Did you know there is an easier way to align your teeth without using metal braces? Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that will straighten your teeth without getting in the way of your everyday life. Horizon Family Dental Care is a cosmetic dentist office that offers Invisalign in Baltimore, MD. Patients who desire straight teeth and a discreet treatment will benefit from this clear aligner system.
What is Invisalign®?
The Invisalign treatment consists of many sets of aligners. You will wear each set for about one to two weeks at a time. The number of aligners you will wear depends on your treatment plan.
When you wear your custom aligners, they will gently move your teeth into the proper position. Once your teeth are in the proper spot, you move on to the next set. Soon enough, your teeth are in the desired position.
The aligners are made of a patented material called SmartTrack. It consists of medical-grade polymer and other materials that allow the aligners to be clear, thin, very strong, comfortable, and flexible. The aligners are made from molds of your teeth so they will fit perfectly in your mouth.
The Invisalign® Process
The first step in the process is to conduct a smile scan. Your dentist will use a handheld device called an iTero Element scanner to capture 3D images of your teeth.
They will not have to use messy molds to get impressions of your teeth. Your dentist will upload the 3D images to a computer where they will design your new smile. You will actually be able to preview your results before starting the treatment.
Your dentist will send these images off to the Invisalign lab where they will fabricate your custom aligners. At the next appointment, we will try on the first set to make sure they fit properly and explain how the process will works from there. You will leave our office with the first couple sets of aligners and directions on how to care for them.
Living with Invisalign® in Baltimore, MD
Invisalign treatment treatment involves wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours every day. This means you should only remove them to eat, drink liquids that are not water, and perform your oral hygiene routine.
We need to see you about every six to eight weeks for a checkup to make sure your teeth are shifting properly. You will also pick up your next batch of aligners at this time. With each set of aligners, you will experience some slight pressure as they are now pushing your teeth are little more. This is normal and you should expect it.
How do I take care of my Invisalign® aligners?
For the sake of your oral health, it is vital to take care of your aligners. You should rinse them every single night and several times during the day if you can. Brushing them gently every night with your toothbrush and toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean. You can also purchase an aligner cleaning system to help care for your clear braces.
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.
Caring for Your Smile after Invisalign®
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, your teeth may return to their original position. This could even happen with traditional braces. Most people believe that once their treatment is complete, they no longer have to worry about crooked teeth. However, most patients continue to wear post-orthodontic treatment appliances for the rest of their lives to maintain their results.
Once you complete your treatment, your Horizon Family Dental dentist in Baltimore will fit you for a custom retainer. A retainer is a basic orthodontic appliance that helps prevent your teeth from slowly shifting back out of alignment.
It is a vital part of your treatment that will help you maintain your results. Not many people realize that when they force teeth out of their position, it is possible for them to revert back. A retainer will prevent this.
Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to wear your retainer. In most cases, patients wear it at night to help maintain results. Doing this for a lifetime will prevent orthodontic relapse and keep your smile straight.
In addition to following your after-treatment instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene habits will help keep your new smile perfect. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year will keep your teeth and gums healthy. These basic oral care habits will help prevent dental problems from affecting your results.
If you are looking for a discreet way to align you teeth, the Invisalign clear aligner system is a great way achieve a straight smile. You can schedule a dental appointment with our team online. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence.