Invisalign® “Invisible” Braces – Greenbelt, MD

Crowded Teeth

Overcrowding is when the teeth begin to overlap, making it harder to clean between teeth and remove harmful plaque and tartar. However, Invisalign® can begin to shift teeth so that adequate space is created, allowing for more effective and successful brushing, flossing, and rinsing. As a result, you can enjoy better oral and overall health as well as a more confident smile.

Gaps Between Teeth

If you have gaps between your teeth, your teeth are likely too small, so they don’t take up the necessary space, or your jawbone is larger than normal. This problem can also develop because of thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting as a child. With the help of Invisalign®, though, the clear aligners can close the gap(s) to reduce the potential for gum disease while also creating a beautiful smile.

Overbite

An overbite is a type of misalignment that occurs when your top teeth project too far out over your lower teeth. This is also known as an overjet, and it can cause jaw pain as well as a speech impediment. When Invisalign® aligners are used, your jaws will move over time to not only create a more appropriate gap between your upper and lower rows of teeth but also generate a visually pleasing aesthetic.

Underbite

If you bite down and notice that your lower row of teeth sits further out or matches up with your top row of teeth, you have an underbite. Genetics, thumb-sucking, overuse of a pacifier, or even a jaw injury might be to blame, resulting in problems such as those associated with sleep habits (i.e., sleep apnea). Invisalign® can serve as a viable solution, though, especially when combined with rubber bands. They will gradually move your bite and move your lower arch back so that it settles in the appropriate position.

Crossbite

Invisalign® can be used to treat a crossbite should you find that your bottom teeth sit slightly in front of your upper row of teeth. Although genetics, early loss of baby teeth, and unhealthy oral habits may be the reason for a crossbite, our team can fix this problem, even if it’s the result of jaw development. By combining Invisalign® with elastics or other similar accessories, we can better move your jaw into alignment.

Open Bite

Do your front teeth touch when you close your mouth? If not, you may have an open bite. This often develops because of thumb-sucking or overuse of a pacifier as a child. It can also occur if you suffer from poor bone development. You may find it difficult to pronounce certain words, but Invisalign® can bring your front and bottom teeth together, helping to improve your bite pattern and reduce any risk of dental damage.

More Comfortable to Wear

There are no protruding brackets and wires with Invisalign, only a smooth plastic that fits snugly against your teeth. Because of this, there is a reduced chance of irritation to your soft oral tissues. The customized fit of your aligners will ensure that they not only straighten your teeth according to plan but also reduce discomfort to create a more enjoyable orthodontic experience.

Greater Subtlety

Invisalign trays are made of clear, medical-grade polyurethane resin. This makes them nearly undetectable to others. Their customization ensures a snug and comfortable fit when worn, and they have a ridge that aligns perfectly with the shape of gumline. You’ll never need to feel embarrassed while wearing your aligners because they are unlikely to be noticed.

Healthier Smile

Having removable aligners makes it easier to take proper care of your teeth and gums. Unlike metal braces that require you to brush around small brackets and wires, you can remove your Invisalign trays to perform your normal oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing. It’s also easier to clean your aligners because you must remove them to adequately brush away any bacterial buildup and food particles. There is no need for special equipment.

Fewer & Faster Follow-Ups

Traditional braces require you to visit your dentist every few weeks to have your wire tightened; however, with Invisalign, your follow-up visits will be fewer (every 4-6 weeks) and quicker. With no wire to replace or tighten, we will examine your smile to ensure that your teeth are shifting according to the timeline that we set for treatment. If any adjustments are required, we will make them at this time; however, one of the great benefits of Invisalign is the predictability of care.

You Feel Better About Your Appearance

While wearing your Invisalign aligners, you won’t need to worry about your orthodontic treatment interfering with your daily appearance. The clear plastic is virtually invisible, so you’ll feel more confident smiling around others even throughout treatment. This is why so many self-conscious teenagers and working adults choose Invisalign. Once the trays come off, you’ll find that your smile is more properly aligned, allowing you to speak and smile with ease and confidence.

Flexible, Removable Orthodontics

Unlike metal braces that are bonded to your teeth and cannot be removed without the help of a trusted dental professional, Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your smile and easily removable. Also, the scanning that is required to produce your trays is significantly easier because of the digital technology that is used, allowing for a more comfortable approach. It is a non-invasive form of treatment that requires no bonding or messy impressions but instead allows for a more flexible method of care.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Determining the factors that are associated with the cost of your Invisalign requires a thorough consultation with a member of our team. This visit not only involves deciding whether Invisalign is right for your unique needs but also how much you can expect to spend on your new smile.

A few of the factors our team will consider include:

• How many Invisalign aligners you will need. Do you need treatment only for the upper or lower arch or both?
• The severity of the dental issue you are experiencing. This may include overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and/or bite misalignment.
• How many sets of aligners you will need to successfully complete treatment.
• The type of retainer you will be required to wear once you are finished with Invisalign treatment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Most dental insurance policies do not offer orthodontic coverage. It is instead something that you must pay for in addition to your regular plan. While many companies are beginning to incorporate clear aligners as part of their available coverage, it’s important that you review the details of a proposed plan before enrolling. In many cases, you may be able to receive 50% coverage for orthodontic treatment, which can help to cut down on your out-of-pocket expenses.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Recognizing that not all patients have private dental insurance, our team offers alternative payment options, including flexible financing through CareCredit. Designed to make paying for treatment easier and less burdensome for patients, you can opt to enroll in a low or no-interest payment plan with no surprise fees.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

A common misconception that many people have is that anyone can receive Invisalign. Unfortunately, many do-it-yourself systems make it easy for individuals to begin treatment without a proper consultation – a situation that can result in damaged teeth.

The only way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a visit with one of our dentists. Not only will we take digital images of your smile, but we’ll also visually examine your teeth and bite to determine if overcrowding, crooked, or gapped teeth, or a misaligned bite are present. If so, we’ll decide if Invisalign is enough to fix the problem and produce beautiful, long-lasting results.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

It is not uncommon for a typical Invisalign treatment to take 12-18 months. This is drastically shorter than wearing traditional metal braces. However, it’s important that you do not expect your treatment to take the same length of time. Every case is different, which means that depending on the severity of your dental issue, you may need to wear Invisalign aligners for 15 months or even 24 months. Your plan will be tailored to meet your needs, and how often you wear your trays can also dictate whether you finish treatment on time or if you need additional aligners to ensure successful completion.

Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?

Retainers are essential components of Invisalign treatment. Most patients will be required to wear one because of how easy it is for teeth to shift out of alignment. Once your smile reaches its new destination, it will not be affixed in place right away. The teeth and bone must settle over time. To keep them from moving back to their original location, a retainer is worn to hold them in place.

With any form of orthodontics, each case is different, so you may be required to wear your retainer full-time (24/7) in the beginning. As time passes, your dentist may suggest that you wear it only at night.

Can I Be Treated With Invisalign If I’ve Worn Braces in the Past?

Usually yes but the decision to have you wear Invisalign is up to your providing dentist. If you’ve worn traditional braces in the past, your dentist will need to evaluate your current smile and if the changes needed could be corrected by  Invisalign aligners.