Invisalign, named for the product’s look and function as invisible tooth aligners, is a system that has nearly replaced traditional braces by straightening teeth effectively using clear trays instead of metal wires. There are several reasons more people are choosing this option in orthodontics over braces. The aligners are clear and discreet, they can be removed without an orthodontic appointment, and they can yield faster results. Additionally, there are few food limitations for patients—Invisalign users can enjoy all the foods they love throughout the treatment process. As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Marc Lazare, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. offers this custom treatment to patients who are looking for straighter teeth without the hassle of braces.
Why Fix Crooked Teeth?
In some cultures, unique characteristics of the teeth are not seen as problematic or unattractive. However, in the United States, a person’s teeth are viewed as a reflection of oral hygiene, social status, and care for one’s appearance.
Even if the appearance of misaligned teeth does not bother a particular patient, there are associated dental health concerns.
When the bite does not fit together properly, a patient is more prone to TMJ disorder, which can occur as the result of irregular wear patterns.
Crooked teeth are also more difficult to properly care for. Overlapping dentition can trap plaque and prevent good flossing techniques.
The Benefits of Invisalign
If a patient is a candidate for Invisalign treatment, there are many advantages to wearing the alignment trays, rather than having traditional braces placed. Young people hoping to avoid teasing from their peers and adults seeking a discreet, professional approach to straighter teeth will appreciate that the aligners are clear and don’t contain any wires.
Plastic Invisalign aligners are removable and can be safely snapped on or removed from the teeth as needed. Braces, on the other hand, are permanently fixed in place until the teeth have completed the full course of their movement. When it comes to eating habits, there are a number of foods that patients with braces should not eat, like sticky or chewy foods. Invisalign patients don ’t have to adhere to the same restrictions because the aligners can be removed.
Caring for the teeth is also easier when there are no metal tracks impeding the movement of a toothbrush or the direction of dental floss.
The Invisalign correction system has been available to patients for over 30 years and has been developed into a very efficient tooth-straightening option. Treatment times are up to 50% faster when patients opt to use Invisalign over traditional braces. While there are other options in the market, like ClearCorrect and Smile Direct Club, Invisalign still is the most widely used. The Invisalign process is also said to be less painful, and office visits would potentially be less frequent than with other methods of orthodontics.
Before and After
While elastics can treat bite issues, if the back teeth are affected, correction is not easily achieved. Certain types of tooth rotations and existing dental fixtures may also require patients to pursue different orthodontic options.
Invisalign may be best suited for minor to moderate changes, while more extensive corrections can be addressed with metal braces or a combination of Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments.
Candidates for Invisalign
While a variety of cases can be fully improved through this alternative to traditional braces, there are some factors that can preclude people from becoming Invisalign patients.
Certain types of movements are not possible through this tooth alignment method. If teeth are positioned too far into the gums, they cannot be moved vertically through Invisalign.
Refinements in New York City Invisalign
The final stage of Invisalign is the refinement process, where some patients undergo minor tweaks in the straightening process to achieve the desired results. When the patient has worn all the trays created for their unique orthodontic plan, they will have their bonded Invisalign features removed to submit a final mold for review. At this time, additional trays may be created to finalize the treatment.
Daily Maintenance and Additional Corrections
Invisalign will remain on the teeth for around 22 hours a day, and are generally only removed to eat, drink (aside from water), and brush the teeth. Invisalign patients must be prepared to brush their teeth after eating and drinking, as the aligners can trap food and bacteria against the teeth, which would normally be flushed away by the saliva.
Invisalign works to straighten the teeth but can also correct the bite. Through the use of buttons, or anchoring brackets, elastic bands can help to retrain the bite, just like in metal braces. By applying pressure to the jaws, elastics effectively guide them into a preferred placement.
What to Expect During The Invisalign Process
Aligner Usage and Adjustments
Over the course of months, patients will wear a new aligner every week. The aligners begin as tight-fitting appliances, but by the end of the weekly correction period, they will fit well over the teeth. The teeth are projected to move about .25 millimeters during each new set of aligners, or the average thickness of a few pieces of paper.
Braces-wearers generally need to visit their orthodontist once a month, but Invisalign patients will only need to schedule these visits usually every 4-8 weeks.
There may be some discomfort associated with the repositioning of the teeth, especially after a new treatment set is worn. Over-the-counter pain medications will reduce any sensations, and patients can eat soft foods to avoid placing additional pressure on the teeth.
The Invisalign Process
The first step in the alignment process is to ensure the patient is in good dental health. Any tooth extractions or major procedures should be performed prior to custom-fit regimen. The patient should also have current x-rays on file. Next, a mold or digital scan will be taken of the patient’s teeth. The three-dimensional model will allow Dr. Lazare to visualize all aspects of the teeth, as well as the bite. Dr. Lazare works with the patient to form a treatment plan and will submit the model of the patient’s teeth to Invisalign, where the aligners will be created. Once the aligners have been received, Dr. Lazare can adhere the attachments (tooth-colored buttons) to any teeth that require them. These tooth-colored fixtures are what the aligners resist against to correct the orientation and rotations of the teeth. At this point, treatment can proceed — patients must begin wearing the trays as directed by Dr. Lazare.
Explore Our Full Range of Dental Services
Explore the full range of services offered by Dr. Marc Lazare’s dentistry practice, located in Upper East Side, New York. Whether you're looking for advanced cosmetic treatments, preventative care, or specialized biomimetic solutions, our team is here to help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile. Discover how we can enhance your dental health and transform your smile—browse our services today!
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