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If you would like to straighten your smile but are concerned about wearing visible braces, Invisalign may be a discreet alternative. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into better alignment. At VitaDent, we provide Invisalign in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, for patients who want to improve their smile, bite, and confidence with a more flexible approach to orthodontic treatment.
This guide provides an in-depth explanation of Invisalign, including how it works and the issues it can address. We discuss who is suitable for treatment and provide a step-by-step overview of the treatment process, what to expect during treatment, as well as the benefits of choosing Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear, plastic aligners. It is the result of decades of research and development, producing a system renowned for its predictable results that can correct numerous orthodontic problems.
Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners gently but firmly guide teeth into the proper positions. Each aligner is custom-created to apply the right amount of pressure to a tooth, gradually moving the tooth and its root into alignment.
Each aligner set is used for two weeks and then discarded for a new set. The process continues until the teeth are straight.
What Are the Types of Problems Corrected by Invisalign?
Invisalign can correct most common orthodontic problems, including those that are more complicated. It is ideal for addressing mild to moderate bite problems and can be used in various situations.
The issues it can correct include:
- Underbites, overbites, cross bites, and open bites.
- Gaps between teeth.
- Overcrowded teeth.
- Rotated teeth.
Invisalign Materials
Every aligner is made from Invisalign’s proprietary SmartTrack material, a plastic that is comfortable and can apply a constant yet gentle force to some teeth. The result is a more predictable and comfortable treatment.
SmartForce Attachments
More complex tooth realignments are addressed by using Invisalign’s SmartForce attachments. These are small, tooth-colored attachments that are fitted onto your teeth before you begin treatment or during the treatment process.
The attachments serve as handles, providing the aligners with an extra point of contact to push against, thereby enhancing the results. Smart Force attachments will not be needed by everyone using Invisalign.
Who Can Have Invisalign?
As with any orthodontic treatment, it’s important to have teeth that are healthy, strong, and show no signs of any active disease like gum disease or tooth decay.
Originally, Invisalign was just for adults and older teens with good compliance. Now, the company produces a system especially for children. Treatment could be suitable for children, teens, and adults, depending on the issues requiring correction.
Invisalign Solutions for Every Age: Kids, Teens, and Adults
Children’s Aligners
The aligners are made for children aged between six and 10 and can address orthodontic problems as the child’s teeth and jaws develop.
Palate Expander
Invisalign produces a palate expander, a modern update on traditional palate expanders, which is designed to be safe, effective, and easy to use, without brackets and wires. The palate expander is made from plastic, working on the same principle as Invisalign aligners. It works by gradually whitening the upper palate using a series of palate expanders.
These palate expanders are suitable for children aged 6 to 11 and help increase the room for adult teeth to erupt correctly.
Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign’s teen treatment is specially adapted to accommodate teeth that have yet to erupt. The system can address all types of issues and includes usage indicators at the back of each aligner. These gradually fade with use, helping to ensure good compliance is maintained.
Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign can provide adults with a discreet treatment that seamlessly integrates into any busy lifestyle. It can be ideal for any adult who doesn’t wish to wear braces or advertise the fact that they are receiving orthodontic treatment, or who is simply looking for a more effective and comfortable way to straighten their smile.
What to Expect during Invisalign Treatment
The general steps of the treatment process are outlined below, but will depend on your treatment plan and whether you require a child’s, teen's, or adult's Invisalign system.
Step One Consultation & 3-D Digital Scan
Our local Invisalign dentist will need to evaluate your dental health by conducting a quick dental exam. They must make sure your teeth are healthy and strong enough to move and can discuss your treatment goals.
A 3D digital scan of your teeth helps plan your treatment and is used in conjunction with Invisalign’s proprietary software.
Step TwoCustom Treatment Plan
The scan enables our dentist, Dr. Igor Levin, to identify orthodontic issues requiring correction and to plan how each tooth will move during your treatment. Once your plan is created, you have the opportunity to view digital images that show how your teeth will look after straightening.
It is your chance to get involved with planning your new smile. If necessary, you can make minor adjustments to the treatment plan to achieve the desired results.
Step Three Creating and Wearing Your Aligners
After finalizing your treatment plan, your custom aligners are computer-generated, and you are ready to begin straightening your teeth.
We will show you how to insert and remove your aligners, as well as how to care for them during treatment. It’s essential to keep them in for at least 22 hours each day, ideally only removing them for oral care and meals.
Failing to wear your clear aligners in Sheepshead Bay for the recommended duration can delay treatment or reduce its effectiveness, making it less likely to achieve the intended treatment goals.
Step FourChanging Your Sets of Aligners and Checkups
Each set of aligners must be discarded after two weeks, at which point you begin wearing the next set. These continue to move your teeth according to your treatment plan.
We will need to see you regularly, usually every six weeks. These appointments will be brief and are designed to ensure your teeth are moving according to our treatment plan and to provide new sets of aligners as needed. If necessary, we can also adjust your treatment plan to help achieve your goals.
Step FiveCompleting Treatment & Retainers
Once you have completed your treatment and are satisfied with the results, you will need to start wearing retainers. Invisalign produces its own retainers made from the same clear, nearly invisible plastic.
These do not move your teeth, but instead are designed to retain them in their new positions. Retainers are necessary because your teeth and tooth roots have had to move through bone. The bone needs time to remodel around your tooth roots and to hold teeth firmly in place.
Initially, you will need to wear the retainers all the time, just as you do with your aligners. We can advise you on when you can gradually reduce the use. Eventually, you may only need to wear them once or twice a week overnight to maintain the long-lasting results of your treatment.
What to Expect When You Can Have Invisalign: Day-To-Day Impact of Treatment
One of the benefits of Invisalign in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, is its minimal impact on everyday life. Once the aligners are in your mouth, they are virtually invisible, although if you look, you can see a slight halo around your teeth. Most people will be unaware that you use aligners.
Getting Used to Wearing Your Aligners
Wearing any new dental appliance feels a bit strange at first, and your aligners are no exception. Initially, you may find you salivate a bit more but this side effect should quickly subside.
Pronouncing certain words might be trickier, but with practice, you will be able to speak perfectly normally.
No Oral Care Changes Are Needed
You don’t need to make any changes to your oral care routine. When you remove the aligners, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
We will discuss how to clean your aligners when you first receive them. You must ensure you clean the aligners thoroughly every time you remove them. Invisalign produces a proprietary cleaning system to help keep them fresh, clean, and hygienic.
No Dietary Changes Are Needed
You can eat whatever you wish during Invisalign treatment, as you remove the aligners for every meal. You should also remove the aligners when drinking anything other than water. Beverages like tea, coffee, or red wine can stain your aligners, making them look unsightly.
Playing Sports
Invisalign aligners are not sports mouthguards. If you play sports where you could take a blow to the mouth, remove your aligners before playing and use a sports mouthguard instead to protect your teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Benefits of using the system include:
- Comfort, as there are no brackets and wires to dig into your cheeks and lips.
- Discretion, as the aligners are virtually invisible.
- Ease-of-use, as you remove the aligners for oral care and meals.
- Dental checks are quick, as there are no brackets or wires to adjust.
With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth confidently, knowing exactly what treatment can achieve.
However, good compliance is essential. It’s important to wear the aligners at least 22 hours each day. If you feel you may forget to wear them, fixed braces could be a better option.
FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
How Much Will Invisalign Cost?
The Invisalign cost in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, depends on the number of aligners required and whether any additional modifications are needed, such as SmartForce attachments. Generally, it is comparable to fixed braces.
Will Invisalign Hurt?
All orthodontic treatment carries some level of discomfort. This is inevitable because your teeth are being forced to move through your jawbone and gum.
Invisalign is a more comfortable system; any discomfort typically occurs when you first begin wearing a new set of aligners. As you get used to them, they should feel more comfortable, and in the meantime, you can use over-the-counter pain relief.
If you find your aligners are excessively uncomfortable, we can always adjust your treatment plan to increase your comfort levels.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
The length of treatment depends on the extent of tooth movement required and the number of aligners needed. Some people may only require a few sets of aligners to make minor modifications to tooth alignment. In which case, the treatment will cost less.
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Invisalign?
It depends on your insurance provider and the reason you require treatment. Some insurance providers will cover at least part of the cost, especially if it offers oral health benefits.
If you’re ready to achieve a straighter, more confident smile, our dental office in Sheepshead Bay is here to help. At VitaDent, we make Invisalign treatment simple, discreet, and comfortable. Call us today at (718) 766-0002 to schedule your consultation or visit our office on Avenue X in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (11235).
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