Invisalign® and Other Options for a Straighter Smile By dlmerulla on December 18, 2015

Straight teeth can transform your appearance, complement your overall features, and improve your sense of self-confidence. However, even if you long for a more uniform smile, you may hesitate to undergo orthodontic treatment. The thought of metal braces is less than appealing, especially if you are a working adult. Plus, you know that braces may require significant lifestyle changes that you are not prepared to make. Luckily, recent innovations have made orthodontia easier and more convenient than ever. Subtle, comfortable Invisalign® can treat most of the same problems as traditional braces. Porcelain veneers may even be an option if you only want to address one or two teeth. To learn more about the teeth straightening treatments available at our Rockville, MD practice, contact us today.

Invisalign®: A Subtle Option for Most Orthodontic Patients

Invisalign® can correct many different issues. If you have gapped, crooked, or overlapping teeth, clear aligners may be an option. Invisalign® can also address more serious concerns, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. If you opt for this treatment, Dr. Siegel will take a series of images of your teeth. He will display these images on a chairside computer, where he will design a set of customized aligner trays. Each tray will have a slightly different shape. By exerting a gentle pressure on your teeth, the aligners will gradually straighten your dental arches. Typically, you will wear each aligner for two weeks. Treatment time varies from patient to patient, but most people enjoy final results within a year.

Why Choose Invisalign®?

Though Invisalign® offers comparable results to traditional braces, the aligners have distinct benefits. First, of course, they are extremely subtle. Most people will never realize that you are wearing braces. Second, they are more comfortable than metal braces. They will place less force on your teeth, and the smooth plastic will not irritate your lips. Invisalign® is also very convenient. The treatment requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office, and you can remove the trays to eat and brush your teeth.

Veneers: Instant Orthodontics

Perhaps you are preparing for a major event, or you just do not want to wait a year to enjoy straighter teeth. Porcelain veneers can transform your smile after one or two office visits. Veneers can also be a good option if you only have one or two crooked teeth.

Porcelain veneers are made of thin porcelain, which will fit directly over the front of your teeth. Dr. Siegel will carefully pre-plan your treatment, consulting you to ensure that your veneers meet your personal cosmetic goals. Then he will gently reshape your teeth, trimming off a thin layer of enamel. Using impressions of your teeth, our partner lab will create your veneers. When they are finished, Dr. Siegel will attach them with dental cement.

We also offer thinner LUMINEERS®, which require little to no enamel removal. LUMINEERS® are not always the most effective option for orthodontic issues, particularly if you have an uneven bite that will place undue force on the thinner porcelain. Dr. Siegel will provide a thorough consultation to determine your candidacy for minimal prep veneers.