Couple smiling
Couple smiling

Tong Dental Care – Gaithersburg, Maryland
Orthodontics

Dr. James Tong is an accomplished orthodontist and is Invisalign certified

Dr. Tong is Invisalign Certified

Dr. James Tong has taken extensive courses to become Invisalign certified and to be able to offer his patients the best treatments available. Metal Braces are not for everyone and so Invisalign is another great option when looking to straighten teeth, improve oral health, or have an overall great smile.

If you are a candidate for Invisalign your treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and Dr. Tong, you know you’ll end up with a smile that truly fits.

Comfortable – the edges are smooth so they won’t irritate your gums or cheeks.

Removable – remove your Invisalign aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss or for special occasions.

Clear – Invisalign is virtually invisible so hardly anyone will even know.

Effective – before treatment is finished, your teeth alignment will improve, enjoying the benefits of a better smile.

Dr. Tong

Invisalign Process

4 Easy Steps with Dr. Tong


Invisalign with Dr. Tong is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. Invisalign has been proven effective in clinical research and orthodontic practices nationwide.

1

Beginning

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

2

Intermediate

As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to their final position.

3

Over the hump

You’ll visit us about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

4

Finish Line

Total treatment time averages 9 – 15 months and the average number of aligners during treatment is between 18 – 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Man excited and smiling

iTero® Digital
Impressions (no goop)

The iTero® digital imaging system allows our practice to generate an accurate 3D image of your jaw, mouth, and teeth, which is essential for cosmetic procedures including dental implants and Invisalign® orthodontics.

Traditional
Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Tong

The benefits of orthodontic treatment with Dr. Tong often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image. While having beautiful straight teeth is important, even more, important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw. Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth, leading to tooth decay and, possibly, gum disease or total tooth loss. Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints leading to problems such as headaches or face and neck pain.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children get an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. Though orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, timely treatment ensures maximum dental health.

Traditional braces are comprised of brackets that are affixed to teeth and wires
that are threaded through slots in the brackets. Some patients may also have metal bands encircling back teeth. Wires are held to brackets by tiny circular rubber bands. Brackets are generally made of stainless steel. Wires are made of metal alloys and deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.

As the leading dentist in Gaithersburg, MD, Dr. Tong will thoroughly discuss which treatment option is best suited for you!

Woman with braces smiling

Reasons for
orthodontic treatment with Dr. Tong

The various reason may lead to orthodontic treatment for all demographic which include:

Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea.

Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue).

Crowding – Involving extra teeth or malpositioned teeth.

Deep Overbite – The lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth.

Disfiguring of the face & mouth – Affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth.

Jaw & jaw joint pain

Missing or extra teeth – Due to tooth decay, injuries, or inherited problems.

Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – Upper teeth that protrude beyond normal and are usually associated with a short lower jaw.

Self-Image – An attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence.

Spacing between teeth – Teeth are missing or may be too small or too large.

Speech, chewing, or biting problems

Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – Lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw.

Finger or thumb sucking (specific to children) – These habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisor teeth, and mouth breathing.

Teeth erupting out of position (specific to children) – Can be guided to proper alignment.

Dental Emergency


There’s little that’s as painful as a tooth or jaw ache, so call us any time to schedule an emergency appointment. Our doctors and team love our patients and want what’s best for you, so call us today for an emergency appointment!

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Phone number: (301) 216-1780

903 Russell Avenue #200
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Hours

Mon 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sun Closed