If you need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® clear aligners may be right for you. Harford County Dentistry is a Fallston, MD Invisalign provider. We help patients gently reposition their teeth without metal braces.
These clear retainers offer patients many benefits. Most people love how discreet they are since they are clear. This benefits adult patients who want straight teeth but do not want to deal with metal braces. Invisalign aligners blend in with your smile, and in most cases others will not even know that you are wearing them.
Invisalign is the number one requested clear aligner system in the United States. Both teens and adults can use it, however it is recommended to only treat patients with mild tooth misalignment issues. Braces are still the best way to treat severe misalignment. Dentists use Invisalign to treat a variety of mild to moderate orthodontic concerns including:
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Cross-bite
- Gaps between teeth
About Invisalign®
Part of what makes Invisalign so unique is the clear aligners. These special aligners will fit perfectly over your teeth. They are hard enough to withstand daily use but soft and flexible for maximum comfort.
Best of all, Invisalign clear aligners are removable so you can eat, brush and floss normally. The smooth, plastic retainers will not irritate the gums and soft tissues. This is a common side effect with metal braces. Patients can remove their aligners to clean their teeth, and eat, making it so that your orthodontic appliances does not heavily interfere with your day to day activities.
Your dentist will use a special software to design the retainers. This means they will be comfortable and flexible. You may even forget you are wearing them. They are molded to the exact shape, size, and crevices of your teeth so that they slip on as an exact mold.
Invisalign vs Braces
Studies show that clear aligners may be better for your dental health during treatment compared to metal braces. Not only will they help your smile look better during treatment, they also offer many clinical benefits including:
- Improved gum and tooth health during treatment because of better oral hygiene.
- No metal allergies due to brackets and wires.
- More predictable treatment planning with CAD/CAM software.
- Comfortable impressions using a handheld digital scanner- no impression trays.
The Invisalign® Process
The first step is a consultation with us in our Fallston, MD family dental office. Once we determines that Invisalign is right for you, we will create a custom treatment plan. The first step in your treatment process is to take an impression of your teeth. We will send the images to the Invisalign lab, where they will make your clear aligners.
Our office uses digital technology to take impressions of your teeth. Using the i-Tero scanner, we can take impressions of your teeth using a handheld wand. We will use the digital images it produces to evaluate your orthodontic needs. Then, we will create your Invisalign treatment plan.
You will need to change your aligners every couple of weeks. This is how the clear aligner system will gradually move your teeth into the proper position. As your teeth shift, we will provide you with new aligners that will further move your teeth into alignment. Many patients use anywhere from 20-40 aligners throughout the course of treatment. Treatment can both improve oral health and enhance your natural smile.
Most patients complete Invisalign treatment in six to twelve months. You can eat most foods with no diet restrictions. This is because there are no wires to break while chewing, and food cannot become stuck within aligners. You can maintain your results for a lifetime by using a retainer. You must wear it nightly or for a short period of time every day.
Invisalign® FAQs
Do you have further questions about how Invisalign treatment can correct your smile? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
Does insurance cover Invisalign® Cost?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover Invisalign because they see it as a cosmetic option. However, dental insurances will often cover fixing crooked teeth with metal braces. Ask your dental insurance provider for a breakdown of your benefits. They may be able to cover part of the treatment depending on the coverage you have. If you have any questions whether your insurance covers Invisalign treatment, our office may be able to help answer them.
Will I still need to wear a retainer after Invisalign Treatment?
Yes. Wearing a retainer for a period of time after completing your Invisalign treatment will reduce the chances of orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse is when your teeth shift back out of alignment after orthodontic treatment has been complete. This happens because the teeth and jaw were not given enough time to get used to the new straight position and push to move back to their original place. This can undo all the work done from your Invisalign treatment, so it is important to take steps to combat orthodontic relapse.
Can Invisalign permanently damage my teeth?
Not likely. Invisalign clear aligners are safe to use for teens and adults. If you wear them properly and follow the instructions, your Invisalign treatment will not damage your teeth and gums. The Invisalign system is free of chemicals, does not scratch your gums or teeth, and is easily removable.
Will Invisalign clear aligners stain my teeth?
No. The material they use to create your Invisalign clear aligners cannot stain your teeth or damage your tooth enamel. However, if you do not wash and rinse your aligners before and after you eat, then bacteria can build up on them, which can cause staining. We recommend brushing your Invisalign after every meal before putting it back in your mouth to remove the risk of this occurring.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you are looking for an Invisalign provider in Bel Air, MD, and surrounding areas, including Jacksonville, contact Harford County Dentistry today. We are accepting new patients! Our dentist office is located at 1810 Bel Air Road in Fallston, Maryland. Call us for more information, or request an appointment online.
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