Each year, countless teens and adults opt for Invisalign over traditional braces to correct less-than-perfect smiles. Though each person often has specific reasons for selecting Invisalign, there are many benefits of this cosmetic dental treatment you may not have considered. Read on to learn whether using clear alignment trays to correct your smile is right for you.
Aesthetic Benefits of Invisalign
There is no question that Invisalign offers greater discretion when aligning your teeth. Instead of brackets and wires that are impossible to notice when you smile, many people won’t even notice Invisalign trays, as long as you keep them clean. Invisalign’s clear plastic trays are also virtually invisible in photos.
Invisalign also helps you protect your teeth from decalcification, which can happen with bracket braces. Because brackets are cemented to your teeth, it is difficult to remove all of the bacteria on the teeth. Bacteria lead to acid development which can eat away at the enamel of the teeth, in a process known as decalcification. Decalcification causes chalky white spots on the teeth, which are often first seen when braces are removed. Moreover, if you eat and drink a lot of foods and beverages that cause stains such as coffee, tea, white, and red sauces, the exposed area of your teeth may experience discoloration during your treatment, while the part of the tooth beneath the bracket does not.
Because Invisalign allows you to brush the entire teeth, decalcification spots are less likely, and you won’t have to worry about staining or discoloration around the bracket.
Lifestyle Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign also offers a variety of lifestyle benefits. You can enjoy all of your favorite foods while undergoing treatment with Invisalign, as the alignment trays are removable. You won’t need to worry about certain foods causing a wire to snap, or food becoming stuck in a bracket. You remove your Invisalign trays every time you eat, or drink anything other than water.
If you are an athlete, you’ll also be able to remove the alignment trays and replace them with a mouthguard while engaging in sports. This offers you the peace of mind of being able to protect your teeth while enjoying athletics.
Invisalign can be removed for up to four hours per day. This is helpful if you’d like to remove your trays for celebrations, nights out with friends, or if you’ve got business headshots, engagement photos, or other events to commemorate. However, to stay on track with your treatment plan you must wear your trays at least 20 hours per day.
Invisalign is also much more comfortable than bracket braces. The trays are very smooth, making them gentle on soft tissues inside the mouth. You will never have to deal with scrapes from abrasive metal brackets. You also won’t be at risk of cutting your cheek or tongue due to a snapped wire.
Oral Health Benefits of Invisalign
By virtue of being removable, Invisalign can help ensure good oral health while undergoing your orthodontic treatment. You can brush the entire surface of your teeth, which prevents plaque buildup. You can also floss normally. Being able to clean your teeth thoroughly during your treatment can help prevent myriad problems due to plaque accumulation, including cavities, gum disease, and infections.
Want to Learn More About Invisalign on the UWS? Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re interested in learning if Invisalign is right for you, Smiles on the Upper West Side invites you to schedule a consultation today. We will be happy to answer all of your questions. We will also provide you with an estimate of the length of treatment, and the cost of your treatment. Contact us at 212-222-5225 or book an appointment online.
Teeth cleanings typically cost between $100-$400 in NYC. Your dental insurance likely covers one or both of your exams. If you don’t have dental insurance, talk with your dentist. They may offer payment plans or a discount for uninsured patients. They may accept third-party financing through CareCredit. It is vital that you make dental cleanings and exams a priority, as poor oral health has been intrinsically linked to a variety of severe, chronic conditions and diseases.
Dental Cleanings: Preventative Screenings are Included
Although you may not realize it, your biannual dental cleaning involves much more than getting your teeth polished. During your appointment, your dentist will be looking for any tissue changes in the mouth that may indicate oral cancer, or underlying conditions such as diabetes.
They will be screening for any signs of infection. They will use digital x-rays once a year to confirm that your jaw bone is healthy and strong. They will also be looking for signs of wear-and-tear on the teeth, indicating that you may be grinding your teeth. They will also screen for signs that wisdom teeth are erupting, and recommend extraction if necessary.
Your dentist will also evaluate your bite during your exam, to ensure that you’re not putting undue pressure on the jaw joints, causing a TMJ disorder. Finally, they will identify any small fractures or internal decay in the teeth that can be treated immediately with a filling or dental crown, to restore the tooth to good health and prevent worsening problems.
Twice Yearly Dental Cleanings: Why Do You Need Them?
The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) both recommend twice-yearly dental cleanings and exams for plaque removal. Even those who practice excellent hygiene habits should have their teeth professionally cleaned. The reason? Although you’ll remove a lot of decay-causing plaque with regular brushing and daily flossing, you won’t be able to remove it all. The twice-yearly dental cleanings will remove any residual plaque before it has time to harden to the teeth (tartar).
When the plaque isn’t removed, myriad problems begin to develop. The plaque will cause tooth decay. Tiny holes (cavities) will soon develop in the teeth. As the decay spreads, the integrity of the tooth becomes compromised and may become infected. Infection can spread to the gums, resulting in periodontal disease and infection in the pulp of the tooth. Infected teeth must be treated with a root canal, or the tooth will need to be extracted.
Ultimately, missing teeth will need to be replaced with either a dental bridge or a dental implant. Both are more costly than simply having your teeth cleaned and your mouth examined every six months.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Cleaning on the UWS
Whether you’re a recent transplant to NYC, or you’ve been less than perfect about taking care of your oral health, Smiles on the Upper West Side is here to help. We are passionate about providing premium dental care because we are passionate about helping our patients achieve or maintain a beautiful smile, and safeguard their overall health. Book an appointment online, or call or text 212-222-5225 to book a dental cleaning.
Having a bright white smile is all that is needed to boost confidence and have a positive influence on one’s life. The problem is that most people don’t have naturally pearly white teeth. And since no one wants to go through life with lips closed, many turn to teeth whitening.
If you have never tried it before, here is everything you need to know about how teeth whitening works.
Why Teeth Become Stained
We aren’t born with stained teeth, so what causes them to become so discolored? Even those who brush and floss regularly find themselves struggling to maintain a white smile. There are actually many different factors can contribute to the staining, including:
- Foods that are acidic or contain heavy dyes
- Acidic beverages like coffee, tea, red wine
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Tobacco use, whether chewing or smoking
- Aging/Genetics
- Certain medications and medical conditions
Regardless of how they appeared, teeth whitening treatments can often remove stains, leaving you with teeth that are shades whiter.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional teeth whitening treatments involve a whitening agent strong enough to give you results in just one visit. Peroxide is one that is commonly used and it contains oxygen molecules that penetrate the stain and dissolve any bond it has to the enamel. The result? The stain is removed and the tooth’s white enamel returns.
There are stains found in the inner layers of the tooth known as intrinsic stains that will not be responsive to whitening treatments. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether or not the stains you are dealing with will be able to be removed from your teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatment
There are different types of teeth whitening treatments available, some that work better than others.
Professional in-office whitening treatments are often the most effective option as they can allow you to see your teeth shades whiter in just one session. They often involve placing the bleaching agent on the teeth and then activating it with a laser. Though treatment may also use gels in trays. They are quick and painless treatments done under the care of a professional.
At-home professional whitening treatment is purchased from your dentist, but performed at home. They generally take longer to see results – or may be used in between your in-office treatments to maintain a healthy level of whitening. These are still effective treatment options.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments that you buy in the toothpaste aisle of your local discount or grocery store are quite ineffective. You may see your teeth whiten a shade or two over an extended period of time. But if you are looking for noticeable results, this is not the way to go.
Teeth Whitening Treatments on the Upper WestSide
A teeth whitening treatment may be all you need to boost your confidence and feel good about yourself. And there is no better way to do that than with the team at Smiles on the Upper Westside. Treatment options including GLO Professional Whitening and Kör® Whitening allow for professional treatment both in-office and at-home – with quick, effective results.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 212-222-5225.
Invisalign is an extraordinarily popular choice for improving imperfect smiles. Instead of brackets bonded to your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear, smooth, removable alignment trays to align teeth and correct an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Patients with dental insurance may find that their policy offers coverage for either traditional braces or Invisalign. Other policies may not cover this treatment. Since each dental insurance policy is a bit different, it’s wise to contact your PPO plan and ask about coverage limitations or exclusions that apply to Invisalign treatment.
Paying for Invisalign: What to Know
Invisalign used to be more expensive than traditional braces. However, the cost difference has become negligible over the past several years. In some cases, traditional braces may even be more costly than Invisalign.
Invisalign offers indirect savings because fewer appointments are required during treatment. Instead of the dentist tightening your braces regularly, you are responsible for wearing and switching your trays as prescribed with Invisalign.
Patients who choose Invisalign also won’t have to worry about emergency orthodontic treatment for a snapped wire or loose bracket. This can result in additional indirect savings.
If your insurance does not cover Invisalign treatment, or if you do not have insurance, you still have options. You should check with your dentist about payment plans their dental practice offers. Many dentists will provide discounted services for uninsured patients. Other dental practices will allow for in-house financing for qualified borrowers. In this situation, you would agree to make monthly payments to your dentist throughout your treatment.
CareCredit financing is also an option for paying for Invisalign. CareCredit is a third-party financing company that allows people to pay for dental and medical treatments. CareCredit often offers no-interest or low-interest financing for up to one year. For more than 30 years, CareCredit has provided more than $70 billion in financing to patients. It is accepted by more than 250,000 providers nationwide.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
More than 12 million people in the U.S. have used Invisalign to correct problems such as:
- Gapped teeth
- Slanted teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
So, is Invisalign right for you? If you’re interested in correcting imperfections, you’ll be happy to know that Invisalign offers many benefits, such as:
- Discretion
Invisalign trays are nearly invisible, so most people won’t know you’re wearing them. They are rarely visible in photos.
- Comfortable
Invisalign trays are made of smooth, safe, BPA-free plastic, so they are not abrasive to the soft tissues inside the cheeks and lips.
- Removable
Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you want because the trays are removable. You can also remove them and replace them with a mouthguard when engaging in sports.
- Allows for Better Oral Care
Invisalign allows you to brush the entire surface of the teeth and floss normally. No special floss threaders or tools are needed. There is no risk of teeth staining around a bracket bonded to your teeth. The ability to brush and floss normally can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fast Results
In many cases, Invisalign treatment can be completed faster than traditional braces. If you only have a few misaligned teeth you want to correct, you may complete treatment in just months.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation on the UWS
Smiles on the Upper West Side provides Invisalign treatment in Manhattan. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Massiah, call 212-222-5225, or book an appointment online.
Oral health plays a significant role in overall health, so you should be selective when picking the best dentist for your family. But where do you start? How do you know which dentist to entrust with your family’s health? Here are four tips to help you choose the best dentist for your family in NYC.
Choose a Dentist that Offers Comprehensive Restorative, Preventative, and Cosmetic Dentistry
People of all ages need to have regular preventative oral screenings and dental cleanings. But most families will need more than a general dentist. Although a general dentist can treat routine problems such as cavities, most individuals will eventually need some type of cosmetic or restorative dental treatment.
As teens age, the need for orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign may become evident. However, many adults who had braces as a teen, also find that their teeth have shifted since they completed treatment and need realignment.
Other families may have a family member who experiences dental trauma caused by a car accident, hard fall, or sports injury. So, it’s smart to pick a dentist for your family that provides implant restorations. Other families may have a history of gum disease, or teeth prone to infection or decay, requiring root canal therapy or laser gum surgery.
Each family is unique, which is why it is worthwhile to look for a dental practice that can treat both common problems, complex problems, and emergencies.
Look for a Dental Practice the Includes Specialists You May Need
Not all family dental practices include specialists. To reduce the number of providers you may need for your family’s dental care, it’s smart to choose a practice that has specialists in-house. The types of specialists you may want to look for include cosmetic dentists, periodontists, and dental anesthesiologists.
This is because you may not be ready for certain treatments now, but you’re thinking of them for the future. As time marches on, you may find that stained teeth are impacting your self-esteem. Or you may find that stress or anxiety has led to a TMJ disorder. By selecting a dentist that can provide treatment for a huge variety of problems, and offers all types of cosmetic treatments available, you’ll have a single source for all of your dental care for all members of your family.
Confirm the Dentist Uses the Latest Dental Technologies
Dental technology has advanced rapidly over the past several decades. But not all dentists offer the latest techniques, tools, and equipment that make your dental treatments faster, safer, and free from pain. When choosing a dentist for your family in NYC look to see if they have embraced technologies and treatments such as:
- Soft Tissue Lasers
- Surgical Microscopes and Imaging
- Digital X-rays
- Intraoral cameras
- Digital Caries (Cavities) Detection
- Ultra Quiet Electric Handpieces
- Digital Flat Screen Monitors for Patients
Find a Practice that is Open When You Need Them
Many dental practices are only open during standard 9-5 hours. However, this can be difficult for families with children in school and extracurriculars. It can also make dental appointments challenging for those who work during normal hours. So look for a dental practice that offers appointments earlier in the morning, or later in the evening for your convenience.
Top-Reviewed Family, Restorative, Cosmetic Dentists on On the Upper West Side
If you need a new, full-service dentist for your family, we invite you to meet our team at Smiles on the Upper Westside. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling or texting 212-333-5225. You may also schedule an appointment online.
Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to artificial tooth replacement. Not only do they look just like real teeth, but they function just like them, too. Dental implants are strong and offer you a stunning smile – but they don’t come without a price tag.
So, how much does it cost to get a full mouth of dental implants in NYC? Let’s talk about it.
The Cost of a Full Mouth of Dental Implants in NYC
Though there are many different variables that play a role in the cost, a full mouth of dental implants in NYC can easily surpass $35,000. After all, it is no secret that dental implants are a bit on the higher end when it comes to artificial tooth replacement. It’s important to consider the durability and longevity that come with them. Dental implants can last decades. Cheaper tooth replacements need to be replaced every few years. So, while the cost may be cheaper initially, constantly having to pay to replace them may leave you spending more than you would for dental implants!
Even better news is that some dental insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost of dental implants. And companies like CareCredit offer financing to help make the procedure more affordable. Talking to your dental team can open doors for you to make full-mouth dental implants affordable for you.
Factors that Impact the Cost
There are so many factors that can impact the final cost of dental implants. The above figure is an average cost, but when you factor in specifics unique to your dental needs, that amount could change.
A few supplemental procedures that could change the cost of your implants include:
Imaging fees. Depending on when you had your last set of x-rays, you may need to update them. Your dentist will be looking to see how dense your jaw bone is and if it will be ready for the procedure.
Bone Grafting. If your jaw bone density isn’t where it needs to be to securely fuse with and anchor the implant, your dentist may require bone grafting. This procedure adds bone to ensure it will be strong enough.
Extractions. Broken and decayed teeth will need to be removed before the dental implant can be placed. If you are getting a full mouth of dental implants, then you will require the removal of all your existing natural teeth.
Anesthesia. Should you opt for any sedation methods chosen, this could increase the cost of the procedure.
To get the best estimate for a full mouth of dental implants in NYC for you, it is best to schedule a consultation with your dentist. You will receive an estimate so that you know what the cost will be.
Dental Implants at Smiles on the Upper Westside
Whether you are interested in dental implants to replace one missing tooth or an entire mouth of teeth, the highly-skilled team at Smiles on the Upper Westside is here for you. They have successfully performed countless dental implant procedures and have many satisfied patients.
To learn more or find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact us today at 212-222-5225
If you’re considering a full mouth rehabilitation, it’s only reasonable to wonder just how long this kind of procedure can take. The length of time usually depends on any current oral health issues you have and the cosmetic dental appearance you want to improve.
It all starts with diagnosis and planning for treatment. Exactly which procedures will be involved depends on you, as well as your dentist’s personal recommendations based on your needs, budget, and cosmetic and restorative goals.
While a full mouth restoration can be a significant procedure, it’s worth the time and effort – the benefits will last a lifetime!
Reasons for a Full Mouth Reconstruction
Let’s start with a look at why you might want or need a full mouth reconstruction. These include:
- Damaged or severely crooked teeth
- Severe tooth decay or loss
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Overall tooth structure
- Bite stability
- Improving gum and bone density
- Improving appearance and self-image
- Being unable to eat a well-balanced diet
Many people experience damaged teeth, severe decay, or tooth loss. But there are solutions for each of these problems. Why suffer with unattractive or missing teeth? Whether you’re unable to eat certain healthy foods such as apples or carrots, uncomfortable with the look of your smile, or experiencing poor bite stability, repairing your oral health through a complete mouth rehabilitation is the solution.
Mouth Rehabilitation Process
While the length of time it takes to achieve a full mouth reconstruction can vary, it all starts with a consultation with your dentist. Consulting with your dentist begins the process of discussing and understanding available treatments, as well as what they may entail in terms of time. Your dental team may share stories of other patients’ experience and explain costs, benefits, and answer any concerns you might have.
Determining Mouth Rehabilitation Procedure Length
Because everyone’s dental rehabilitation needs are different, the length of time a full mouth restoration can take will vary. Here’s what determines procedure length:
- Your overall health including oral health
- Factors that determine the procedure length
- Type of reconstruction, such as implants or crowns
- How much time you have to allow for treatment
Some options for rehabilitation will take longer than others.
Dental Implants
A full set of implants can be a time-consuming process that takes several hours each visit. Overall, implants can take up to six months to complete, including the surgical implantation of the metal posts, and any necessary bone grafts you may need prior to implantation, due to the condition of your jawbone. The result is permanent, both strong and durable. Implants stabilize, eliminate, or prevent any bone or gum loss.
Crowns and Veneers
Used to restore color, shape, and tooth size, crowns fit completely over a tooth, while veneers attach to the front of a tooth only. Both work well to restore smiles and improve your ability to chew and bite. A single crown can be placed in a single visit, but patients requiring multiple crowns may need to plan on multiple visits and a more lengthy amount of time. Veneers are more simply and easily applied. Porcelain, composite resin, or instant veneers are all available.
Other Mouth Restoration Techniques
Using restorative inlays or onlays, dentures, or bridges are other techniques that can be employed for a successful and attractive mouth restoration.
Final Results
While a full mouth restoration can be a long process, the final result is an attractive look and healthy mouth. The brand-new smile you end up with can be easily maintained with twice daily brushing and flossing, as well as regularly scheduled, twice-yearly visits to your dentist for cleaning and checkups. So, if you’re ready to fix missing or damaged teeth, we’re ready to help you decide the best path toward rehabilitation.
Ready to Learn More About Full Mouth Rehabilitation?
If you’d like to learn more about mouth rehabilitation, have any questions we can answer, or if you wish to schedule an appointment, reach out to us today! Dr. Massiah and our entire dental team is ready to help.
Dental procedures that repair or replace teeth fall under the umbrella term of restorative dentistry. The goal of restorative dentistry is to either restore the function of teeth, improve the appearance of teeth, or both. Read on to for what you need to know about 5 types of restorative dentistry procedures
5 Types of Restorative Dentistry Procedures
There are a variety of restorative dentistry procedures, ranging from incredibly common, such as fillings, to more complex, such as dental implants.
Fillings
Composite fillings are used to fill in the holes in teeth created by cavities. Older patients may remember that fillings used to be gold or silver. Today, composite material is used to both match the color of the teeth, and to chemically bond to teeth. Fillings are a very simple restorative technique, completed within a single visit.
Crowns
Crowns are used to reinforce damaged teeth that cannot be repaired with a filling. Like fillings, crowns do not require the extraction of your tooth. If you require a crown, your tooth will be shaved down, and a crown (sometimes called a cap) that looks and functions exactly like your original tooth will be placed over the shaved tooth.
Dental Bridges
As its name implies, a dental bridge is used to bridge gaps in your mouth caused by missing teeth. Dental bridges use artificial teeth to fill in gaps between teeth, crowns, or implants. The bridge must be bonded to the nearest healthy, secure teeth or to implants to anchor it in place.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a restorative dentistry procedure used to replace missing teeth. During the procedure, a small titanium screw will be placed into your jaw bone. It serves as a replacement for the tooth root, and bonds securely to your jaw bone. A crown is then attached to the top of the screw, mimicking the look and function of a normal tooth. Dental implants are often the best option to replace multiple missing teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth, that may be necessary if you’re missing some or all of your teeth. Full or partial removable dentures adhere to your gums. Snap on dentures adhere to your mouth by attaching or snapping onto your implants.
Do I need restorative dentistry?
If you are missing multiple teeth, you are a candidate for restorative dentistry. Missing teeth pose risks to your overall health and wellbeing. This is because gum disease can serve as the gateway to a host of infections, diseases, and deterioration of your gum or jaw bone. In addition, missing teeth can lead to misalignment of your other teeth, difficulty eating, and even alterations in your speech. Unfortunately, when you are missing teeth, you may also experience facial skin sagging, making you appear older. Moreover, some studies suggest that missing teeth also contribute to lower self-esteem, and may contribute to depression and anxiety.
Your dentist will notify you during an exam if you require less invasive, and more common restorative procedures such as fillings or crowns. Many patients are unaware that they have cavities until they see a dentist. In some cases, fillings may be completed in a same-day appointment.
Schedule a Restorative Dentistry Consultation on the UWS Today
If you’re ready to take the next step in improving the appearance of your smile, and preventing future problems with your oral health, contact us today at 212-222-5225.
If you do a lot of research before your medical or dental procedures, you may have come across some alarming stories regarding the hazards of dental implants. Dr. Massiah is a big proponent of patient education, which means he’s upfront and honest with patients about the fact that getting dental implants is a surgical treatment with risks and complications, just like any other surgery. The good news is that by working with skilled dental implant specialists like the team at Smiles on the Upper Westside, you can minimize your risk of complications.
Dental Implant Safety
Dental implants are so safe that they’ve become the preferred option for replacing missing teeth in most circumstances. While implants may seem like a new development in dentistry, titanium implant fixtures have been in use for more than half a century and have a success rate of 95 to 98 percent after 10 years.
Headaches, jaw pain, and chronic low-level infection are some of the most common dental implant issues you’ll read about on the internet. Over the years, a lot of research has been done on these topics, and no studies have shown that implants cause these or any other chronic health problems.
Dentists recommend dental implants because they prevent the chronic health issues that go hand-in-hand with tooth loss. Dental implants help maintain jaw bone density, which is important for both your dental and general health. As your jaw begins to break down, your bite becomes weaker, making it more difficult to eat the well-balanced diet your body needs to function at its best.
Risks of Dental Implants
These are the most common risks of dental implants:
Surgical Complications
Any surgery, including dental implants, has the risk of nerve injury, bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues. If you choose to have dental sedation during your procedure, you should be aware that this comes with its own set of risks. The chances of surgical complications occurring are lessened when you have dental implants placed by a qualified specialist.
Dental Implant Failure
The majority of implant failures are due to either a patient’s unwillingness to follow aftercare recommendations or a dentist’s lack of training, skill, or patient screening. Some patients, for example, travel outside the country to have dental implants placed at a reduced cost, but the surgery may not be performed to the same high standards as it would be in the United States.
Your dental implants might fail because:
- You start smoking again shortly after surgery.
- You have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, that makes it harder for your body to heal after surgery or that puts you at increased risk of infection.
- You develop gum disease after getting implants.
- You don’t visit the dentist for regular preventive dental care.
- You don’t have the necessary jawbone support for dental implants.
- You take medications that impact your body’s ability to absorb calcium.
- You had chemotherapy or radiation treatments after dental implant surgery.
When a knowledgeable dental implant specialist performs the surgery, dental implants are completely safe. While many dentists now offer dental implants, it’s important to select a specialist who has experience with a range of cases and has performed the procedure frequently. At Smiles on the Upper Westside, we have a number of dental specialists all under one roof, which means we can handle your entire treatment in-house. You’ll still be seeing the specialists you need to see for optimal care, but you won’t need to have to coordinate visits to multiple practices.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants or have questions about their safety, contact us today at 212-222-5225 to schedule an appointment.
If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you’re probably wondering how long it will take. Because there are a few different factors at play in determining the length of treatment, the answer is a little more complicated than you might expect. Here’s all you need to know about how long Invisalign takes to straighten teeth and correct your bite.
Average Invisalign Treatment Time
First, let’s talk about the average Invisalign treatment time. The average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months, at least according to the Invisalign website. (At our practice, it’s usually closer to the 12-month mark.) While this is the typical amount of treatment time needed for most patients, there are always exceptions—many people achieve their treatment goals in less than a year, while some complex cases take longer than 18 months.
One of the main advantages of the Invisalign system over traditional braces is its predictability. We can give you a fairly accurate time frame for your treatment when you come in for your consultation with Dr. Massiah, since he’ll determine how many aligners you’ll need to straighten your teeth during this appointment. We know that each set of aligners will be worn for about two weeks, so the number of aligners times two roughly equals your treatment length.
Your Orthodontic Case
The most important factor in calculating how long you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners is the severity of your crowding, spacing, and bite concerns.
Patients with only minor orthodontic issues, such as adults who had braces as teens and only need some refinements after orthodontic relapse, may require a few months of aligner therapy to correct their misalignments. Patients who need to correct misalignments and major bite issues may need Invisalign for more than 18 months.
When Dr. Massiah plans your Invisalign treatment, he considers all of these factors, and this determines how many aligners you’ll need.
Compliance With Invisalign Treatment
While we can predict how long your Invisalign treatment will take depending on the severity of your orthodontic case, we can’t predict how well you’ll comply with your treatment instructions. This is the other major factor at play in determining how long it will take you to get your desired results with Invisalign.
Wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day is recommended by Invisalign, but we recommend that you wear them all the time, except while drinking anything other than water, eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing. Unlike traditional braces, which are permanently affixed to your teeth and work all day long, Invisalign aligners only work when you wear them. Wearing your aligners as much as possible each day can help you stay on track with your treatment.
If you take your aligners out frequently and for long periods of time, your treatment may take longer than predicted during your initial consultation appointment. When you visit our office for check-ins, Dr. Massiah may observe that your teeth aren’t moving as quickly as we’d like them to, and he may ask you to wear your current set of aligners for longer than two weeks, or even switch to a previous set to ensure you’re progressing appropriately through your treatment.
Patients who do not wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day will find that their treatment takes longer than they’d like. Luckily, the fact that Invisalign aligners are clear and comfortable means that most of our patients have no problem wearing them as recommended. There’s no reason to take them out when they’re virtually invisible!
Learn More About Invisalign
Is Invisalign the right orthodontic option for you? Contact us today at 212-222-5225 to learn more or schedule an appointment for a consultation.