When you think of teeth-straightening options, the first thing that usually comes to mind is traditional metal braces and those unsightly bands that come in all sorts of colors. But that doesn’t have to be the case with Invisalign! The second thing you most likely think is, “How much is Invisalign?” which can start an avalanche of cost-related stress. Rest assured, we have all the answers – and solutions – to your questions.
Why Straightening Your Teeth Matters
Your smile is important. It’s one of the first things people notice about you and a huge component when it comes to the way you feel. When you’re not happy with the state of your smile, your confidence can take a hit. So, tell me: does this sound like you?
Refusing to smile in photos?
Hiding your mouth with your hand when you smile or laugh?
Researching and obsessing over teeth straightening procedures but never moving forward with a treatment plan?
Missing out on life’s big moments due to self-consciousness about the alignment of your teeth?
It’s time to rebuild your confidence and your smile, and we have just the thing!
The Difference Between Invisalign & Traditional Braces
Our patients often ask us what the best option for straightening teeth is. While every patient is different and has unique needs when it comes to orthodontics, Invisalign is a great option that is more aesthetically pleasing due to the fact that no metal wires or brackets are used during the treatment. So, what is this new and exciting treatment plan and how is an Invisalign system different from traditional braces?
The biggest difference is the material. Traditional braces use metal to straighten your teeth over a long period of time. The treatment time can last anywhere from a year and a half to three years.
On the other hand, Invisalign is a series of plastic aligner trays custom-fit to your mouth. Both convenient and discrete, it can take anywhere from three months to a year and a half. So if you’re concerned or embarrassed about adult braces, look no further. Invisalign is the solution for you!
Midtown Dental Group Offers Invisalign in New York City
At Midtown Dental Group, we’re proud to provide top-quality Invisalign services in NYC. In fact, we’re official Invisalign Platinum Providers which means each of our dentists have completed 300 or more cases. And the results have not only drastically changed smiles for the better but lives too.
But don’t take our word for it. If a photo is worth a thousand words, these Invisalign before and after photos speak volumes!
Before & After Pictures
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Your bank account doesn’t have to take a hit just so you and your loved ones can get the beautiful smiles of your dreams. The cost of Invisalign treatment is quicker and cheaper than ever thanks to Invisalign. And being Invisalign Platinum Providers, we get the job done quicker and more efficiently than the average provider.
A lot of patients are wary that this won’t fit into their budget. Not to worry.
We accept select insurance plans, CareCredit, and even offer flexible payment plans. Also, don’t forget about using your flexible spending account FSA and HSA before the year is through. Use it or lose it as they say!
Don’t let money keep you from a smile you can be proud of. Give us a call, and we’ll happily talk you through your payment options.
Book Your Free Invisalign Consultation With Us
Diving headfirst into any teeth-straightening treatment can seem daunting. That’s why we offer 100% free Invisalign consultations for our patients. We want you to feel confident in what this treatment can do for you.
Invisalign is a common orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to adjust your teeth into their correct position over time, much like traditional braces. It’s also one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. If your cosmetic dentist has recommended Invisalign treatment, it’s important to follow instructions carefully to get the most from your treatment. These Invisalign tips can help you improve your treatment success and make the treatment process as easy and comfortable as possible.
#1. Wear your aligners!
The biggest mistake you can make is simply failing to wear your aligners as often as you should. The goal is to get as close to 22 hours per day as you can. If you leave your aligners out for too long, it can extend the treatment process or hinder results. During the first 2 days, wear your aligner trays as much as possible, removing them only to brush and floss your teeth.
#2. Change your aligners on time
Dr. Mishaan will give you a schedule for when you should change your aligners and in which order they should be changed. Each set is typically worn for two weeks. We recommend not trying to speed up your treatment by switching to the next set of aligners too soon, because this could ultimately delay the overall treatment period.
#3. Combat tenderness as you adjust to the aligners
At our dental office, we always take extra care to ensure that the aligners will sit comfortably in your mouth. Still, some people do experience some discomfort while adjusting to the aligners.
The good news is you can take steps to combat the tenderness and soreness to feel more comfortable during the adjustment process. We recommend trying these Invisalign tips if you experience sore gums:
When you can have your aligners out, suck on an ice cube to numb your gums.
Avoid crunchy, chewy, and crispy foods when you notice soreness of your gums or teeth.
When it’s time to switch to a new aligner, make the switch early in the day. This gives you plenty of time to adjust to the tenderness before you need to sleep.
If you feel a rough edge, discuss it with your dentist so it can be fixed.
#4. Keep the last set of aligners
Don’t toss your old aligners when it’s time for the new set. Always keep the last set on hand just in case you break or lose your aligners. This way, you have a backup set while you wait for the replacement set. Wear the last set of aligners to prevent your teeth from moving back into their previous position. Once your replacement set comes in, restart the 2-week process to avoid too much delay in your progress.
#5. Rinse, brush, and floss regularly
You will need to take your aligners out at least twice a day to brush and floss your teeth and use mouthwash. Remembering good oral hygiene is still required to ensure your mouth stays healthy and clean while wearing Invisalign.
#6. Practice makes perfect
Fun fact: there can sometimes be a learning curve to speaking normally with aligners in place. At first, you may speak with a slight lisp. Keep practicing talking with the aligners in; it shouldn’t take more than a few days until the lisp isn’t noticeable and you’re back to your normal speech.
#7. Attachments can speed up your treatment
Don’t be afraid to opt for attachments or “buttons” to speed up your treatment. These attachments can hold aligners in place, move a tooth, and treat a broader range of orthodontic cases that the plastic aligners could not otherwise treat. The “buttons” are tiny tooth-colored dots of bonding material usually on the middle of your teeth at strategic locations. These attachments work by ensuring there is the right amount of force in the right places to pull your teeth into alignment.
#8. Take care of the aligners
The aligners are easy to clean and take care of with warm water and antibacterial soap. Regular soap and water are usually fine to clean the aligners but you may also use cleaning products specifically for plastic orthodontics. At our office, we always make sure our patients have the correct and most effective cleaning products for their aligners. We recommend never using toothpaste to clean the trays because it can scratch the plastic.
#9. Wear your retainer after treatment
Once you’ve finished using the Invisalign aligners, you will need to use a retainer to help hold your teeth in their new positions. Unfortunately, some patients think their retainer isn’t all that important because their teeth look straight and perfect. If you skip the retainer though, your teeth may drift back out of alignment. So, we always recommend working with your Invisalign specialist to determine how often and for how long you should wear your retainer upon completing treatment.
Considering an alternative to traditional braces to straighten your teeth? To learn more about how aligners can give you a straighter and more beautiful smile contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our dentists.
Invisalign is a dental treatment for those who need braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, however, it uses clear adjusters to gradually straighten teeth into proper alignment. Although once considered to be cosmetic dentistry, it’s now considered in the category of braces and is also covered by many insurance plans. Many insurance providers cover Invisalign for health reasons such as TMJ and cavity prevention. Those who need braces should ask questions about Invisalign before they commit to the procedure.
Are They Truly Invisible?
The adjuster plates are made with a special medical-grade, clear material and they fit snugly over your teeth, so they are virtually invisible; this is one of the major differences between traditional braces and Invisalign. Certainly, they are less visible than metal braces. Their virtually invisible appearance makes them especially popular among adults and business professionals.
Do The Adjuster Plates (aka “Aligners”) Work As Well As Metal Braces?
Yes, and they may work even better because there are fewer limitations than there are with traditional braces. Those who have metal braces cannot eat certain foods and they can’t remove their braces. With this system however, you wear the adjuster plates for a minimum of 20 hours each day but remove them for eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth.
Many people find they are happier with them than they would be with traditional metal braces simply because of the lack of limitations. In addition, treatment time is often shorter than with traditional metal braces.
Are They Comfortable?
Traditional metal braces can cut, chafe, and irritate the inside of your cheeks and your gums. In contrast, the clear adjuster trays of Invisalign are substantially more comfortable than metal braces. The most common issue is a feeling of pressure for a day or so after installing a new adjuster plate but there’s no pain. The pressure is necessary in order to start the teeth on a new regimen of adjustment.
How Long Does The Treatment Program Take?
Usually, we tell our patients to expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for about a year. This varies by patient but that’s the average length of a treatment and is dependent on wearing the plates for the 20 to 22 hours per day that we recommend.
How Often Are The Aligners Changed?
Approximately every two weeks, you’ll need to come to our office for a new set of plates. They’re custom fit to your teeth so you may feel a slight pressure for a day or two as your teeth begin a new round of adjustment toward the ultimate goal.
Do I Need To See My Dentist Besides For New Adjuster Plates?
In addition to your visits to obtain new aligners, you’ll need to see your dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that your treatment plan is proceeding satisfactorily. Adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure that you ultimately receive beautifully straight teeth.
What Happens If I Lose One Of My Aligner Plates?
We know that things happen and sometimes things get misplaced. If you lose one of your aligner plates, be sure to call us immediately. It’s important that you wear the aligners at least 20 hours each day, so we need to get you a replacement as soon as possible.
Will This System Fix All My Teeth Issues?
Although typically used to straighten crooked teeth, it can also help with teeth that have:
Cross-bites
Large gaps
Overbites
Overcrowding
Underbites
Is This Option More Expensive Than Traditional Braces?
The cost of the clear adapter trays versus traditional metal braces will be unique to the individual and will depend on several factors. Items that will affect the final cost include:
The degree of straightening needed
Any additional dental or orthodontic treatments needed
Your dental insurance plan coverage
Your age
Our highly accessible NYC dental offices makes it easy to see one of our dentists at your convenience – and did we mention that we promise that there will be no wait time when you come in? Call our office to schedule a consultation today.
Midtown Dental Group offers a range of cosmetic dentistry services that can provide you with straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile. One of the most popular treatments that we offer is Invisalign.
This treatment is similar to braces and can help make your teeth straighter. It uses a set of clear aligners that can be removed and are exchanged with a new set every two weeks.
When you are considering a teeth-straightening solution such as this, you should first be aware of the pros and cons associated with the treatment to determine if it’s right for you.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
When you are trying to identify whether or not Invisalign is right for you, there are a variety of questions that you should ask yourself. For one, what are you looking to fix and two, how severe is the problem?
While this treatment is designed to straighten teeth in the same manner as traditional braces, it is only meant to work with issues that aren’t too extreme. Some of the main teeth issues that can be corrected with this treatment include:
Teeth that have large gaps in them
Crossbites
Overbites
Crowded teeth
Underbites
Now that we are aware of some of the main dental issues Invisalign helps correct, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using these clear braces.
If you can follow these guidelines, then this solution may be the perfect fit for you. Our NYC dentist, Dr. Mishaan, will also help you determine if this orthodontic solution is right for you.
Pros of Invisalign
Invisalign is highly popular because of its many benefits. The most notable of these benefits is that the aligners are clear, which makes them practically invisible to your friends and family (a perk especially for adults who need braces!). Additionally, Invisalign is extremely effective at correcting dental problems like crowded teeth and bite misalignments. Using Invisalign treatment alongside Dr. Mishaan will ensure you have a beautiful smile for years to come.
Another benefit of the aligners is that they can be removed for your added convenience. This makes it easy to brush your teeth and eat throughout the day, vs. having to use special brushing techniques that are often a hassle with traditional braces.
You also won’t need to follow the same guidelines as braces about what you can eat and drink. For example, individuals who wear traditional braces will need to avoid eating sticky foods and chips, both of which are known to cause damage to the metal brackets that are used with braces. With Invisalign, you have a lot more flexibility about what you can and cannot eat during the duration of wearing your braces.
The materials used with this treatment are largely comfortable as well. While braces use a hard metal, the aligners used with Invisalign consist of a relatively soft plastic that won’t cause irritation.
This clear alternative to braces has also been known to work slightly faster than braces at straightening teeth. The average treatment time is typically around 12 months.
If you feel as though the Invisalign treatment is right for you or would like to learn more about it, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mishaan to further discuss this treatment and ask any questions that you may have.
With so many options for straightening the teeth these days, we understand that going through the process can feel both overwhelming and confusing. In fact, you may think that all braces involve those little metal brackets that were popular in the not-too-distant past.
While metal braces still exist, Invisalign braces are now the more popular choice, especially amongst professionals in NYC who want to look their best while at work and play! The clear Invisalign braces make them far more discreet than traditional metal braces; most times people can’t even tell you’re wearing them.
Learning more about Invisalign can help you to understand what these braces do and whether or not they offer a permanent solution for straightening your teeth.
Understanding Invisalign
Whether you’re looking into adult braces or getting ones for your kids, this type of straightening method is as the name implies. While metal brackets are visible on the front of teeth, Invisalign structures are virtually invisible.
People of all ages tend to worry about what they will look like after having this dental procedure done, and the good news is that wearing Invisalign braces doesn’t really change one’s appearance. It’s unlikely that anyone would even be able to tell that you’re wearing this invisible set!
The initial suggestion that your bite may need correcting usually comes from your general dentist, who then recommends that you see an orthodontist or Cosmetic Dentist like Dr. Mishaan, who can prescribe this treatment option. Here in our NYC office, we are actually able to both recommend and treat with Invisalign, saving you an extra step!
Invisalign can be used to straighten the teeth, or it may also serve as a tool for helping individuals with an overbite or an under-bite. Treating an irregular bite can be an important cosmetic treatment that not only helps you look your best, but preserves the health of your jaw and bone structure.
The only way to know for sure what you qualify for is to have an appointment with an Invisalign specialist. Dr. Mishaan can guide you toward the best plan for your mouth.
Permanency
As with virtually any procedure, we understand that you probably want to know how long the treatment is going to last.
So now for the main question: Is Invisalign a permanent solution?
The short answer is that yes, the purpose of Invisalign braces is to provide you with straight teeth for life. However, it’s not quite that simple.
Think about your teeth right now. If you are seeking any type of orthodontic treatment, they are likely crooked in some capacity. While Invisalign helps straighten them, if you do not properly care for your teeth and the Invisalign structures while wearing them. In other words, imagine that the doctor prescribed you medicine but you never took it. It wouldn’t work!
So, let’s learn more about Invisalign treatment and about proper care in order to ensure the long-term success of wearing these invisible braces.
Caring For Your Invisalign Braces
Back when people almost always wore metal brackets for these types of issues, they had many restrictions placed on them. For example, they could not eat certain types of food. Invisalign’s invisible structures generally come with fewer rules, restrictions and suggestions; however, in order to get the most out of wearing the braces, you need to follow the information that you’re given. Failure to do so could interfere with the tool’s ability to permanently straighten your teeth.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits & Follow-ups
During your time wearing these structures, you’re going to need to schedule check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist, or Dr. Mishaan if you’re planning to visit our dental office here in NYC.
If you constantly skip your appointments or entirely disappear until the time comes to have them removed, you are decreasing the chances that the invisible units will permanently straighten your teeth.
We always recommend that our patients make sure to keep up with the appointments until the dentist (or orthodontic specialist if you’re going elsewhere) tells them that the treatment is complete.
Wear Your Retainer
When the structures are removed from your teeth, you are probably going to get an Invisalign retainer. This practice is certainly a common one in the field of orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Mishaan, an Invisalign specialist, is then going to give you instructions about wearing the retainer. For example, you may need to wear it all day at the beginning and then slowly start wearing it for shorter periods of time each day. It’s also possible that you will need to wear it for only portions of the day from the start. Situations vary from one another. What’s important here is that you do exactly what the orthodontist/dentist says in order to optimize the possibility of long-term success.
As you can see, the answer to the question of whether or not Invisalign is a permanent solution is really that it depends on your commitment and care to the treatment! Yes, this procedure is designed to be one that will provide you with permanent results. However, in order to get those results, you need to make sure that you are caring for your mouth.
As a team, we find that our patients and Dr. Mishaan can work together to craft the perfect mouth and smile.
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, contact our office today. Dr. Mishaan and our staff would be happy to review your options with you and see if Invisalign may be right for you.
Invisalign, or invisible braces, have become exceedingly popular over the years due to them being practically invisible while still working to straighten teeth. At our office in NYC, Dr. Mishaan actually prefers them over traditional braces, and is an expert at using Invisalign to craft the perfect smile.
The beauty of Invisalign is that the aligners are made from flexible plastic which can be removed when eating and you will usually receive different aligners during the course of your treatment. This ensures that your teeth continue to straighten out and remain comfortable while wearing the braces.
There can be many benefits when choosing Invisalign over braces. If convenience, comfort and appearance are important to you, then this option might be for you!
What is the Difference in Appearance When Wearing Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces?
The main difference when it comes to Invisalign braces and traditional braces is the fact that nobody can even tell you are wearing them!
Metal braces contain things like buttons, bite ramps and brackets and although your teeth may look beautiful afterwards, a mouth full of metal can be exceptionally unsightly. With a practically invisible tray, your professionalism at work will not be jeopardized (not to mention if you are at social functions and parties as well).
Convenience of Aligners vs. Braces
Another element that makes Invisalign braces different from braces is that you can remove your trays. Braces are cemented onto the teeth and can only be taken off when treatment is complete. You also need to pay exceptional attention to cleaning your teeth every single day when wearing braces. With Invisalign aligners, you can take them right out when brushing your teeth and they are easy to disinfect or clean using the proper solution.
The invisible trays are immensely easy to maintain because you take them out when you eat or drink anything and with braces, components like buttons, bite ramps and brackets can break or become damaged and require you to make an appointment to see your doctor immediately. They can also get things like food or bacteria stuck in them and it can be difficult to remove. With aligners, the only maintenance is taking them out before eating and soaking them in warm water to clean them.
Average Treatment Time With Invisalign
Not only are the invisible trays more comfortable, removable and more convenient, but they can also straighten your teeth faster than mental braces. They can also fix and treat a wide variety of issues such as over or under bite, overcrowded teeth, cross bite, open bite or gap teeth.
The average time for Invisalign treatment is only around 6 to 18 months and they only need to be worn 22 hours a day. With traditional braces, the average time span is approximately two years!
Treatment with braces can not only take a long time but they can also be painful or awfully uncomfortable while Invisalign is reported to be a lot more pleasant feeling and if they are bothering you too much, you can always remove them and take them out.
How Does Invisalign Work?
These clear plastic aligners work by being custom fit to your teeth and they gradually shift your teeth because you wear each tray for 22 hours throughout the day.
When you first have a dental consultation, Dr. Mishaan will perform an examination to determine the overall condition of your teeth and gums. If the dentist concludes that you have periodontal disease or cavities, those issues will be taken care of first to ensure your teeth are healthy enough to be moved and shifted.
If Dr. Mishaan determines Invisalign to be the right option for you, you will then get impressions made and your personal trays will be made. It can take up to a year of treatment and wearing the aligners, but each case is different and length of time can vary on a case-by-case basis. Visits to get new trays are typically every 4 to 6 weeks.
In addition, Invisalign retainers will be recommended once you finish treatment. Although the retainers are not required, teeth can shift back to the original position if you do not wear them. Dr. Mishaan’s ability to craft the perfect smile using Invisalign is second to none, but it’s important that dentist and patient work together to ensure the best results!
It is our goal at Midtown Dental Group to help you look and feel your absolute best and our leading dentist, Dr. Mishaan, can determine exactly how to get you there with his experience and expertise. Contact our office today to schedule a free Invisalign consultation.
