Invisalign

Invisalign® is an effective and discreet treatment alternative to traditional metal braces. At Pointer Ridge Dental Care in Bowie, Maryland, general dentist Shila Yazdani, DDS, MBA, and the team offer Invisalign treatment to teenagers and adults. Invisalign quickly corrects bite and alignment issues, including crooked teeth, crowding, and underbite. Call Pointer Ridge Dental Care today to schedule an Invisalign appointment, or book your visit online. 

How is Invisalign® different from braces?

Invisalign and braces are both orthodontic treatments, but they use different methods to achieve results. 

Braces

Braces use brackets, small rubber bands, and metal archwires to place mild pressure on your teeth and jaw to improve their alignment. 

Invisalign

Invisalign also places mild pressure on your teeth and jaw to change their positions. The difference is that treatment uses removable oral appliances. You wear the aligners daily, only removing them to eat or brush and floss.

Invisalign aligners are clear, so they’re less noticeable than braces.

What types of issues benefit from Invisalign treatment?

The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team uses Invisalign treatment to manage various alignment issues, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between the teeth

Sometimes, the team prescribes Invisalign to treat bite abnormalities like crossbite, overbite, and underbite.

What is the Invisalign treatment process?

Invisalign treatment typically takes 12-18 months*.

The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team completes an oral exam and takes X-rays and digital scans to assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw. You qualify for treatment if they identify an alignment issue and you have healthy teeth and gums.

The team sends your digital scans to an Invisalign lab that creates your custom aligners. The aligners are made of a durable thermoplastic and fit snugly over your upper or lower teeth. You return to Pointer Ridge Dental Care when your Invisalign aligners are ready. The team has you try them on and adjust them to ensure a perfect fit. 

During treatment, you visit Pointer Ridge Dental Care every few weeks. The team monitors your progress at each checkup and provides you with a new set of aligners. Each new aligner places slightly different pressure on your teeth and jaw until they reach optimal positions.

Do I need to clean my Invisalign aligners?

Yes. To keep your aligners in optimal condition, clean them regularly. The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team recommends rinsing them in cool tap water when you take them out and brushing them with a toothbrush before bed. Ask your dentist about Invisalign Cleaning Crystals If you notice plaque and food particles building up on your aligners.

Call Pointer Ridge Dental Care today to see if you can benefit from Invisalign or book your appointment online. 

*Individual treatment times may vary.