Braces have long been used to straighten the teeth of adolescents, but individuals of any age can benefit from having perfectly aligned teeth. Properly aligned teeth are essential for biting and chewing food, and for clearly pronouncing words. In some cases, braces might even improve oral wellness, such as when an adult suffers from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. For adults who live in Bel Air, a dentist is likely to recommend Invisalign.

Discreet Alternative

Dentists often recommend Invisalign to their adult patients because it offers a discreet alternative to highly visible metal braces. Although straight teeth are important at any age, the appearance of braces does not lend itself to a professional image. Adults who are concerned about how they look as they go about their day at the office may be more likely to choose Invisalign. Instead of metal brackets, Invisalign gently straightens the teeth with a series of custom-made aligners made of clear plastic . Since these aligners are virtually invisible, no one needs to know when a person is having his or her teeth straightened.

Convenient Aligners

Beyond appearance, Invisalign offers remarkable advantages over metal braces. The aligners are a convenient option because they are easily removable and replaceable. Dental patients simply pop out the aligners when it’s time for a meal. After eating and brushing their teeth, patients can easily snap the aligners back into place. The removable nature of the Invisalign aligners means that there are no dietary restrictions; patients can feel free to crunch on an apple, bite on celery, or chew sugarless gum.

Optimum Oral Health

Another benefit of the removable aligners is that they allow patients to maintain their normal oral health routines without having to fuss with proxabrushes or other special dental care equipment. The teeth can be brushed and flossed as usual. The aligners are easy to clean; a gentle scrub with toothpaste is all that’s needed to refresh them. Because adults can easily maintain their oral hygiene during treatment, there is no increased risk of tooth decay.

After you visit your dentist in Bel Air, MD for Invisalign it is important to follow his or her instructions so you get the best results possible. Invisalign has helped millions of teens and adults achieve the smiles of their dreams. With Invisalign, you and your dentist can correct almost any alignment issues, including gapped, overlapping, overcrowded, and widely spaced teeth. Continue reading to learn about Invisalign care, including proper brushing, simple cleaning, and essential check-ups.

Proper Brushing

The best way to take care of your teeth when you wear Invisalign is by brushing and flossing regularly. As your dentist will tell you, maintaining superior oral health is key to the success of your Invisalign treatment. Simply remove your clear plastic aligners and brush and floss as you normally would. Good dental care mandates brushing teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss before bed with an ADA-approved dental floss.

Simple Cleaning

Dental care for your Invisalign aligners is simple. You can brush and rinse your clear plastic aligners in lukewarm water. You can also invest in an Invisalign professional cleaning kit for the best possible results. The Invisalign cleaning system uses special cleaning crystals to ensure that all plaque is eliminated from your aligners. If this sticky bacterial film is allowed to accumulate, it can cause gum disease and tooth decay. With the cleaning system, you simply soak aligners for fifteen minutes before popping them back in.

Essential Check-Ups

Invisalign care also involves visiting your dentists for regular check-ups. Only dentists have the professional tools necessary to completely eliminate plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Before your teeth have been straightened with Invisalign, it can be difficult to reach spots where teeth overlap using just your toothbrush. Your dentist will ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene and that your Invisalign treatment is progressing properly. You should schedule teeth cleanings twice per year and also make sure to visit your dentist every two weeks to pick up a new set of aligners.

Teenagers and adults have many options for getting a straighter smile. While braces in Bel Air are a common choice, more and more patients are asking their dentists about Invisalign. Invisalign offers a number of benefits that traditional braces cannot match. This article will highlight just some of the reasons you should pick Invisalign to achieve your

perfect smile.

The Aligner Trays Can Be Removed
Unlike traditional braces, which do not come off for the entire duration of treatment, Invisalign aligner trays do not need to be worn 24 hours each day. Since you can remove the trays at mealtimes, it means that Invisalign has no food restrictions. You do not have to make any modifications to your diet or worry about food getting stuck in between wires and brackets. Instead, trays can simply be removed and put back once mealtime is over. This also means that your dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can continue normally throughout your orthodontic treatment, leaving you less susceptible to gum disease.

They Are Virtually Invisible
Many adults are hesitant to seek orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth, as they are worried about their appearance. Since Invisalign aligner trays are made from a clear plastic, and are custom made to fit directly over your teeth, they are virtually invisible. In fact, most people will not even know you are wearing Invisalign—unless you tell them.

It is Effective
Invisalign works by utilizing a series of custom made aligner trays. These trays are made to match the treatment plan predetermined by your orthodontist to map out all movement of your teeth. The trays are swapped out every couple of weeks, meaning you can see the changes to the alignment of your teeth throughout treatment. In most cases, treatment with Invisalign accomplishes desired results in less time than traditional braces.

It is More Comfortable
One of the biggest complaints about traditional braces is that they can be uncomfortable, and at times even painful. Invisalign is comfortable to wear, and most of the time, you won’t even notice the aligner trays are there!

When you look at your smile in the mirror, do you notice that your teeth could use some improvements? If you have teeth that are misaligned, it could have a negative effect on your oral health as well as your aesthetic appearance. When you’re ready to correct your smile, talk to your dentist in Bel Air about your options for orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, as the smooth plastic aligners are practically invisible. Invisalign can help correct a number of different alignment issues. Read on to learn more.

Gapped Teeth
If you have sizeable spaces in between some or all of your teeth, Invisalign may be able to help treat this. Gaps can be caused by the way the jaw bone grows, or by missing teeth since remaining teeth will shift in their absence. Even if gapped teeth do not present an aesthetic concern for you, the extra space leaves your gums more vulnerable to periodontal disease. Normally, the gums are protected by the teeth, but with gaps, there is less of a barrier between the gums and disease-causing bacteria.

Overbite
Overbite, or overjet as it’s known to your dentist, refers to when the upper teeth protrude abnormally far in front of the lower teeth. It can be caused by genetics, bone development, or oral habits. An overbite can cause excess wear on the lower teeth as well as jaw problems that can be quite painful. Invisalign can often help correct an overbite.

Open Bite
Open bite occurs when teeth don’t make contact when the jaw is completely closed. This may be a result of thumb-sucking, or genetics. If you have an open bite, you may experience problems speaking, or trouble chewing your food thoroughly. Since it can also lead to jaw disorders, Invisalign is a good choice to help correct this misalignment.

Crowded Bite
If you do not have enough room in your jaw for all of your teeth, you may have crowded teeth. Your dentist may recommend extraction in order to make room for everything, or use Invisalign to help prevent your teeth from growing into a more crooked, misaligned position.