Discreet & Comfortable Invisalign® Treatment
Invisalign® is one of the most popular orthodontic techniques available. Free of metal parts, removable, and designed for convenience, these clear teeth aligners can straighten misaligned and crooked teeth more inconspicuously, comfortably, and quickly than traditional braces. Our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Kenneth Banasiak, offers Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen at our practice. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, Invisalign® may be able to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always desired.
Many dentists offer Invisalign® at their practices; however, an orthodontist like Dr. Banasiak is a specialist in tooth movement, proper jaw growth, and teeth and jaw abnormalities. His education, experience, and training can help you obtain the best possible results in a comfortable and professional environment. If you want to see the difference that an orthodontist—and preferred provider of Invisalign® in Basking Ridge or Mendham—can make, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a teeth straightening system that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Due to the enhanced comfort and discreet appearance, you may find yourself smiling more often, even before treatment is complete. Created with 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign® offers a technologically advanced solution to teeth misalignment. For these reasons and more, Invisalign® is one of the most popular orthodontic techniques in the nation.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign®?
Invisalign® offers a modern approach to straightening teeth with clear, virtually invisible aligners. These custom-made aligners can provide a comfortable fit and allow for easy removal during meals and dental hygiene routines, ensuring better oral health. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® does not involve metal brackets or wires, typically requiring fewer adjustments, shorter orthodontist appointments, and less discomfort and mouth abrasions.
The transparent design helps patients undergo treatment discreetly, making it a popular choice for adults and teens. Additionally, Invisalign® often requires shorter treatment times than other orthodontic options, with progress usually visible in a matter of weeks. Overall, Invisalign® can not only enhance dental alignment and function but can also boost confidence with its aesthetic appeal.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign®?
Invisalign® can be an excellent option for many patients. The clear aligner trays are nearly invisible and can be conveniently removed when you want to eat, drink, brush, or floss. Invisalign® has no metal parts. As a result, you may need fewer adjustments, experience shorter orthodontist appointments, and avoid mouth abrasions that metal brackets and wires can sometimes cause.
We will customize your treatment plan to suit your needs and goals, and you can view a virtual map of the step-by-step process from the beginning to the projected final result. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, Invisalign® in Basking Ridge or Mendham may be right for you.
When considering treatment candidacy, Invisalign® is typically suited for individuals seeking a less noticeable and more comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Oftentimes, ideal candidates:
- Are adults and teens: Invisalign® can be a viable option for those who may be self-conscious about the appearance of metal braces.
- Suffer from mild to moderate dental misalignments: This orthodontic approach can correct crowded teeth, gaps, and bite irregularities.
- Are committed to treatment requirements: Patients should wear their aligners for 20-22 hours daily and change them every week or two.
- May have undergone previous orthodontic treatment: Invisalign® can be suitable for those needing minor corrections after traditional orthodontics.
- Have good oral health: To ensure the treatment’s effectiveness, candidates should not have active gum disease or untreated cavities.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
When you arrive for your complimentary initial consultation, Dr. Banasiak will evaluate your oral structures and discuss your orthodontic goals. He will then determine if Invisalign® is an ideal treatment option for your needs and desired outcome. If you are a candidate for Invisalign®, our orthodontist will create a treatment plan customized to achieve the best possible results.
Once a treatment plan is developed, you will wear customized aligner trays that gradually adjust your teeth to the final position. Each clear, removable tray should be worn for about two weeks, followed by the next in the series, continuing until you complete the process. You should always wear the aligners except when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
Digital Impressions
An orthodontic technique as advanced as Invisalign® deserves an equally innovative selection of support elements. Digital imaging technology allows our orthodontic team to take impressions of your teeth, gums, and oral structures without the mess and discomfort of traditional molds. Using state-of-the-art digital cameras, we can collect images of your bite, plan your orthodontic program, and provide highly precise blueprints for an improved smile. In many cases, using digital impressions can reduce procedure time and minimize the need for corrections mid-treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
Treatment times will vary based on your needs and goals, though most patients complete the procedure in 9-15 months. You should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. Wearing the aligners throughout most of the day and night will help ensure the treatment progresses as intended and the teeth gradually move into the ideal position. If the aligners are not worn for the length of time necessary each day, it can increase the chance that the treatment may take much longer to achieve the best outcome.
How Long Do Invisalign® Results Last?
Invisalign® results, when maintained properly, can usually last a lifetime. The key to lasting outcomes typically lies in the diligent use of retainers after treatment, as retainers can help teeth remain in their new positions. Additionally, good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can play a significant role in maintaining both the health of your teeth and the stability of the alignment. Thus, the permanence of Invisalign® results significantly depends on post-treatment care.
What Is Invisalign® Teen?
Like Invisalign®, Invisalign® Teen is an orthodontic technique that can straighten misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners. That means you won’t have a mouth full of metal when you take yearbook pictures, ask someone out on a date, or just live your life. Furthermore, you can remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. There’s no worrying about whether you have pepperoni stuck in metal brackets and wires! Invisalign® Teen is designed with your needs in mind, so it’s easier to clean, more comfortable to wear, and much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Do I Have to Avoid Certain Foods or Activities With Invisalign®?
Unlike conventional metal braces with dietary restrictions, Invisalign® will let you eat what you like, including pizza, popcorn, candy, and corn on the cob. Just make sure you take out the aligners before you chow down! Invisalign® can handle all of your extracurricular activities, too. The material is made from durable plastic, and the trays will be customized to fit your teeth precisely, so you can practice sports, play music, or just lie around without feeling like braces are getting in the way.
How Do I Take Care of the Invisalign® Aligners?
Keeping your clear aligner trays clean can help you keep your teeth clean and thus reduce the risk of developing cavities and other types of decay. Fortunately, caring for your Invisalign® system is as easy as caring for your teeth. Simply brush each aligner and rinse with lukewarm (not hot!) water each time you take them out. When you put them back in, they will be nice and fresh. You must brush your teeth after eating or drinking—every time—before putting the aligners back in your mouth. Food residue can lead to bacteria buildup that can affect your teeth and damage or stain your aligners.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
The ability of Invisalign® to minimize discomfort during the treatment process is one of the many reasons so many patients select this option for their orthodontic needs. With that in mind, Invisalign® does involve a brief period of adjustment. As you wear the aligners for the first few days, you may notice a bit of soreness or discomfort. These effects should fade quickly as your mouth gets used to the appliances. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often be helpful until these temporary side effects go away on their own.
Will I Need a Retainer After Invisalign® Treatment?
Some patients will need to wear a retainer to help preserve their teeth’s position and avoid having the bite shift in any way. Some patients will not. Our skilled orthodontist will let you know if a retainer should be part of your treatment plan.
Invisalign® Vs. Braces?
The main difference between Invisalign® and braces lies in the fundamental design of each technique. The goals of both options are essentially the same; however, the approach is quite distinct. Invisalign® uses a system of clear aligners made of a flexible plastic material to progressively move the teeth into a new position and correct mild to moderate orthodontic concerns.
The aligners can be easily removed when you eat, drink, and perform your oral hygiene routines. Since Invisalign® does not rely on metal wires and brackets to straighten the teeth, this treatment offers a more discreet alternative to braces. Additionally, Invisalign® typically does not require as many follow-up visits for maintenance as braces.
Traditional braces are orthodontic appliances fixed in place during the entire treatment period. This option relies upon a system of brackets and wires to correct teeth misalignment and bite irregularities. While braces may not be as discreet as Invisalign®, it’s important to note that these treatments are often better for patients who have more severe orthodontic concerns.
If you are not an ideal candidate for Invisalign®, braces may be recommended; however, that doesn’t mean your wishes for a less noticeable orthodontic treatment option will go unfulfilled. Our orthodontist offers a selection of clear and ceramic braces designed for patients who want to effectively achieve their orthodontic goals with as much discretion as possible.
During your consultation, Dr. Banasiak will perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and talk with you about the best option for your needs.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
The cost of Invisalign® in Basking Ridge or Mendham and Invisalign® Teen will vary depending on your unique treatment plan. We offer a wide range of payment options and can work with you to find a plan that fits your budget.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
How noticeable is Invisalign®?
The material that composes Invisalign® is so translucent that it is barely detectable on the teeth—even at a close range. Regarding how you may sound while wearing the aligners, it’s common for patients to notice a slight lisp at first. This effect should become less apparent within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the aligners.
Does insurance cover Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is often covered (at least partially) by dental insurance plans if the policy offers benefits for orthodontics. A team member can review your specific policy and help you determine whether coverage is available for Invisalign®.
What are my alternatives to Invisalign®?
If Invisalign® is ultimately not the best option for your orthodontic needs and goals, there are treatments available that may serve as ideal alternatives. Conventional braces may be more suitable for patients with severe teeth misalignment, bite irregularities, or other orthodontic concerns. Our practice offers a comprehensive array of options, including traditional metal braces, clear and ceramic varieties, and innovative self-ligating braces.
Many of our brace options are designed to be less noticeable on the teeth, offering the ability to correct orthodontic concerns while retaining some degree of discretion. If you are not a candidate for Invisalign®, Dr. Banasiak will explore your alternatives and help you find the option that can successfully meet your needs.
Can you switch from braces to Invisalign®?
It is possible to switch from braces to Invisalign® in some cases; however, it will ultimately depend on each patient’s unique situation. For this process to be recommended, individuals with braces must be considered ideal candidates for Invisalign®. If so, it may be possible to remove the braces and continue treatment with Invisalign®. Switching methods may not be a good idea for some patients because it could negatively affect the final outcome.
In other cases, the treatment plan may have been designed to incorporate a switch from braces to Invisalign®. These situations are often more ideal because the change in treatment methodologies is strategic and part of the treatment plan from the beginning. Our orthodontist can discuss your needs and goals and determine the best option for you.
Can Invisalign® fix a slight shift of teeth after braces?
Generally speaking, traditional braces will likely have fixed the orthodontic concerns present once the treatment process is complete. If your teeth have shifted or begun to move back to their original positions, Invisalign® may be able to correct the problem and prevent additional shifting.
Can I get Invisalign® if I have dental restorations?
In some cases, Invisalign® may be utilized while dental restorations are in place. Restorations such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers must be securely bonded to the teeth for this to work. Even so, in some cases, they can present issues when used in tandem with Invisalign® in Basking Ridge or Mendham. Dr. Banasiak will evaluate your needs during the initial consultation and explain your options.
Do I need to wear Invisalign® at night?
Yes. For optimal results, Invisalign® aligners are designed to be worn for at least 20-22 hours daily. Neglecting wearing them at night and while sleeping may cause the treatment to take longer or render it ineffective.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Banasiak to start your journey towards a straighter, healthier smile. To learn more about our orthodontic options, contact Banasiak & Nettune Orthodontic Associates in Basking Ridge and Mendham, NJ, today for more information.
