Invisalign® Clear Braces – Phillipsburg, NJ
Straighten Smiles Without Metal Wires & Brackets
Are you unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, but reluctant to wear metal braces for two or more years? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that there is a better option for older teens and adults: Invisalign®. This popular, innovative, and convenient clear braces system uses removable plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into their proper places. Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation at our office or read on!
Why Choose DeMartino Dental for Invisalign®?
- Clear, Removable Aligners – NO Fixed Braces
- Ideal for Image-Conscious Teens & Adults
- Experienced, Friendly Staff
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-fit aligners to place focused pressure on misaligned teeth throughout the treatment process. To create your unique treatment plan, your dentist will capture photographs, X-rays, and impressions of your teeth and oral structures to determine the most effective plan for straightening your teeth. This information is then sent to the Invisalign® lab, where your trays are manufactured. Once they arrive at our office, we will show you how to put them on, review how often to wear them, and answer any questions you have. Then, every 6-8 weeks, you’ll return to our office so we can monitor the movement of your teeth and ensure that you’re on track with your treatment plan.
Invisalign Teen
At DeMartino Dental Group, one of our greatest passions is to help growing smiles thrive. Sometimes, that requires orthodontic treatment, which many teens are initially opposed to. After all, the last thing they want is for metal brackets and wires to draw unwanted attention to their smiles! Fortunately, that’s where Invisalign Teen comes in. To learn more about it, including how it works, get in touch with us to schedule a consultation or read on.
How Is Invisalign Teen Different?
There are actually two noteworthy differences between Invisalign Teen and Invisalign:
- Invisalign Teen Aligners Have an Indicator Dot: As you may already know, the aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours a day. However, that may seem impossible to reinforce when your child spends the majority of their day at school or with friends. That’s why there is an indicator dot! It’s small enough that it won’t be an eyesore, but large enough that we can tell if your child is meeting the daily wear time.
- Invisalign Teen Includes a Few Replacement Aligners: It’s very important that your teen is willing to take on the responsibilities that come with clear aligners. With that said, accidents sometimes happen! If they accidentally throw their aligners away with their lunch or they break while participating in sports, you don’t have to stress because Invisalign Teen includes a few replacement aligners.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?
As we mentioned above, it’s very important that your teen is willing to take on the responsibilities that come with clear aligners, including wearing them for a minimum of 20 hours each day. If they are up for the task, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our office. From there, we can complete a comprehensive oral exam and determine if they are a good candidate for Invisalign Teen. If their case of misalignment isn’t too severe and their teeth and gums are healthy, then there’s a good chance that the answer will be “yes!’
The Benefits of Invisalign Teen
Clear aligners continue to be widely loved because:
- They can be removed for special occasions
- There aren’t monthly adjustment appointments
- They won’t get in the way of playing sports or musical instruments
- There aren’t any strict dietary restrictions
- The average treatment timeline is shorter (12-18 months)
- They are crafted from smooth plastic, which makes them more comfortable
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign Teen, including if your child is a good candidate, then get in touch with our dental team in Phillipsburg to schedule a consultation!
Who Invisalign® Can Help
When you come in for your consultation, one of our experienced dentists will give you a thorough examination. Our goal is to determine what type of orthodontic treatment will work best for your bite and oral health needs. Fortunately, many patients who are struggling with the following are good candidates for Invisalign®:
Crowded Teeth
Do your teeth crowd together, overlapping in the process? If so, then you know just how difficult it can be to smile confidently with overcrowding. While more complex cases are still better suited for traditional braces, patients with mild to moderate cases are often candidates for Invisalign®.
Gaps Between Teeth
Maybe you’re dealing with the opposite problem: there is too much space in your mouth, resulting in noticeable spaces between your teeth. If that’s the case for you, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Many patients in the same boat have achieved their dream smiles with Invisalign®!
Bite Alignment
Don’t let an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite stop you from scheduling an Invisalign® consultation with us. After all, this popular clear aligner system has helped countless patients with these orthodontic problems achieve the healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smiles that they deserve.
Benefits of Invisalign
When you look at all the amazing benefits Invisalign can provide, it’s easy to see why this treatment is an incredibly popular way to address mild to moderate dental misalignments. Here’s a quick look at how Invisalign can help you from the friendly team at DeMartino Dental Group.
Improved Comfort
Invisalign trays are constructed from smooth plastic that eliminates the possibility of pointy metal wires and brackets poking into the insides of your lips and cheeks. If you experience any discomfort during your Invisalign treatment, it will probably be when you start wearing a new set of aligners, but this will be mild and temporary. Many patients find that they can sleep through the worst of it by switching to a new set of aligners and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed.
Discreet Trays
Invisalign aligners are designed to be virtually invisible when worn so patients won’t have to worry about them showing up in photographs or being noticed by casual observers. This makes the treatment especially great for those who are anticipating a special event such as a wedding, graduation, or job interview.
Better Dental Hygiene
Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be easily removed by the patient. This allows them to take them out before brushing and flossing so they won’t have to worry about cleaning around their orthodontic appliances during oral hygiene sessions, which can help them prevent stains and painful oral infections that can cause treatment delays. These simple hygiene requirements also eliminate the need for specialized dental cleaning equipment.
Quick Follow-Ups
Invisalign check-in appointments typically take only fifteen to thirty minutes and mostly serve to allow our dentist to monitor the progress of your treatment and provide you with new aligners as needed. These checkups do not involve uncomfortable appliance adjustments and are excellent for those with busy schedules.
Boosted Confidence
Since Invisalign trays are virtually invisible when worn, it’s incredibly unlikely that other people will notice you wearing them. This can help you maintain a stylish appearance around your friends and a professional look at work, and it can make the treatment incredibly suitable for image-conscious teens.
Noninvasive Treatment
Invisalign is a minimally invasive orthodontic treatment that requires fewer changes to a patient’s lifestyle than traditional braces. You’ll be able to continue eating and drinking whatever you like and brushing and flossing your teeth normally since the devices are easy to remove. The brief check-in appointments may also allow you to avoid taking time off work or school.
Life with Invisalign®
Living with Invisalign® isn’t much different than life without braces once you get used to it. To start, there’s no need to modify your diet or worry about any special cleaning techniques. Just wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, and you can remove them as needed.
You’ll need to make sure you brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before putting them back in. Beginning with clean teeth and trays is crucial for your dental and oral health. The aligners fit very closely to the surface of your teeth; this means that any bacteria or food particles will become trapped, accelerating tooth decay. With good oral hygiene practices, you will gradually advance through your treatment and be on your way to straighter, more beautiful teeth!
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
Patients often assume that there is a flat fee for this smile-enhancing treatment. That’s not the case because there are so many factors at play, including the complexity of the patient’s case. So, if you are interested in getting an estimate of the price, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with us. That way, we can create your custom treatment plan, share the cost, and discuss the different financial solutions that are available.
Let’s Discuss Invisalign® Today!
Are you interested in improving the alignment of your bite with clear braces? We can’t wait to discuss this discreet alternative to metal braces. Request an appointment online today!
Invisalign® FAQs
Can you get Invisalign® after braces?
It is possible, yes. So, don’t let the fact that you’ve had traditional braces in the past stop you from scheduling an Invisalign® consultation! During this appointment, one of our dedicated cosmetic dentists in Phillipsburg will review your dental history, complete an oral exam, and discuss the responsibilities that come with clear aligners in order to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Who is not eligible for Invisalign®?
Although Invisalign® in Phillipsburg is quite versatile, it isn’t for everyone. For example, it isn’t ideal for patients who are struggling with severe misalignment, gum disease, or tooth decay. That’s why the initial consultation is so important! After completing a comprehensive oral exam, we can determine if Invisalign is right for you and, if it isn’t, which treatment (or combination of treatments) we recommend instead.
What should I do if my Invisalign® tray breaks?
First, try to pinpoint the last place you know you had your aligners. Then, carefully retrace your steps. Since there’s a chance that they ended up somewhere unexpected, it’s important to look in the not-so-obvious places, like the center console of your car and your laundry basket.
If you’ve looked everywhere you can think of, but your aligners are nowhere to be found, then call our Phillipsburg dental office. Over the phone, we can let you know if it’s safe to progress to the next set in the series or if you should revert to the previous set while we have a replacement made.
How do I clean my Invisalign® trays?
Fortunately, you don’t need a laundry list of special cleaning products. Quite the opposite: you likely already have everything you need at home!
First, use clean, cool water to rinse your aligners each time you take them off. Before you put them back on, brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash. Then, use a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to gently remove saliva, food particles, plaque, and other debris from the surface of your trays. If they need a deeper clean, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit or a dentist-approved clear aligner solution.
Will I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign® treatment?
The short answer is “yes.” Don’t get discouraged, though. After all, most patients only need to wear theirs at night while they sleep. Plus, they make retainers that look almost identical to clear aligners. So, if you do need to wear them a bit more often, you don’t have to worry about unwanted attention being drawn to your smile.
Can I drink coffee with Invisalign®?
Although you may have heard otherwise, you cannot drink coffee while wearing your aligners. There are a few reasons for this, including that hot coffee can warp the plastic and iced coffee can cause a noticeable, yellow hue to surface. So, if you want to stay on track with your treatment plan and maintain the discreet appearance of your trays, you need to take them off beforehand.