Invisalign in Syosset, NY
At Barkoff Dental, we are proud to be a certified Invisalign provider in Syosset, NY. Call 516-921-1133 to schedule your appointment!
For more than a century, metal braces were considered the treatment of choice for straightening teeth. Braces are still tremendously popular today, but more and more patients and dentists are choosing Invisalign instead. “The clear alternative to braces” gently shifts teeth into position through a series of clear, smooth, medical grade aligners.
What Is Invisalign?
Rather than attached brackets and wires, Invisalign depends on customized, removable aligners. You will wear each set of aligners for 20-22 hours per day for two weeks, or as instructed, and then switch to the next set at home. You will visit us just once every 6 to 8 weeks so that we can monitor your progress. Total treatment time is typically 9 to 15 months, but this may vary depending on the specifics of your case.
3-D Modeling
The first step in Invisalign treatment is creating a 3-D digital model of your existing smile. We will then morph the model to show you what you can expect from each phase of treatment, as well as the final results. When you are happy with the design, we will use the model to create your personalized series of aligners.
Aesthetics and Comfort
Although no one likes to admit it, first impressions truly matter. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of flashing a mouthful of metal on a first date or at an important client meeting. Invisalign’s clear aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to smile and laugh with confidence.
Invisalign is far more comfortable than braces. Metal braces tend to scratch and poke the cheeks, gums, and tongue, and adjustments can be frankly painfully. Invisalign has no sharp edges, and the aligners induce gentle movement in the teeth.
Daily Life
Braces put your dentist in control. We place them, adjust them, and ultimately remove them. If you have an emergency such as a popped wire or a loose bracket, you must come in for an emergency visit. You cannot eat numerous foods, including popcorn and whole apples, and you will need to learn a new way of caring for your teeth.
Invisalign puts YOU in control. We place attachments on your teeth and teach you how to use your aligners, and then it is up to you. Eating your favorite foods and performing oral hygiene are easy, as you can simply remove your aligners as needed or desired. When it is time to change aligners, you will take out the old aligners and put in the new set. We will closely follow your progress, but your treatment is largely in your hands.
Cost Considerations
Although at one time, Invisalign was significantly costlier than braces, this is no longer always true. You must add the price of any cosmetic upgrades such as clear brackets or colored metal to the base cost of braces, as well as charges for all adjustments and emergency appointments. Invisalign uses a transparent, all-inclusive pricing model that includes office visits as well as aligners.
Dental insurance is complex, but many plans do offer orthodontic coverage. Our experienced office staff at Barkoff Dental will help you understand your dental plan and maximize any coverage you may have to help supplement your out of pocket costs.
Call Barkoff Dental at 516-921-1133 to schedule your appointment!
Invisalign FAQs
Is Invisalign as good as braces?
Invisalign aligners, also known as clear braces and invisible braces, are a modern method of correcting orthodontic problems. They align the teeth, just as well as metal braces do, using a clear, plastic, removable aligner.
In general, orthodontic treatment using Invisalign is faster than with traditional braces and gentler on the dentition.
How long will the Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatments are usually faster than traditional braces. If you, or someone you know, have had braces before, then you know average treatment is 12-24 months.
Average Invisalign treatment, in our practice, is 5-8 months!
How much does Invisalign cost in Syosset, NY
Invisalign, also known as “Invisible brace” or “clear braces” usually cost between $4,000 and $6,500.
How do I pay for Invisalign?
A “down payment” is usually required. The rest of the payment is spread out to be paid during the duration of the treatment when you come in for your follow up appointments, every 4-5 weeks.
If you have an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account), those funds are eligible for use to pay for your Invisalign treatment.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance companies cover Invisalign Treatment, just as they would cover Conventional Braces or any other orthodontic treatment. The amount of coverage depends on each individual plan and can cover from $500 to $2500.
How painful is Invisalign?
Most people report mild soreness in the first 1-2 days of treatment as their teeth and surrounding tissues adjust to the feel and pressure of having the Invisalign aligners in their mouths.
This pressure is a result of the continuous movement of your teeth towards a straighter, healthier smile. This feeling of pressure will usually subside as treatment progresses.
What’s cheaper braces or Invisalign?
Metal braces tend to be more affordable than Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment. Metal braces involve having metal brackets glued to your teeth and tied together with a metal wire. The treatment is semi-permanent and the bracket-wire ensemble stays in your mouth for the duration of the treatment. Invisalign aligner consists of a removable BPA free clear plastic that is worn over your teeth and moves your teeth gently.
Does Invisalign give you a lisp?
When you first wear your Invisalign aligners you may notice a slight lisp to the “s”, “t” and “th” sounds, until your tongue gets used to the sensation of the clear plastic on the teeth. This usually disappears within 1-2 hours from the start of treatment.
Can you drink and eat with Invisalign?
It is not recommended to eat or drink when your Invisalign aligner is in, however clear liquids like water are ok. We recommend removing the aligner to eat then replacing it after meals.
Is it difficult to talk with Invisalign?
No, It is not difficult to talk with Invisalign.
When you first wear your Invisalign aligners you may notice a slight lisp to the “s”, “t” and “th” sounds, until your tongue gets used to the sensation of the clear plastic on the teeth. This usually disappears within 1-2 hours from the start of treatment.
Can I kiss with Invisalign?
Yes! No one notices. Our patients report that at the beginning of the treatment they would take them out but as treatment progressed they were more secure that no one would notice.
Can I take a selfie with Invisalign?
Yes! Invisalign aligners do not show in selfies or any other photo. If you have an event and are nervous about it, then, by all means, take them out- just don’t forget to put them back in, in a timely manner.