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.

Watch this video by Dr. Andrew Dusel to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, then contact us today to arrange a free consultation with our Diamond Invisalign providers. 

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign® is a system of clear aligners that helps teenagers and adults achieve the straight smiles they want without 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 public use in 1998. Invisalign® aligners and retainers are phthalate-free. They are made from Class VI (medical-grade) high-molecular-weight polyurethane resins.

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Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces. However, for many 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® 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 traditional braces with 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 using a new aligner, it is generally far less uncomfortable than traditional or clear braces. Patients often report it not as painful but as 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 an orthodontist trained in the use of Invisalign®. Many offer free consultations. However, when you call to make an appointment, ask whether they will charge you for the 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, teen, or express.

Your orthodontist will take dental impressions of your teeth and measure them. Dental impressions may be digital, or your orthodontist may do them with 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 position of the roots of 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, make sure you know whether your dental insurance will cover any of the treatment and what your financing options are if you cannot pay in full.

Your orthodontist will send information about your bite and teeth, including 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 need depends 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 retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. 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 experiences, so results will vary from one individual to another. It is even possible to see a difference within two to three months of starting to use the aligners.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

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 will be between $3,500 and $8,000. When you go in to see your Orthodontist, they will be able to give you a better sense of 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 issues with your bite that usually require special treatment and diagnosis. Invisalign is a great treatment option for moving teeth that are not in a 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 as less painful, if not pain-free, than 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 traditional metal braces. Once the teeth are in their new position, the pain will decrease.

Do You Wear Invisalign All Day?

You pretty much need to wear Invisalign all day and 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 for correcting crowded teeth. There are many considerations to look 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 have 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 have a tooth extracted while you are in the process of Invisalign, but of course there are some situations that cannot 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-removable. So, you can enjoy your favorite foods and snacks that some individuals with braces can’t.

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 can move lower teeth farther back so 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 regularly. If you decide not to wear your aligners, your teeth can slowly shift out of place.

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Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to be a top 1% Diamond Invisalign provider throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, Dunkirk, East Aurora, and Niagara Falls, New York. If you are considering Invisalign clear aligners for yourself or a loved one, please contact one of our seven convenient orthodontic offices to arrange a free consultation for Invisalgn today.

Our reputation as a leader in orthodontic care is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile