Invisalign®

Understandably, many people who don’t have perfectly straight teeth are still sometimes hesitant to move forward with traditional metal braces for several different reasons. Fortunately, though, you have other options, and one of the very best is Invisalign®. Read on to learn more about Invisalign® and how the team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island can help you attain a smile you’re proud of.

Is Invisalign® Better Than Traditional Braces?

Generally speaking, the answer to this question depends largely on your specific orthodontic needs and the complexity of your case. Invisalign® can address many mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, though in certain situations, traditional braces may still be the more effective option. That being said, many patients today strongly prefer Invisalign® because the aligners are clear, removable, and significantly less noticeable than traditional braces. Some of the most common dental issues Invisalign® may help correct are as follows:

• Crooked teeth
• Mild overbites and underbites
• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Minor bite alignment problems

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners are removable, which means patients can take them out before eating meals, brushing their teeth, flossing, or attending certain special events. This is often one of the main reasons many adults choose Invisalign® treatment over braces. Traditional braces, while highly effective, come with brackets and wires that remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment, and because of this, some patients find them less comfortable or more difficult to maintain.

However, Invisalign® treatment also requires discipline. Patients generally must wear their aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day to ensure treatment progresses properly. If you frequently remove the aligners or fail to wear them consistently, treatment can take longer than expected. Therefore, while Invisalign® offers several advantages, success often depends upon patient compliance as well.

How Much Does Invisalign® Cost in New York?

One of the first questions most people ask when considering Invisalign® treatment is how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to this question, as every patient’s case is different. The total cost of Invisalign® treatment in New York generally depends on the severity of the alignment issue being corrected, the estimated length of treatment, and the number of aligners needed throughout the process. Some factors that may impact Invisalign® costs can include:

• The complexity of your orthodontic issues
• How long treatment is expected to last
• Whether refinements or additional aligners are required
• Your dental insurance coverage
• Retainers following treatment completion

Many dental insurance plans will partially cover Invisalign® treatment in the same way they cover traditional braces. Additionally, many dental offices offer payment plans or financing options that allow patients to spread treatment costs out over time.

You should also understand that advertisements promoting extremely low Invisalign® prices are not always representative of comprehensive treatment. In many cases, these advertisements apply only to minor cosmetic corrections or limited-treatment cases. Because of this, one of the best ways to understand what your Invisalign® treatment may realistically cost is by scheduling a consultation wherein your dentist can evaluate your teeth and create a treatment plan made specifically to your needs.

Does Invisalign® Hurt or Affect Daily Life?

Whenever teeth are being shifted into new positions, some level of discomfort is generally expected, and Invisalign® is no exception. However, most patients describe Invisalign® discomfort as mild and temporary, especially when compared to traditional braces.

Typically, patients notice the most soreness when first beginning treatment or after switching to a new set of aligners. This occurs because the aligners are applying gradual pressure designed to move the teeth over time. Fortunately, this soreness usually subsides within a few days. One of the primary advantages of Invisalign is that there are:

• No metal brackets
• No tightening wires
• Fewer mouth abrasions
• Less irritation to the gums and cheeks

That being said, Invisalign® can still impact your daily routine somewhat, particularly during the adjustment period. For example, some patients notice a slight change in speech during the first several days of treatment, though this generally improves relatively quickly as the tongue adjusts to the aligners.

Additionally, because Invisalign® aligners must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water, many patients find themselves becoming more conscious of their eating habits and oral hygiene routines. Brushing your teeth before reinserting aligners is extremely important, as food particles trapped beneath the trays can potentially contribute to cavities, staining, or bad breath. Some practical Invisalign care habits patients often develop are as follows:

• Carrying a toothbrush while away from home
• Removing aligners before meals
• Rinsing aligners regularly
• Drinking more water throughout the day
• Keeping aligners in their protective case when not in use

As with many things, the adjustment period becomes easier over time, and most patients eventually incorporate Invisalign® treatment into their daily lives fairly naturally.

How Do You Care for Invisalign® Aligners Properly?

Proper Invisalign® care is extremely important, both for maintaining oral health and for ensuring the aligners remain clear, clean, and effective throughout treatment. Since the aligners are removable, patients generally have an easier time maintaining oral hygiene compared to those wearing traditional braces. However, Invisalign® still requires consistency and proper habits.

Patients should clean their aligners every day to help prevent bacteria buildup, odors, and discoloration. Some of the most common recommendations for Invisalign® care are as follows:

• Rinse aligners whenever removing them
• Brush aligners gently with a soft toothbrush
• Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting aligners
• Store aligners safely in their protective case
• Avoid exposing aligners to hot water

Hot water is especially important to avoid because it can warp the aligners and potentially affect how properly they fit against the teeth.

One of the major advantages of Invisalign® is that patients can continue brushing and flossing relatively normally throughout treatment. Traditional braces sometimes make oral hygiene more difficult because food particles can become trapped around brackets and wires. Invisalign eliminates much of that concern because the trays are removable.

Still, maintaining proper oral hygiene habits throughout treatment is critical. Failure to properly clean your teeth and aligners may increase the likelihood of:

• Cavities
• Gum inflammation
• Tooth discoloration
• Plaque buildup
• Bad breath

As long as patients remain consistent with aligner care and oral hygiene practices, most people find Invisalign® treatment relatively manageable from day to day.

Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island Today

Ultimately, Invisalign® treatment is not necessarily the perfect solution for every patient, and certain severe orthodontic issues may still require traditional braces or other forms of treatment. However, Invisalign® does offer a highly effective and significantly more discreet way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. If you have additional questions, or you believe Invisalign® may be the right treatment for you, please don’t hesitate to contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island today.