Invisalign in Buffalo, NY

Are you looking for a discreet way to achieve the beautiful and healthy smile you’ve always wanted? Invisalign clear aligners provide a more comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the unsightly metal brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. Keep reading to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, then contact us today to arrange a free consultation with our dedicated orthodontists.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign® is a system of clear aligners that help teenagers and adults get the straight smiles that they want without the use of traditional or clear braces. Since Invisalign® aligners are made specifically to treat your orthodontic needs, they are often more comfortable for you to wear.

The FDA has classified Invisalign as a Class II medical device. The FDA cleared Invisalign® for use by the public in 1998. Invisalign® aligners and retainers are phthalate free. They are made from Class VI (medical grade) high molecule weight polyurethane resins.

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Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces. However, for a lot of patients, the increased rates are worth it. You should review your dental insurance policy to determine if it covers the cost. Many Invisalign providers also have financial plans to make the smile of your dreams more affordable.

Why Should I Consider Invisalign?

Invisalign in Buffalo, NY | Clear Aligners | Orthodontists Associates of WNY Invisalign® has many benefits. First, Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. If you currently have traditional or clear braces, you do have the option of talking with your orthodontist to find out if you can switch to Invisalign. Many orthodontists treat their patients by combining the use of traditional braces and Invisalign.

One of the things that people hate about having traditional or even clear braces is that they have to give up certain foods during treatment.

With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions. One of the few times that you remove your aligners is when you are eating. Then, you clean your teeth and put your aligners back in. You can continue to eat crunchy foods, drink coffee, and eat foods with tomato based sauces.

The only restriction generally given with Invisalign is to avoid chewing gum. This is because chewing gum sticks to your aligners.

If you’re worried about the pain that is often associated with the use of traditional braces, then you should consider Invisalign. Although some patients report minor discomfort in the first few days of a using a new aligner, it is generally far less uncomfortable than traditional or clear braces. Patients often report it not as feeling painful, but as a feeling of pressure in their mouth.

Invisalign is clear and easy to use. They are great for people who are worried about the attention they may get from wearing traditional braces. Since they look and fit similar to a custom whitening tray, they aren’t as noticeable during treatment.

Some patients do report having a small lisp during the first few days of treatment. However, this goes away as your tongue learns to navigate in your mouth with the aligners.

Invisalign treatment takes, on average, about a year. However, it could take more time to help you get the smile of your dreams. Invisalign has come a long way since its first approval for use in 1998.

Orthodontists now use it to treat various bite problems. So, if you thought that you wouldn’t qualify for Invisalign, check with an orthodontist who specializes in its use. You may be pleasantly surprised!

How Does Invisalign Work?

First, you should visit with an orthodontist who is trained in the use of Invisalign®. Many offer free consultations. However, when you call to make an appointment, you should ask if they will charge you for this initial appointment.

Your orthodontist will assess you and determine if Invisalign is the right choice to help you straighten your smile. He can also talk to you about Invisalign options: standard treatment, teen treatment, or express treatment.

Your orthodontist will take dental impressions of your teeth as well as measure them. Dental impressions may be digital or your orthodontist may do them out of a putty tray. Your orthodontist will also take a bite registration. This helps your orthodontist better understand how your teeth meet.

We will take X-rays to determine the root positioning for your teeth. Finally, the orthodontist will take a series of photos. This will help document the progress of your treatment. At the end of this portion, the office might ask you to make a payment for your treatment. So, you should make sure that you know if your dental insurance will pay for any of the treatment and what your financing options are if you cannot pay in full.

Your orthodontist will send the information about your bite and your teeth, including the photos, to Invisalign. Invisalign® will create a digital simulation of the movement your teeth will undergo with treatment. Your orthodontist will review this digital simulation to ensure that it is correct for you.

Once approved, Invisalign will make your aligners. How many you will need will depend on the goal of your treatment. Some people just need 10. Others need as many as 30.

Your orthodontist could receive your aligners in as little as 2-3 weeks. However, if the treatment plan requires changes, it could take longer. Once your orthodontist has your retainers, they will contact you to schedule an appointment.

The orthodontist may put “attachments” on your teeth. Attachments are a composite material that matches the enamel color of your teeth. They are put on the front of some of your teeth to help keep the aligners in place. You’ll wear each set of aligners for just a few weeks. You’ll visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks to monitor your progress.

Invisalign® also has a custom cleaning kit for your aligners. Although you can remove your aligners and clean them with a toothbrush, the custom cleaning kit is still important.

At the end of your treatment, you may require the use of retainers in order to keep your teeth in their new place. To learn more about Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, schedule a free consultation with our orthodontists today!

How Long Does It Take to Straighten Your Teeth with Invisalign?

For most adults it takes around a year for Invisalign to completely straighten your teeth. This is an average period of time since everyone has different experience so results will vary from one individual to the other. It is even possible to see a difference within two to three months from the time you start using the aligners.

How Much Does It Cost for Invisalign?

When looking at the price of Invisalign braces you are going to pay more than you would for regular braces. According to the manufacturer your cost is going to be between $3,500 and $8,000. When you go in to see your Orthodontist, they be able to give you a better sense on what you will be close to paying.

Is Invisalign As Good as Regular Braces?

One benefit of regular braces compared to Invisalign is that they do more than just straighten your teeth. Braces are great at correcting any issues with your bite which usually require special treatment and diagnosis. Invisalign is a great form of treatment for moving teeth that are not in any complicated situation. One of the great things offered by Invisalign is intended in the name, they are practically invisible which is a huge perk for some individuals.

How Painful Is Invisalign®?

When advertised, Invisalign is known for being less painful if not pain-less when compared to metal braces. With that being said, that does not mean that Invisalign is completely painless. When you think about what Invisalign is for it is to straighten your teeth, you are moving your teeth around which is going to come with some type of pain. Invisalign is without a doubt less painful than the traditional metal braces. Once the teeth are in their new position the pain will decrease.

Do You Wear Invisalign All Day?

You are pretty much needing to wear Invisalign all day along with all night. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. For you to get the best results Invisalign should be in your mouth for as long as possible. You should replace the tray for your aligner about every two weeks during your treatment period.

Can Invisalign Fix Crowding?

Invisalign is an option when trying to correct crowded teeth. There are a lot of considerations that need to be looked at. One thing to consider is how overcrowded your teeth are, along with the horizontal and vertical aspects of your bite, and the bite within itself. If you are someone with overcrowding issues you are more likely to have bite issues as well.

Can I Wear Invisalign® After Tooth Extraction?

If you have had a tooth extracted, you can still wear Invisalign. It is not recommended to get a tooth extracted while you are in the process on Invisalign but of course there are some situations that can not be avoided. An example of this would be getting your wisdom teeth removed. An Orthodontist may stop your treatment plan if a situation like this occurs.

Can I Chew Gum with Invisalign?

One of the best perks of Invisalign is being able to remove it. Compared to regular metal braces which of course are non removeable. So, you are able to enjoy your favorite foods and snacks that some individuals who wear braces are not able to do.

Can Buck Teeth Be Fixed with Invisalign®?

Invisalign can be used to fix the placement of multiple teeth in some cases. Whether you have an overbite, buck teeth or are just not happy with gaps. Invisalign has the capability to move lower teeth farther back so that they naturally sit where they should. In some cases, braces can be used with Invisalign. If the case is serious enough you may need more than Invisalign, or Invisalign may not help at all.

Do Your Teeth Shift Back After Treatment?

The only way your teeth will move back after Invisalign is if you do not follow the proper steps after treatment. You need to wear your aligners on a regular basis. If you decide against wearing your aligners your teeth can start to slowly shift out of place.

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