Invisalign® FAQ in Charles County, MD
Conveniently located in Waldorf and Leonardtown, and serving Charles County and St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Sequence Orthodontics offers Invisalign® treatment to local residents who wish to improve their smile and oral health.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment for those who don’t want metal or ceramic braces. The Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of clear plastic aligners, custom-crafted for each patient, that resemble night guards and slowly align teeth into the proper position. Invisalign® may also be recommended for ongoing use by patients who have completed orthodontic treatment to help maintain results until teeth have settled down and finished moving.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Although alignment may take longer with Invisalign® than with traditional braces, Invisalign® offers greater convenience and ease of use while being practically invisible, allowing you to maintain a natural appearance during your treatment. The fact that the aligners are removable allows patients to enjoy all the foods they normally eat, as well as making it easier to keep teeth cleaned and flossed during treatment. Aligners may be easily cleaned by rinsing with soap and water.
How Does Invisalign® Work to Correct Malocclusions?
The Invisalign® aligner trays are replaced every two weeks. Each new aligner adjusts your teeth one step closer to the proper position, gradually shifting the teeth into proper alignment. If after a reasonable time, Invisalign® treatment does not achieve proper alignment, our specialists may recommend regular braces to complete the treatment. In some cases, Invisalign® is recommended for patients who have completed treatment with traditional braces in order to complete and optimize the results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign®?
Although Invisalign® is suitable for most patients, it is not optimal for everyone. In some cases, Invisalign® may not be enough to achieve proper alignment.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Invisalign®?
The length of treatment with Invisalign® varies from patient to patient, but generally, takes longer than with traditional braces. For most adults, Invisalign® is required an average of two to three years.
Is Invisalign® Painful or Uncomfortable?
Treatment with Invisalign® may produce soreness for a day or so after each initial fitting, but typically this treatment produces less discomfort than treatment with traditional metal or ceramic braces.
Why Choose an Orthodontist vs. a Dentist for Invisalign® Treatment?
Orthodontists are specialists trained in tooth movement, alignment of the teeth and jaw, as well as mouth and jaw function, while dentists provide more general oral health care. Orthodontists complete dental school to become dentists and then attend an orthodontic program for an additional number of years to specialize in tooth movement, jaw function and facial aesthetics. Although some dentists may take courses to learn how to apply Invisalign® treatment, this is not their specialty, and they rarely have the expertise and experience of an orthodontist.
What Should I Do Next?
If you live in Charles County or St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and want to straighten your teeth, but are self-conscious about wearing metal brackets, contact our Waldorf or Leonardtown office to schedule an appointment to discuss Invisalign® treatment.