You may have heard of Invisalign before. It is a popular, alternate way to correct your smile. It is a technology that uses clear plastic aligners that you must wear to realign your teeth. The plastic is transparent, flexible, and not noticeable in your mouth.
It can be used to fix various dental problems, including overcrowded teeth and improper bites.
One type of improper bite is an overbite. This occurs when your top teeth protrude farther out of your mouth than your bottom teeth. Often, this is merely a cosmetic issue. Still, if severe enough, it can result in difficulty eating, jaw pain, speech issues, and even worsened dental hygiene, including gingivitis and cavities.
The opposite of an overbite is an underbite when your bottom teeth stick out past your top ones. These can be minor or severe, as with overbites, and may lead to pain and health issues. However, even if they are relatively minor, many people want to correct them for personal and cosmetic reasons.
Lastly is the crossbite. This occurs when your front teeth are jutting out of your gums at irregular angles. This can cause damage to your teeth and jawbones if not corrected.
Luckily, all these conditions can be fixed with Invisalign!
First, you will need to visit your dentist. They will take images of your mouth to create a custom set of aligners just for you. You will need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day, as they will only realign your teeth by applying constant pressure. As your teeth shift, you will need new aligners that fit them more snugly. This will typically occur every week or two. The severity of the problem will determine when you need to wear them. You should consult your dentist for a specific estimate, but it usually takes a year or less.
There are several important things you need to know before getting aligners. You will need to remove your aligners when eating and drinking. Otherwise, you risk staining them and allowing bacteria to build up. It is important to be diligent with them to achieve your desired results quickly.
It is important to clean them every night, but fortunately, it is easy! You should rinse them with water, then gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and soap before rinsing them again. However, you may also soak them in a specialized cleaning solution. Additionally, you should store them in a case when you’re not using them to keep them safe and secure.
If you have dental insurance, they may cover the cost, either completely or partially. It is important to check with your insurance provider. You should also check with your dentist to determine the exact cost.
If you're considering this solution for straightening your teeth, it's important to hear more from your dentist. Reach out to your dentist today to learn more about what to expect and if you are a good candidate. You'll be glad that you did.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Bowie, MD.
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