Invisalign in Laurel, MD
You can now straighten your teeth without anyone knowing through the use of Invisalign. The Invisalign process is the latest technology in cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics and has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. However, this cosmetic dental treatment is not available over the counter. Only a certified Invisalign dentist near you like Laurel Smiles Dental Care can undertake Invisalign in Laurel, MD.
Invisalign braces are a series of customized, clear aligners that slowly apply pressure to your teeth. Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, and designed with your comfort in mind. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment as long as you remove the aligners beforehand. Additionally, you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
WHY CHOOSE INVISALIGN ALIGNERS NEAR YOU?
Invisalign is often the top choice for straightening crooked teeth today. They’re subtle and a lot less noticeable than metal braces and other traditional methods. Particularly for adults, they don’t want their teeth straightening solutions to be noticeable or distracting. Clear plastic aligners can barely be seen when they’re used unless someone is close up. You can stay confident in your smile and not feel the need to hide it.
Invisalign aligners are also more comfortable than traditional methods. The aligners are customized for your smile. They fit snugly, but the plastic doesn’t irritate your gums or other soft tissue in the mouth. Brackets and wires often pinch and poke your gums and cheeks. It’s smooth plastic that’s fitted closely to your smile. Problems don’t arise when your cheeks and lips are moving around as you’re speaking or eating.
Its easier to take care of your oral health with transparent teeth braces. The aligners are removable, so you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. The aligners themselves are cleaned separately. You dont have to try to brush and floss properly around additional wires and devices in your mouth. If you dont clean properly with braces, its noticeable when your braces come off. The areas where the brackets were are whiter than the rest of your smile.
Lastly, because they’re removable, you do not need to make any changes to your diet. While you will wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, you can take them out to eat. Only drink water when you have your aligners in. When they’re out, you can eat anything you’d like! You don’t have to worry about damaging wires while you’re eating harder foods.
Invisalign FAQs
We are proud to offer Invisalign treatment solutions to our Laurel patients as a part of our cosmetic dentistry solutions. After a consultation with our doctors, we can help you determine if this treatment is right for you. As your trusted cosmetic dentists in Laurel, MD, we will let you know if Invisalign is an option to straighten your smile. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have on the Invisalign process. The following are frequently asked questions about Invisalign:
How does Invisalign in Laurel, MD work?
You will wear each set of invisible aligners for about two weeks and only remove them when you are eating and drinking. For the Invisalign treatment to be effective, you must wear the aligners as often as possible, or about 22 hours out of each day. About every two weeks, you’ll advance to the next aligner. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will slowly shift until they have straightened to the final desired position.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten my teeth?
Total treatment time averages 11 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is usually between 18 and 30. This, of course, will vary from case to case, depending on the severity of your teeth misalignment. You will visit us throughout your treatment so that we can monitor your progress and provide more accurate time estimates for your treatment.
Which is better, braces or Invisalign?
There are several different pros and cons to each orthodontic treatment solution. While Invisalign allows you to maintain your aesthetic appearance while undergoing treatment, they also require willpower from the patient. You must hold yourself accountable for wearing them as often as possible, even though they are removable.
With traditional braces, you must be careful with what you eat or drink to avoid damaging the braces. However, traditional braces are the most effective treatment option for our most severe orthodontic cases. We may suggest that you get them if we determine that you do not qualify for the Invisalign treatment.
How long must I wear my aligners each day?
Your aligners stay in for about 22 hours a day. The only times you should remove your aligners are when you’re eating, drinking something that’s not water, or performing your oral healthcare routine. If you do not wear them long enough each day, your treatment will take longer to accomplish ideal results.
What can’t I do with Invisalign?
Don’t drink anything other than water with your aligners in. Acidic drinks damage the material, while drinks like coffee and tea will stain it. Don’t consume food with your aligners in, either. Food damages or scratches up the aligners, and they may not work as effectively.
Can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?
Many patients try to “cheat” on their treatment. When you change your aligners, you experience some soreness or discomfort for a few days. Your teeth get used to the new position and you don’t feel the discomfort anymore. However, this is not a sign for you to change your aligners. If you change them too early, your teeth shift and become loose. You must wear the aligners for the right amount of time, at minimum, before changing.
Will Invisalign give me a lisp?
Some patients report that they have a lisp when they first start Invisalign treatment. It does take time to get used to your new aligners. However, if you notice a lisp, it’s likely that it’s only noticeable to you. It’s very minimal and goes away after a few days.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign treatment?
In most cases, yes. Without a retainer, youll experience an orthodontic relapse. If you want to keep your teeth in the ideal position, Invisalign puts them in. Wearing your retainer keeps your teeth in the correct position.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Question 1.
What dental care is necessary after completing Invisalign treatment?
Essential Dental Care Post-Invisalign Treatment
After completing Invisalign treatment, maintaining your beautifully aligned smile requires a focused dental care routine. Here’s what you need to know:
- Retainers: Your New Best Friend
- Wearing a retainer is crucial to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Follow your dentist’s advice on how long and often you should wear it.
- Daily Oral Hygiene: Do Not Skip
- Brushing: Ensure you brush thoroughly at least twice a day, targeting all tooth surfaces.
- Flossing: Don’t neglect flossing daily to remove debris and bacteria between teeth.
- Mouthwash: Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen breath.
- Routine Dental Visits: A Must
- Schedule regular cleanings and exams every six months. These appointments are vital for monitoring your dental health and catching any potential issues early.
- Observe Dietary Habits
- Pay attention to your diet, focusing on limiting sugary and acidic foods that can damage enamel and facilitate tooth decay.
- Hydration and Consistency: Key Elements
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and maintain oral moisture, which aids in preventing decay.
By diligently following these steps, you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile long after your Invisalign journey concludes.
Question 2.
How much does Invisalign cost and what factors influence the price?
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign and Influencing Factors
When considering Invisalign, you’re likely curious about the overall cost and what factors are at play. The price of Invisalign treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, it reflects several personal and situational factors.
Key Factors Influencing Invisalign Costs
- Complexity of Your Case: Each individual’s dental needs are unique. More complex alignment issues typically require longer treatment times, which can increase costs.
- Duration of Treatment: The length of time you’ll be wearing the aligners affects the price. Generally, the longer the treatment, the higher the cost.
- Number of Aligners Needed: Some treatments require more aligners than others, impacting the overall expense.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your orthodontist ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly. The number of visits can contribute to the cost.
- Insurance Coverage: Many dental plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. It’s worth checking with your provider to see how much they will cover.
- Payment Options: Practices often offer flexible payment plans to distribute the overall cost over time, making Invisalign more affordable.
Before starting your Invisalign journey, consulting with your orthodontist will provide a more precise estimate tailored to your specific needs. Always explore various options to find the plan best suited for your budget.
Question 3.
Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance?
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Understanding how your dental insurance handles Invisalign can make a significant difference in your decision-making process. Many insurance plans today do offer coverage for Invisalign, similar to how they cover traditional braces. This means your insurance may pay a portion of the total cost, reducing your financial burden.
Here are some steps to help you determine your coverage:
- Review Your Policy: Check if orthodontic treatments are included in your plan and specifically if Invisalign is mentioned.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Directly speak with a representative to get detailed information about your coverage limits for Invisalign.
- Explore Partial Coverage: If full coverage isn’t available, your plan may still cover a percentage of the treatment. Understanding what percentage, if any, is vital.
- Financing Options: Even if insurance doesn’t fully cover the procedure, many dental offices offer financing plans. These plans can break down the costs into manageable monthly payments.
In summary, while many dental insurance policies do provide for Invisalign to some extent, it’s crucial to confirm the details with your provider. And remember, if coverage is limited, there are alternative payment methods available to ensure you can achieve the smile you desire.
PARTIALLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Question 1.
Who is an ideal candidate for Invisalign?
Full Answer Combined with Your Original
Invisalign is often the top choice for straightening crooked teeth today. They’re subtle and a lot less noticeable than metal braces and other traditional methods. Particularly for adults, they don’t want their teeth straightening solutions to be noticeable or distracting. Clear plastic aligners can barely be seen when they’re used unless someone is close up. You can stay confident in your smile and not feel the need to hide it.
But who exactly is an ideal candidate for Invisalign? Let’s break it down:
- Age Appropriateness: Invisalign is especially effective for adults and older teenagers. These groups benefit most from the subtle, nearly invisible aligners that fit seamlessly into their active lifestyles. For children, however, Invisalign isn’t usually recommended. Their mouths are still developing, and traditional braces might be a better option.
- Orthodontic Issues: If you’re dealing with mild to moderate orthodontic problems, Invisalign can be just as effective as metal braces. It’s perfect for those who need a straightforward solution without the hassle of traditional methods.
- Usage Guidelines: Typically, aligners are recommended for both rows of teeth. This ensures that your smile is aligned properly without causing further issues down the line.
Choosing Invisalign means making a commitment to a nearly invisible and highly effective orthodontic treatment that fits seamlessly into your life without drawing attention to the fact that you’re wearing them. Whether you’re at work, out with friends, or taking photos, your smile remains confident and unobstructed.
Sub-Questions
Is it recommended to wear Invisalign on both rows of teeth?
Yes, dentists usually advise wearing aligners on both the upper and lower rows of teeth to prevent any potential misalignment that might occur if only one row is treated.
What types of orthodontic issues can Invisalign treat effectively?
Invisalign is suitable for addressing mild to moderate orthodontic issues and can be just as effective as metal braces for these conditions.
Who is the best age group for Invisalign?
Invisalign is primarily ideal for adults and older teenagers, as their mouths have typically finished developing. Children are generally not recommended for Invisalign due to ongoing development.
Question 2.
What qualifications should Invisalign dentists have?
Full Answer Combined with Your Original
Only a certified Invisalign dentist near you, like Laurel Smiles Dental Care, can undertake Invisalign in Laurel, MD. When choosing an Invisalign provider, it’s crucial to consider several qualifications to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Licensing and Credentials: Invisalign dentists must have the appropriate licensing and credentials. These qualifications ensure they meet the professional standards necessary to administer clear aligners safely and effectively.
- Education and Training: Look for dentists who have undergone specific education and training in Invisalign procedures. This specialized knowledge equips them with the skills needed to tailor treatment plans to individual needs.
- Experience with Complex Cases: Experienced Invisalign providers have a track record of handling complex dental issues, achieving excellent results even in challenging situations. Their expertise can be a deciding factor in the success of your treatment.
By considering these factors, you can confidently select an Invisalign dentist who will provide high-quality care and help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Sub-Questions
What kind of experience should an Invisalign dentist have?**
A dentist should have substantial experience, particularly in managing complex dental issues, to deliver successful Invisalign results for their patients.
Why are these qualifications important?**
These qualifications are crucial because they equip the dentist with the essential education and training to handle the intricacies of Invisalign treatments effectively.
What qualifications should an Invisalign dentist have?**
An Invisalign dentist should possess the necessary licensing and credentials, ensuring they are officially recognized to provide this specialized service.
Schedule A Dental Exam and Consultation Today
The best way to determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you is to schedule a dental exam with our doctors today. After a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, and jaw, our team will recommend how to proceed with bettering your smile. If you have any questions regarding Invisalign, feel free to call our office at 301-490-7007.