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 because they 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. Because the aligners are removable, you can thoroughly clean your teeth, which isn’t possible with metal braces.

Invisalign Treatment in Baltimore, MD

At Horizon Family Dental Care, we want every patient to feel confident in their smile. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without metal braces, Invisalign can be a great option. The first step in the Invisalign process is to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Our dental team will check for any cavities or signs of gum disease. If we find any issues, we will treat them first to make sure you get the best possible results.

Once your mouth is healthy, we take detailed digital impressions of your teeth. These impressions help us map out the step-by-step plan for how your teeth will move during treatment. We send this information to a dental lab, where your custom Invisalign aligners are made.

When your aligners arrive at our Baltimore office, we make sure your first set fits comfortably. Our team will explain how long to wear your aligners each day and when to switch to the next set. You’ll receive several sets of aligners that you will change every one to two weeks. Each new aligner gently shifts your teeth closer to their ideal position.

Throughout your treatment, we’ll schedule check-in appointments to monitor your progress and make sure everything is moving as planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions for us? We’re here to help. Read answers to questions about Invisalign in Baltimore, MD.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The total treatment time with Invisalign varies from patient to patient. The average treatment time is 6 to 12 months or more.

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?

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. Brush your teeth after you eat. Then reinsert 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.

Can I remove Invisalign for special events?

Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for special events. One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This means you can take them out when you have a big event, like a wedding, party, or school presentation.

Just remember that for treatment to work, you should wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours every day. If you do take them out, try to put them back in as soon as you can so your teeth keep moving the right way. You don’t want to remove your aligners for more than a couple of hours. If you remove your aligners for too long, you can slow down your treatment.

What happens after Invisalign treatment is complete?

We’ll give you a retainer after you finish your Invisalign treatment at Horizon Family Dental Care. A retainer helps maintain the position of your teeth after they’ve been straightened. Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly shift back to their original positions over time.

Most patients start by wearing their retainer full-time for a few months. After that, you’ll likely switch to wearing it only at night while you sleep. We’ll give you detailed instructions and check your progress to make sure your teeth stay in their new, healthy alignment. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps your teeth looking straight for years.

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. Our dental office serves patients in Baltimore, Clinton, La Plata, Gambrills, and Hanover, MD.