Did you know there is a cosmetic way to align your smile? 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 them, the aligners will gently push your teeth into the proper position. Once your teeth are in the proper spot, you move on to the next set and so on until the desired results are achieved.
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. The 3D images are uploaded to a computer where your dentist 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
It is vital that you wear them for at least 20-22 hours every day. This means you should really only remove them to eat, drink liquids that are not water, and perform your oral hygiene routine. We will want 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 to be expected.
How do I take care of my Invisalign® aligners?
For the sake of your oral health, it is very important 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. There is also an Invisalign cleaning system that you can purchase to help take care of them. 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.
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 to get started. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence.