Invisalign® Clear Braces – Mineola, NY
The Clear Path Toward
a Straight Smile
For decades, the only way to fix crooked teeth was by getting bulky metal braces, but those days are long gone thanks to Invisalign. At Meadowbrook Dental Care, we can use this discreet and comfortable treatment to correct all sorts of orthodontic issues, allowing you to maintain your daily appearance while enhancing your smile at the same time. To learn more about Invisalign and what it could do for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss smile alignment with Invisalign clear braces in Mineola, NY.
Why Choose Meadowbrook Dental Care for Invisalign® Clear Braces?
- Treatment Designed Using Digital Impressions
- State-of-the-Art Dental Facility
- Highly Experienced & Compassionate Cosmetic Dentist
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign uses a progressive series of clear plastic aligner trays to gently bring the teeth into their new positions. You’ll be fitted for your trays at an initial consultation, and they’ll be designed using digital impressions. Once they are ready, you’ll wear each set for 20-22 hours a day for two weeks before switching them out for the next. After you have gone through your entire series, you should see a perfectly straight set of teeth in the mirror!
Indications for Invisalign®
Dr. Casañas mainly recommends Invisalign for teen and adult patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. He’ll give you or your child an exam and let you know if this treatment would be the right choice. For more advanced problems, metal braces might be necessary. Fortunately, the vast majority of the people who come to see us are good candidates for Invisalign, and we can use it to fix…
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth not only look unattractive, but they also make it more difficult to clean the mouth effectively with brushing and flossing, plus they can throw off the alignment of the bite. Fortunately, Invisalign is an excellent solution to make crowding disappear.
Spaces Between Teeth
Unwanted spaces can mess with your confidence, make eating feel awkward or uncomfortable, and even lead to speech impediments. These gaps can be closed with Invisalign so that every time you smile, take a bite, or speak your mind, you can do so with complete confidence.
Bite Alignment
An overbite, underbite, or crossbite can affect someone’s appearance and cause chronic jaw pain due to excess strain placed on the temporomandibular joint (the joint that controls the lower jaw). By properly aligning the bite, Invisalign can improve someone’s appearance and provide long-term relief at the same time.
Benefits of Invisalign®
- Practically Invisible: With metal braces, everyone knows you have them, but Invisalign aligners practically disappear once you put them on, meaning you don’t have to worry about friends or coworkers noticing your treatment.
- Custom Fit: Thanks to the quality of our digital impressions, each tray fits perfectly, and the smooth plastic feels comfortable against the teeth and gums.
- Easily Removable: Is it time to eat or clean your teeth? Just take your trays off until you’re done!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
If you’re unhappy with the state of your smile and ready to do something about it, our team here at Meadowbrook Dental Care is ready to assist you with every step of the process—including understanding the cost of treatment! We’ll be happy to provide you with an estimate when you visit us for a consultation, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today for more information or if you have any questions.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Every smile is different, meaning that the cost of Invisalign will vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, a few main factors that often influence the total cost include:
- Number of aligners needed – This is often related to the extent and type of your misalignment.
- Whether you are straightening one arch or both – It’s more expensive to straighten both the upper and lower teeth than straightening just one or the other.
- Your compliance with treatment – Lost or damaged aligners will inevitably need to be replaced, and these added costs can quickly add up. Additionally, not adhering to the 22-hour rule will lengthen your overall treatment process.
- Whether you require extra accessories – If you need elastics (small rubber bands) or other accessories, these can also factor into the final cost.
Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Many patients like to weigh their options when it comes to orthodontic treatments, and DIY clear aligner treatments like Smile Direct Club™ have also become popular alongside Invisalign. These DIY alternatives usually cost around $2,000 whereas Invisalign may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. As attractive as the DIY system might be, it’s important to note a few differences between this option and Invisalign:
- DIY aligners are often made out of cheap plastic, while Invisalign uses a patented material that is designed for comfort and efficiency.
- There have been accounts where DIY aligners have been ineffective, and in some cases, they’ve even been known to worsen alignment!
- With Invisalign, you’re guaranteed the personalized support of our amazing team!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance policies include a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment and Invisalign is often included, though you will need to verify with your provider beforehand. We’re able to work with your insurance plan and fully maximize your benefits so that your Invisalign treatment isn’t a financial burden on you.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
We’re more than happy to work with you to find a way to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable! If you don’t have dental insurance or orthodontic coverage, we offer alternative payment options with low-interest financing including CareCredit, as well as dental savings plans that will allow you to receive discounts on certain services. If you’re ready to straighten your smile with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to figure out the specifics!
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is an excellent option for correcting misalignment, but you may still have some unanswered questions about the treatment process. Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Invisalign in Mineola. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry! Give us a call and we’d be happy to explain more about the treatment and get you started with an initial consultation.
What Does Invisalign Look Like?
Designed with clear plastic, Invisalign aligners are visible when outside of the mouth, but very difficult to detect when they are being worn. With proper maintenance, patients can keep their aligners clean, clear, and discreet. Unlike traditional braces that require brackets and wires, Invisalign allows patients to straighten their smile without taking away from their appearance. In some cases, patients may require attachments, buttons, or elastics that help during the alignment process. These items are not made from clear plastic, so sometimes they are more visible than the rest of the aligners.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign is not a painful treatment. Its smooth plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options. When you first get Invisalign, there is an adjustment period where you will likely experience some soreness, but this will go away as you get used to the treatment. Since Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment, you may experience a small amount of pressure, but this just means it’s working! Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and/or a cold compress.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that it is completely removable, so you can take your aligners out when it’s mealtime. Eating with your aligners in your mouth will not only damage them, but it also puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The only item you should be consuming while wearing your Invisalign is water. Otherwise, take your aligners out.
Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?
If your teeth have grown crooked or misaligned years after you’ve completed orthodontic treatment with braces, Invisalign is likely able to help. Braces are better able to correct more severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites that Invisalign cannot. During your initial consultation, we will discuss whether or not Invisalign will be able to address the concerns that you have about your smile.