Invisalign® is quickly becoming the first choice for patients who want straighter teeth without metal braces. This system uses clear aligners to move teeth into the proper position gently. Dr. Scott Finlay offers Invisalign in Annapolis, MD, for patients who want to straighten crooked teeth.
Using CAD/CAM software, Dr. Finlay can change the position of your teeth and view the result before treatment begins. The software also gives us the exact measurements for the clear plastic aligners. Invisalign aligners are clear, hard-soft plastic and won’t damage your teeth or gums.
Invisalign may be used simultaneously with other restorative dental treatments to position and align teeth. This will help to reduce the number of teeth needing treatment. Invisalign treatment can also facilitate a more conservative restorative technique. This is often the case for patients with complex bite problems or crooked teeth, which can result in an uneven bite.
Benefits of Invisalign in Annapolis, MD
The Invisalign clear aligner system is the easiest way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Many people worldwide enjoy the benefits that invisible braces offer.
They are a discreet and comfortable treatment for adults and teens who do not want to deal with metal braces. Metal braces tend to be uncomfortable, bulky, and hard to care for. Adults who experience shifting teeth after previous orthodontic treatment can also benefit from Invisalign.
One of the key benefits of using Invisalign is that patients can easily remove the aligners. This allows them to eat a normal, healthy diet without any restrictions. You will also be able to perform your normal oral hygiene routine easily.
Patients are less likely to get tooth decay or stains that we see with metal braces. Sometimes, the Invisalign treatment is even faster than traditional metal braces.
A More Effective Way to Align Your Smile
Our Annapolis dentist office has the newest, most advanced tools and technology to implement the best possible experience for our patients. We use the iTero Element Intraoral Scanner, a digital scanner.
About the iTero Element Intraoral Scanner
- Invisalign® Outcome Simulator: Dentists can create an image of what the patient’s smile will look like.
- 3D Progress Assessment Feature: Compare each specific stage of your customized Invisalign treatment plan.
- Real-Time Visualization: Patients can see their current and projected smiles on the computer screen.
Choosing Dr. Finlay for Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. Scott Finlay is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). His specialty lies in cosmetic dentistry. As an AACD dentist, Dr. Finlay is dedicated to learning more about modern technology that helps enhance your natural smile.
Dr. Finlay adopts technology like iTero scanners to streamline the treatment process. This technology also creates more customized treatments. Dr. Finlay can easily plan treatments with this technology. Then, he can use the latest cosmetic techniques to improve the look of the teeth and gums.
The Process for Invisalign® in Annapolis, MD
The first step is to consult with our dentist. Dr. Finlay will meet with you to evaluate your oral health and see if Invisalign is right for you. Invisalign is best for paitents with mild or moderate orthodontic problems. If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, he will begin treatment.
Dr. Finlay will take impressions and 3-D images of your teeth and jaw. The lab will use these to make your clear aligners. We will also be able to show you what your new smile will look like during and after treatment.
We will send the images and models to the Invisalign® lab. They will make your clear aligners according to your treatment plan. You will receive a few sets of clear aligners at a time. You will wear each set for about two weeks to gradually reposition the teeth.
The length of your Invisalign treatment and the number of aligners you receive depends on your dental health concerns and cosmetic goals. Most people will finish the treatment in 6 to 9 months. However, some patients may achieve results in as few as 3 or 4 months.
Though Invisalign aligners sometimes cost more than traditional braces, many find that the benefits outweigh the cost. Invisalign provides quicker treatment than braces. The aligners are more discreet and make cleaning your teeth and gums easier because they are removable.
You can also whiten your teeth while you complete your Invisalign treatment. Our office can combine multiple cosmetic treatments like Invisalign and teeth whitening to provide a complete smile makeover.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about Invisalign in our Annapolis, MD, dental office with answers to these frequently asked questions:
Is the Invisalign process painful?
It may take some time to get used to wearing them if you have never worn braces or clear aligners. However, clear aligners are often less painful than metal braces.
You may feel some discomfort because of pressure on your teeth. Over time, you will get used to the feeling. You may not notice as much after your second or third set of aligners.
How long do I have to wear Invisalign?
This depends on your specific dental situation. If you have mild crooked teeth issues, you may need to wear Invisalign for no more than a year. If you have more moderate to severe issues, you may have to wear your clear aligners for over a year. Only our dentist can tell you how long your treatment plan should be.
This plan can also change depending on how you care for your aligners. If you do not wear the aligners for long enough each day, you will need more time to straighten your teeth.
What happens if I break or lose an aligner?
If you’ve lost or broken an aligner, let us know right away. We will give you instructions on how to proceed and can provide a replacement. If you have a previous set of aligners, you can use them temporarily until your new aligner arrives. This will help keep your teeth in place.
Don’t skip to the next set of aligners before your current one is replaced. This can affect how your teeth move.
Can I remove the aligners for special occasions?
Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for special occasions! One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This means you can take them out when you need to, such as for a big event, a meal, or a special photo.
For the best results, wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Taking them out too often can slow down your progress. But as long as you’re mindful of wearing them most of the time, removing them briefly for special occasions won’t hurt your treatment.
Can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign aligners?
No, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing Invisalign aligners. Eating with the aligners on can damage them and cause staining. Foods can also get stuck between the aligners and your teeth, which can lead to plaque buildup and cavities.
How do I care for and clean my Invisalign aligners?
To keep your Invisalign aligners clean and clear, you’ll need to care for them every day. Each time you take your aligners out, rinse them under lukewarm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush them. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the aligners.
If you need a deeper clean, you can use a small amount of mild, clear soap. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to remove any soap residue. Never use hot water to clean your aligners. High temperatures can warp the plastic, which may affect how the aligners fit.
To keep your aligners fresh, you can soak them in a special Invisalign cleaning solution to remove any buildup. When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in their case. This prevents loss and keeps them clean.
Will Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Invisalign aligners might affect your speech a little at first. Some people notice a slight lisp or feel like they’re talking differently when they first start wearing them. This usually happens because your mouth is adjusting to having the aligners in.
The good news is that most people get used to their aligners quickly, often within a few days. As you practice speaking with them on, your speech will likely return to normal.
What happens after Invisalign?
After your treatment ends, you will need to wear a retainer. This will help maintain your Invisalign treatment results. Wearing a retainer ensures your teeth do not return to their previous positions.
Wearing the retainer will prevent crooked teeth or tooth gaps. Like Invisalign aligners, these retainers are easy to clean. If you misplace or damage your retainers, let us know so we can create a replacement.
Straighten Your Crooked Teeth
Dr. Finlay is an Invisalign provider. He also provides a range of dental services in Annapolis, MD. To learn more about Invisalign, call our Annapolis, MD, dentist’s office at 410.757.6681. You can also schedule an appointment online.
Please let Dr. Finlay know if you have questions about Invisalign. He will be happy to assist you.