Invisalign FAQ

Your Guide To Invisalign

Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, Greenbelt, MD

What Are The Advantages Of Invisalign?

You don’t need a magic wand to fix your smile’s imperfections; you just need an experienced orthodontist. If you opt for the Invisalign method of fixing gaps, overlaps, and many other imperfections in your teeth, the results will stun you.

Compared to other forms of orthodontic treatment, Invisalign has numerous advantages:

• As their name suggests, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. Because they’re composed of a clear, plastic material that’s specially made to fit your teeth, Invisalign allows you to smile naturally.
• When you choose Invisalign over traditional braces, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want whenever you want without worrying about getting food stuck in your brackets.
• Invisalign aligners can be taken in and out at will. This means you can slip them off when playing sports, having a meal, or getting a cleaning, then put them right back in afterward.
• Unlike braces, Invisalign does not have rough areas that can poke and prod your gums and the sensitive skin on the inside of your mouth. Invisalign aligners are much more comfortable yet afford the same effective results.
• Because each set of Invisalign aligners is custom-made to fit the individual, these aligners are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
• The unique method of fitting Invisalign aligners makes them suitable for anyone from children to adults.

So, if you’re looking for a teeth straightening method that doesn’t dictate how you eat and how long you have to brush, Invisalign might be for you.

Who Should Not Wear Invisalign?

Most people are candidates for Invisalign, but exceptions to this rule may include the following:

• Patients who smoke and are unable or unwilling to stop during treatment may not be able to wear Invisalign. Smoking may cause discoloration of the aligners, making them appear stained and unattractive.
• Anyone who may not possess the motivation to wear the aligners at least 20 hours out of every day may not be a good candidate for this method. As an Invisalign patient, you have much more control over your treatment, but it’s vital that you follow the instructions set forth by your orthodontist. Not wearing your aligners enough may result in expensive mid-course corrections to even out your treatment.
• Children who are not yet responsible enough to follow the necessary steps involved in caring for their Invisalign aligners are not good candidates.

What Problems Can Invisalign Help Correct?

Invisalign is recommended as a corrective measure for a myriad of orthodontic problems, some of which are:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Gaps
• Overlapping or Crowded Teeth
• Open Bite
• Crossbite

Additionally, straight and even teeth make for healthier gums, so by getting Invisalign, you’re improving not only the appearance of your mouth but its overall health as well.

Nearly any imperfection that can be corrected by braces can also be addressed using Invisalign. The only difference is that with Invisalign, there is no hassle and inconvenience of heavy, restrictive metals.

Is Invisalign Easy And Painless?

If you’re reluctant to talk with your orthodontist about Invisalign because you fear long, painful procedures and frequent follow-ups, it’s time to put those myths to rest. In reality, the Invisalign process is effortless and easy to follow if you follow these basic steps:

1. Meet with your orthodontist for an initial consultation to ensure you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
2. Once you and your orthodontist have determined that Invisalign is a recommended treatment for your particular issues, you’ll undergo the required preparation including digital x-rays, impressions, and photographs of your teeth.
3. Next, aligners are specifically designed with you in mind. Your orthodontist will temporarily bond fasteners to your teeth to which the aligners will adhere. You’ll still be able to take them on and off, but the fasteners will stay in place until the entire treatment concludes, which for most patients, takes about a year.
4. Every one or two weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners to help straighten and realign the placement of your teeth. These are produced using special Invisalign software, which predicts where your teeth should be at various steps throughout the treatment. As you break in each new set of aligners, it may feel as though your teeth are being tugged, and in effect, they are. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but as time progresses, your teeth will shift position and each aligner will feel more comfortable. You’ll be able to see the progress as your smile improves day by day.
5. For your aligners to perform well, you must wear them between 20 and 22 hours each day. This means you’ll sleep in them too. You may, however, remove them for short periods of time such as before meals or to participate in sports. You’ll also take them off for cleaning. Brush and floss your teeth as usual, then clean and rinse your aligners before replacing them, just as you would contact lenses. This ensures that you remove any food particles that could contribute to decay.
6. After your treatment concludes, you’ll be left with an improved smile featuring perfectly aligned teeth. You may be required to wear a retainer afterward to help keep your teeth from reverting to their previous positions, but this depends on your individual circumstances, as well as on the opinion of your orthodontist.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign will vary from case to case, depending on the issues needing correction. Our team will discuss all payment options in detail at your initial consultation and will work with you to find a plan that best fits your budget.

When you’re ready to take the steps necessary to improve your smile, call our experienced team at Labbe Family Orthodontics. Since 1977, we’ve been brightening Maryland’s faces with our friendly and experienced orthodontists who genuinely care about the families they’re impacting. Regardless of which type of oral problems your teen or your aging family member is experiencing, there’s a good chance Invisalign can help.