Are you unhappy with your crooked teeth? Is tooth misalignment causing you pain or discomfort? Getting Invisalign in Chevy Chase, MD may be the solution for you. A more comfortable and subtle alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign can often give you the straight smile you want in a shorter time frame than metal braces. At Fit Bite Orthodontics, Dr. Linda Hallman can determine if Invisalign is right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Instead of using a system of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. This is a more comfortable process, as metal braces can irritate and pinch your gums, causing you pain. The aligners are changed out approximately every 1-2 weeks to slowly move your teeth into the ideal position. The amount of time depends on each individual, but treatment often takes less time than metal braces.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
As mentioned, Invisalign is often more comfortable than traditional braces. It also isn’t as noticeable. Because they’re clear aligners, it can be hard to tell that you’re even wearing them!
While the aligners need to be worn for around 20-22 hours each day, they can be removed, unlike metal braces. You have no dietary restrictions because they can be removed every time you have a meal. Aligners can also be removed to continue your normal healthcare routine. You can brush and floss as normal, without having to learn difficult techniques for flossing and brushing around wires.
Straight teeth also improve your overall oral health. Crooked teeth can make it hard to clean them as thoroughly as you should. Plaque can get stuck and build up in areas that are difficult to reach. This can lead to an increased chance of gum disease and tooth decay. Straight teeth, when cared for properly, are much more healthy than crooked teeth.
What Can I Expect From Invisalign Treatment?
One of the best things about Invisalign is that it’s customized for every individual patient. Dr. Hallman will take advanced digital impressions of your teeth and jaw. This is to make sure that the aligners will conform perfectly to your teeth. The sets of aligners are all made after these molds, changing slowly over time to shift your teeth into the ideal position.
The number of aligners you’ll have to go through will depend on your individual case. The aligners are changed out approximately every 1-2 weeks and you’ll wear them 20-22 hours a day. You should only take them out for eating and oral hygiene purposes.
The aligners should remain in while you’re sleeping. Ideally, you should sleep with your face upward and head propped up. You may feel a bit of pain and pressure when you put a new aligner in until your mouth gets adjusted. The pain should fade in a day or two.
Invisalign in Chevy Chase, Maryland
Do you think Invisalign can straighten your crooked smile? Call us today or schedule an appointment online to get started!
