimate. We also work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible financing solutions, including 0% in-house financing, so you can achieve a straighter smile without financial stress. Contact us today to learn more about your options!

How painful are aligners?2025-03-04T11:38:58-05:00

How painful are aligners?

Clear aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces, but mild discomfort is normal, especially when switching to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is a sign that the aligners are gently moving your teeth into their correct position. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain, and it typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and switching to a new aligner set before bed can help minimize any discomfort.

What is the total cost of clear aligners?2025-03-04T11:39:21-05:00

What is the total cost of clear aligners?

The total cost of clear aligners depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and treatment length. At AO Aligners, we provide free consultations to give you a personalized estimate tailored to your needs. We accept most major insurance plans and offer multiple flexible financing options, including 0% in-house financing, to make your treatment as affordable as possible. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options!

Why do dentists not recommend Invisalign?2025-03-04T11:37:53-05:00

Why do dentists not recommend Invisalign?

Most dentists and orthodontists do recommend clear aligners, including Invisalign, for appropriate cases. However, some professionals may prefer traditional braces for severe misalignment, complex bite issues, or patients who struggle with compliance. Clear aligners require discipline—if not worn properly, treatment can take longer or be less effective. If your dentist does not recommend clear aligners, they may believe another treatment method is better suited to your specific dental needs.