About orthodontics at Springfield Dental Care
Orthodontics is the ADA-recognized dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. At Springfield Dental Care, Dr. Ansam Zaiber is a certified Invisalign(R) provider and offers clear aligner therapy to teens and adults who want straighter teeth without metal braces. Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, virtually invisible trays that gently move teeth into the desired position over several months, all while letting you eat, brush, and smile normally.
Straight teeth aren't just about appearance - they affect your long-term oral health. Crowded teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, leading to more cavities and gum disease over time. A poor bite can stress jaw muscles, wear down tooth enamel unevenly, and contribute to TMJ pain. Correcting alignment in adulthood, even modestly, can pay back dividends in easier home care, reduced wear, and a smile you genuinely enjoy showing.
Modern clear aligners are dramatically more comfortable and discreet than traditional metal braces. Each aligner is custom 3D-printed to fit your teeth precisely and is changed every 1-2 weeks for the next set, which gradually moves the teeth into place. Because they're removable, you can take them out to eat anything you like and to brush and floss normally - both major comfort and hygiene advantages over fixed braces.
Orthodontics procedures
The Springfield Dental Care approach to orthodontics
Virtually invisible
Clear aligners are made from a thin, transparent medical-grade plastic. Most people won't notice you're wearing them - perfect for adults in professional settings or teens who don't want the look of metal braces.
Removable
Take your aligners out to eat any food you like, and to brush and floss your teeth normally. No food restrictions, no special cleaning tools, no scratched gums.
Comfortable
Smooth plastic edges instead of metal brackets and wires means dramatically less irritation to cheeks and lips. Most patients describe pressure during the first day or two of each new aligner, but not pain.
Predictable results
Before treatment begins, we use a digital scan to create a 3D simulation of how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like. You'll see your expected result before you start treatment.
What to expect at your visit
Every patient at Springfield Dental Care gets thoughtful, unhurried care from Dr. Zaiber and our team. Here is the typical flow for orthodontics.
- 1
Comprehensive orthodontic consultation with Dr. Zaiber to discuss your goals and confirm clear aligners are right for you.
- 2
A digital intraoral scan (no goopy impressions) captures the precise 3D shape of your teeth and bite.
- 3
Custom treatment plan with a 3D simulation showing tooth movement and predicted final result for your approval.
- 4
Your first set of aligners arrives in 2-4 weeks. We fit them, place any needed tooth-colored attachments, and review wear instructions.
- 5
You wear each aligner 20-22 hours per day for 1-2 weeks, then switch to the next in the series. Brief check-ins every 6-8 weeks.
- 6
After active treatment, custom retainers maintain your new smile. Most patients wear retainers nightly for life to prevent shifting.
We make orthodontics easier to plan
Springfield Dental Care accepts most major dental insurance plans. Before your visit, our team can verify your benefits, explain how coverage may apply, and provide a clear estimate so you can make confident decisions about care.
Frequently asked questions about orthodontics
Have more questions? Call Springfield Dental Care at (703) 569-2822 - Dr. Zaiber and our team are happy to help.
Treatment length depends on your specific case. Minor adjustments may take 4-6 months, average cases 12-18 months, and complex cases up to 24 months. Dr. Zaiber will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation based on your specific tooth movements.
Today's clear aligners can treat the vast majority of orthodontic problems including crowding, spacing, mild-to-moderate bite issues, and most rotational corrections. Very complex bite or jaw problems may still require traditional braces or referral to an orthodontic specialist. We'll honestly assess your case during your consultation.
Traditional braces are fixed brackets and wires bonded to the teeth. They're highly effective for complex cases but visible, irritate cheeks and lips, restrict eating, and make brushing and flossing harder. Clear aligners are removable, virtually invisible, comfortable, and easier to keep clean - but they require discipline to wear 20-22 hours per day.
Many dental insurance plans include partial orthodontic coverage, typically $1,000-$2,500 in lifetime benefits. Some FSA and HSA accounts also cover orthodontic treatment. We verify your specific benefits before you start treatment and provide written estimates of your out-of-pocket cost.
Yes. Teeth naturally want to shift over time, especially in the first year after orthodontic treatment. We provide custom clear retainers at the end of treatment. Most patients wear them every night indefinitely to keep their new smile in place.
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