Dr. Paul Karpovich is an Invisalign provider who serves patients in Hunt Valley, Towson, and Timonium, MD. This cosmetic dentistry treatment uses sets of clear removable aligners to straighten teeth. Because the aligners are flexible, they are more comfortable than other orthodontic treatments. Invisalign can treat overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and crooked teeth.
Patients with orthodontic concerns like crooked teeth may find it difficult to clean their teeth properly. Bacteria can easily hide in hard-to-reach areas and cause problems like gum disease. Crooked teeth can also cause painful TMJ problems. By addressing orthodontic concerns, patients not only improve the look of their smiles but also their overall dental health.
The Benefits of Invisalign Aligners
There are many benefits to Invisalign treatment. First, you can remove Invisalign aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This means you do not have any brackets or wires in the way when you clean your teeth. After completing braces treatment, many patients have staining from their brackets.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can easily maintain their gum and tooth health. With Invisalign, you can clean your teeth and gums without appliances in the way.
Additionally, you can eat hard and crunchy foods. Braces patients cannot eat nuts, chips, or other hard foods. Metal braces also have restrictions against sticky foods. As long as you remove your aligners to eat, you can eat without dietary restrictions.
The average treatment of Invisalign patients ranges from 6 to 18 months. Many patients who receive braces require treatment for problems that take years to treat. We recommend Invisalign for minor orthodontic issues, which we can fix in a shorter amount of time.
Our method of treatment planning also offers more predictable treatment. We take images of your teeth so a lab can create sets of custom aligners. These images also help predict how your teeth move during treatment.
Because each is custom-made, they fit more precisely and comfortably. Braces have wires that can irritate the gum tissue. Invisalign aligners are contoured to cover your teeth and minimize gum irritation.
We also recommend Invisalign if you have allergies. Patients with metal allergies can feel comfortable with reduced irritation during Invisalign treatment.
Treatment with Invisalign in Timonium, MD
Before your treatment, Dr. Karpovich will assess your smile to see if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. He will also take X-rays to view your bite.
If you are a candidate, he will begin treatment by capturing digital images of your teeth. These images will help him map out a treatment plan for how the teeth will move.
We work with U.S. labs to ensure that our patients receive high-quality restorations. Dr. Karpovich will send your digital impressions to the lab, where technicians will create a series of aligners.
Once the aligners are created, you will return to the office. You will wear your first pair of aligners, and we will adjust them so they fit properly.
Every couple of weeks, we will provide a new set of aligners for you to wear. At regular appointments, we will help chart your progress. Invisalign treatment is most effective when worn 22 hours a day.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn the answers to questions you may have about Invisalign in our Timonium, MD office:
Can I eat or drink when wearing Invisalign?
We do not recommend that patients eat or drink anything other than water when wearing their Invisalign trays. Eating or drinking with Invisalign can stain or damage the aligners.
Even without your aligners, you should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and coffee and tea. These substances can leave residue unless you brush thoroughly before placing your aligners back in your mouth. You should also avoid hard foods that can injure or crack the teeth.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient. One of the biggest factors that impact treatment price is the number of aligners needed. Although Invisalign is typically not covered by dental insurance, we can help you maximize your insurance benefits.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
You may feel some pressure on your teeth as you switch to each new aligner, but Invisalign is crafted with comfort in mind. The aligners slowly shift your teeth into a different position, so you’ll initially feel discomfort. Clear Invisalign aligners do not irritate the gums or cause severe pain.
What happens if I don’t wear my aligners for 22 hours a day?
The daily amount of time you wear your aligners is essential. Your Invisalign aligners must be in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours daily to ensure your treatment time stays on track. If you’re not wearing them that much, your treatment time will be drawn out further. As a result, you won’t be done on the date you thought you would be.
Can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?
No, and attempting to can have bad consequences. Each time you put in a new set of aligners, you’ll experience some soreness as your teeth adjust.
But that doesn’t mean you can jump to the next set. Your teeth and bones need time to adjust to the new position fully. If you start changing your aligners quicker, it’ll be too fast for your mouth. Your teeth get loose and can even fall out if it continues.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns are the best choice for Invisalign. If you have more severe orthodontic issues, you may need more extensive treatment. You also have to be responsible and committed to the treatment.
You can’t lose your aligners and must be on a strict oral healthcare and treatment schedule. Call our office if you think you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
Get Invisalign in Timonium Today
Do you want a straighter, healthier, and more comfortable smile? Straighten misaligned teeth using clear Invisalign aligners in Timonium, MD.
Call our Timonium office today at (410) 221-3085. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Karpovich online. If you have questions about Invisalign, inform Dr. Karpovich at your next visit.