Invisalign in Baltimore – here are some top questions we get about Invisalign treatment at Roland Park Orthodontics
Are you ready for the smile you have always wanted? Are you ready to align your teeth, but have been on the fence about getting started? Did you know there is a comfortable and nearly invisible way to have the straight beautiful smile you have been dreaming of? You have questions and we have the answers. There are so many patients, that have similar questions about the Invisalign process, and we are here to give you the most asked questions we get about Invisalign technology and some comparisons to traditional metal braces.
Dr. Dina Sanchez is a Clinical Professor for Orthodontics at University of Maryland, published author, and has an Orthodontic Practice – Roland Park Orthodontics. She has been treating patients of all ages for over 13 years with both Invisalign clear aligner technology, as well as traditional braces.
Here are some of the most asked questions we get about Invisalign from our patients, and questions you may have: you asked, we answer!
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
While no malocclusion (misalignment of bite) is the same, the teeth-straightening process that uses clear aligners the move teeth into the correct position is about 12-18 months. The same treatment with braces could take from 18-24 months. Why is this? In general, Invisalign takes less time to align teeth and correct malocclusions due to the force application and different process of how aligners move teeth.
The forces inside each aligner, can be customized in such a way that they apply to all teeth as a whole, whereas braces move teeth more segmentally or each tooth individually. In short, the biomechanics of tooth movement are different with custom aligners vs. braces. Also, there is no breakage or emergencies with Invisalign compared to braces. When there are broken brackets the treatment takes a pause, extending the treatment time.
What are the advantages of Invisalign compared to metal braces?
This is another of the great questions we get about Invisalign. Invisalign is clear, comfortable and very convenient. The clear aligners are very inconspicuous, and hardly noticeable and thus very popular with teens and adults who want straight teeth but not a “metal mouth” as our patients sometimes jokingly call them.
Invisalign aligners are smooth and have not sharp edges or pokey wires. Also, there are no emergencies as there are no brackets which can break off and cause poking wires or treatment pauses. If you are a busy person with a full schedule, you do not need to worry about seeing the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. With Invisalign, appointments can be customized to your life style making is easy to get orthodontics with very little interruption of your busy schedule.
Invisalign is convenient for many reasons. The appointments are spaced out by 8-12 weeks at a time, causing very little disruption to busy lives with work, school, or sports. We get it, life is busy, and you need to get things done. Aligning your teeth does not have to be a burden, it can be done with little disruption to your schedule and your lifestyle. Invisalign works for your lifestyle and not the other way around.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is a gentle way to move teeth and rarely do our patients have any sore or tender teeth. This can be different with traditional braces as the forces on the teeth can be higher after each adjustment – “tightening the braces”. Invisalign aligners of smooth and don’t have sharp edges, such as braces and wires. Thus it is a very comfortable way to move teeth.
Also, the lips and cheeks don’t have to get used to having metal braces on the teeth, making the adjustment to clear aligners super easy. The movements are gentle and have less force compared to braces. This gentle straightening of the teeth makes the process very tolerable and does not interfere with your busy life style.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign are gentle and, there is no need for lips and cheeks to get used to the sharp edges of braces or wires. Braces can break and cause the metal wires to start poking. This is an uncomfortable feeling and can irritate the lips or cheeks. Invisalign is great for athletes and individuals with contact sports and those who must wear mouth guards.
What is the number one reason why patients chose Invisalign?
The answer is results. Invisalign produces amazing results. And these results are seen faster with Invisalign than with braces. This technology has improved so much over the years, and the treatment mechanics have become more and more optimized to get patients the best results and faster. Patients often comment on how fast their teeth are moving and how much they already love their smile and are not even done yet with their aligners.
“I am already loving my smile. I can’t believe how fast it is changing”. We hear this all the time, and it is incredibly motivating for patients to see their teeth straightening in short periods of time. They smile more and feel happier about themselves.
Can I whiten my teeth with Invisalign?
This is one of the most asked questions we get about Invisalign! Many patients want not only straight teeth, but whiter teeth at the same time. Our patients opt to get Zoom Teeth Whitening on the day their orthodontic treatment is done with Invisalign. This process whitens teeth 6-8 shades in one 90 minute sessions. Whitening trays can be used for occasional touch ups and maintaining a bright white smile.
