
Orthodontics
Clear Aligners & Invisalign
Clear Aligners & Invisalign Explained
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays to gradually straighten teeth. At Nova Dental Care of Chantilly, clear aligners are designed using digital scans and 3D treatment planning, allowing us to map out every small tooth movement before the first tray is even worn. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next, slowly guiding teeth into the desired position over the course of treatment.
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. This makes oral hygiene significantly easier during treatment and means there are no dietary restrictions. The aligners themselves are nearly invisible, which makes them especially popular with adults and image-conscious teens who want to straighten their teeth without the visibility of brackets and wires.
Clear aligners can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and mild to moderate alignment problems. More complex cases involving significant bite correction or substantial tooth rotation may still benefit from traditional orthodontics, which is why every clear aligner journey at Nova Dental Care of Chantilly starts with a thorough evaluation to determine if you're a good candidate. When you are, the result is a confident, healthier smile achieved through one of the most flexible and comfortable orthodontic options available today.

Clear Aligners & Invisalign Approach
At Nova Dental Care of Chantilly, we believe straightening your teeth should fit into your life, not interrupt it. Every clear aligner case begins with a digital intraoral scan, which is more comfortable than traditional impressions and produces a precise 3D model of your teeth. From that scan, we build a customized treatment plan and show you a digital preview of your expected results before you commit.
We see patients regularly throughout treatment to make sure progress is on track and to adjust as needed. Our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as predictable and convenient as possible while delivering results that look natural and last. We also include a discussion about retention from day one, because keeping your new smile straight after treatment is just as important as the alignment itself.

Four simple steps, every time.
From the moment you sit down to the moment you leave, here's what a routine cleaning and exam looks like at our Chantilly office.
Consult
We start with a comprehensive exam, digital scans, and a conversation about your goals to determine if clear aligners are the right fit for your bite and lifestyle.
Design
Using 3D treatment planning software, we map out every stage of tooth movement and create a custom series of aligners specific to your treatment.
Align
You wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for one to two weeks before progressing to the next, gradually shifting teeth into position.
Maintain
Once treatment is complete, custom retainers preserve your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back over time.
Clear Aligners & Invisalign FAQs
Most clear aligner treatment plans take between 12 and 18 months to complete, though the exact timeline depends on the complexity of your case. Simple corrections may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases involving significant bite changes can take up to 24 months. Wearing your aligners consistently for 20 to 22 hours per day is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule.
Clear aligner treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on case complexity, treatment length, and the brand of aligners used. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment for both adults and children, often $1,000 to $3,000 in lifetime orthodontic benefits. We offer financing options and accept most major insurances to make treatment affordable.
Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain, particularly during the first 1 to 3 days after switching to a new aligner tray. This pressure is the aligners actively moving your teeth, which is exactly what they're supposed to do. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold drinks can help during the adjustment period, and most discomfort fades within a few days.
Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours every day for the entire duration of treatment. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Wearing them less than the recommended amount slows treatment progress and can cause teeth to shift back, potentially extending your overall treatment time.
No, aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food particles can become trapped between the aligner and your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities, and chewing with aligners in place can crack or warp the plastic. Removing them takes seconds and is part of why aligners are easier to live with than traditional braces.
For mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners are highly effective and produce results comparable to traditional braces. They work well for crowding, spacing, mild overbites, underbites, and crossbites. More complex cases, particularly those involving significant bite correction, severe rotations, or major jaw alignment issues, may still be best treated with traditional orthodontics. A consultation will determine which approach is right for you.
If you lose or break an aligner, contact us right away. Depending on how far along you are in that particular tray, we may have you go back to the previous aligner, move forward to the next one, or order a replacement. The earlier we know, the easier it is to keep your treatment on track.
Yes, retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. Without a retainer, teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions over time. Most patients wear retainers full-time for several months after treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear, which is typically required indefinitely to maintain results.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that can be applied to clear aligner treatment. Coverage varies widely, but typical orthodontic benefits range from $1,000 to $3,000 in lifetime coverage per person. Our team will verify your specific benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be.