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.
When you decide to get a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you don’t want to trust just anyone. Your cosmetic dentist is your partner in your journey to gaining confidence and a brighter smile. That’s why it’s important to take your time and choose the dentist who’s best for you.
However, if this is your first time getting cosmetic dentistry or if you have recently moved to a new town, you may not know where to start looking. You may not even know what you’re looking for. Below are some questions to ask yourself as you look into cosmetic dentists near you and the reasons these factors may be important to you.
Can they take care of everything in-office?
Some cosmetic dentists only take care of the cosmetic part of your mouth, which is important. But what happens if you need anesthesia during your procedure? What if something else goes wrong or you want some general dentistry done as well?
Finding an office with a variety of dental specialists can ensure that you receive comprehensive care. Depending on the office, you may have access to anesthesia, general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry all in one. This can make keeping your mouth healthy and happy as simple as possible.
Do they specialize in cosmetic dentistry?
Any dentist can perform some cosmetic dentistry procedures, but that may not be their specialty. Finding a dental office with at least one dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry can help you get the results you want. While the office may have many dentists from across specialties, you’ll want to see at least one who thinks about cosmetic dentistry for a living.
It’s like any other part of your health. If you’re having a heart attack, you want to see a doctor. While any doctor would be better than no doctor, you would probably choose a cardiologist if you could. You have the time to pick a specialist for your dental care needs; find one with the right specialization for your needs.
How up-to-date is their technology?
How often does a consumer tech company put out a new gadget? It seems like every other week there’s a groundbreaking technology coming out, right? Technology changes quickly, especially in the medical field.
If you want the latest and greatest cosmetic dentistry treatment options, be sure to find a provider who is keeping up with the times. Such a dentist likely reads the latest studies and stays on top of the science. As such, they will have access to the safest and most effective technology available.
Top Cosmetic Dentists in Upper Westide
If you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry services in the Upper Westside, look no further. Smiles on the Upper Westside checks all the boxes. Our experienced and knowledgeable in-house team is ready to help. We are proud to provide the most effective and safe treatments on the market. Contact us today to make an appointment and see what makes us different.
Many people do not like what they see in the mirror when they smile. Aging causes teeth to naturally yellow. In addition, many people drink red wine, coffee, and other beverages that stain teeth. You may believe that professional whitening is too expensive, so you want to search for an at-home remedy.
Activated charcoal products are available everywhere online. You may be curious about how these products work and whether they are worth trying.
Activated charcoal may physically remove surface stains. However, its abrasiveness could permanently damage your smile.
The Use of Activated Charcoal for Tooth Whitening
Before trying a home remedy for tooth whitening, dentists urge patients to check whether the method is safe. Activated charcoal can help with other medical issues, but it has not been proven safe and effective for tooth whitening.
This article describes activated charcoal, shares how it works, and why it is not the best choice for at-home tooth whitening.
About Activated Charcoal
Factories make activated charcoal by burning wood, coal, or other materials. The factory then heats the charcoal to a high temperature with an activating agent. This step increases the charcoal’s surface area.
Activated charcoal is helpful against some types of poisoning. It absorbs dangerous materials in the stomach and prevents them from getting into the bloodstream. It may also have antimicrobial properties.
How Activated Charcoal Works on Teeth
Activated charcoal works by scrubbing stains away. It does appear to remove surface stains but does not penetrate any deeper. Unfortunately, activated charcoal may deposit new gray stains on older teeth. It could collect around crowns, veneers, and bridges.
Why Isn’t Activated Charcoal Recommended for Tooth Whitening?
The Journal of the American Dental Association reviewed the research into activated charcoal. Multiple studies have failed to prove that activated charcoal is safe or effective for tooth whitening. Studies have also failed to prove claims that charcoal preparations kill bacteria and detoxify the mouth.
When you use toothpaste with activated charcoal, you will gradually scratch your enamel away. Using plain baking soda may also have the same effect over time. Abrasive charcoal could expose a layer called dentin which is naturally yellow. Once the enamel is gone, dentists cannot get it back.
Removing the enamel could lead to more sensitivity and tooth decay. In addition, commercial charcoal toothpaste does not often contain fluoride. Its absence could also contribute to increased tooth decay.
Alternatives to Activated Charcoal
Other home remedies for tooth whitening are much safer, including whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, and strips. However, none of these remedies work as well as an in-office dental treatment.
Making the Right Choices for Your Smile
Though sellers promote activated charcoal’s benefits online, it may damage your teeth. Contact a trusted dentist for an appointment if you want white, healthy teeth without permanent damage.
Contact Us Today
Call Smiles on the Upper Westside at 212-222-5225 to schedule a tooth whitening consultation today. Our excellent dental staff will help you make an informed decision about your smile.
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.
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option for many of our patients. While most people have heard of Invisalign, not everyone is familiar with how it works or what treatment entails. If you’re thinking about choosing Invisalign to straighten your teeth, here’s what you should know.
What Is Invisalign?
Orthodontic braces, which use brackets and wires to push and pull teeth into alignment, were once the sole option to straighten teeth. Invisalign uses an entirely different treatment approach by swapping brackets and wires for clear plastic aligners.
The Invisalign process involves wearing a series of aligners for two weeks at a time. These aligners will be custom-made for you by Dr. Massiah, with small differences in each set that gradually bring you closer to your beautiful new smile. Although Invisalign isn’t right for everyone, advances in the SmartTrack material and aligner technology mean that Invisalign can now address a wide range of bite issues just as effectively as traditional metal braces.
How Invisalign Works
Your consultation is the first step in Invisalign treatment. We’ll make sure the system is a good fit for you during this visit and take x-rays, photos, and digital impressions so we can create a 3D model of your smile on our computer. This model will help Dr. Massiah plan your treatment, design your aligners, and let you see a preview of how your smile will look once your treatment is complete.
Your treatment plan will be sent to Invisalign, which will make your custom aligners. In some circumstances, attachments (known as “buttons”) are bonded to your teeth to aid movement. You’ll wear your aligners in a set order for two weeks at a time, or as recommended by Dr. Massiah.
The removable nature of Invisalign aligners distinguishes them from braces. This is an advantage in a number of ways: it allows you to eat all of your favorite foods while also making brushing and flossing a breeze. However, braces are permanently attached to your teeth to straighten them all day long, whereas Invisalign aligners only work when you wear them. Although Invisalign recommends wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours each day, we suggest wearing them all day except when you’re eating, drinking something other than water, brushing, or flossing your teeth.
You’ll come to our office every 6 weeks so Dr. Massiah can monitor your treatment and make sure it’s on the right track. Once you’ve gone through each set of aligners, you’ll be given a set of Vivera retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. Like your aligners, these retainers are made with transparent plastic, but the material is stronger and more durable. With proper care and maintenance, Vivera aligners can last for about 2 years before needing to be replaced.
Learn More About Invisalign
Do you have questions about how Invisalign works? Wondering if it’s the right fit for your needs? If you’d like to schedule a consultation to learn more about Invisalign, contact us today at 212-222-5225 .