When you’re looking for high-quality orthodontics in Laurel, Bethesda, or North Potomac, we at Heller Orthodontics are proud to provide a wide assortment of effective orthodontic treatments. One such treatment that we offer is Invisalign. Invisalign is the alternative to braces. A newer form of orthodontic treatment that we’d like to teach you about.
The Alternative to Braces
While metal braces are the time-tested method of orthodontic treatment that you’re most likely to think of, there now exists an increasingly popular alternative: Invisalign. As the name suggests, Invisalign features aligners that are made of almost invisible polyurethane plastic. While Invisalign has the same goal as traditional braces of straightening a patient’s teeth, the way it accomplishes that goal is vastly different. Instead of using metal braces and wires to shift the teeth, Invisalign uses its plastic aligners. These aligners are completely removable, meaning that unlike braces, you can take them out for eating, for cleaning your teeth, and for social occasions. Not all patients are suitable for this treatment so make sure you ask about it when you visit your North Potomac, Bethesda, or Laurel orthodontist.
How Invisalign Works
With the usage of specialized computer software, we’ll be able to design a plan for moving your teeth into their best possible alignment. After this treatment plan is determined, a series of aligner sets will be created. You’ll start by wearing the first set of aligners for a two-week time period, making sure to keep them in your mouth for a minimum of 20 hours per day. Once the two weeks are over, you’ll move onto the next set of aligners, continuing this process until you’ve worn all of the aligners. After that, you should have the straight and healthy smile that your orthodontist prescribed for you.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a plethora of advantages for patients that include the following:
- A Discreet Look – Possibly the most appealing trait of Invisalign is that the aligners are nearly invisible. This will give you a discreet orthodontic treatment where others won’t even notice your orthodontics.
- No Dietary Restrictions – With braces, you’ll have to cut out hard foods and sticky foods for fear of them breaking or loosening the wires and brackets. Because you take the aligners out before you eat, you won’t have to restrict your diet in any way.
- Better Oral Hygiene – Your oral hygiene will also improve because you can remove your aligners. This makes cleaning your teeth as simple as ever while with braces, many patients struggle to clean their teeth around the brackets and wires.
- Added Comfort – Invisalign’s aligners are made of soft, polyurethane plastic, meaning that they’ll be much more comfortable for your mouth than the metal wires and brackets of braces.
- Protection from Teeth Grinding– For those who have a bad habit of teeth grinding, the aligners will essentially act as nightguards that will protect your teeth from getting worn down.
Caring for Your Teeth During Invisalign Treatment
One of the great advantages of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners and clean your teeth in the exact same way that you always do. Just make sure to brush your teeth after every meal or snack so that food and plaque don’t get trapped inside the aligners. This can promote tooth decay and gum disease.
Also, make sure to clean your aligners regularly. You’ll do this by brushing them and then rinsing them with lukewarm water.
Contact Your North Potomac, Bethesda, and Laurel Orthodontist!
If you’re looking for Invisalign in Laurel, Bethesda, or North Potomac, we encourage you to fill out our appointment request form. If you have any further questions about our orthodontics, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to hear from you!