Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates is a dentist near you that’s proud to offer patients in Annapolis the option of Invisalign® invisible braces. Invisalign is the leading clear braces system in the United States, with more than one million success stories. Clear braces provide a number of benefits over traditional metal braces including more comfortable, healthier, and discreet treatment for straighter teeth.
Patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns may be able to correct their smiles using Invisalign clear braces. Custom-designed clear aligners are an efficient, comfortable treatment for realigning crooked teeth that will not disrupt your professional or social life like traditional metal braces.
Our dentists may recommend Invisalign to treat:
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Invisalign® VS Metal Braces
Metal braces are the conventional treatment to straighten teeth but there are many disadvantages to using them when compared to Invisalign®. Invisible braces alleviate many of the hassles associated with traditional metal braces including:
- Shorter treatment times
- There are no dietary restrictions
- They are more comfortable and removable
- With clear braces, the treatment is unnoticeable
- There are no risks of tooth enamel staining from permanently attached brackets
With braces, brackets and wires impact the soft tissues in your mouth. Wax is standardly used to prevent them from rubbing against the inside of your lips and cheeks. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that won’t irritate your gums or other soft tissues. It can be hard to tell that you’re even wearing them unless people are specifically looking for them in your smile. You can be comfortable and confident showing off your smile.
The biggest benefit of Invisalign may be that they’re removable. Braces require you to abstain from foods that you love, but you can eat them with Invisalign. You also don’t have to make any changes to how you take care of your mouth. Braces are difficult to brush and floss around and often require special tools and techniques. You risk staining around the brackets if you aren’t cleaning your teeth well enough. Invisalign eliminates all of this hassle.
Invisalign® in Annapolis, MD
If you’re thinking about trying Invisalign, the first step is to visit our Annapolis dental office for a consultation with the dentist. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and determine if Invisalign is right for you. Next, the dentist will create a customized treatment plan, take impressions of your teeth and send them to the Invisalign laboratory. A series of custom, clear aligners will be made for your teeth.
You will change your aligners according to your personal treatment plan, but generally every two weeks to gradually reposition your teeth. The aligners are to be worn about 22 hours per day, leaving plenty of time to remove them so you can enjoy the foods you love and maintain good oral hygiene with thorough brushing and flossing.
Cleaning your teeth properly is imperative to avoiding gum disease that may lead to missing teeth or bone loss.
The number of aligners and length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the problem(s) being addressed. Generally speaking, a typical Invisalign treatment takes 6 to 9 months.
After Invisalign treatment, you will be given special retainers to wear and recommended a follow-up schedule to ensure your smile stays straight and beautiful.
Invisalign FAQS
Is Invisalign safe for my teeth?
Yes, Invisalign does not damage teeth like traditional braces. Always make sure you are removing them before you eat, and clean your teeth before putting your clear aligners back on.
How fast does Invisalign work?
If you follow all instructions and brush at least twice a day, you may start seeing results within the first month. Invisalign treatment can be completed in about a year. Although this will depend on how crooked and misaligned your teeth are.
Is Invisalign covered by my dental insurance?
Invisalign is generally not covered by dental insurance. A deposit is necessary to begin your treatment and payments can be made throughout the course of your Invisalign treatment. Additional financing options are available through CareCredit.
How much does Invisalign® cost?
The national average for Invisalign treatment is $5,000-$6,000 per case, however, the cost of Invisalign can vary widely based on your individual needs and goals. In some cases, Invisalign may cost as little as $2,000 – $3,000 or as much as $8,000.
You may be surprised to find out how affordable Invisalign can be. We can help you find the monthly payment that fits your budget. Calculate your cost at: invisalign.com/cost
What can I not do with Invisalign?
When you have the aligners in your mouth, avoid eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Consuming anything else can damage or stain the aligners. When you’re cleaning your aligners, make sure you’re not using toothpaste or other products that are too abrasive, as these can scratch the aligners. Avoid taking the aligners in and out often or playing with them, as this can cause damage as well.
Can I make my Invisalign treatment go faster?
No, it’s important that you don’t try to accelerate your treatment time. When you switch to a new set of aligners, they’re uncomfortable for a few days as your teeth adjust. Once this feeling goes away, you may think that you’re good to change to the next set. This isn’t the case. Your jawbone and gums are still getting situated and adjusting to this change. If you try to go to the next set too quickly, it can lead to loose teeth or teeth even falling out.
Does Invisalign give you a lisp?
It takes your mouth some time to get used to having Invisalign aligners in. This can lead to you having a slight lisp when you talk. However, this lisp is small enough that it’s probably only noticed by you. The lisp normally goes away with time, as your mouth adjusts to wearing them all of the time.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Every time you take the aligners out of your mouth, you should at least rinse them with water. At the end of the day, brush them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap to get rid of any debris and buildup from the day. Invisalign also sells cleaning solutions that dissolve in water to soak and disinfect your aligners.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Invisalign Consultation Today
Searching for a cosmetic dentistry office in the Severna Park, MD, and Annapolis, MD area? Schedule a consultation with Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates to discuss your dental health, cosmetic goals, and budget concerns before recommending the treatment options that will suit you best.