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 the Reisterstown area. She offers Invisalign in Glyndon, MD, to qualified patients.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that patients can use as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The treatment uses clean, removable aligners to straighten teeth instead of unsightly metal wires and brackets. Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable and discreet.
They 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 Invisalign 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
Invisalign® in Glyndon, MD
An alternative treatment option to traditional braces, Invisalign operates as a clear aligner system. The steps to your Invisalign treatment include:
- Custom Treatment Planning: Each patient will undergo an evaluation by their dentist to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment. The dentist will assess their bite, discuss their goals, and address their budget.
- 3D Scanning: If you qualify for invisible aligners, your dentist will use digital scanning technology to take 3D images of your teeth, mouth, and jaw and create a precise model of your teeth.
- Aligner Fabrication: Your dentist can create a set of aligners for your new smile from this digital model of your teeth. Each set is slightly different from the last. The treatment is designed to shift your teeth into proper alignment slowly.
- Wearing the Aligners: Once we receive the aligners from the Invisalign lab, you will put on the first set and wear them for one to two weeks. After that, you will move on to the next series of aligners.
- Gradual Teeth Movement: As you move through your aligners, your teeth slowly move into the desired position based on your custom treatment plan.
- Regular Check-ups: Your dentist must check your progress periodically to ensure you comply with your treatment and your teeth are shifting correctly. We will also provide you with your next few sets of aligners.
The aligners contain a material called SmartTrack®, a very thin and durable clear plastic. Your Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit firmly against your teeth and to avoid irritation of your lips, tongue, and gums.
You must wear the clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This means you must sleep in them and can only remove them to eat, drink non-clear liquids, and brush your teeth. The length of your treatment and the number of aligners you will need are based on your cosmetic goals and the severity of your dental issues. However, the average treatment time is about 12 months.
Caring for Your Invisalign® aligners
For your oral health and investment, you should take good care of your clear aligners. Rinse them every night and several times during the day when possible. Brushing them gently every night with a soft bristle and toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.
You can also buy an Invisalign cleaning system 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.
Invisalign® FAQs
Dr. Romay is happy to answer any questions you might have about Invisalign. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this dental service:
How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
You should wear our Invisalign 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 Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours daily.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign offers patients many benefits they won’t find with traditional orthodontic treatment methods. Because the aligners are made from clear plastic, patients can maintain their natural smile aesthetics even while undergoing treatment. This material also makes them more comfortable to wear and reduces the chance of gum irritation.
No one should be able to tell that you are wearing an Invisalign aligner unless you remove it in front of them. 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?
A dental professional will evaluate patients to determine if they are a good candidate for Invisalign. While Invisalign can treat crooked teeth, overbite, and underbite, some orthodontic concerns are too extreme to resolve with it. Your dentist must also ensure you are in otherwise good dental health before pursuing 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 with Invisalign?
It all depends on the condition of your teeth before treatment. If your case is not bad, you could see good results in as few as six months. You could also notice changes in 4 to 6 weeks. The average treatment time is 12 months. Everyone is different. However, if your teeth are in bad shape, it could take up to 2 years.
Can Invisalign damage my teeth?
Invisalign can damage your teeth if you do not follow proper instructions from your provider. Mistreatment can also damage your aligners. 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. Watching your diet and following your provider’s instructions is important to avoid these problems.
Do you sleep with Invisalign?
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.
Schedule An Appointment for Invisalign in Glyndon, MD
If you are considering pursuing Invisalign treatment for your smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. Leah Romay. During your cosmetic consultation, Dr. Romay can tell you if you are a good candidate for this treatment option and provide many other cosmetic solutions to help you achieve your dream smile. We look forward to seeing you soon.