Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? Are you looking for a modern alternative to bulky metal braces?
Horizon Family Dental Care provides Invisalign treatment to patients in Hanover, La Plata, Baltimore, and Clinton, MD dental office locations. Invisalign is a modern cosmetic dental treatment that comfortably straightens crooked teeth.
Worn for 22 hours a day, and switched out every few weeks, Invisalign aligners treat crooked teeth gradually yet effectively. Invisalign aligners are clear trays that can be removed and cleaned for our patients’ convenience.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and painful for patients because they can irritate the gums. At routine appointments, the metal brackets are tightened and can cause tooth pain. Patients also have dietary restrictions with metal braces, as they cannot eat overly chewy or crunchy foods which can damage the metal wires.
With Invisalign, patients can realign their smiles comfortably. The clear Invisalign aligners conform to the smile and offer discreet treatment. The aligners are removable, so patients are free to eat the foods they love without any restrictions. Additionally, because the aligners may be removed, patients can thoroughly clean their teeth, which is not possible with metal braces.
Invisalign Treatment
We begin Invisalign treatment by making sure that the teeth and gums are healthy. Our team can treat dental or periodontal infections before cosmetic treatments like Invisalign for the best results possible. Then, we take dental impressions. These impressions of the teeth are used to map out the formation of the Invisalign aligners. The aligners are created according to these specifications in a dental lab and then sent to our office. Once the aligners are complete, our team fits the first set of aligners to the patient and provides them with additional aligners to be worn every few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Learn more about Invisalign below:
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The total treatment time with Invisalign varies from patient to patient. Typically, patients can complete treatment in around a year. However, patients can complete treatment in under a year if they only have several crooked teeth that require realignment. Patients also need to wear their Invisalign aligners for about 22 hours a day. The aligners can be removed so patients can eat, brush, and floss their teeth.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign treatment?
We recommend Invisalign treatment for patients with mild orthodontic concerns. Patients with severely crooked teeth may benefit from metal braces or oral surgery. Before Invisalign treatment, we examine the smile for signs of infection or other dental problems. Patients with good oral health and all of their permanent teeth are the best candidates for Invisalign.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces, but some discomfort is normal when switching to a new set of aligners. This pressure means the aligners are working to shift your teeth. Any soreness usually goes away within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease the adjustment period.
Can I eat or drink with Invisalign in?
You should remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything other than water. Eating with them in can damage the plastic or cause stains. Hot drinks like coffee or tea can warp the aligners. After eating, brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners to prevent trapping food and bacteria.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
If you lose an aligner, contact us immediately. Depending on your progress, we may advise you to wear your previous set or move on to the next one. In some cases, a replacement aligner may be needed. Prompt communication helps prevent delays or setbacks in your treatment.
What happens after Invisalign treatment is complete?
After finishing Invisalign, you must wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually return to their original positions. Most patients wear their retainer full-time for a few months, then transition to nighttime wear. We will provide specific instructions based on your case.
Contact Our Dental Office Today
Do you want a straighter and more uniform smile? Try comfortable orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Request a dental appointment at Horizon Family Dental Care on our website.