Invisalign – Frederick, MD
Orthodontic Treatment Is Easier Than You Think
Very few people are born with a naturally straight smile and aligned bite. But thanks to modern dentistry, there are alternatives to metal braces such as Invisalign that correct these issues. At My Frederick Dentist, we’re thrilled to offer you a way of getting fantastic orthodontic results without the hassle or embarrassment of brackets and wires. If you’d like to know more about how comfortable and discreet orthodontic treatment can be, contact us today!
Why Choose My Frederick Dentist for Invisalign?
- #1 – Highly-Trained, Experienced Dentists and Staff
- #2 – We Work With Patients of All Ages
- #3 – Financing Options For Uninsured Patients
How Does Invisalign Work?
The first step is a consultation with one of our experienced dentists who will create the best treatment plan for your needs to make sure you get the results you want. While Invisalign is a wonderful option for most people and treats a variety of mild to moderate issues, severe problems may respond better to traditional braces.
Once we’ve made sure that Invisalign is right for you, we’ll start by taking images and digital impressions. With this information, we can give you an estimate of your treatment time and show you a virtual image of your results before you begin.
From there, here’s how the process works:
- We’ll send your images and impressions to the Invisalign lab, where your clear aligner trays will be custom-made. This usually takes about 3 weeks.
- You’ll return to pick up your first set of trays and we’ll put small, tooth-colored “attachments” on your teeth. This anchors them into place so they can apply pressure in the right places.
- When you return, we’ll have you try in your first pair of aligners and go over instructions for how to wear and maintain them. Then you’ll wear them at least 22 hours per day and move to your next set about every 2 weeks until you get your final result.
- Throughout the process, you’ll come in about every 4-6 weeks for a progress visit and to pick up new trays.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
When Invisalign first debuted its clear aligners, they were really only suitable for patients with mild cases of malocclusion. That’s no longer the case! With 20+ years of improvement and more than 12 million patients around the globe, this discreet orthodontic treatment can be used to address everything from overcrowding to open bites. If you want to learn more on the topic leading up to your appointment, then read on.
Crowded Teeth
Patients often only hear about the aesthetic drawbacks of crowded teeth. However, overlapped teeth can also create issues with the health and function of your smile. After all, it’s harder for your toothbrush and floss to effectively remove debris if your teeth aren’t aligned properly. Don’t worry – Invisalign has helped countless patients with similar orthodontic issues.
Gaps Between Teeth
On the other hand, some patients are insecure about their smile because there is too much space. Even if you love the gaps between your teeth, however, it’s worth considering Invisalign. Similar to overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth can harbor plaque and bacteria that can result in tooth decay and gum disease. The good news is that the clear aligners can bring your teeth together with ease!
Overbite
If your upper teeth stick out far beyond your lower set, then you may have an overbite. At first, this may not seem like anything to be concerned about. With time, it can result in everything from jaw pain to speech issues. Fortunately, orthodontic accessories (like buttons and rubber bands) can be added to your treatment plan to improve the alignment of your teeth and your bite.
Underbite
As you may have guessed, an underbite is the opposite of an overbite. In this case, the lower teeth jut out beyond the upper teeth. Whether yours is the result of genetics, sucking your thumb as a child, or trauma, it’s worth scheduling a consultation to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. With the help of clear aligners and other orthodontic accessories, your dream smile isn’t out of reach!
Crossbite
If your teeth grow in at various angles, you might have some bottom ones that are in front of your top ones and some top ones in front of your bottom ones. This is referred to as a “crossbite,” and it can negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. Depending on the complexity of yours, we may be able to address it discreetly with clear aligners!
Open Bite
An open bite is when your upper and lower teeth don’t come together when biting down. Like the other bite problems we mentioned, this can result in enamel wear, speech issues, and more. Also like the other bite problems we mentioned, Invisalign may be a solution. The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with our Frederick dental team.
Benefits of Invisalign
As a dentist in Frederick, we know how much our patients love having an invisible way to straighten their teeth. However, see-through aligners are just one of the many benefits Invisalign offers. Here are a few additional ones:
Improved Comfort
Although effective, traditional braces aren’t the most comfortable. The good news is that Invisalign doesn’t have any metal brackets or wires! Instead, we will gradually straighten your teeth with custom-made aligners that are crafted from smooth plastic. In other words, you won’t have to worry about mouth sores and soft tissue irritation.
Tip: If one of your aligners has a sharp edge, use dental wax to cover it!
Discreet Trays
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without talking about how discreet the aligners are. In fact, they are so clear that even your closest friends and family members will have a hard time telling when you are and aren’t wearing them. If you have an important meeting or event coming up, like a job interview, you can also take them out. Just make sure to wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day in order to get your results on time.
Better Oral Hygiene
Cleaning around metal braces is difficult and can increase the risk of cavities and gum problems. That’s why patients are encouraged to buy special oral hygiene products, like an interproximal toothbrush. Conversely, it’s much easier to maintain good dental care with Invisalign because you simply remove your trays before brushing and flossing.
Fewer Follow-Ups
Usually, patients with traditional braces have follow-up visits every four weeks. Patients with Invisalign, on the other hand, typically have appointments every six or eight weeks. Plus, these check-ins take only 15 minutes or so. That means less time in the treatment chair and more time living your life – all while pursuing your dream smile.
No Dietary Restrictions
To prevent orthodontic emergencies, patients with traditional braces are asked to avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods, like whole apples, raw nuts, and tortilla chips. On the other hand, Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions! You can eat all of your favorite foods throughout your teeth-straightening journey – just make sure to keep sugary and starchy foods to a minimum.
Quicker Average Treatment Times
In many cases, Invisalign is faster than traditional orthodontic treatment. The average treatment time is just 9-18 months, as opposed to 12-24 months for metal braces. So, you won’t have to wait too long to achieve the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted!
Tip: To stay on-track with your treatment plan (and get the results you want as quickly as possible), prioritize all of the guidelines we provide – from wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day to switching to each new set in the series on the correct day.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Since Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, you might already know quite a bit about it. What you may not know, however, is what life with clear aligners actually looks like. Since our goal is to make the transition into living with Invisalign as smooth and seamless as possible, we’ve dedicated this next section to covering helpful information on the topic.
Wearing Your Trays
While traditional braces can only be removed by a professional, Invisalign clear aligners can be removed anytime. That’s why there aren’t any dietary restrictions or oral hygiene regimens! Of course, that also means that you’re responsible for wearing your trays for 20-22 hours each and every day. If you don’t, then your teeth won’t track properly, resulting in unwanted delays and possibly even the need for an entirely new treatment plan.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Let’s first discuss what you shouldn’t do. Do not use bleach (or any other household cleaners) since they contain toxins that are not safe to ingest. You also shouldn’t use hot water since the high temperature can cause the aligners to warp. Instead, use clean, lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them after each meal. If you want to give them a deeper clean, then use a packet of cleaning crystals that came in your Invisalign welcome kit.
Eating & Drinking
Since you don’t need to alter your diet with Invisalign, eating and drinking is pretty easy! There are really only a few things you need to keep in mind. First, always remove your aligners beforehand (unless you’re drinking water). Second, exercise caution with whole apples, raw nuts, and other crunchy foods if you have attachments. If one of them falls off, then you need to contact our Frederick dental team ASAP to have it replaced.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
If one of your trays has a small hairline crack, then you might be able to continue wearing it (with the utmost caution, of course). If the damage is more severe, then contacting us becomes more urgent since we want to find a solution that results in as little delays as possible. As for a lost aligner, it’s always a good idea to first retrace your steps. If you’ve looked and looked but cannot find it, then call us so we can determine if a replacement needs to be made.
Routine Check-Ins
One of the perks of Invisalign is that there are fewer check-in visits, and they are usually only 15 minutes or so! During these appointments, we take new scans of your teeth to monitor how they are moving compared to your treatment plan. If there are any stubborn ones that aren’t tracking properly, we can find a solution to get you back on track. If everything looks good, then we will simply provide you with your next batch of aligners in the series.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign in Frederick may have you wondering how you’ll pay for such treatment, but fortunately, just because someone you know paid one price doesn’t mean you’ll pay the same. How so? At My Frederick Dentist, we consider a variety of factors that contribute to the overall cost of your treatment. If you’re contemplating Invisalign to straighten your smile, contact us to find out how much you can expect to pay for your clear aligners.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Everyone has a unique case and will need a different number of aligner trays to correct their smile. During a consultation, we’ll discuss your treatment time and give you a more specific idea of your individual cost. With that said, the most notable factors include:
- The number of clear aligners you will need to achieve results (i.e. the longer the treatment, the more aligners you’ll need)
- The length of your proposed treatment
- What type of orthodontic problem you have and its severity
- Whether you will require a top or bottom aligner only, or both
- Your retainer once you are finished with Invisalign treatment
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Should You Pay?
When you compare the two, Smile Direct Club tends to be the more affordable option. For example, an average treatment for them falls under $2,000 in many cases, whereas Invisalign can significantly vary. On average, Invisalign treatment can cost as little as $3,000 and as much as $8,000. However, the difference in price is mainly because Invisalign has been around for much longer and connects you with an actual orthodontist to complete your care. Smile Direct Club expects patients to essentially undergo treatment entirely on their own. This includes making your own impressions, which are used to create the aligners. Plenty of issues can occur, which inevitably lead to serious long-term issues for your smile and oral health.
Additionally, fixing these problems means meeting with a professional anyway. With Invisalign, you’ll always be connected with our team of dentists to complete your treatment. When you want peace of mind about your smile realignment, Invisalign is generally the way to go.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
The level of coverage you receive from dental insurance plans for Invisalign can vary significantly. More often than not, Invisalign tends to be left out, but this is not always the case. This is why we recommend checking with your insurance company ahead of time directly. Our team is happy to help you go over your benefits to ensure you get the best deal possible. If you have an FSA, you can also use funds from that to help pay for treatment.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you do not have dental insurance or your plan does not offer coverage for Invisalign, there are other options available to you that can make treatment more affordable. For example, CareCredit is a third-party financing solution that offers monthly payment plans with little to zero interest attached. By opting for regular installments to cover treatment costs, rather than paying in one lump sum, you can make Invisalign fit into just about any budget. My Frederick Dentist also provides an exclusive offer where patients can save $500 on their Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign FAQs – Frederick, MD
There’s no question that Invisalign is an outstanding alternative to traditional braces. But we know that it’s common to have a few questions about it before making a decision. To help you have all the information you need, we’ve put together answers to the Invisalign FAQs we hear the most below. But don’t hesitate to contact us if there's anything else you'd like to know. We’ve helped hundreds of people invisibly straighten their smile, and we’d love to help you too!
Will I Be Able To Speak Clearly With My Invisalign Trays In?
Your trays will feel foreign in your mouth in the beginning, so the first several days will be an adjustment period. Many people have no trouble at all speaking clearly from the start, while others will experience a mild, temporary lisp. However, it typically only takes a few days for your lips and tongue to “re-learn” how to enunciate clearly.
Can I Be Confident That Invisalign Will Work?
Yes! In the last 20 years since Invisalign was developed, more than 6 million adults and teens have successfully used it to straighten their smiles. In a large survey of patients, it was given a 96% satisfaction rating, with 9 out of 10 people saying they would recommend it to their friends and family. In addition, we offer a free Invisalign consultation, so you can find out if it’s right for you risk-free.
What Happens If I Lose My Invisalign Trays?
Each set of trays is worn for around 2 weeks. When we review your instructions at the start of your treatment, we’ll recommend keeping your trays as “insurance” if you lose your current set. This way, your most recent aligners can act as temporary retainers to keep your teeth in place.
If you lose your trays, call us as soon as possible and start wearing your previous trays immediately. We’ll contact the Invisalign lab and have them make duplicate trays, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Although your treatment time will be extended, your teeth will be prevented from moving back to their initial positions.
What If I've Already Had Braces?
If you had braces at one time but didn’t wear your retainers, chances are that your teeth have shifted back to where they were, at least partially. Invisalign is usually perfect in these cases because the initial orthodontic treatment took care of the major alignment issues. And since most people only need minor adjustments, they can usually complete Invisalign in just 6-12 months.
Will I Have To Wear Retainers After Invisalign?
Yes. Since the teeth always have a “memory” of where they were, retainers are necessary after any type of orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, your retainers will look and feel much like the clear aligner trays you used during treatment. Initially, you’ll wear them at least 20-22 hours per day, but later on you’ll only need to wear them at night.