Invisalign Consultation Woodbridge VA: Complete Candidacy Evaluation Guide
What happens during an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Christine Mai at Hedgewood Dental in Woodbridge, VA. iTero 3D scan, candidacy assessment, and smile preview.
You've seen the ads. You've heard friends mention it. You're curious about Invisalign but not sure if clear aligners are right for your smile — or even what happens at that first consultation. At Hedgewood Dental in Woodbridge, Dr. Christine Mai keeps it simple. One visit. No pressure. You leave knowing exactly whether Invisalign fits your case, how long treatment would take, and what it would cost.
The Consultation — Step by Step
An Invisalign consultation at Hedgewood Dental takes about 45 minutes. Dr. Mai starts with a conversation. She wants to hear what bothers you about your smile. Crowding? Gaps? An overbite you’ve had since childhood? Teeth that shifted after braces years ago? Your answers shape the evaluation.
Next, she does a clinical exam — looking at your bite, tooth positions, and jaw alignment. This isn’t just about aesthetics. She’s checking for underlying issues like uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and gum health that affect whether Invisalign is safe and effective for you.
Then comes the part most patients find fascinating: the iTero digital scan. Instead of the goopy impression trays of the past, Dr. Mai uses a handheld wand that captures thousands of images per second, building a precise 3D model of your teeth. It takes about two minutes per arch. No mess, no gag reflex.
Here’s where it gets good. The iTero software generates an Invisalign Outcome Simulator — a digital preview of what your smile could look like after treatment. You see the before and after right there on the screen. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a remarkably accurate projection that gives you a clear visual to base your decision on.
What Dr. Mai Evaluates
Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, but it’s not for every case. During your consultation, Dr. Mai assesses candidacy based on several factors.
Crowding and spacing are the most common cases and almost always treatable with Invisalign. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites are also regularly treated — though the complexity and treatment length vary. What determines candidacy isn’t just the type of problem, but its severity. Mild to moderate cases respond well. Severe skeletal discrepancies — where the jaw bones themselves are the issue — may need traditional braces or surgery.
Age is not a barrier. Dr. Mai has successfully treated teenagers, working professionals, parents, and retirees with Invisalign. The only real requirement beyond oral health is commitment: you need to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day.
Why the Single-Doctor Model Matters
At some practices, the consultation is with one person and treatment oversight with another. Not here. Dr. Mai performs your scan, reviews your ClinCheck treatment plan when it comes back from Invisalign’s lab, and monitors your progress at every follow-up visit. One dentist. One plan. Full continuity from start to finish.
What You’ll Know When You Leave
By the end of that 45-minute visit, you’ll have clear answers: whether you’re a candidate, roughly how long your treatment would take, and what your investment would be. You’ll also have seen your own smile preview — which for most patients is the moment the decision gets made.
Ready to See Your Smile Preview?
A straight, confident smile is closer than you think. Dr. Christine Mai and the team at Hedgewood Dental have guided countless Woodbridge patients through Invisalign — from that first scan to the day they reveal their new smile.
Call (703) 537-9201 to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation, or visit 13885 Hedgewood Dr STE 209, Woodbridge, VA 22193 . See your future smile in 45 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Dr. Mai offers a complimentary Invisalign consultation including the iTero scan and Outcome Simulator preview. There's no obligation to proceed.
How soon can I start after the consultation?
If you decide to move forward, Dr. Mai submits your scan to Invisalign's lab. Your custom aligners typically arrive in two to three weeks. You'll come back for a fitting appointment and walk out wearing your first set.
Does Invisalign work for complicated cases?
It depends on the specific case. Dr. Mai evaluates each patient individually and will tell you honestly if Invisalign is the right tool. For cases where traditional braces would produce better results, she'll say so.
Will I need attachments on my teeth?
Most Invisalign cases use small tooth-colored attachments — tiny bumps of composite bonded to specific teeth that give the aligners something to grip. Dr. Mai places them during your first fitting. They're barely noticeable and removed when treatment ends.
What if I started Invisalign somewhere else and want to transfer?
Mid-treatment transfers are possible. Bring your aligners and any treatment records. Dr. Mai will assess where you are in the process and map out the rest of your plan.
A straight, confident smile is closer than you think. Dr. Christine Mai and the team at Hedgewood Dental have guided countless Woodbridge patients through Invisalign — from that first scan to the day they reveal their new smile. Call (703) 537-9201 to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation, or visit 13885 Hedgewood Dr STE 209, Woodbridge, VA 22193. See your future smile in 45 minutes.
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