In your search for a dentist near me in Crofton to fix crowded or misaligned teeth, Bingham-Lester Dentistry is a modern and appealing answer! Not only are we conveniently located just north of you in Gambrills, Maryland, but Dr. Vickii Bingham-Lester is also a certified Invisalign® provider. So, you or your teen does not have to wear fixed, noticeable metal braces to straighten your teeth when you turn to us and our office’s expert and advanced care.
Why is Invisalign® an alternative to braces?
Invisalign® is considered to be an alternative to braces, because it is designed to treat misaligned teeth and bite problems (like braces). Unlike traditional orthodontic treatment, this alternative can be removed for effective and hassle-free brushing and eating. Invisalign® is also a discreet option; it is made to blend in when you smile.
Does Invisalign® work as well as braces?
Both Invisalign® and braces are based on the same basic principles. They place consistent, controlled pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into their proper and healthiest positions. The appliances or devices used to move teeth differ. Braces use metal brackets and wires. They can only be removed or adjusted by your dentist or orthodontist. Invisalign® uses a series of clear aligners, which are made from a smooth plastic. You can easily remove and reinsert each aligner.
However, no single treatment is universally appropriate for everyone with the specific condition it is designed to treat. So, Dr. Bingham-Lester must first evaluate your mouth and determine if Invisalign® is the best path forward to get your healthy, attractive smile.
What would preclude me from Invisalign®?
You may not be a good candidate for Invisalign® if you have any oral health conditions that require treatment first. Dr. Bingham-Lester would need to resolve active gum disease, infections, and tooth decay beforehand. You or your child must also be committed to wearing and properly caring for your aligners. Because they are removable, patient compliance is incredibly important. Failure to wear aligners for the recommended time (at least 20 to 22 hours each day) can interfere with treatment and delay your results. Lastly, if you may require significant jawbone reconstruction or have other complex needs, she may explore alternatives with you.
Why do I need to wear “a series” of aligners?
Several aligners are needed to complete treatment because, while they may all look similar, there are slight differences among them. Each aligner is made for a specific step in your treatment plan. For this reason, there is a specific sequence for wearing each one. The aligners are marked, so you wear them in the right order. After you have worn each aligner as instructed by Dr. Bingham-Lester for around one to two weeks, you will then replace that aligner with the next one in the series. The total number of aligners needed throughout treatment depends on your overall needs, including the type of concerns and the severity of those concerns that we need to treat.
Can I straighten my teeth faster with Invisalign®?
Possibly! But the answer to this question depends on how well you take care of your aligners and how well you are about wearing them properly. It’s also important to maintain periodic “check-ins” at our office, so we can ensure that everything is on track with your treatment. If Dr. Bingham-Lester finds something wrong, she can work with you to address it promptly. With good compliance, Invisalign® can be used to straighten teeth and correct bite imbalances in around 12 to 18 months.
To get started and get closer to your goal, smile, and schedule an appointment at Bingham-Lester Dentistry today. Call (410) 885-6522. Our office in Gambrills, MD, is easily accessible from Annapolis, Odenton, Crofton, Virginia, and D.C., and conveniently located off MD Route 3 (Robert Crain Highway).
