Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that can affect your appearance and lifestyle. As an adult, you may want to improve your smile for business and social reasons or even for a special occasion like your wedding day or graduation. Or perhaps you’re a teen or the parent of a teen looking for an effective yet discreet solution. Dr. Kevin Welinsky is a cosmetic dentist and Invisalign provider in Towson, MD.
He can offer teens and adults a simple way to straighten their smiles or address mild to moderate orthodontic concerns without the hassles and embarrassment often associated with metal braces. Take a moment to learn more about the entire Invisalign treatment process and how it can help you.
What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?
Invisalign works by using a series of retainer-like clear aligners to move the teeth into the optimal position gradually. In your initial appointment, Dr. Welinsky will take digital impressions of your teeth, and using CAD/CAM technology, he will create a treatment plan to improve the health and appearance of your smile by repositioning the teeth.
Your unique series of clear aligners will gradually push your teeth into the desired position. Like traditional braces, this happens very slowly. Your retainers will be molded not to fit the current position of your teeth, but to fit your teeth after their first stage of the movement.
Because the grooves of the aligner will push against your teeth, they will gradually begin to move until they fit perfectly into the aligner. Most patients will change their aligners every two weeks.
The Benefits of Invisalign in Towson, MD
Compared to traditional metal braces, clear Invisalign aligners offer many benefits:
Comfortable
Invisalign is usually more comfortable than metal braces. The aligners are made of smooth plastic, so no metal wires or brackets can poke or irritate your mouth. The treatment process is also more predictable because the aligners are custom-made using advanced computer technology.
Invisible
Invisalign aligners are discreet. They are made of clear plastic, so they are almost invisible when you wear them. This means most people won’t notice you have them on, which makes them a popular choice for those who want to straighten their teeth without showing metal braces. You can smile and talk normally without worrying about your aligners being seen.
Removable and Easy To Clean
Another big advantage is that Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out when you eat and drink, so you don’t have to avoid certain foods as you would with braces. This also makes brushing and flossing your teeth easier, helping you maintain better oral hygiene.
How Do You Care for Invisalign Aligners?
It’s essential to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and safe. You should remove them when eating or drinking anything besides water. After eating, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This helps keep food and bacteria from getting trapped.
It would be best if you also cleaned your aligners daily. Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to scrub them gently. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic. You can also use a special Invisalign cleaning solution or clear soap to keep them fresh.
Be sure to store your aligners in their case when not in use to protect them from damage or loss. By caring for your aligners, you’ll keep them in good shape and help your treatment go smoothly.
How to Keep Your Teeth Straight
After you complete the Invisalign treatment, you will wear retainers. Retainers keep your teeth in their new, straight position. After Invisalign has moved your teeth, they can shift back to their original place if they’re not held in position.
Retainers keep the teeth in place while your gums and bone adjust to the new alignment. At first, you will wear your retainers constantly. Over time, you will only need to wear them at night.
You can care for retainers like your Invisalign aligners. To clean your retainers, brush them daily with a soft toothbrush. Use a mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid hot water because it can damage the retainer. Rinse them well with cool water after brushing. When you’re not wearing them, store them in their case to keep them safe and clean.
If you damage or lose your retainers, please let us know so we can provide a replacement as soon as possible. Your teeth can begin to shift out of position without your retainer.
Invisalign FAQs
Read common patient questions to learn more about Invisalign in Towson, MD:
Does Invisalign hurt?
When a new set of Invisalign aligners is placed, pressure on the teeth can cause discomfort. However, the hard-soft material typically does not irritate soft tissues. Most patients eventually forget they are wearing the aligners.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance policies offer an orthodontic benefit, which typically covers a portion of the total cost of treatment. Our office will work with you to determine your possible benefits and to provide payment options that meet your needs.
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners a day?
You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. This means you only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss your teeth. When you wear your aligners as much as possible it helps them work effectively to straighten your teeth.
Is Invisalign offered for teens?
Yes. After an evaluation, Dr. Welinsky can offer Invisalign treatment for teen patients to determine whether this is the best option for their dental health needs.
Invisalign Teen works like regular Invisalign. It uses clear aligners to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are made to fit growing mouths and are more durable to handle teenagers’ everyday activities. They also have special features to show when to switch to a new set of aligners.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
The first step towards a healthy, beautiful new smile is a visit with Dr. Welinsky. Contact our family-friendly dentistry office to learn more about Invisalign. Call for Invisalign treatment in Towson, MD, at (410) 692-8453 or use our online appointment request form, and we will contact you shortly.
Dr. Welinsky’s Baltimore, MD area dentist office is convenient for patients in Towson, West Towson, Parkville, and many suburbs in Baltimore, MD.