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!
Who Is a Good Candidate 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. They can also 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
There are several reasons why so many patients prefer Invisalign over more traditional methods of straightening teeth. Removable clear aligners have several advantages over metal brackets and wires; below is a closer look at some of the benefits that you’ll be able to enjoy if you choose Invisalign.
Improved Comfort
The surfaces of the Invisalign aligners are very smooth. As such, they are much less likely to irritate the inside of your mouth than traditional braces. On top of that, while you may experience some discomfort when wearing a new aligner for the first time, it will generally only take a day or two for your mouth to adjust. This makes Invisalign a more comfortable orthodontic option overall.
Discreet Trays
Do you not like the idea of wearing highly noticeable braces at work or important events? Invisalign aligners are much less likely to attract the kind of attention you don’t want; they are very discreet when worn over the teeth, and many people won’t even realize that you have them unless they know what to look for. This means you can show off your smile in all kinds of situations without having to worry about people focusing too much on your orthodontic appliance.
Better Dental Hygiene
Traditional braces can make brushing and flossing trickier than normal, as you will need to figure out how to clean around your brackets and wires. With Invisalign, this isn’t an issue; you can just take your aligners out, allowing you to brush and floss as you normally would. This makes it much easier to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the course of your treatment.
Quick Follow-Ups
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t require as many follow-up appointments. Normally, you will only need to visit our office once every six to eight weeks. These appointments can often be completed in just 15 to 30 minutes, and they’re fairly simple and straightforward. There will be no adjustments to worry about; our team will just need to check your teeth in order to confirm that the treatment is going as planned.
Boosted Confidence
As noted above, Invisalign aligners don’t stand out nearly as much as traditional braces. This can give your overall confidence a significant boost, making you much less reluctant to show your smile to the world. A more confident grin can make quite a difference at job interviews and important meetings, allowing you to make an excellent first impression when you need to. It can also aid with your social life, making it much easier to meet and interact with others.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Invisalign is a non-invasive orthodontic treatment that involves wearing aligners that can be removed at any time. Because of this, they don’t require you to make as many changes to your overall lifestyle. You will be able to eat whatever you want, and you won’t have to alter the way you brush your teeth. This means that you can straighten your teeth while still maintaining your regular daily routine.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
If Invisalign is starting to sound like a promising orthodontic solution, you’d probably like to get a taste of what your everyday life will be like during your treatment. While it would be impractical to offer a 30-day free trial – after all, we’re talking about customized trays, not a streaming service subscription! – we can give you insight into what your routine would look like. Simply click “read more” for the details and let us know if you have any follow-up questions!
Wearing Your Trays
We mentioned that you’ll have to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 – 22 hours per day. If you don’t meet this time consistently, you risk prolonging your treatment. Invisalign can only correct your teeth if you’re wearing the aligners!
Many patients like to break up their day so that their aligners are removed for 15 minutes during breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, and 60 minutes for dinner. This gives them a little cushion for snacks and maintenance. But this is just a suggestion – feel free to create the Invisalign schedule that works best for you.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Like most oral appliances, Invisalign has to be cleaned on the regular to avoid harmful bacteria build-up, as well as to maintain its transparency. Fortunately, Invisalign hygiene is easy! Simply rinse the trays off with cool water, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals when they need an extra shine.
Eating & Drinking
You can eat and drink anything you want when Invisalign is out of your mouth, but while it’s inserted, don’t consume anything but crystal-clear water! Other substances will stain the plastic, and your Invisalign won’t be so invisible for long.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Losing or damaging your Invisalign can be stressful, we know, but try your best to remain calm. Retrace your steps, check under furniture, and comb through your bathroom; your aligners may be in a spot that you’d least expect. If they’re cracked or broken, please don’t attempt to repair them yourself. This could harm the aligners further, and we’ll want to get a closer look at them to determine whether or not they’re still safe for you to wear.
In either case, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll take care of the situation and help you get back on track with your treatment!
Routine Check-Ins
Periodically, we’ll want you to visit our office for a brief check-in. Don’t worry, these appointments aren’t like tightening appointments for braces! We’ll give you your next set of trays when necessary and take a moment to examine your teeth. A quick look helps us monitor your progress so we can make sure everything’s going smoothly. You may also want to take the time to ask us some questions, and if that’s the case, ask away!
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 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 “Do It Yourself” Clear Aligners: Which Costs More?
Many patients like to weigh their options when it comes to orthodontic treatments, and DIY clear aligner treatments 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
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 also put 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.
Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
If your favorite way to start your morning is with a fresh cup of coffee, you don’t have to worry – you can still do so throughout your teeth-straightening journey with Invisalign. The only “rule” is that you need to remove your aligners first (this will prevent them from staining and warping). Outside of that, just do your best to keep sugar and other additives to a minimum as well as use a straw to prevent your teeth from discoloring.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
You may have heard that the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. That’s true! However, it’s possible for yours to be shorter or longer than that too. For example, if you consistently misplace your aligners and don’t wear them for the recommended 20+ hours a day, then you’ll likely experience significant treatment plan delays. Conversely, if your case of malocclusion is relatively minor and you follow all of the guidelines provided, there’s a chance that you could get the results you desire in just 4-8 months!
What Should I Do If I Lose One of My Aligners?
If you realize your aligners aren’t where you thought they were, do your best not to panic. Instead, try to pinpoint the last time you know you had them. Then, retrace your steps. There’s a good chance they wound up somewhere unexpected, so make sure to look in “odd” places as well, like your lunch box, the waste bin in your kitchen, and the center console of your car. If you still can’t find them, call us right away so we can determine the best way to proceed.
Why Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for 20+ Hours?
Simply put, if you don’t wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day, they won’t work. That’s why our cosmetic dentist in Mineola places such an emphasis on the daily wear time! Habits like only taking them out when it’s absolutely necessary may be inconvenient at times, but it will go a long way in preventing treatment plan delays.
How Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Taking good care of your aligners boils down to three basic steps. The first is using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap to clean them each morning and night. The second is soaking them in a clear aligner solution for about 15 minutes or so (ideally while you already have your aligners off, like during mealtimes). The third is rinsing them with clean, cool water every time you take them out so saliva and other debris don’t harden on the surface.