Invisalign: A Complete Guide

Are you trying to decide if Invisalign is the right choice for you? Make sure you take a look at this guide to learn everything you need to know.

While straight teeth give you that beautiful smile you've been looking for, they're also vital to your overall health. Misaligned teeth can cause problems with eating, chewing, and speaking and seriously affect your overall well-being.

If you're looking for a straighter smile, you may be wondering if Invisalign from your dentist in Owings Mills, MD is an option for you. While Invisalign is an excellent treatment option with many benefits, you still need to understand how it works and what dental conditions it's best for.

Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about Invisalign to see if it's a treatment option for you at your dentist in Owings Mills!

Invisalign vs. Braces

Traditional metal braces are one of the most common treatment options to fix crooked teeth. They consist of metal wires and brackets that are permanently fixed to your teeth.

The wires are usually made of stainless steel, and the brackets connect the wires so that they apply a steady force to your teeth to align them over time.

Braces are typically more effective at straightening serious overcrowding problems like severe misalignment and teeth that are rotated or overlap each other.

However, you can't remove braces during treatment, and you'll need to be careful of eating chewy or crunchy foods like licorice, popcorn, caramel, and chewing gum. You also won't be able to eat foods you have to bite into, like apples or corn on the cob.



Braces also tend to be less comfortable than aligners since they have sharper edges that can dig into your lip and tongue. The appearance of braces is also a huge downside, so for these reasons, clear aligners like Invisalign are a better option for many people.

What Bite Problems Can Invisalign Treat?

Invisalign can treat a variety of mild to moderate tooth alignment conditions that include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowding or less space between your teeth
• Overbite or when your upper teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth
• Underbite or when your bottom teeth are in front of your upper teeth



Invisalign can also treat an open bite which occurs when your teeth don't line up properly when you bite down.

How Does Invisalign Work?

You'll first have a consultation with an experienced Invisalign dentist so they can evaluate the condition of your teeth. Your dentist will ensure your gums and teeth are healthy enough for Invisalign and also make sure it's the right solution for your misalignment problems.

If Invisalign is a good option for you, your dentist will do a digital 3D scan of your teeth to help visualize how your teeth will look after treatment and what other options you can consider.

Each aligner is designed to fit your teeth and apply pressure to shift them into the right alignment slowly. As your teeth move, you'll need to change out the aligners to a new set or tray every 1 to 2 weeks.



Each new aligner you wear is made to continue moving your teeth to the proper position. Typically you'll need between 5 and 26 trays, depending on how complex your bite problems are. 

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

You'll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve the results you're looking for. You should only remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.

It's crucial to wear your aligners at least 20 hours a day, or you'll have delayed results, discomfort, and may need new aligners made.



On average, you can expect treatment to last from 12 to 18 months, depending on the condition of your teeth and if you wear your aligners for enough hours each day.

Benefits of Invisalign

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that it's clear and allows you to be free of wires and brackets. Other benefits of Invisalign include:



• You can participate in social situations without worry
• You'll have better confidence
• The smooth plastic makes Invisalign comfortable to wear
• Better cleanliness since you can take the aligners out for cleaning
• You'll need fewer dental appointments to maintain your treatment
• They're safe and removable
• You won't have any food restrictions since you take the aligners out when you eat
• Straight teeth lead to better dental health since you won't have gaps or crowded teeth

Cost of Invisalign

The average Invisalign cost ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, with the national average ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. The total cost varies for each person and depends on how much correction your teeth need when you start treatment.

Some dental insurance companies cover part of the cost of Invisalign treatment like they would traditional braces, so you'll need to check with your insurance company first.



Many dentists also offer discounts or different payment options like credit cards or dental financing if you don't have dental insurance.

Talk to Your Dentist in Owings Mills, MD About Invisalign

Now that you know more about Invisalign treatment, you can talk to your dentist today to see if it's an option for you.

If you're looking for an experienced dentist in Owings Mills, MD, the Maryland Center for Complete Dentistry in Owing Mills has just what you need.

We offer a range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and family and pediatric dentistry. We offer state-of-the-art technology and can help you with all your Invisalign treatment needs.



Make sure you contact us today to schedule a consultation!