Crooked teeth are a major cosmetic concern that causes many patients to feel self-conscious about their smiles. At Baltimore Dental Co., we proudly offer cosmetic dentistry solutions to help patients achieve their dream smiles. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, we are happy to consult you on your options for resolving this concern.
Dr. Leah Romay is an experienced cosmetic dentist serving Reisterstown and the surrounding area. She offers qualified patients both Invisalign and SureSmile for Clear Aligner Therapy in Glyndon, MD.
What is Clear Aligner Therapy?
Clear aligner therapy uses removable trays to straighten teeth instead of unsightly metal wires and brackets. These comfortable and discreet aligners can treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns without the stigma of traditional braces. They are especially popular among teens and adults who desire a less noticeable way to achieve a straighter smile. There are so many benefits of choosing clear aligner therapy over traditional metal braces, including:
- Shorter treatment times
- No dietary restrictions
- More comfortable
- Removable
- Predictable results
- Discreet and hardly noticeable
- No risk of tooth enamel staining
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a pioneering company in orthodontics known for its innovative clear aligner technology. Focusing on patient comfort and aesthetics, Invisalign has revolutionized the way people straighten their teeth, offering a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign has solidified itself as the household name for clear aligner therapy.
What is SureSmile®?
SureSmile is a leading digital orthodontic technology company specializing in advanced treatment planning and customized Clear Aligners. Dentsply’s SureSmile clear aligner brand has been offered to patients since 2018 and is Dr. Romay’s preferred clear aligner treatment brand. Combining cutting-edge software with state-of-the-art hardware, SureSmile offers a comprehensive solution for delivering personalized and effective treatment to their patients.
Clear Aligner Therapy in Glyndon, MD: Invisalign® AND SureSmile®
Invisalign® and SureSmile® are modern orthodontic treatments using clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without traditional braces. These aligners are custom-made for each patient, gradually shifting their teeth into the desired position over time. With its discreet appearance and comfortable design, Baltimore Dental Co. offers a convenient alternative for achieving a straighter smile. The steps to your clear aligner therapy treatment include:
- Custom Treatment Planning: Each patient will undergo an evaluation to determine if clear aligner therapy is the right treatment for them. We will assess the bite, discuss goals, and discuss pricing options.
- 3D Scanning: If you qualify for invisible aligners, Baltimore Dental Co. will use digital scanning technology to take 2D and 3D photographic images of your teeth, mouth, and jaw and create a precise model of your teeth.
- Aligner Fabrication: Our clear aligner laboratory will fabricate sets of aligners from this digital model of your teeth to create your new smile. The treatment will shift your teeth into proper alignment with gentle, consistent movement.
- Aligner Delivery: Your dentist will make any adjustments or modifications at the aligner delivery appointment. The team at Baltimore Dental Co. will educate you on the proper removal, wear, and care of your new aligners!
- Wearing the Aligners: You will wear the aligners for one to two weeks, depending on your unique orthodontic movement. It is imperative to wear your aligners for 22 hours each day. During the 2 hours they are not in, you can eat comfortably and clean your teeth thoroughly.
- Regular Check-ups: We will check your progress occasionally – usually after every 5th aligner. This is to ensure your teeth are shifting correctly. We will also provide you with your next few sets of aligners.
- Conclusion of Movement: At your final aligner checkup, we will confirm that you are pleased with the results and that your teeth have the most ideal positioning for proper function. Any attachments that may have been made will be removed and we will send data to the clear aligner laboratory to create retainers.
- Retainer Phase: For the first two months after the movement’s conclusion, you will continue to wear the retainers for a minimum of 22 hours a day. After the initial two months, you will wear the retainers at night. It is important to be consistent with the nighttime retainer wear to preserve the tooth alignment.
Caring for Your Aligners
For your oral health and investment, you should take good care of your clear aligners. It is important to rinse them before reinserting the aligner on the teeth. Brushing the aligners gently at least every night with a soft bristle toothbrush will keep them clean.
There is also a clear aligner therapy cleaning system that you can buy to clean and care for them. Never consume hot beverages with the aligners in your mouth. This can cause them to warp and change shape. Never eat or drink anything other than water while wearing them. This will keep them from staining and remain in good condition.
Clear Aligner Therapy FAQs
Dr. Romay is happy to answer any questions about clear aligner therapy. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this dental service:
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
You should wear our clear aligners as often as possible to ensure your treatment plan progresses as intended. While the aligners are removable, we suggest removing them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. On average, you should wear your aligners 22 hours each day.
What are the benefits of clear aligner therapy?
Clear aligner therapy offers patients many benefits they won’t find with traditional orthodontic treatment methods. Because the aligners are clear plastic, patients can undergo treatment without the easy-to-see metal brackets. This material is more comfortable to wear and reduces the chance of gum irritation.
Clear aligners put soft but constant pressure on the teeth to create movement, while traditional braces have large steps of movement. These large steps of movement usually cause quite a bit of discomfort over a few days, followed by weeks of little to no movement. The gentle movement of clear aligners is not only more comfortable but also less risky for the health of your teeth, as it is easier to monitor each movement.
Because the aligners are removable, patients do not have to worry about dietary restrictions or oral hygiene obstacles. This treatment option requires minimal lifestyle disruptions for optimal patient support and satisfaction.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Patients will need to be evaluated by a dental professional to determine if they are a good candidate. While clear aligner therapy can treat crooked teeth, overbite, and underbite, some orthodontic concerns are too extreme to resolve with this method.
We will also need to ensure that you are in otherwise good dental health before you pursue orthodontic treatment. Any underlying dental health concerns should be treated before cosmetic concerns are addressed to ensure the longevity of your results.
How long does it take to see good results?
It all depends on the shape of your teeth before treatment and the type of movement occurring at each stage of treatment. You may see results in as little as three months or as long as ten months. The average treatment time is 12 months, but everyone is different. Some orthodontic conditions may take over two years to complete.
Can clear aligner therapy damage my teeth?
Clear aligner therapy is generally very safe. If you do not follow proper instructions from your provider or you do not attend regular aligner checkups, you can cause alignment concerns. You can cause damage to your aligners through mistreatment. You should avoid drinking liquids such as soda and fruit juice. These drinks and other food can get stuck under your aligners and damage your teeth. To avoid these problems, it is important to watch your diet and follow your provider’s instructions.
Do you sleep with clear aligners in?
The answer is yes. You need to wear them at least 22 hours a day. This includes when going to sleep for the night. You should resist the temptation to remove them before going to bed.
If you are considering pursuing clear aligner treatment for your smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. Leah Romay to learn if you are a good candidate for this treatment option. She can also provide many other cosmetic solutions to help you achieve your dream smile. We look forward to seeing you soon.