Invisalign® promotes beautifully balanced smiles, a healthy mouth, and a comfortable treatment experience
Overlapped or gapped teeth in your smile are hard to miss. Fortunately, the Modern Smile Dental team in Gaithersburg, Maryland, can restore your confident and healthy smile with Invisalign®.
Is Invisalign® an alternative to braces?
Yes. Invisalign® is considered an alternative to braces. It is based on the same principles as braces, but it uses clear (not dark or silver-colored) removable aligners to straighten the teeth instead of metal brackets, wires, and bands that can only be removed by your dentist or orthodontist. Invisalign moves the teeth in a very slow incremental movement unlike braces. Also since there is no “metals” in Invisalign, there will be no allergies or metal ingestion through out the treatment.
How do Invisalign® and braces reposition the teeth?
Both Invisalign® and braces place constant force on the teeth. It is this pressure that gradually repositions the teeth. The difference between the two methods is in the components or parts used to place pressure on the teeth and effectively correct misalignment and bite imbalances.
So, Invisalign® doesn’t just correct crowding and gaps?
Yes. It is appropriate for more modest cases of crowded, overlapped, or otherwise unevenly spaced teeth, as well as for more extensive bite problems. These issues include overbites, whereby the upper teeth may protrude severely over the lower teeth, and underbites, in which the lower teeth may jut out too much. Of course, our dentist, Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh, will need to evaluate your teeth first to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign® or another treatment.
How do I wear the aligners?
Very easily! You simply slip the aligner that corresponds with your current step in treatment over your teeth. The aligner should fit snugly yet comfortably. Wear each of these aligners for around two weeks , as directed by Dr. Janbakhsh. Then, you will move on to the next aligner that coincides with your treatment plan. You should wear each aligner at all times. They should only be removed before eating meals, drinking anything but water and brushing and flossing your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign®
What is Invisalign, and how does it improve your smile?
Invisalign is a trusted orthodontic system that straightens teeth using a series of transparent, custom-fitted BPA Free trays. These aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure to guide your teeth into better alignment over time. Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires, so flossing is much easier and therefore less chances of developing cavities in between the teeth. Also, since there are no metals in Invisalign, there is no chance of toxic exposure or allergy to nickel. Each set of trays is worn for about one to two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Invisalign is ideal for patients who want a more discreet and comfortable way to achieve a straighter, more balanced smile.
How long does Invisalign treatment take from start to finish?
Treatment time can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months, although some minor alignment cases can take as little as six months. If more involved movements are needed, treatment might extend past one year. At your consultation, Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh will review your goals and create a personalized timeline so you’ll know what to expect from the beginning.
Can both teens and adults use Invisalign?
Absolutely. Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic option for both teenagers and adults. Invisalign Teen even includes extra features like eruption tabs and wear indicators designed to suit younger patients. Adults appreciate Invisalign’s nearly invisible appearance, making it easier to maintain a professional image during treatment. Whether you’re preparing for prom or presentations, Invisalign can straighten your smile with minimal disruption to your lifestyle.
What types of alignment problems can Invisalign correct?
Invisalign is effective for treating many common orthodontic concerns. These include mild to moderate crowding, spacing between teeth, and bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. It can also help correct shifting in patients who have worn braces in the past. During your exam, Dr. Janbakhsh will determine whether Invisalign is the right solution based on your dental and bite alignment.
How many hours per day should I wear my aligners?
To keep your treatment progressing as planned, you’ll need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. You can remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Consistent wear is essential to staying on schedule. Skipping wear time or frequently removing the trays can extend treatment and affect your results.
Are Invisalign trays comfortable to wear?
Yes, Invisalign trays are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic that fits snugly and comfortably over your teeth. There are no metal brackets or wires to irritate. While you may feel mild pressure for a day or two when switching to a new set of aligners, most patients adjust quickly and find the process easy to manage.
How do I get started with Invisalign treatment?
Starting your Invisalign journey is easy. Simply book an appointment with Dr. Janbakhsh at her dental office in Gaithersburg for a personalized consultation. During your visit, she will discuss your smile goals, and create a tailored treatment plan. If you qualify for Invisalign, you will receive custom aligners specifically designed for your smile transformation.
What happens if I don't wear the aligners long enough each day?
Patient compliance is super important. If you do not wear the aligners long enough or do not follow the instructions provided by our team, it can delay your results and otherwise disrupt treatment. The good news is that Invisalign® is very easy to wear and easy to care for, too.
How do I care for my aligners?
We can provide you with or suggest products that are appropriate for the thermoplastic. By regularly cleaning your aligners, the overgrowth of harmful bacteria is inhibited. Your mouth stays healthy and fresh. The treatment process also remains discreet because we prevent the build-up of stains on your aligner trays with good and consistent oral care.
When will I see results?
That depends on many factors, from your adherence to wear time to the extent of the misalignment that we are correcting. However, on average, patients achieve their smile goals in around 12 to 18 months; however, the time varies with the complexity of the case. We welcome your additional questions and look forward to meeting you! Call Modern Smile Dental in Gaithersburg, MD, at (301) 850-0376 to schedule your Invisalign® consultation.
