What a Difference Straight Teeth Can Make!
A great-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and have a positive impact on social and professional opportunities. Orthodontic treatment is the original smile makeover tool — and you will be happy to know that you’re never too old to take advantage of it. Invisalign® is one of the most popular choices for straightening your smile with clear, comfortable aligners.
Howard County Smiles, led by Dr. Ray Becker, offers Invisalign® in Columbia, MD. Teens and adults prefer the discreet treatment that offers the convenience of easy removal for daily oral hygiene, eating, and routine dental care. Invisalign® is for people who have mild to moderate problems and want to straighten their smiles for both cosmetic and dental health reasons.
Invisalign® invisible braces are a safe, comfortable, convenient, and virtually unnoticeable option for a straighter and healthier smile. Invisalign® won’t damage teeth, gums, or TMJ and many patients see full results in as little as 6 – 12 months.
But It Isn’t All About Looks
Properly aligned teeth help you to bite, chew and even speak more effectively. They are also easier to clean, which helps keep your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.
Using specialized computer design software, Dr. Becker will create a custom treatment plan using a series of removable clear aligners that will gradually move the teeth into desired positions to correct a dental health or cosmetic issue.
Benefits of Invisalign
Improved Oral Hygiene: With an orthodontic appliance that is removable, you will be able to clean your teeth much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
A Discreet Look: If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don’t fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you.
More Dietary Choices: To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
Comfort: The thin, flexible material of which Invisalign is made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, as metal wires and braces can.
Teeth-Grinding Protection: If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
Orthodontics is for children and adults
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you’ve never “missed the boat” for orthodontic treatment. In fact, about one in five of today’s orthodontic patients is an adult. Several new technological developments — including tooth-colored ceramic braces, clear aligners, and invisible lingual braces — have made orthodontic appliances less evident, and enhance the treatment experience for grown-ups.
Invisalign is for teenagers and adults who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. It can address a wide range of both dental health and cosmetic dentistry concerns:
- Misaligned/crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gaps between teeth
Invisalign Works: Patient Testimonial
“I had an issue with my bite… I am using Invisalign, it is very easy to use, it is very comfortable. I already feel better, my bite is already better.”
How Invisalign Works
Dr. Becker will give you an initial examination to determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you. If you are the right candidate, we will take photographs, x-rays, and an impression of your teeth.
He will then complete further diagnostic analysis to verify that Invisalign will work for you, and create a treatment plan that will determine exactly how the teeth are straightened. At that time, we will be able to let you know if you qualify for orthodontic insurance benefits and the estimated cost and length of treatment.
When the treatment plan is complete, your records will be sent to Invisalign along with Dr. Becker’s instructions. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign will translate the instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners.
You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks. Each set of aligners will gradually move your teeth closer and closer to the desired result. You will need to wear these aligners all the time except when you are eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. Your clear braces should be worn for 22 hours a day. This allows you to remove them to eat and continue a normal oral hygiene routine.
The length of your treatment and the number of aligners you will require will depend on the severity of your dental concerns and your cosmetic goals. Most patients will complete treatment in 12 months.
Invisalign Treatment FAQs
Does Invisalign hurt more than traditional braces?
No, wearing Invisalign clear aligners does not hurt more than using traditional metal braces. Clear aligners will be custom-made to fit and move your teeth gradually so that you experience less pain and discomfort.
Will Invisalign clear aligners stain my teeth?
No. The clear aligners are free of chemicals and do not require oral cement to attach to teeth as braces do. They will not stain your teeth.
Can anyone get Invisalign?
Invisalign is made for mild to moderate misalignment issues, but almost anyone with crooked teeth issues may benefit from Invisalign. The best way to find out if you qualify is to schedule a visit to your dentist for a consultation.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign invisible braces depends on the individual treatment. Factors that determine pricing include the number of setups and aligners needed to achieve the desired straightening results. When compared to traditional metal braces, It’s typically less expensive.
On average, the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. The national average is $5,000 per case. A minor treatment case, such as an adult with orthodontic relapse, may cost as little as $2,000. Dr. Becker will evaluate your condition and let you know how much it will cost for you.
Calculate Your Treatment
You may be surprised to find out how affordable Invisalign can be. Dr. Becker can help you find the monthly payment that fits your budget. Calculate your cost at: invisalign.com/cost
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation
If you’re considering Invisalign in the Columbia, MD area, contact Howard County Smiles today. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Becker at his cosmetic dentistry office to find out how to get a straighter smile that you’ve always wanted.