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 for them. The dentist will assess their bite, discuss their goals, and address their budget.
- 3D Scanning: If you qualify for invisible aligners, your dentist will take 3D images of your teeth, mouth, and jaw using digital scanning technology. This will create a precise model of your teeth.
- Aligner Fabrication: From this digital model of your teeth, your dentist can create a set of aligners that will create your new smile. Each set of aligners 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 will need to check your progress every so often. This is 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®. This is a clear plastic that is very thin and durable. Your Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit firmly against your teeth and to avoid irritation of your lips, tongue, and gums.
You will need to 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 the sake of your oral health and your investment, you should take good care of your clear aligners. It is important to rinse them every single night and several times during the day when possible. Brushing them gently every night with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean. There is also an Invisalign 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.
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 each day.
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 a clear, plastic material, patients are able to 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 the aligner in front of them. With the aligners being removable, patients do not have to worry about any dietary restrictions or oral hygiene obstacles either. 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 for Invisalign. While Invisalign can be used to treat crooked teeth, overbite, and underbite, some orthodontic concerns are too extreme to be resolved with Invisalign.
Your dentist will need to also ensure that you are in otherwise good dental health before you pursue any 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 what shape your teeth are in before treatment. If your case is not that bad, then you could see good results in as little as 6 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. 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 do damage to your teeth. It is important to watch your diet and follow your provider’s instructions 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. She can also provide you with many other cosmetic solutions to help you achieve your dream smile. We look forward to seeing you soon.