Invisalign® in Manhattan's Upper East Side
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The Clear Alternative To Metal Braces
Dr. Brandon Huang and the New York Dental Studio Orthodontist staff have spent years providing Invisalign in NYC and understand that straight teeth are a vital component of a healthy and beautiful smile. Braces have been the traditional method of straightening a patient's teeth. However, clear aligners like Invisalign offer an alternative for people who don't want a mouth full of metal or ceramic.
How does Invisalign work, and how effectively does it deliver straighter teeth? Continue reading to learn more about this clear aligner system.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the name of a brand of orthodontic treatment intended to correct misalignments in your teeth. The Invisalign system consists of transparent trays made with a clear thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. The trays fit over your teeth like retainers, where they slowly move your teeth into their new position.
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Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
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Gaps
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Crowding
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Misaligned teeth
Treatment As Low As $208 Per Month
Get Invisalign interest free with third party financing at New York Dental Studio
Invisalign Can Treat 95% of Orthodontic Conditions
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Crooked Teeth – If you are looking to straighten your smile, Invisalign is an option.
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Overbite - in some cases, Invisalign can be used to move teeth so that the top and bottom teeth align properly when your mouth is closed.
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Underbite - Invisalign in some cases, can be used to move the lower teeth back, so they naturally sit behind the front teeth.
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Crossbite - In many cases, Invisalign can be used to move incorrectly positioned teeth into the right place and treat a crossbite.
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Gaps in Teeth - If you have a gap between two or more teeth Invisalign can often close the gaps to create a healthier mouth and a more aesthetic smile.
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Open Bite - Depending on the specific case Invisalign can fix an open bite helping the upper and lower teeth close correctly.
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Crowded Teeth - Invisalign can work for some cases of crowded teeth, depending on the severity and complexity of the problem.
Invisalign Treatment Process
Treatment starts with an initial consultation with an Invisalign dentist. They will give you information about the rest of the process, expectations, how Invisalign works, and the cost of treatment. Once you decide to continue with treatment, the dentist will take X-rays and detailed pictures of your mouth to create an impression that will serve as the mold for your aligners.
Some patients require extra preparatory work to ensure the best possible results. For example, to help your Invisalign trays grip onto your teeth and move them, your dentist may apply patches of composite material to your teeth. This is the same material used to make dental fillings and is removed at the end of the treatment process.
You will have your first fitting during the same visit as the preparatory work. The dentist will ask how the trays feel to assess whether adjustments need to be made.
You will have to continue wearing your clear aligners for the duration of your treatment. Though the aligners are removable, you should keep them on for as long as possible, only removing them for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.
As treatment progresses, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity. This sensation should go away within the first few days of wearing your aligner and should only return when you are given new aligners throughout the process. Though the enhanced sensitivity may be unpleasant, it shouldn't interfere with your daily activities.
Finally, you will eventually notice changes in your mouth and face. Because the shape of your jaw is partially dependent on the alignment of your teeth, when your teeth move, Invisalign treatment will slightly alter your facial structure, the way you eat, and potentially the way you talk. However, these changes are a normal part of the process and will take some time to adjust.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Invisalign Vs. Braces
Invisalign treatment time varies from patient to patient. It depends on the severity of the conditions treated and your compliance with wearing the aligners as directed. If you don't wear the aligners for the recommended length of time each day, your treatment will take longer.
Once you have your first set of aligners, you will wear them for one to two weeks. Then, your dentist will fit you with a new set. After you have your new aligners, your dentist will schedule a checkup every six to eight weeks. The dentist will check the progress of your alignment and provide you with new aligners to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their previous positions.
Patients generally achieve their desired results in twelve to eighteen months. However, some patients have also completed their treatment in as little as six months.
So, why choose Invisalign over traditional braces? Both orthodontic treatments have pros and cons, and you should be aware of the differences.
The most significant difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is subtlety. Traditional braces often make people self-conscious about smiling due to the metal or ceramic wires and brackets placed over their teeth. But, because Invisalign is made from transparent thermoplastic, they are virtually invisible when you talk, laugh, or smile.
Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. Also, Invisalign is removable, so you don't have to avoid certain foods or be concerned about how to brush and floss.
Finally, clear aligners don't have components that your orthodontist may occasionally need to tighten or replace, unlike traditional braces. Combined with the fact that the trays can be molded ahead of time from models of your teeth and jaw means that you will spend less time at the dentist's office.
How To Care For Your Teeth While Using Invisalign
Fortunately, your oral hygiene routine doesn't need to change much while using Invisalign. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, continue to visit the dentist for your regular checkups, and avoid excessive amounts of sugary or acidic foods that could damage your teeth. If you experience tooth sensitivity while using clear aligners, your dentist can recommend a special toothpaste or mouth rinse to ease the discomfort while adjusting to your aligners. And you may need to wear a retainer or night guard to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their former positions once your treatment is complete.
Invisalign Cost
Invisalign treatment cost is similar to traditional braces, though the length of treatment may cause this amount to vary. Be sure to check with your insurance provider because some plans may at least partially cover the cost.
Invisalign in Manhattan, NY
Every patient has their own needs and desires, which is why Dr. Huang and his team do everything they can to provide individualized dental care for their patients. Call us to book an appointment with our Invisalign dentist or schedule your appointment online.
