What Exactly is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

You may have heard of Invisalign through commercials and other advertisements or perhaps from a friend. It is said to be the clear alternative to braces, but what exactly is Invisalign? 

If you have teeth that are misaligned or an incorrect bite pattern, Invisalign is a possible solution. It offers many benefits over traditional braces. Read on to learn more about Invisalign to help you determine if it may be the right course of treatment for you.

Invisalign, or Clear Aligner Therapy, consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. These aligners gently, gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. You wear each aligner for a certain number of weeks before switching to the next one per your dentist’s instructions. Your dentist will monitor your progress along the way and once you complete the treatment you’ll have a new, beautiful smile.

There are many reasons people choose Invisalign over traditional braces, such as:

• Appearance. Not thrilled about the look of metal braces? Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Most people won’t notice them when you smile or talk. Many patients choose Invisalign for this reason above all others. 

• Convenience. There are many aspects of Invisalign that make it a convenient treatment option. For one, you receive the complete set of aligners for your entire treatment at the beginning. You can remove the aligners when you eat and brush/floss your teeth. You don’t have to worry about what you eat. You can drink while wearing them (although you may want to rinse them off and wash your mouth out after having any beverage other than water). You brush them just as you do your teeth to keep them clean. And you only need to visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress. 

• Comfort. The flexible plastic aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. They are smooth with no sharp edges. They gently shift your teeth into place without painful adjustments.

• Affordability. It used to be that traditional braces were less expensive than Invisalign, but now the total cost of treatment is comparable between these two options. Depending on your provider, the cost may even be less for Invisalign because you are not required to see a specialist (orthodontist). Most dentists can provide this treatment. If you have dental insurance part of the cost of the treatment may be covered. Payment plans and financing options are available as well to make the cost more affordable. 

Many dentists are now certified Invisalign providers, meaning you don’t have to see an orthodontist for teeth and bite alignment correction. Why? Because Invisalign technology uses digital impressions of the teeth to create a customized treatment plan. The computer does the majority of the work while the dentist makes any necessary adjustments and monitors your progress to make sure the treatment plan is working properly. 

Are you interested in trying Invisalign? If you’ve ever wished for straighter teeth or a better smile, this may be the solution you’re looking for. Barkoff Dental is a certified provider of Invisalign treatment. Whether you’re a new or current patient, you can receive the treatment through our office as long as you are an ideal candidate. 

Call 516-921-1133 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.