Orthodontics is the best way to straighten crooked teeth and address common malocclusion concerns. As part of our cosmetic dentistry services, orthodontic treatments can enhance the look and function of your smile. Silver Spring dentists Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy will recommend orthodontics for children and adult patients. Our dentists provide clear aligners in Silver Spring, MD. We can improve aesthetic and structural dental issues with our orthodontics treatments near you.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners are the perfect option for teens and adults who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. We recommend invisible aligners to correct these issues:
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crowding of teeth, spacing issues
- Gaps between teeth
We provide ClearCorrect® and MTM® clear aligner systems to straighten teeth in less time than traditional braces. All our orthodontic treatments have minimal discomfort and little to no dietary restrictions. Our dentists will work with you to determine the best option for your needs. After a thorough evaluation, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address all of your concerns.
If you’re a good candidate, invisible braces and clear aligners offer several key benefits:
- Discreet treatment
- Easily removable aligners
- Shorter treatment times
- Comfort and convenience
Our office offers clear aligners if you want to treat mild to moderate concerns. We’ll examine your bite and take X-rays if needed to prepare for treatment.
ClearCorrect® vs. MTM®
Both these crooked teeth treatment options provide a clear aligner system that will help you get straighter teeth. But the severity of your oral health needs and cosmetic goals will play a role in what we recommend for you.
MTM, short for Minor Tooth Movement, provides quick and easy treatment for minor concerns. MTM is the perfect option for adult patients with cosmetic concerns and without bite problems. This system is best suited to treat a single crooked tooth or just a couple of crooked teeth. Patients can complete treatment with MTM in about 6 months.
ClearCorrect can fix more malocclusion issues, such as dental crowding, tooth gaps, and spaces and small gaps in front teeth. However, the ClearCorrect system does not fix jaw misalignment issues or a deep bite. You should visit an orthodontist for help with more severe and rare orthodontic issues.
Patient Review
“I am not usually this quick to write reviews, but this one is worth it. From the moment I called in to inquire about setting an appointment, to leaving the office, I had such an amazing experience.
The DH was so friendly and patient. I’ve only been here once, but Dr. Moy was really nice, took his time & explained everything. If you’re in the Aspen Hill/Wheaton area, look no further.”
-Saba Z.
How to Get Clear Aligners in Silver Spring, MD
The process for orthodontic treatment using clear aligners in our Silver Spring dental office is quick and painless. We will begin with a consultation and discussion of your dental needs and cosmetic goals. After this consultation and a dental exam, we will create a treatment plan that includes the best choice of aligners for you.
Next, we will take digital impressions of your mouth, and run other diagnostics for treatment planning. We will send your measurements to the aligner company where they will create them and send them to us. We will be able to accurately use your dental impressions to facilitate tooth movement as it changes throughout treatment.
Once we receive your first set of aligners, we will call you back into our office so that you can try them on. Our dentists will make sure they fit snugly before we send you on your way. The system will send you new sets every two weeks. You will change out the aligners about once every two weeks to slowly shift your teeth into the ideal alignment.
You need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day for them to be completely effective. Keep them in your mouth unless you’re eating or drinking something that isn’t water, brushing, or flossing.
We require that you visit us every 6 to 8 weeks for checkups to monitor treatment progress. This will help us make adjustments if we need to, and ensure that you get the most successful and comfortable results. The removable aligners also allow us to provide you with normal routine dentistry to maintain your dental health.
After Clear Aligner Treatment
Taking good care of your clear aligners helps them stay clean and work properly. Always wash your hands with soap and water before putting in or taking out your aligners. This helps prevent bacteria from spreading to your mouth and aligners.
Also, always keep them in a protective case when not wearing them. This will help you remember where they are and not accidentally throw them away.
Brush your teeth before wearing the aligners to prevent food particles from damaging or staining the aligners. Do not use soap or toothpaste to clean your aligners because this can damage them. Rinse them with cold or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water because this can warp them and render them unusable.
Once treatment is complete, wear a retainer nightly to keep your teeth in the proper position. We want your beautiful new smile to last as long as possible and avoid orthodontic relapse. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy will work with you to monitor any changes in the fit of your bite over time.
Before and after orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have some questions before you choose clear aligners. Here we will answer the most frequent questions about clear aligners in Silver Spring, MD.
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
You may be a good candidate for clear aligners if you have mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as slightly crooked teeth, small gaps, or minor crowding. Clear aligners work best for patients whose bite is mostly normal and who don’t have severe jaw misalignment.
Good candidates must wear their aligners for about 22 hours a day and keep up with proper dental hygiene. We also recommend aligners for teens and adults. Aligner systems work best if you have a fully grown jaw.
Do clear aligners take longer for treatment than traditional metal braces?
On average, most patients complete their ClearCorrect treatment in less than a year. The aligners will apply pressure to all the teeth at the same to shift them all together. Metal braces have brackets that focus on moving an individual tooth.
Do clear aligners stain?
Yes, clear aligners can stain. You must be aware of what you eat. But the greatest benefit is that you can remove them to eat and drink. Then, brush your teeth after you eat or drink and put your aligners back on. You can also rinse your aligners before you put them back in your mouth.
Can I use clear aligners to straighten my bottom teeth?
Our dentist can use clear aligners to treat upper and lower teeth. They can realign teeth so that you bite become straight. Both clear aligners and metal braces serve the same purpose. We can use them interchangeably on top and bottom teeth.
What can you not eat with clear aligners?
Avoid sticky or extremely hard foods and candy when you get orthodontic treatment. This includes caramel, gum, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, and chewy candy. These foods interfere with most types of orthodontic treatments. Even the best dental care efforts to remove them from teeth can leave behind bits and pieces.
Can I remove my clear aligners for special events?
Yes, you can remove your aligners if you need to take pictures or attend a special event. However, we don’t recommend going without your aligners for more than a couple of hours. If you leave your aligners off for a day, you may need more time to straighten your teeth.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing clear aligners?
No, because whitening products can affect how your aligners fit and may cause uneven results. You should wait until after your clear aligner treatment is finished. Once your teeth are straight, our dentists can recommend safe and effective whitening options so you can brighten your teeth. Straighter teeth will also encourage more even whitening results.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of affordable clear aligners?
Dental insurance will not usually cover the clear aligner treatment costs. Most providers classify this treatment as an elective cosmetic procedure. However, if your malocclusion issues are severe enough, there may be partial coverage.
Our Silver Spring dental office can offer you payment plans and financing options. Dr. Dechter wants to make cosmetic dental care affordable for everyone. Please visit our Payments and Insurance page for more information or call our office today.
Straighten Teeth Today
You can treat crooked teeth without metal braces. Get clear braces in Silver Spring, MD. Call Dechter and Moy at (301) 508-9755. You can also request an appointment online.