Invisalign®

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner therapy. It involves a series of clear plastic trays that gradually move the teeth. You change trays about every week, and it slowly, gradually pushes the teeth into the new desired position.

How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?

Invisalign is way more comfortable than traditional braces. It is more predictable, and it is faster.

Is Invisalign really faster than braces?

Invisalign is definitely faster than braces, and it is more predictable.

Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?

Invisalign is more comfortable than braces because you can remove them, although you do have to wear these things almost 24 hours a day because the teeth are only moving when the Invisalign trays are in. When you take them out, the teeth want to move back to their original position. But again, it is more comfortable than braces because you do have periods you can have relief by simply removing them. It also allows you to brush better by taking them out.

Do you want to talk about no metal, no molar pins, anything like that?

It involves no metal, so nothing rubbing against the tongue. It is just much more comfortable to touch.

How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?

The average Invisalign case takes about six months or so to straighten teeth. Some cases are less than six. Sometimes it's eight or nine months.

What is the process involved in Invisalign treatment?

As for the process involved in Invisalign treatment, step one is that we do a consultation. Usually, I do a video consultation to see what it is you'd like to accomplish. Then we bring you into the office to do some data collection, which involves a 3D digital scan. We take some x-rays, make sure you're cavity-free, and ensure you have a good bone. Bone is the foundation of these teeth, so with good bone, we can certainly move them.

Once we have all the records, we send it off to Invisalign. A treatment plan is generated in terms of how we will move these teeth. I work on it, I improve it, and make sure you get the best result. We bring you back within about three weeks to a month after we have taken those records. We place some bonding on the teeth, which allows the trays to grip them and move them into the positions that we desire, and that's basically it. Then you have your trays to wear until your treatment is done. In our office, you will be given all the trays in the beginning.

Sometimes I have to bring you back for periodic visits to check some things or to adjust a few things, but most of the treatment monitoring is done virtually. You take photos every week, you send them in to me, and I look at them. There's also AI, artificial intelligence, that monitors whether the trays are fitting well or not, so it's very few trips to the dentist. For most cases, you might see me twice, sometimes three or four times.

Do I sleep with Invisalign?

You definitely would want to sleep with Invisalign. That's the best time to wear them. You really should wear them close to 24 hours a day. You would ideally change the trays at night. Most of the movement happens when you first put the trays in, so sleeping with them is highly recommended. They should not be out of the mouth more than two hours per day. You can also eat with Invisalign. The trays are very durable, so they hold up. Just watch what you eat and avoid things like turmeric, which can stain them. It wouldn't affect the ability of the tray to work, but it will be brightly colored, which you may not like.

Is there anything that could disqualify me from using Invisalign?

If you do not have enough bone, or if your roots have resorbed, meaning they've shortened over time, sometimes we may not do Invisalign on you because those teeth are now susceptible to coming out of the bone.

Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?

Invisalign can fix a crossbite, Invisalign can fix an overbite, it can fix just about any dental condition that you have. There are very few cases that we cannot correct with Invisalign.

Is Invisalign painful?

If Invisalign is not painful, you will feel slight pressure as the teeth are being moved within bone. But it's been reported as way more comfortable than braces by anyone that's had both Invisalign and braces.

Does most dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?

Today, most dental insurances contribute something towards the cost of Invisalign. We always check your insurance benefits and let you know what's covered and what is not. However, at our office, we do it at a very reduced fee. In most cases, Invisalign is $5,000. We currently do it at $3,400.

How can I schedule an appointment to talk with a dentist about Invisalign?

If you'd like to schedule an appointment, just give us a call at (845) 393-9059. Like I said, step one is we would do a video consultation, so you do not even have to come into the office.

Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth.

This advanced system uses a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

Instructions Following Invisalign:

Do:

• Use your fingers to put your aligners place. First place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligner down gently over your molars. When aligners are correctly inserted, they will fit all the way down on the teeth, with no space between the top of the aligners and the top of the teeth. Aligners will fit tightly at first but should fit well at the end of the two week period.
• Keep aligners in except when flossing, brushing, eating. It’s also best to remove the aligners when drinking warm beverages such as coffee or tea.
• Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously then lifting it off of your front teeth. Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn.
• Clean aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Wear each set of aligners for two weeks unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.
• Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)
• Keep all of your old aligners and bring them to your orthodontic appointments.

Don’t:

• Don’t place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!
• Don’t use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place.
• If you have pets, don’t place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign trays!
• Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.
• Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.
• Don’t chew gum with your aligners in.
• It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.

Just in Case:

• If you lose the tab attached to your tooth that helps the aligner snap on, please call our office right away so that we can determine if you need to come in before your next scheduled appointment.
• If you lose one of your aligner trays, please wear the next tray if you have it. If you do not have the next tray, please wear the previous tray. It is extremely important to use a tray to keep teeth from shifting. Call our office to let us know which tray was lost so that we can determine if a replacement tray is needed. There will be a fee if replacement trays are required.