Invisalign in Upper West Side NYC

Dental West NYC takes a minimalist approach to Invisalign, as with most dental treatments. We love the technology and think all patients who want to straighten their teeth should consider Invisalign. Our Upper West Side dentists believe that the benefits of straight teeth go beyond cosmetics and will help you keep your teeth healthy and functioning properly.

What is Invisalign in Upper West Side?

Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners meant to straighten your teeth almost invisibly. The company’s patented SmartTrack material is engineered especially for orthodontic movement, and for many patients, it represents a welcome alternative to metal braces.

Alternative to Veneers

One of the most common applications for Invisalign is as an alternative to veneers. That’s right! You might be able to get that perfect smile without the commitment of veneers. For some patients, a few months of Invisalign and a whitening treatment can actually give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Whitening After Invisalign

We recommend a whitening treatment after a course of Invisalign. Why? Because it’s hard to keep your teeth clean when you have aligners on them. No matter how good you are at taking care of your teeth, food gets lodged and causes discoloration over time. Plus, after having plastic over your teeth for a few months, your teeth need to breathe. The whitening at Dental West NYC oxygenates your teeth and keeps them at their healthiest…and whitest.

Schedule an appointment with the experienced Upper West Side cosmetic dentists at Dental West NYC today to come in and chat with us about your best choices for teeth straightening!

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

How is Invisalign different from traditional braces?

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and typically more comfortable without brackets or wires that can irritate your mouth. Invisalign treatment also generally requires fewer office visits for adjustments and allows you to maintain better oral hygiene since you can brush and floss normally.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, very complex cases might require traditional braces. The best way to determine if you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with our dentist who can evaluate your specific needs.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12-18 months for adults. Some simpler cases may be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases might take longer.

Do I need to wear my aligners all the time?

For optimal results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing. Wearing them less than recommended will extend your treatment time.

Is Invisalign painful?

Most patients report less discomfort with Invisalign compared to traditional braces. You may experience temporary pressure or mild discomfort for a few days when switching to a new aligner set, which is a sign that your teeth are moving. This feeling typically subsides as you adjust to each new aligner.

How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?

Clean your aligners daily by brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water (not hot, as it can warp the plastic). Avoid colored soaps, toothpaste, or mouthwash which can stain the aligners.

Can I eat and drink with my Invisalign aligners?

You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food can damage the aligners, and beverages (especially hot, colored, or sugary drinks) can stain them or lead to decay if trapped between your teeth and the aligners.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

Some patients experience a slight lisp when they first begin wearing Invisalign aligners. This typically resolves within a few days as your tongue adjusts to the aligners’ presence.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and length of treatment. Generally, Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces. Our office offers financing options, and many dental insurance plans provide orthodontic benefits that may cover a portion of Invisalign treatment.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage will cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. Coverage amounts vary by provider and plan. Our office staff can help verify your insurance benefits and explain what portion of treatment will be covered.

What happens after Invisalign treatment is complete?

Like with any orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers after your Invisalign treatment is complete to maintain your new smile. Initially, you may need to wear retainers full-time, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear only. Your dentist will create a customized retention plan based on your specific needs.

How often will I need to visit the dentist during treatment?

Typically, you’ll have check-up appointments every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next few sets of aligners. These appointments are generally shorter than adjustment appointments for traditional braces.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes, Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for teenagers and includes special features like compliance indicators (to ensure aligners are being worn enough) and allowances for growing teeth. Many teens prefer Invisalign as it’s less noticeable and doesn’t interfere with sports, playing instruments, or other activities.

How do I get started with Invisalign?

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our dentist who will evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals. If Invisalign is right for you, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth, create a customized treatment plan, and order your first set of aligners.

What if I’ve had braces before or previous dental work?

Invisalign can often work for patients who have had previous orthodontic treatment or dental work like crowns and bridges. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation to determine if Invisalign is appropriate for your needs.

Can I see what my teeth will look like after treatment?

Yes! During your consultation, we use advanced 3D computer imaging technology to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move throughout treatment and what your smile could look like after Invisalign is complete.

How do I care for my teeth during Invisalign treatment?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is easier with Invisalign than with traditional braces because you can remove the aligners to brush and floss normally. Be sure to brush after meals before reinserting your aligners to prevent food from being trapped against your teeth.

What if I lose or damage an aligner?

If you lose or break an aligner, contact our office right away. Depending on how long you’ve been wearing that particular set, we may advise you to either move to the next set or order a replacement. Never move forward to a new set without consulting your dentist first.

Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign?

Smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners is not recommended as it can stain both the aligners and your teeth. If you do smoke, you should remove your aligners, but remember this counts against your daily wear time.