Logo
menu

Invisalign treatment is one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth and achieve a confident smile. At Optimal Dental Center, we’re pleased to offer Invisalign treatment for patients who are a good fit. Before you embark upon your Invisalign teeth straightening journey, here’s what to know.

Don’t throw out your trays.

There’s no one-size-fits-all in dental correction, and that’s true of Invisalign. You’ll receive a series of clear, custom retainers specially cut to fit your teeth as your bite evolves throughout your treatment. When you move from one set of teeth straightening trays to another, don’t throw out the old tray. Hold on to them until your treatment is complete just in case your technician needs to review a change in your bite.

Results don’t happen overnight.

Depending on your level of crowding, your whole orthodontic treatment will range from 6 to 18 months – with milder cases being on the shorter end. However, many people report seeing changes in the first few weeks of their treatment! Hang in there, because your final results will take time to reveal themselves. 

You are responsible for your success.

While Invisalign’s transparent aligners are a proven method for straightening teeth, they only work effectively if you wear your trays according to your dentist’s directions. That means at night, and at all times during the day when you’re not eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. When you’re further along in your treatment, your dentist might advise you that you only need to wear your aligners at night. 

You should clean your Invisalign trays. 

One of the perks of Invisalign – other than the fact that its clear aligners are virtually invisible – is that you don’t have to avoid certain foods and drinks. Invisalign’s removable aligners make it easy to eat, drink, and brush normally. However, you should also clean your Invisalign trays regularly. Soak them in lukewarm (not hot) water with unscented soap or a mild peroxide mix. Avoid using toothpaste, as this can leave a residue and make your aligners cloudy.

You might need to keep wearing retainers.

You probably know people who after braces wear retainers or have a wire applied to their teeth. This is also true of Invisalign Teeth Straightening. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear your retainer on a part-time basis to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position. If it’s been a while since you’ve worn your retainers post-treatment, talk to your dentist to see what they recommend. 

Invisalign Teeth Straightening might not be right for you.

Before you mentally commit to Invisalign treatment, be aware that not everyone is a good candidate for this kind of orthodontic appliance. Your dentist or orthodontist will review your bite and will let you know whether Invisalign clear aligners, traditional braces, or another solution are the best option for your bite and goals. 

Looking for Invisalign in Fairfax? Talk to us!

If you’re considering dental correction using Invisalign Teeth Straightening invisible braces, talk to the team at Optimal Dental Center. We’ll examine your bite and your dream smile, and will let you know whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign! 

 

Choosing the right dentist for the whole family can be a daunting choice – but it’s an important one. This is especially true if you have young children or family members with specific dental or orthodontic needs. The right dentist you choose will become a significant factor in your family’s overall dental health, so making the right choice matters. Here’s how to start your search.

Seek Out Recommendations from the Right Dentist

Word of mouth is everything. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about their experiences and see if there’s anyone they’d recommend. You can also try local organizations, local Facebook groups, and online review sites to gauge who might be a good fit for your needs. If you have any specific needs or require certain accommodations, ask about those as well. At Optimal Dental we’re proud of the fact that many of our new patients come to us via referral from our existing patient network. 

Consider Your Family’s Needs

Think about what dental services your family needs now – and might need in the future. Is orthodontic work on the horizon? Implants or dentures? Cosmetic treatments? Do you have young children who need access to a pediatric dentist? Do you have specific language or communication needs? Is access to emergency dentistry options essential for family members who play sports? At Optimal Dental we offer a wide range of dental services in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed to make family members of every age feel at home. 

Consider Location and Availability

Location is a big plus when it comes to choosing the right dentist for your family. Consider dental practices near your home, work, school, or areas you regularly go to, such as a mall. A conveniently located practice can be a big win – although if you have specialized dental care needs, you may be willing to travel. Another factor to consider is the size of the clinic and the number of staff available. A smaller clinic may offer more personalized care but may be busier, with breaks in care if someone goes on leave. At Optimal Dental, we work hard to strike the perfect balance between strong patient relationships and staff availability.

See if They Take Your Insurance

Before booking that first consultation, ensure that your right dentist of choice accepts your insurance plan. You can usually find out if a clinic is “in-network” by calling your insurance provider or browsing their website. However, if you’re not sure, you’re welcome to call Optimal Dental to confirm that we take your insurance!

Make a Great Choice – Choose Optimal Dental

At Optimal Dental, we check all of the boxes for a family right dentist. With friendly, experienced staff, a variety of services, a convenient location, and many different types of insurance accepted, we’re here to keep you smiling!

A toothache is rarely convenient. Sometimes you get busy with work or family and put off treatment. Or perhaps you’re hoping that your toothache is a “one-off” that will heal itself and go away on its own. We’re here to tell you that if you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Your tooth is telling you that it’s time to get to the dentist right away. Here’s what to know.

A Toothache Can Have Several Causes.

There are several things that might cause a toothache. They include:

A Dentist Can Help Diagnose the Cause.

You might have some idea about the cause of your toothache based on your own dental history and lifestyle. But booking a consultation with your dentist will help you get to the root of the pain – and quickly come up with a treatment plan. 

How quickly you need to act depends on your situation and the degree of pain you’re experiencing. Mild discomfort when eating cold foods is a different situation than if you’ve broken a tooth or are experiencing significant, throbbing pain. 

Signs that your situation is an emergency and should be treated immediately are:

If in doubt, call your dentist and let them guide you on when to come in. 

Ignoring the pain can make things worse.

A toothache generally isn’t something that just “goes away.” In fact, ignoring a toothache can result in the pain and infection spreading. Sometimes, an untreated infection can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Additionally, generally, the longer you wait to treat a toothache, the more challenging – and expensive – treatment can be. 

Ignoring a toothache can mean:

Even minor tooth discomfort or sensitivity is a sign that an intervention is required. For example, sensitivity to hot or cold can mean that your gums have receded and that the root of your tooth is exposed. Your dentist might simply recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth – but will know to monitor your gum health closely for future problems. 

Experiencing a toothache? Call Optimal Dental!

Don’t ignore a toothache. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, call the team at Optimal Dental today to quickly identify the issue. Of course, routine check-ups are the best way to prevent toothache in the first place, so if it’s time to book your exam, get in touch today!

Looking for a straighter smile you can be proud of? If so, you might be weighing the decision of whether to choose Invisalign or traditional braces. Both are popular ways to straighten crowded teeth, but the choice that is right for you will depend on your unique bite, needs, goals, and preferences. Here’s when Invisalign might be a better option than traditional braces. 

Invisalign is Unobtrusive

The biggest reason that people choose Invisalign over traditional braces is that Invisalign is subtle. Invisalign treatment involves clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. They’re barely noticeable, especially when compared with traditional braces, making them a popular choice for people who don’t want to draw extra attention to their smile while undergoing treatment.

Invisalign is More Comfortable than traditional Braces

The brackets and wires of traditional braces can rub against your gums and the inside of your cheeks, causing discomfort. Because Invisalign trays are fitted around your teeth, they mimic the shape of your natural bite – with no sharp points that stick out, potentially resulting in sores or ulcers.

You have Minor Crowding 

Invisalign is a great option for bites that need only minor correction. If your teeth are slightly crooked or have minor crowding, you can complete your treatment in as quickly as 6 months! For most people, you’ll be able to see slight but visible changes in as little as 10-12 weeks.

Eat your Favorite Foods

Traditional braces usually mean foregoing some of your favorite foods and drinks, including hard or chewy foods, or those that might stain your teeth. However, because Invisalign trays can be removed when you eat and drink, you can maintain your usual diet without having to make any drastic changes.  

Brush your Teeth as Normal

Brushing and flossing around traditional braces can be a challenge. Food can get trapped in them, and plaque can build up. However, because Invisalign trays are removable, you can continue brushing and flossing as normal – ensuring that your teeth and gums remain healthy.

Fewer Consultations Involved

Traditional braces require regular check-ups to make adjustments and review your progress. This can be a challenge if you have a busy schedule or travel often. However, with Invisalign, fewer consultations are required, as your trays are based on a 3D scan and are then created in a lab – not in the dentist’s chair. This allows you to keep your commitments while you improve your smile!

Ready to smile Brighter With Invisalign? Talk to Optimal Dental Today!

Invisalign can be a transformative experience that results in a straighter smile and a more confident you. Considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth? Book a consultation with the team at Optimal Dental today. 

If you’ve had a root canal or have a broken tooth, your dentist might recommend a crown to “cap” or encase the tooth in question. A crown helps protect against further damage and also restores the look of your teeth. Here are just some of the benefits of dental crowns. 

Dental Crown Reinforces Your Teeth

As the name suggests, a dental crown is applied over your tooth. When in place, it helps protect your tooth from the pressures of chewing and biting, as well as from irritants such as bacteria, saliva, and food particles. This can reduce the risk of painful infections. 

Dental Crown Protect Damaged Teeth

Damaged or worn-down teeth tend to get worse over time – but the right intervention can prevent further damage. Dental crowns can be placed over treated damaged teeth, reducing the potential for cracks or further decay. 

Dental Crowns Cover Implants 

If you’ve experienced missing teeth, your dentist might have inserted teeth implants to help restore your smile. The treatment will usually conclude with a crown that covers the “post” of your implant. The result is a natural-looking tooth that blends in with your smile!

Dental Crowns Can Hold a Bridge in Place

If you’re missing one or more teeth, your dentist may use a bridge to replace them. The bridge will be anchored to the neighboring teeth via dental crown. This will allow the bridge to look and function like your natural teeth. 

Dental Crowns Improve the Look of Your Tooth

Dental crowns can help restore the look of damaged, short, or discolored teeth. They can be matched to the enamel color of your other teeth and can be shaped to create an aesthetically appealing look, reducing gaps and making your teeth more even in height and shape. 

Dental Crown is Long-lasting.

Permanent dental crown are custom-made using strong materials and are bonded to your teeth with dental cement. When properly looked after, they can last as long as 30 years.  

Missing Teeth? Contact Optimal Dental

Whether you need a dental crown made or replaced, Optimal Dental can help. Our expert dental team will help you restore your smile – so that you can move forward with confidence. 

Losing a tooth is more than a cosmetic issue. A missing tooth can affect the entirety of your smile, impacting everything from your jaw health to the positioning of your remaining teeth. Here are just some of the issues that can arise if you lose a tooth and don’t promptly seek to have the tooth replaced with an option such as a dental implant.

Changes to speech and diet

Losing a tooth can affect how you eat, drink, and even speak. You may favor the spot with the missing tooth, causing extra wear on the surrounding or opposite teeth. Depending on where in the mouth the missing tooth is, you might develop a lisp or slur your words. This may affect your self-image and social interactions.  

Gum health and surrounding tooth issues

A missing tooth can have a domino effect on your oral health. Bacteria may enter the gum area, causing potential infection. Neighboring teeth that no longer have the support of the missing tooth may also begin to shift in your mouth. They may also be more prone to damage without the protection of their missing neighbor. The result of this can be additional tooth, jaw or bite issues. 

Jaw health problems

Your teeth exist as part of a dental ecosystem. A missing tooth affects not just the health of your bite, but of your entire jaw. Over time, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth will weaken and deteriorate; you may also experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. If you have multiple missing teeth, you may find that the overall structure of your mouth is compromised, and your mouth and cheeks begin to look sunken and hollow. 

More challenging treatment

If you don’t fix a missing tooth in a timely manner, you may find that future dental treatment becomes more complex and involved. For example, you may need braces or Invisalign to correct shifting teeth, or you may need an intervention to help restore jaw or gum health. Quickly acting to replace a missing tooth with an option such as a dental implant can help prevent these issues.  

Missing tooth? Talk to Optimal Dental Center about Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth – or teeth – talk to Optimal Dental Center about your treatment possibilities. Dental implants may be an option for replacing one or more missing teeth while helping maintain your bite as well as gum and jaw health. For more information about tooth implants, get in touch today!

A healthy smile isn’t just good for your self esteem. It’s also vital to your overall health. Together with maintaining a healthy diet and good dental hygiene, regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to keep your smile looking and feeling great.  

Here’s why booking a routine dental checkup should be at the top of your to-do list. 

1. It helps prevent dental decay.

Regular brushing and flossing are key to keeping your teeth and gums in good shape. But the clean and polish you get during a routine checkup will help remove any plaque or tartar on teeth and along the gum line – and help you identify problem areas to focus on when brushing.

2. It helps prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive disease that can result in bone loss – and even tooth loss. A routine check-up is a great opportunity to identity periodontitis in its early stages and help take measures to reverse or prevent it. 

3. It can identify other health issues.

Oral health goes beyond your teeth and gums. Your dentist can help spot the signs of other oral health issues such as tongue or mouth cancer – or even day-to-day issues such as stress, which may show up through teeth grinding (bruxism.) Early detection is vital for effective treatment.

4. It can prevent future issues.

A routine checkup is the ideal opportunity to flag possible issues you may experience in future – and help identify a plan to minimize the risk of issues in future. This may involve changing your diet, quitting smoking or drinking, adjusting how you brush and floss, switching up your toothpaste, or even discussing procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or cosmetic dentistry options.

5. It can help save a tooth!

Early intervention can help save your teeth. For example, very minor demineralization can be reversed, avoiding the need for a filling. A small filling can help reduce the risk of a root canal or extraction down the line. By attending your regular dental checkups, you can get the treatment you need when you need it – and prevent future issues from arising. 

6. It keeps your teeth looking great.

A brush and a polish can remove staining, restoring your teeth to their natural color. You can also ask about simple cosmetic procedures such as fluoride treatments or whitening – and give those pearly whites a boost.   

7. It sets a good example.

If you have children in the home, attending your routine checkups is a great way to model good dental hygiene behaviors. They’ll learn that there’s nothing to fear about going to the dentist – and that regular checkups are something to aspire to in order to keep their smiles healthy.

Ready to book your routine dental checkup? There’s no better time than now. Talk to the friendly team at Optimal Dental – and feel confident in your brighter, healthier smile. 

The 5 Facts and Myths about Knocked Out Teeth

Having your teeth knocked out is a dental emergency no one wants to experience. Fortunately, whether you’ve taken a fall or had an unfortunate accident playing sports, there are ways to save a knocked-out tooth. Here’s what to know if you’ve lost a tooth.

Fact: You can save that tooth!

Having a tooth knocked out doesn’t mean a gap-toothed smile forever. If you move quickly, you can actually save the lost tooth. Gently pick up the tooth by its crown (top) and rinse it in water. Avoid touching the root, and don’t wrap your tooth in anything that could dry it out. Then get to an emergency dentist as quickly as you can. 

Myth: Don’t put that tooth back in.

Putting your tooth back into its natural socket is the safest way to store your tooth while you’re waiting for treatment. If you can pop it back in, do so – if the socket is too damaged, you can hold it inside your mouth to keep it moist while you seek emergency dental care. 

Fact: Milk can help!

You might have heard that putting a knocked-out tooth in a glass of milk can help save it. That’s actually true. While the best place to put your tooth is back in its socket, that isn’t always possible. Pop your tooth in a small container of milk (not water) to help preserve it. But remember that time is of the essence when it comes to seeking care.  

Myth: Clean that tooth well.

Rinsing your tooth in water or milk is fine, but avoid using chemicals on your tooth, especially on the sensitive root. You also don’t want to scrub your knocked-out tooth, as this can cause further damage. Similarly, don’t wrap your tooth in tissue or a cloth – this can dry out your tooth.  

Fact: Seek help quickly!

The faster you seek help for your knocked-out tooth, the more likely it is that your tooth can be saved. If you can get to an emergency dentist within half an hour, your tooth’s chances are good – providing you keep the tooth moist in the meantime. If you are experiencing other injuries such as severe bleeding or a concussion, go to the ER first. 

No one wants to experience a knocked-out tooth, but accidents do happen. When playing sports or participating in high-impact activities, wear protective headwear or a mouthguard to help prevent damage to your teeth, jaw or head – but if the worst happens, follow the above tips and immediately contact your emergency dentist for treatment.  

“save a tooth, teeth knocked out”

5 Common Dental Problems and Tooth Diseases

A healthy smile helps us move through the world with confidence. Maintaining good dental hygiene and attending regular check-ups with your dentist can help prevent common dental diseases. The earlier you build those good oral hygiene habits, the less likely it is that you’ll experience tooth disease. 

Here are some of the most common dental problems and tooth diseases – and how you can help prevent them. 

  1. Cavities and tooth decay. More than half of school-aged children and almost all adults have experienced a dental cavity. Cavities occur when bacteria form a plaque on your teeth, eating away at your dental enamel until the tooth is compromised. A healthy diet, fluoridated water, and regular brushing and flossing can help reduce the risk of cavities. 
  2. Cracked or damaged teeth. A fall, contact sports, chewing on something hard, or even grinding your teeth at night can cause teeth to crack or break. A cracked or broken tooth can count as a dental emergency – always contact your dentist if you suspect a cracked tooth. You can also prevent teeth conditions such as these by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, being mindful when eating popcorn or nuts, or wearing a preventive mouthguard at night to prevent tooth grinding.
  3. Periodontitis. Also known as gum disease, periodontitis is a common dental disease. This disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria on your teeth and gums. Over time, the bacteria damage the soft tissue of your gums, and even the bone supporting your teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, certain illnesses and poor oral hygiene can increase your risk for periodontal disease. Brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups will help reduce the risk of periodontitis – or catch it in its early stages when it can be managed. 
  4. Tooth sensitivity. If your teeth hurt when you eat cold or hot food, you are experiencing tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can happen after dental work, but can also indicate other teeth conditions such as gum disease or compromised fillings. Additionally, some people simply have naturally sensitive teeth. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist. They will check for underlying issues and may suggest products such as toothpaste and mouthwash designed for sensitive teeth. 
  5. Oral cancer. Oral cancer is less common than other tooth diseases, but still affects millions of people every year. Symptoms include sores and lumps, changes to your bite, and difficulty chewing or eating. Smoking, drinking and HPV are key risk factors for oral cancer. If you are experiencing oral cancer symptoms, talk to your dentist. Many dentists will also screen for oral cancer as part of a routine checkup.

Whether you’re experiencing the signs of dental disease or simply want to prevent them, talk to the team at Optimal today. Our friendly dentists will help you manage existing conditions and help you develop a plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy well into the future. Contact us today to make your appointment!  

Early pediatric care is critical to creating a lifetime of good dental health. Visiting your pediatric dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning can help avoid tooth decay and cavities – and identify any issues early.

Even children as young as one can benefit from a visit to a pediatric dentist – especially if their first teeth have erupted. This first visit, known as a “well baby” visit, is designed to help young children familiarize themselves with a pediatric dentistry setting, and create positive associations with the dentist. During this visit your pediatric dentist will generally provide information about how to keep a child’s teeth healthy and strong.

These recommendations might include:

What to expect from a pediatric dental cleaning

For older children, you can expect more of a traditional dental checkup, although modified in accordance with your child’s comfort level. These visits might include:

It’s vital that your child feels comfortable in the dentist’s chair so that they learn to feel confident while at the dentist, so your visit might be adjusted depending on your child’s needs and behavior. We recommend beginning pediatric dental visits as soon as possible so that your child creates those positive associations – and is able to sit through a full dental check-up. Regular check-ups combined with good at-home dental hygiene habits are the best way to maintain a high level of dental health.  

Book your pediatric dental care appointment today

Oral health issues are some of the most common – and avoidable – health issues faced by young children in the US. Attending regular pediatric dental cleanings and maintaining good dental hygiene and healthy eating habits can help prevent issues now, and later in life. 

If your child is aged 1+, now is the time to book your first pediatric dentistry appointment, or a regular pediatrics dental cleaning for older children. Our expert team will ensure your child feels safe and confident during their consultation and will provide the information and guidance you need to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!

 

Services

 

Quick Links

Reston: 703.391.2222

1801 Robert Fulton Dr.
Suite 250 Reston, VA 20191

Fairfax: 703.226.2222

8303 Arlington Blvd.
Suite 107 Fairfax, VA 22031

Contact Us
footer