Invisalign - Westhampton, NY
Subtle. Effective. Beautiful.
For years, any adult who wanted to straighten their teeth felt like they couldn’t because their only choice was metal braces. They simply couldn’t imagine going to work or hanging out with friends with a mouthful of metal. With Invisalign, however, now they don’t have to. Designed to be discreet and extremely comfortable, this treatment is perfect for older patients who are looking to improve the health, appearance, and function of their smile all at the same time.
Why Choose Beach Dental for Invisalign?
- Dr. Gersten: Certified Invisalign Provider
- Specially-designed to fit every smile
- Often able to work faster than traditional braces
How Does Invisalign Work?
The key to Invisalign is that instead of metal brackets and wires, a patient simply has to wear a series of lightweight, clear plastic aligners that slip easily over the teeth. Each one will be shaped to slowly bring the smile into its ideal orientation, and a patient will be able to notice results at each step of the process. After wearing every aligner in the series for about 2 weeks for 20-22 hours a day, a patient will see a perfectly straight set of teeth in the mirror.
Why Patients Love Invisalign
- Practically Invisible: The aligners are designed to look like they aren’t even their when worn, ensuring patients can speak and smile with complete confidence throughout their treatment.
- Comfortable: Every patients’ aligners are shaped using a 3D scan of their mouth, ensuring the smooth plastic fits perfectly among the lips and gums.
- Convenient: Whenever it’s time to eat or brush your teeth, you can simply take Invisalign off until you’re done. This way, you can maintain your normal life while getting the smile you’ve always wanted.
- Fast: While regular braces usually take about 2-3 years to finish treatment, Invisalign can often straighten the teeth in just 12-18 months.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Did you know that most patients who have misalignment qualify for Invisalign? This treatment can be used in mild to moderate cases to straighten teeth and correct an unbalanced bite. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, most misaligned smiles can be adjusted with Invisalign not only to create a more appealing appearance but also to make biting and chewing food more comfortable and easier. Regardless of the alignment issue, our team can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. If you are wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, contact us to make an appointment.
Crowded Teeth
If your arch is small, your teeth can seem overly crowded, creating nooks and crannies where plaque can become trapped. Invisalign can help make a little more room and give teeth the room they need to feel comfortable and clean.
Gaps Between Teeth
On the other end of the spectrum, teeth can extra room and have gaps between them, allowing bits of food to linger in the mouth after eating. These gaps can also attract unwanted attention to your mouth. Shifting teeth closer together, Invisalign can provide a more uniform look that leaves the best impression.
Overbite
Ideally, your upper and lower teeth should meet evenly so that you can cut through food when you bite it. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth are significantly in front of the lower ones. In many instances, Invisalign can move the upper front teeth back to be properly aligned with the lower front teeth.
Underbite
An underbite consists of the lower teeth pulling forward ahead of the upper. Not only is this issue visually noticeable, but it can lead to jaw pain or trouble opening and closing your mouth. Thankfully, this bite problem can often be resolved with Invisalign, making sure teeth line up correctly.
Crossbite
When there is a mixture of angles in tooth alignment, it is usually called a crossbite. Although this issue, as well as the other bite misalignment, may require more advanced care with attachments, Invisalign may be used to make the bite straight and healthy.
Open Bite
You can tell if you have an open bite by looking in the mirror. If you see space between your upper and lower front teeth, you have an open bite, and you may struggle to bite into and break your food into smaller pieces. With Invisalign, we can make your teeth meet as they should, which will help you eat more efficiently and comfortably.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in getting Invisalign, the process couldn’t be simpler. Just give Beach Dental a call, and we’ll schedule a consultation right away. We’ll perform a quick exam, and if Invisalign would be a good fit for you, we’ll begin designing your aligners at the same appointment! Before you know it, you’ll have a beautifully straight set of teeth you’ll be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.
To begin your journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign, contact us today.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
We customize treatment for each patient according to their needs, and the good news is that Invisalign is typically similar to traditional orthodontic work. So how can you know how much Invisalign will be for you? The best way to get a better sense of how long you would need Invisalign, you must have a consultation with either Dr. Parli or Dr. Gersten. After an examination, talking with you, and learning more about your goals, they can create a treatment plan, which will include an estimated price.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
The cost associated with treatment will greatly depend on the current condition of your smile. If your misalignment is severe, Invisalign will likely require more time and cost more than if you only have minor issues. Plus, certain changes tend to take more time to correct, which results in more expensive care. We honestly won’t know how much treatment costs for you until you meet with us and we put together your unique treatment plan. Finally, the price of your treatment will also depend on whether you follow our instructions. When you stick to your treatment plan, you’re less likely to experience delays.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Perhaps you are wondering whether going with a DIY clear aligner system would save you some money, but the truth is that there are many ways that these treatments can go wrong. First, your treatment plan is based on a dental impression you take yourself. Untrained in this process, you could take inaccurate impressions, leading to improperly fitting aligners or an inaccurate treatment plan. In addition, other than creating the initial treatment plan, there is no dental professional monitoring your progress. If you lose an aligner or need to make an adjustment, you’ll have to deal with calling customer service. When you work with Beach Dental directly, we can keep you on track and make sure treatment is successful every step of the way.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
It depends on your plan. While some do not include Invisalign in their coverage, fortunately many dental insurance policies now apply to Invisalign treatment. This means you could save a significant amount on your out-of-pocket expenses for treatment! When you come in for your consultation, we’ll gladly look up your plan, answer any questions you may have, and talk with you about your coverage so that you know exactly how much you’ll be expected to pay after insurance benefits kick in.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Most patients find the prospect of paying for Invisalign treatment all at once a little straining on the budget. Our office can work with you to find a more flexible payment plan through CareCredit. This third-party financier offers a low or even no interest rate for medical or dental expenses such as Invisalign treatment. We can help you through the application process and help you choose a payment schedule that fits your monthly budget more comfortably. That way, you can enjoy your straighter smile without having to worry about the cost.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
During treatment, you’ll have Invisalign aligners in your mouth pretty much all day and night for a considerable amount of time. As a result, you may want to know what your day-to-day will look like with these trays, whether you’re still researching this option or waiting for your first set of aligners. Although Invisalign involves making a small commitment daily, you will find that it is well worth making!
Wearing Your Trays
If you want your Invisalign treatment to be successful, you must intentionally wear the aligners for at least 20 hours every day. They are not bonded to your teeth, which means you are in charge of keeping them in your mouth where they belong. If you don’t, your teeth will not move as they are supposed to, delaying your results and throwing you off your treatment plan. You should only remove them when you are cleaning your teeth, eating, or drinking any beverage other than milk.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Keeping your aligners clear does require a little bit of maintenance, but the good news is that you don’t really need any extra equipment. You only need a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, cool water. After rinsing your aligners off, hold them firmly in your hands as you gently brush them. Do not use warm or hot water because it could warp the plastic. If your aligners start to have a yellow tint, you may use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit to achieve a more thorough clean.
Eating & Drinking
One of the best aspects of Invisalign is having no food limitations, but you should keep a few best practices in mind. Eating and drinking an excessive amount of sugar increases the chances of a cavity, which puts your Invisalign treatment on hold until it’s resolved. Also, if you have attachments, be extra careful when eating raw fruits and vegetables to prevent the attachments from coming off.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
When your trays are not in your mouth and you’re not cleaning them, put them securely in the case. However, if you believe you have lost them, try to retrace your steps. Time is precious in this situation, so if you can’t find them, call our office as soon as possible. The same goes for a scenario where you break an aligner. Do not try to repair it yourself with superglue. Give us a call, and we can let you know the best next step for your treatment plan.
Routine Check-Ins
Coming in for your scheduled check-in appointments is essential for success. These periodic visits allow us to give you the next few sets, monitor your progress, make any necessary alterations, and answer questions you may have about your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign
Although Invisalign treatment can be completed in less time than traditional braces, it can still feel like a big commitment. Our team wants to help you feel confident moving forward with treatment, which is why we’re providing answers to some of the most common questions about Invisalign. If you still want to know more information about it, we invite you to give us a call, and we’ll schedule a consultation for you.
What should I do if I lose or misplace my aligners?
It’s important to stay on track with your treatment and follow our instructions, but we understand that these clear aligners can be misplaced. If this happens to you, just contact our office. We’ll see you as soon as possible and get you back on schedule.
Can I drink with my aligners in?
When you drink coffee, wine, dark soda, or any other colored beverage, you need to remove your Invisalign aligners to prevent staining. Even clear liquids can discolor the aligners over time. The only exception is water; otherwise, be sure to remove your aligners before you take a sip so that they stay clear, clean, and discreet.
How do I maintain my Invisalign aligners?
Although you’ll only wear the aligners for two weeks at a time, plaque and bacteria can build up quickly, potentially causing tooth decay and defeating the whole purpose of having clear aligners. Basically, you need to take care of them to make sure that your smile stays healthy throughout treatment.
Every day, when you take the aligners out to brush and floss your teeth, take a minute to gently clean the aligners using either toothpaste or clear dish soap and rinse them thoroughly in warm water. Do not use hot water, which can warp the plastic. Plus, after you’re done eating, make sure you brush and floss your teeth to keep plaque to a minimum. To avoid smelly aligners, make sure you rinse them off when you remove them from your teeth.
What happens after treatment ends?
When you’ve achieved the final results, we’ll provide a retaining set of aligners that help keep the teeth in their new straight position. At first, you’ll wear them all the time, but eventually, you’ll be able to wear them only at night to prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on many factors that can vary from patient to patient. These include the severity of misalignment, the timeline of treatment, how well you follow the treatment plan, and more. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Gersten will be able to create a customized treatment plan and give an accurate estimated timeline. Using that information, our team can provide a price quote. When you’re ready to schedule your consultation, just contact Beach Dental and get the straight smile of your dreams.
Are There Diet Restrictions with Invisalign?
With traditional braces, certain foods are off-limits, not only because they can get stuck in the brackets and wires, but also because they can actually cause the braces to break off teeth. This isn’t a concern for Invisalign in Westhampton. You take the aligners out when you eat, preventing them from being damaged or scratched. As a result, you are free to eat basically whatever you want! After brushing and flossing when you’re done eating, you simply put the aligners back in and carry on with your day.
Can I Get Invisalign If I Had Braces as a Teen?
Yes! Some patients who get braces as adolescents choose not to wear their retainers afterward or lose them. Consequently, teeth can regress or return to their old alignment. Unfortunately, this regression can happen even years following orthodontic treatment. If you have had braces treatment in the past, you can still correct your smile with Invisalign now. Having a straight bite and perfectly aligned smile for good is worth going through the process.
Can Invisalign Fix Bite Problems?
Invisalign doesn’t fix just aesthetic issues—it can also resolve bite problems like an overbite, crossbite, or underbite. In fact, it can be used for patients with mild to moderate misalignment, which means that most patients qualify. Dr. Gersten can evaluate your smile as it is currently to determine if Invisalign can rectify your bite and help your smile stay strong for the long run.
Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?
Realigning teeth requires shifting them within the jawbone. As you might imagine, it takes a decent amount of force, which can make your mouth a little sore for a couple of days after starting treatment and after switching to a new set of aligners. During these transition periods, you may want to eat softer foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, and eggs. If you experience soreness beyond a couple of days or severe pain, let us know. You could have an oral infection or be wearing the wrong set of aligners.
How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Take?
No two sets of teeth are the same, which means that the time it takes to straighten them may differ. However, most cases can be completed within about 18 months. When you have your consultation with Dr. Gersten, she’ll be able to give you a clearer understanding of the timeline you can expect for treatment.