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 in our Silver Spring, MD, dentist office are the perfect option for teens and adults who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Clear aligners can correct issues such as:
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crowding of teeth, spacing issues
- Gaps between teeth
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
We provide ClearCorrect® and MTM® clear aligner systems to straighten teeth in less time than it takes using 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 will create a personalized treatment plan to address all of your concerns.
If you are a good candidate, invisible braces and clear aligners offer several key benefits including:
- Discreet treatment: Especially for patients who do not want the embarrassment of metal braces.
- Easily removable: You can remove the aligners to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain your dental health with proper tooth brushing and flossing.
- Shorter treatment times: Most patients complete their ClearCorrect treatment in less than a year.
- Comfort and convenience: The material does not irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. You can easily store your invisible aligners when traveling.
ClearCorrect® vs. MTM®
Both these crooked teeth treatment options provide a clear aligner system that will help you attain 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 concerns more cosmetic in nature, and without bite problems. This system is best 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.
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 around 22 hours each day for them to be completely effective. Keep them in your mouth unless you’re eating, drinking something that isn’t water, or brushing and 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.
Clear Aligners FAQs
Clear aligners are a great option for straightening teeth. They are easy to use, comfortable, and can give you a beautiful smile in as little as six months. But 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:
Do clear aligners take longer for treatment than traditional metal braces?
In most cases, clear aligners work faster than metal brackets and wires. The aligners will apply pressure to all the teeth at the same thus shifting them all together. Metal braces have brackets that focus on moving an individual tooth. However, each patient will have different needs and different total treatment time.
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.
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 candly. 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.
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.