Invisalign- A Complete Guide

Are you wondering if Invisalign is right for you? Below is a complete guide to Invisalign to get all of your questions about it answered.

Over half of America feels insecure about their teeth. In fact, 61% of Americans want to make a change to their smiles. Top concerns include lack of whiteness, receding gums, spaces, and crookedness.

Not many people realize that Invisalign treatment can remedy these problems and more.

Interested in Invisalign? Here's everything you need to know before beginning treatment with your dentist in Laurel, MD. After reading this guide, you can feel confident getting Invisalign suits your needs. 



Read on to learn everything you need to know about this orthodontic treatment option today!

What Is Invisalign?

First, let's cover the basics. What is Invisalign treatment, exactly?

Invisalign is a brand name for a form of orthodontic treatment that uses thin, clear, plastic aligners. These aligners, designed using a thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, can bring your teeth into proper alignment. Improving the alignment of your teeth can help you avoid orthodontic problems down the road.

Since they're made from clear plastic, the aligners are nearly invisible. You won't have to worry about noticeable metal brackets and wires impacting your smile. Instead, you can get orthodontic work without it changing your appearance.

The Process

First, schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in Laurel, MD. Your dentist will let you know if you're an ideal candidate for treatment. If you are, they'll begin by taking a 3D image of your jaw and mouth.

They'll use this imaging to develop your treatment plan. Treatment can help put your teeth in their proper place, improving your smile and bite.

Your Invisalign treatment will involve multiple pairs of aligners. The aligners are customized to fit perfectly around your teeth. They'll apply a small amount of pressure to shift your teeth into the desired placement.

Make sure to follow your dentist's instructions. You'll likely need to switch to a new pair of aligners every week or so.

How many pairs you'll need will vary depending on the extent of your orthodontic concerns.

Your dentist will instruct you to wear your aligners throughout the day. Only remove your aligners when eating, brushing, or flossing. Otherwise, neglecting to wear your aligners can delay your treatment.

You can remove your aligners as needed to eat or drink beverages besides water. It's important to brush and floss before putting your aligners back into place. Otherwise, food particles can mingle with bacteria, increasing your risk of tooth decay or gum disease. 

Ideal Candidates

Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in Laurel, MD to determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment. Invisalign is usually ideal for treating:

• Minor tooth gaps
• Minor tooth crowding
• Intrusion
• Expansion
• Orthodontic relapse
• Minor tooth rotation

Speak with your dentist to determine if your orthodontic issues are severe. They might recommend traditional metal braces instead.

The Benefits

Is Invisalign treatment effective? According to recent studies, Invisalign is more effective than other types of clear aligners. They can help improve the alignment of your teeth for a stunning, straight smile.

However, it's important to wear your aligners for over 20 hours daily to ensure treatment works. You should only remove your aligners when:

• Flossing or brushing your teeth
• Cleaning your aligners
• Eating or drinking

When cleaning your aligners, avoid using very hot water. Otherwise, you could warp the plastic, which will alter how the aligners fit around your teeth.

Remember, the complexity of your orthodontic issues can determine how long you'll require treatment. It can also determine how well Invisalign works for you. 

Here are a few benefits of Invisalign treatment to consider before requesting your aligners. 

Avoid Tooth Decay

When there are gaps between your teeth, it's easier for food particles to hide away. Food particles can mix with bacteria, leading to acid production. Your risk of tooth decay could increase as a result.

Invisalign treatment can help close the gaps between your teeth. Having straight teeth can make it easier for you to brush and floss. Then, you can get rid of every food particle to ensure your teeth are properly clean. 

You can avoid tooth decay, which can save you stress and money in the future.

Dodge Bruxism

If your teeth aren't properly aligned, you might start grinding your teeth in your sleep. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear away protective tooth enamel. Again, your risk of tooth decay could increase as a result. 

Improving your bite could help you avoid bruxism and painful symptoms down the road.

Improved Gum Health

Leaving food particles between your teeth could increase your risk of gum disease (gingivitis) as well. Gingivitis can make the gaps between your teeth more pronounced. It could cause a change in your bite, too.

Orthodontic work can help close the gaps between your teeth. You'll have an easier time flossing, helping you avoid gingivitis in the future. 

Space for Implants

If you're missing a tooth, your dentist in Laurel, MD might recommend a dental implant. However, the surrounding teeth might lean toward the gap if you delay treatment. You won't have space for the implant.

Meanwhile, your teeth could begin to look crooked, too.

You can straighten your teeth with Invisalign to make room for the implant. 

Improved Digestion

If you're struggling to chew food, your digestive system will have to work twice as hard to break that food down. You could begin experiencing digestive issues as a result. You might start avoiding certain foods, too.

Consider getting Invisalign. You can straighten your smile and begin enjoying your favorite foods again. 

Stronger Confidence

Improving your smile can help boost your self-confidence, too. You can feel more comfortable in social situations, which could lead you to take healthy risks. 



Stronger self-confidence can benefit your career, relationships, and other areas of your social life. 

Request Invisalign With Your Dentist in Laurel, MD Today

Want to improve your smile with stunning, straight teeth? Talk to your dentist in Laurel, MD about Invisalign treatment. Beginning orthodontic treatment right away could help you avoid oral health issues down the road.

Meanwhile, it can help improve the appearance of your smile, benefiting your oral health and self-confidence. 

Eager to begin treatment? Contact us today to learn more.