What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are not only discreet but also removable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain your dental hygiene with ease. Designed for comfort and convenience, Invisalign is an excellent option for anyone looking to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. Plus, with Invisalign's clear aligners, most people won't even notice you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your journey to a straighter smile begins with a consultation at our Middletown office, where we'll outline your treatment plan and what to expect. After receiving your custom aligners, you'll wear each set for about two weeks before moving on to the next, gradually shifting your teeth into their ideal positions. Regular check-ins with our team ensure your treatment is progressing as planned, leading to a beautiful, straight smile.

Once your Invisalign treatment plan has been created, our orthodontics team will go over it with you and answer any questions you may have. The plan will include the projected length of time Invisalign may take to produce optimal results. Since every individual has different needs and goals, the total treatment time varies from patient to patient. In order to ensure treatment is completed on time, we offer guidelines which typically include wearing the aligners at least 22 hours per day, changing out the aligners as recommended by our orthodontist, and returning for check-in visits at our office.

Invisalign is known for its ability to improve orthodontic issues in a more comfortable way when compared to other types of treatment. With that in mind, most patients can expect a bit of pressure or soreness in the first few days. This typically occurs because the mouth is simply adjusting to the aligners. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually more than enough to relieve these temporary symptoms.

Cleaning your aligners is a quick and easy process. Scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush, toothpaste, and cool water is usually all that’s necessary to get them clean. Soaking them once a week in denture cleaner and cool water for an hour is a great way to refresh your aligners.

The differences between Invisalign and metal braces are numerous. Metal braces are the most traditional way of aligning crooked teeth. They are comprised of wires and brackets designed to guide teeth into a straighter position over time. Since metal braces are noticeably apparent, clear braces were developed to accomplish the same goal more discreetly. Invisalign is a removable teeth straightening system that can address mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. By using a series of customized plastic trays, patients are able to straighten their teeth while still having the flexibility to remove their Invisalign aligners as they wish. This feature can make eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth much easier throughout the treatment process.

Both Invisalign and metal braces have unique benefits, and the most ideal option will ultimately depend on your particular needs. Once you meet with our orthodontist to discuss your orthodontic concerns, he will steer you toward the system that can achieve your smile goals in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Invisalign can be an excellent treatment option for the right patient, but the fact is that this procedure is not always an ideal choice for everyone. Patients who have orthodontic concerns that are more severe in nature, as well as those who are simply considering other treatment options, can select from an array of alternatives that may be better suited to their needs. Our practice offers many different types of braces that can benefit patients with teeth misalignment and bite irregularities ranging from mild to severe. Options include traditional metal braces and clear braces. Our orthodontist can talk with you about your needs and goals during the initial consultation and explain all of the options. Together, we can find the treatment that can address your concerns and bring you a beautiful new smile!

The cost of Invisalign is based on a number of variables. Our doctor will review what could affect the ultimate cost of your procedure at the time of your consultation so you are well-informed. Following your conversation with our orthodontist, one of our team members can provide you with an overall estimate for the cost of your treatment plan. If you have an insurance policy, we would be happy to contact your provider to see what they will cover. We can also help formulate a payment plan that works with your specific budget, if desired.

The Invisalign aligners are made of a clear and flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®. This advanced form of plastic is designed to be very thin and pliable, allowing it to fit comfortably and discreetly over your teeth.

Invisalign is specifically designed to be virtually unnoticeable. The aligners do not contain metal or mechanical parts that can be easily visible. Invisalign’s use of clear plastic aligners make it one of the more popular orthodontic options available since they are practically undetectable to others while they are on the teeth

If your insurance policy offers coverage for orthodontics, there is a good chance that at least partial coverage for Invisalign® is available under your plan. A member of our staff can assist you with any questions you may have about whether Invisalign® is covered by your insurance policy.

Since the Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for eating and drinking, there are typically no food or beverage restrictions while undergoing treatment. With this in mind, it’s often recommended that you remember to take the aligners out at mealtimes, and particularly when drinking hot beverages—excessive heat can warp the aligners. Just be sure to brush your teeth (or at least give your mouth a thorough rinse) after eating and drinking, particularly if you’ve consumed items such as berries, wine, tea, or others that may stain the aligners once they are back on your teeth.

Wearing your retainer as directed is very important after the Invisalign treatment is complete.

This will help the teeth literally “retain” their new position. The length of time the retainer will need to be worn following Invisalign varies among patients; however, in many cases, individuals are able to scale back the use of the retainer after several months to the point that wearing it only while sleeping is all that’s required. Our orthodontist can provide you with more specific information once your teeth have been evaluated.