Invisalign®
The Invisalign® system offers one of the most advanced, precise, and convenient options for adult and teen orthodontic treatment today, with clear aesthetic and health advantages over conventional metal braces. Invisalign® can give you great results, often with fewer dental appointments and less overall treatment time, at about the same cost as traditional braces.
What Is Invisalign®?
Each set of aligners will move your teeth closer to their ideal position over the course of treatment, with new sets being provided every four to ten weeks depending on the treatment plan. By gradually moving the teeth without brackets or wires, Invisalign® tends to be a more comfortable and less painful way to move teeth than traditional braces. The treatment is often faster, averaging 12 to 18 months for adults as opposed to 36 or more for wire and bracket alternatives due to its excellent ability to have controlled movements.
Invisalign® has been proven effective in both clinical research and on millions of patients in private practices worldwide. More than 6 million patients, including 1.4 million teens, have received Invisalign® treatment since it was first introduced in 1997.
What Does Invisalign® Treat
Invisalign® is suitable for the treatment of mild bite issues such as teeth that are crooked as well as more pronounced malocclusion including:Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open Bite
More comfortable and less intrusive than traditional braces, Invisalign® is also a great solution for teeth that are gapped or crowded.
The Process of Getting Invisalign®
Your Invisalign journey is mapped out in just 3 steps:
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
The journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign® begins with an initial planning session, where advanced 3D computer technology plays a pivotal role. This technology is not just a tool but the backbone of the Invisalign® treatment, allowing for an exceptionally tailored approach to orthodontics. During this session, your dentist uses proven orthodontic principles combined with sophisticated 3D computer graphics to map out the entire treatment plan. This process projects every stage of teeth movement with precision, ensuring that each aligner is perfectly calibrated to make the necessary adjustments to your teeth's positioning.
This meticulous planning is crucial as it provides a clear, visual representation of the treatment path from start to finish. Patients can see a virtual simulation of how their teeth will move at each stage, giving them a comprehensive understanding of the process and the expected outcome. This transparency helps in setting realistic expectations and builds confidence in the treatment plan.
2. The Role of Aligners in Treatment
Once the treatment plan is set, the next step involves the Invisalign® aligners themselves. These aligners are at the heart of the treatment, designed to be worn continuously, except when eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing teeth, approximately 22 hours per day. Their design considers everyday comfort, made from a smooth, BPA-free plastic that is non-irritating and fits snugly over your teeth, making them both unnoticeable and comfortable for day and night wear.
The effectiveness of Invisalign® aligners hinges on their constant use as each set is engineered to move the teeth incrementally. Wearing them as prescribed ensures that your teeth move to the desired position efficiently and prepares them for the next set of aligners in the sequence. This consistent progression is what allows Invisalign® to align your teeth with such precision and in a relatively short period.
3. Regular Appointments and Adjustments
Following the initial planning appointment, which is comprehensive and may take about an hour, subsequent check-ins are typically brief, lasting about 15 to 30 minutes. These appointments are essential for monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The frequency of these appointments is generally every 4 to 10 weeks, depending on the specific needs of your treatment plan. During these visits, your dentist will provide the next series of aligners and ensure that the treatment is progressing as expected.
These regular interactions with your dental care provider not only allow for adjustments to be made if necessary but also give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns about your treatment. This ongoing support is vital in maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment and ensuring a positive experience throughout the process.
Invisalign Tools
To enhance your Invisalign® treatment at home, tools like AcceleDent® can speed up tooth movement, while Dental Monitoring® allows for remote progress tracking by your dentist, ensuring your treatment remains on course without frequent office visits.
Dental Monitoring®
Dental Monitoring, often referred to as DM, is a modern solution that’s changing the way we think about orthodontic care. Imagine being able to check on your braces or aligners without having to visit the dentist’s office every time. That’s what DM offers. It’s a special technology that lets patients and their dental teams keep a close eye on how treatments are going, all from a distance.
Here’s how DM works: Patients use the Dental Monitoring app on their phones or tablets. This isn’t just any app; it’s designed specifically for tracking the changes and movements in your teeth. When you open the app, it guides you to take pictures of your teeth. But these aren’t just regular selfies. With the help of tools like the DM ScanBox and the DM Cheek Retractor, the app can capture really clear, detailed photos of your teeth from different angles.
VPro 5
At NYC Smile Design, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the most advanced and effective orthodontic solutions. Alongside Invisalign®—a faster alternative to traditional braces—we offer the innovative VPro5 device to enhance your treatment experience. The VPro5 is not just a supplementary tool; it is a revolutionary technology designed to expedite the orthodontic process.
VPro5 works through the application of high-frequency vibrations, a scientifically proven method to facilitate faster tooth movement. By using the device for just five minutes a day, you engage in a process known as cyclic loading, which generates micro-pulses that can stimulate bone remodeling. This is the key to quicker alignment of your teeth, as it enhances the response of your dental structure to the Invisalign aligners.
Benefits of VPro5
- Shorter Treatment Time: VPro5 can significantly reduce the duration of your Invisalign treatment, allowing you to achieve your desired smile faster.
- Improved Comfort and Fit: The device not only accelerates tooth movement but also increases comfort and ensures a better fit of the aligners.
- Easy to Use: Incorporate it seamlessly into your daily routine with minimal effort.
The Invisalign® Advantage
There are a number of advantages offered by Invisalign® when compared to other forms of orthodontic treatment. Some of the most compelling are:
Invisalign® gives you great results with less overall treatment time.
With conventional braces, teeth are wired together, which can lead to inadvertent movement of adjoining teeth that must be corrected later in your treatment plan. Invisalign® aligners are carefully calibrated to move only the teeth you want to move. This precise, targeted correction means a more efficient movement of each tooth, which can result in less overall treatment time.
No wire tightening means fewer dental appointments.
The wires on conventional braces usually need to be tightened every four weeks, but since the Invisalign® treatment plan is mapped out from the start, we can give you several aligners at each appointment. That means, for many patients, appointments need to be made only every eight to ten weeks, helping to save you time without compromising results.
It’s easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Invisalign® aligners are removed to eat, floss, and brush. There are no wires to trap food and plaque, and no obstacles that make brushing and flossing difficult. Aligners are also removed for professional dental treatments, helping to keep your teeth both healthier and whiter, and removing the risk of stubborn discoloration or decay forming underneath brackets. For more information, read the blog, “How Do I Clean Invisalign?”.
Invisalign® makes it easier to keep your body healthy, too.
Removing aligners before you eat allows you to maintain a healthier diet. Nuts, seeds, and crunchy fruits and vegetables have to be avoided with braces. These staples of a healthy diet do not need to be avoided during NYC Invisalign treatment. This makes the treatment suitable even for people on raw, vegan, or vegetarian diets.
Treatment is unobtrusive.
Unlike conventional braces, most people won’t know you’re using Invisalign® unless you tell them. What’s more, issues like soft tissue irritation from metal rubbing against cheeks or cut lips from archwire are eliminated with Invisalign® treatment. This means even people involved in contact sports and more demanding activities can wear Invisalign® without fear of damaging the mouth.
Our Invisalign Patients' Stories
At our clinic, the journey of each patient who chooses Invisalign® is unique and inspiring. Their stories not only reflect the effectiveness of this innovative treatment but also underscore our commitment to personalized dental care. We pride ourselves on the transformations we facilitate, helping individuals not only achieve the smiles they desire but also boosting their confidence and improving their quality of life.Invisalign® Cost
The cost of Invisalign® treatment varies, typically ranging from $3,000 to $9000 in the U.S., influenced by factors such as the complexity of the dental issues and the treatment duration. While costs are comparable to traditional braces, many dental insurance plans cover part of the expense, and most dental offices provide flexible payment or financing options, making it a feasible option for those looking to enhance their smile and oral health.
Invisalign® Payment Options
Invisalign® fees are comparable to traditional braces, and orthodontic insurance usually covers Invisalign® to the same extent as traditional orthodontics. If you do not have orthodontic insurance, we also accept all major credit cards along with cash/check payments.
If none of the above options are ideal for your family, NYC Smile Design is pleased to work with CareCredit®, a healthcare financing option with payment plans including 0% APR or low, fixed monthly payments. More information about CareCredit®, available payment plans, and application for this service can be found on the CareCredit® website or through literature provided by our office.
Expand Your Knowledge
The NYC Smile Design Learning Center page is your go-to resource for comprehensive and insightful information on cosmetic dentistry, offering expert guidance from Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib to help you understand the wide array of dental treatments available, ensuring you make informed decisions for your smile makeover journey.
Your Options for Invisalign® in NYC
Invisalign® offers one of the most advanced, precise, and convenient options for adult and teen orthodontic treatment, with clear dental health and aesthetic advantages over conventional metal braces. If you are ready to schedule a consultation to learn if this treatment is right for you or your teenager, please schedule your consultation.