When choosing a provider for your Invisalign treatment in Gaithersburg, you should choose an expert who will guide your smile transformation over the next 12 to 18 months. Most people don’t realize that not all dentists are equally trained in clear aligner therapy. While any dentist can become Invisalign-certified, the level of expertise varies dramatically. Some have completed the minimum training required, while others have pursued hundreds of hours of advanced education to master the art and science of smile design.
At TotallySmiles Dental Group, Dr. Corey Anolik has pursued the highest levels of training available to general dentists. But what do credentials like “FAGD” and “Platinum Invisalign Provider” actually mean for your treatment? Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)?
The Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) is one of the most prestigious credentials a general dentist can earn. Only about 6% to 7% of general dentists nationwide achieve this distinction.
To earn the FAGD, a dentist must:
- Complete over 500 hours of continuing education across all areas of dentistry
- Pass a rigorous, comprehensive written exam
- Maintain membership in the Academy of General Dentistry for at least five consecutive years
What this means for your Invisalign treatment:
When your dentist in Gaithersburg has an FAGD, it signals that they’ve invested hundreds of hours studying not just clear aligner therapy, but every aspect of how teeth, gums, and jaw function together. They understand how your bite works, how teeth move, and how to create a result that’s stable and functional.
Dr. Corey Anolik earned his FAGD in 2013 after completing more than 500 hours of advanced coursework and passing the rigorous exam. This means he brings a depth of general dental knowledge to your Invisalign case that goes far beyond the minimum certification requirements.
What Does It Mean to Be a Platinum Invisalign Provider?
Invisalign ranks providers based on their experience and case volume. The levels are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Platinum Invisalign Provider is the highest level a general dentist can achieve, representing significant experience and expertise.
What this means for your Invisalign treatment:
A Platinum provider has treated hundreds of Invisalign cases. This matters because clear aligner therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every smile is unique, and your provider’s ability to anticipate challenges, create an effective treatment plan, and make adjustments along the way comes from experience.
Dr. Corey Anolik is a Platinum Invisalign Provider. He is also President of the Capitaligners, a local study club where dentists gather to share best practices in clear aligner therapy. This means he teaches other dentists how to do it better.
What About Las Vegas Institute (LVI) Training?
You may have noticed that some cosmetic dentists prominently display “LVI” credentials. The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is a prestigious postgraduate training center for cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry.
While Dr. Corey Anolik has not trained at LVI, his credentials offer a similar level of advanced training. The FAGD represents broad-based, deep expertise across all areas of general dentistry, including cosmetic and orthodontic treatment. The Platinum Invisalign Provider status represents focused, high-volume experience with clear aligners specifically.
The key difference is that LVI training emphasizes cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, while FAGD emphasizes comprehensive general dentistry. Both are elite credentials, but they represent different paths to excellence.
For Invisalign patients, the most important credential is direct experience with clear aligners. This is where Dr. Anolik’s Platinum Provider status and his leadership in the Capitaligners study club provide a clear advantage.
Why the Father-Son Legacy Matters
Dr. Corey Anolik didn’t build his practice alone. He joined his father, Dr. Steven Anolik, who has been serving Gaithersburg families since 1973. This father-son team brings over 50 years of combined experience to every patient.
What this means for your Invisalign treatment:
You’re not just getting one dentist’s expertise. You’re getting the benefit of two generations of dental wisdom. Dr. Steven’s decades of experience provide a foundation of knowledge about how smiles change over a lifetime, while Dr. Corey brings the latest Invisalign techniques and technology.
Why All This Matters for Your Invisalign Results
Straightening your teeth is about creating a smile that looks natural, functions properly, and stays healthy for many years. When you choose a provider with advanced credentials like the FAGD, you can trust that they understand:
- How your jaw functions: A misaligned bite can cause problems long after your teeth are straight.
- How your gums and teeth interact: Healthy gums are essential for long-term stability.
- How to create a natural smile: Straight teeth are just one part of a beautiful smile. Shape, proportion, and color matter too.
When you choose a Platinum Invisalign Provider, you can trust that they have:
- Treated hundreds of cases: They’ve seen the problems that can arise and know how to prevent them.
- Mastered the software: Invisalign treatment planning uses advanced digital technology. Experience matters.
- Built a track record of results: A Platinum provider has proven their ability to deliver consistent, excellent outcomes.
What This Means for Your Smile Journey
When you choose TotallySmiles for your Invisalign treatment, you’re choosing:
- A dentist with elite credentials: Dr. Corey Anolik’s FAGD places him in the top 7% of general dentists nationwide.
- Extensive Invisalign experience: As a Platinum Invisalign Provider, he has treated hundreds of cases.
- Leadership in the field: As President of the Capitaligners study club, he helps other dentists improve their skills.
- Two generations of wisdom: Over 50 years of combined experience between Dr. Corey and Dr. Steven.
Schedule a Visit Today
Your smile deserves the best possible care. Dr. Corey Anolik and Dr. Steven Anolik have been transforming smiles in Gaithersburg for over 50 years. Call us today at 301-701-5861 or request an appointment online.