631-744-5700
Rocky Point
631-423-6563
So. Huntington
Align Technology, Inc., the company that produces Invisalign clear aligners, reported a significant 69% increase in the number of adults who began Invisalign treatment during the pandemic. This was surprising because many companies saw their revenue fall during the year of the pandemic. The companies that flourished tended to produce products or services that facilitate remote work, social distancing, or pandemic-related hygiene. Yet, adults rushed to get Invisalign. What were the reasons behind this trend?
The transition to work-from-home arrangements and the daily grind of Zoom meetings mean that many people are staring at themselves on screen– more than ever before. And quite often, they discover that they don’t like their appearance. This is one reason fueling the demand for Invisalign treatment. It promises a better on-camera presence for working adults who want a more professional look.
Even if adults faithfully abide by the guidance to wear a mask, they still look forward to future get-togethers with family and friends. During the pandemic, many social events were delayed indefinitely—from weddings to school reunions to concerts. Many people want to straighten their teeth in anticipation of a special occasion.
The pandemic has triggered significant mental health issues among Americans, including depression and anxiety symptoms. People are social creatures, and anxiety can develop when a person is forced into isolation. This is particularly true for those who didn’t have extensive social support networks before the pandemic, as well as those who live alone. Depression and anxiety are strongly linked to physical symptoms—not just emotional and behavioral issues. One of those physical problems is bruxism, or teeth grinding.
If you’ve been waking up with a sore jaw or a headache without knowing why– the cause might be bruxism. Usually, a dentist can create a custom mouthguard to protect the teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding. However, Invisalign aligners can correct this issue— and straighten the teeth as well.
Job loss is an unfortunate reality for many Americans. If you were laid off or furloughed because of the pandemic, you might be thinking about moving on to bigger and better opportunities. There is no better way to make a great first impression at a job interview than with a winning smile. Invisalign treatment allows you to show off a friendly, cheerful smile while also giving you that much-needed boost of confidence.
Are you dreading the thought of removing your mask because your teeth aren’t as straight as they could be? It’s time to consult an Invisalign dentist on Long Island. Our team at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry is an authorized Invisalign provider. We’ll carefully examine your smile and map out your treatment process. We use state-of-the-art software that lets you see your final results before you even begin. You could start seeing improvements in just a few short months, so contact our Suffolk County office today. Please note we are currently open for all appointments, including cosmetic dentistry. Thank you for wearing a mask when you visit our office.
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As a general rule, a person of any age can benefit from Invisalign. However, children are not typically candidates for the treatment before the age of 6. Sometimes, a dentist will recommend that a child between the ages of 6 to 10 receive Invisalign to deal with oral issues that are already present. In many cases, early intervention can be beneficial for young patients. Treatment at this stage is known as Phase 1 treatment, and it can help prevent further orthodontic complications later in life.
Once a teenager has all of their permanent adult teeth, they are considered a viable candidate for the Invisalign procedure. For most people, this occurs at 12 or 13 years old. If your teen has any visible orthodontic issues at this stage of life, then Invisalign can be an effective treatment. However, it is vital to ensure that your teen is responsible and disciplined enough to follow the rules for wearing Invisalign aligners. They must be worn for most of the day and failing to do this can result in delayed or ineffective treatment.
If you did not receive Invisalign treatment as a child or teen, then you may be uncertain whether it will still be an effective orthodontic treatment for you. Fortunately, Invisalign remains an effective treatment for adults who are otherwise good candidates for the procedure. Since your teeth tend to be more stable than they are in your teens, the treatment may take longer to achieve the results you want. However, the process does not take longer than 12-18 months for most individuals.
You might be wondering if you are too old to receive Invisalign. In fact, there isn’t an upper age limit for undergoing Invisalign, and many older individuals seek out the treatment with successful results. As long as your oral health is generally good and you have sufficient bone density in your jaw, you should be a good candidate for Invisalign. Remember that it’s never too late to improve the appearance of your teeth and achieve a beautiful smile.
If you are considering looking into Invisalign on Long Island, you can begin by getting in touch with Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our team of experienced specialists is here to guide you through your cosmetic dental options, so you can find the solution that will work best for your smile.
We have ensured that our practice remains sanitary and safe to visit throughout the pandemic, so don’t hesitate to visit us. If you would like to learn more about how our dental team can help you, call our office today to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
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The answer is yes– you can treat just your top row of teeth– or your bottom row using Invisalign. This approach is known as a single arch treatment. Before making any decisions about what type of cosmetic treatment you would like to pursue– it’s always best to consult with your dentist. If you are interested in Invisalign as a solution to your cosmetic issues, the team at Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry will be glad to speak with you.
There are many reasons you might decide to opt for a single arch treatment rather than having both treated. Using a single arch treatment will reduce the cost of the Invisalign procedure. It can be a good option if you do not have significant cosmetic issues on both rows. It also means that you will be wearing fewer aligners, which can be easier and more comfortable for many individuals.
Single arch treatment is most often used to correct minor misalignment issues in your mouth. If your cosmetic issues are a simple gap in your teeth or a couple of crooked teeth, for instance, then a single arch treatment may be well-suited to your needs. If the aesthetic issues with your teeth are more extensive, on the other hand, then you may need more comprehensive oral treatment to achieve the smile you want.
The potential risk of only having Invisalign treatment administered to one row of teeth is that the occlusion of your teeth may be affected. This is why it’s important to only receive Invisalign from an experienced dentist who will accurately plan your treatment.
If you are looking for the best dentist for Invisalign on Long Island, then it’s time to call Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry. When you connect with us, we will help you determine whether Invisalign is the best choice for you. Then, we will develop a customized digital plan for you and your smile. Whatever your oral care needs might be, our team is here to meet them.
We have taken extensive measures to ensure that our office is safe for everyone during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To schedule a one-on-one consultation at our practice, call us today.
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When you decide to use Invisalign to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, your dentist will examine the current position of your teeth and then develop a detailed digital plan for your treatment. Part of that plan will be a week-by-week schedule of when you will receive your new Invisalign trays, each of which will replace an old one. As you switch out your trays, your dentist will monitor your teeth to make sure that you are staying on schedule with your Invisalign treatment. If there are any signs that your treatment is not proceeding according to schedule, then your dentist may make some adjustments to your treatment plan. The goal is not to develop a definitive plan that can never be altered, but rather to provide your teeth with the effective cosmetic treatment that you deserve.
Some patients wonder if they can speed up their Invisalign treatment by switching out the trays sooner. Every tray is designed to be worn for a specific amount of time, and if it is replaced with the next tray in the schedule too quickly, it will not be able to move your teeth as much as the schedule requires. As a result, your teeth will actually change position more slowly; thus, changing out your trays too quickly can actually slow down the treatment. If this happens, then you may require a brand-new treatment plan in order to get back on schedule. To avoid any delays such as this, make sure that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions for changing your trays and caring for them.
One of the advantages of Invisalign is how efficient it is. As you change your trays from month to month, your teeth gradually shift into their proper, preferred position. However, the process isn’t instantaneous, and it does require some patience from you. The intervals between each tray placement will be listed in your initial treatment plan, so they’ll be scheduled even before you get your first tray. Typically, you will switch out your trays once every one to two weeks. However, this length of time may vary depending on the current status of your teeth and how much work needs to be done. It’s critical to stick to your dentist-approved schedule for replacing your Invisalign trays.
Interested in getting Invisalign on Long Island? LI Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to provide you with the modern, up-to-date cosmetic dentistry options you’re looking for.
We have been taking special precautions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that our dentists, staff, and patients are safe.
When you work with us, you can always count on getting the caring treatment that you and your loved ones deserve. Please get in touch with us today to set up a one-on-one consultation!
Insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment with traditional braces will also typically cover Invisalign. Note, however, that each plan and insurance company can differ considerably in their coverage and limitations. You will need to check your own plan’s policy to determine if your insurance will cover it.
If you’re having trouble deciphering confusing insurance language, don’t hesitate to call your representative for more clarity. You can also check with your benefits manager at work. Furthermore, even if you don’t have insurance or if your insurance won’t cover Invisalign– there are still plenty of options for paying for it, and the treatment itself can be surprisingly affordable.
Medical insurance plans do not typically cover orthodontic care. Instead, you will need to check your dental plan to determine coverage. Some insurance plans will cover part of the cost, while others may cover it all. And in some cases, Invisalign will be covered in the same way as other orthodontic treatment that is considered “medically necessary.”
A number of factors could lead to a health insurer agreeing that Invisalign treatment is medically necessary. For example, medical necessity may be indicated by the following:
In addition, craniofacial abnormalities that can benefit from orthodontic care could fall into the “medical necessity” category. The same may apply to trauma-induced malocclusions. To determine if your malocclusion could require medically necessary treatment, you’ll need to consult an Invisalign provider. The dentist will need to provide documentation that proves the medical necessity.
Even if you lack dental insurance or your insurance carrier won’t cover Invisalign treatment, you still have options. The first step is to visit an authorized Invisalign provider to accurately estimate what your treatment costs will be. You’re likely to find that it is surprisingly affordable, particularly if your treatment is expected to be relatively short.
Once your Invisalign dentist on Long Island develops your treatment plan and cost estimate, you can begin formulating a plan. One effective way to finance Invisalign is to use your HSA (health spending account) or FSA dollars (flexible spending account). Both of these accounts offer tax advantages.
Even if you don’t have an HSA or an FSA, or if those dollars won’t entirely cover the cost of treatment, you still have other options. There are multiple health lending companies, such as CareCredit, Lending Club, and Citi Health. These offer flexible payment plans, and you may benefit from an interest-free promotional period on the card.
Find out just how affordable Invisalign treatment can be by scheduling a Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry consultation. Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot are authorized Invisalign providers who can evaluate your bite misalignment and develop a customized treatment plan.
Our office accepts all major insurance carriers, and we also accept health financing plans, such as those available through CareCredit, Lending Club, and Citi Health. We’ll be happy to help you figure out how to afford your Invisalign treatment. Call our office in Suffolk County, Long Island today!
Finally, we’re currently open for all appointments, including cosmetic dentistry, and we are taking strict COVID-19 precautions to protect public health and safety.
Additional resources on Invisalign treatment
The Invisalign procedure is world-renowned for providing a safe and proven method of straightening misaligned teeth. But how do you keep your Invisalign trays clean?
In fact, cleaning your trays is simple. You will simply remove them to clean them gently with a toothbrush, then rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in. Here’s what else you need to know about caring for your Invisalign trays.
Just as you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, so you should also make sure to clean your Invisalign trays twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Remove your trays and rinse them with cold water. Avoid using hot water to rinse your trays, as this can damage them. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush—without toothpaste—to gently remove any built-up food particles from your trays. Use a different toothbrush to clean your Invisalign trays than you use to brush your teeth.
Whenever you remove your trays from your mouth, you should always try to brush and floss your teeth—and rinse your mouth with cool water—before you replace them. If you don’t do this, you risk allowing food particles to get stuck between your teeth and the trays. This can interfere with the Invisalign treatment, and it can also lead to plaque growth and tooth decay. To ensure that you are able to do this, you may want to keep a small bag with an extra toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss with you at all times.
You should be wearing your Invisalign trays for most of the day and night, removing them only to drink, eat, floss, and brush. When you take out your trays, however, don’t simply leave them out in the open. Not only do you risk losing your trays, but this makes it easier for bacteria to grow on them. Use a special protective case for your trays (your dentist will usually provide one), and remember to put them there when you are done cleaning them, but before it is time to put them back in your mouth.
Are you interested in finding out more about Invisalign? Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry is proud to provide the cutting-edge cosmetic procedures you need to enjoy a bright, healthy smile. If you need an Invisalign dentist on Long Island, our team is here to make sure that the procedure goes as smoothly and comfortably for you as possible.
Our staff is taking all the necessary steps to keep our patients safe during the pandemic, including wearing personal protective equipment and using CDC-approved disinfectants. If you would like to learn more about your options for improving your smile, schedule a one-on-one consultation at our office.
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Refinements are a normal aspect of the Invisalign process; they are used to ensure that you are able to achieve the results that you and your dentist had planned for. While not everyone who uses Invisalign will require refinements, in some cases, a few minor tweaks and adjustments will be necessary.
Refinements are simply new sets of aligners. In most cases, only a few refinements are needed, and the cost is included in the overall price of your treatment. Here is what you need to know about refinements and how they affect your overall treatment.
Invisalign is a succession of clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth, each different than the last. Over time, your teeth gradually shift in place, improving your smile. Every time you return to your dentist’s office to switch out your current set of aligners for a new one, your dentist will check on the progress of your teeth. Every patient responds differently to this treatment, and adjustments may be required to ensure the best results. If your teeth are not changing their position on schedule, then your dentist may recommend that you add refinements to your treatment.
When your dentist decides that refinements are needed, they will take a new 3D scan and new photographs of your teeth so that additional sets of aligners can be made for you. This means that there may be a slight delay in your Invisalign treatment while your new aligners are being manufactured and sent to you. However, this delay will not impact the effectiveness of the procedure. Once you have received your new sets of aligners, your treatment can proceed.
Refinements are generally regarded as part of your Invisalign treatment, allowing your dentist to put the final touches on your teeth. For that reason, your additional aligners usually do not cost extra. If you require more than a few new sets of aligners, then the cost may be adjusted accordingly. However, refinements typically require only a short extension of the overall Invisalign treatment process.
Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry is open and continues to welcome patients for all procedures, including cosmetic treatments and emergency services. We are taking all necessary precautions in order to keep our staff and our patients safe during the pandemic.
To learn more about the convenience and effectiveness of Invisalign, get in touch with us at our Rocky Point office today. We will be glad to set up a one-on-one consultation with you so you can find out more about your options for creating a bright, beautiful smile you will be proud to show off.
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The Invisalign system gently straightens the teeth by applying pressure in strategic locations. It accomplishes this with a series of clear plastic aligners. They are custom-made for each patient. As you move through your series of aligners, your teeth will become closer and closer to your ideal smile. When you consult a cosmetic dentist about Invisalign, you’ll receive all the information you need to be successful with your treatment, including how long to wear each set of trays in the series.
Throughout your treatment, you will need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Most people will remove them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. However, you might also need to remove them to play a musical instrument but be sure that you still wear them at least 20 hours per day.
Most patients are instructed to wear one set of aligners for two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. And in most cases, wearing them longer than two weeks will not give you any extra benefits. In fact, it will delay your progress. Invisalign aligners are built for durability. However, since they are only designed to be worn for two weeks, they will begin to degrade if you wear them for longer than this. You should only continue to wear your old pair of aligners if your dentist specifically instructs you to do so.
There are only a couple of reasons why your dentist might instruct you to wear your aligners for longer than two weeks. First, if you aren’t able to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours per day, your teeth might not have made enough progress yet to move on to the next set in the series. Your dentist may ask you to continue wearing the old pair for a few more days to catch up before moving on to the next.
There is another reason why you might wear them for longer than two weeks. If your current set sustains damage and you’re unable to continue wearing them, your dentist might ask you to go back to the previous set. You’ll wear the older one while your dentist is having a replacement made.
Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re currently on the fourth set in the series, but they become warped from being left in a hot car or from drinking a hot beverage without removing them. If it’s too soon to move on to the fifth set in the series, your dentist will tell you to temporarily wear the third set to help retain the positioning of your teeth. Meanwhile, your new fourth set will be custom-made for you in the lab.
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot invite you to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. We are authorized Invisalign providers, and we look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful, straight smile of your dreams. We’re currently open for all types of appointments, including cosmetic dentistry, and we’re taking all necessary safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact our Rocky Point office today.
Additional Resources on Invisalign:
If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be, you may have thought about getting Invisalign clear aligners to nudge them back into their proper positions. Invisalign is an effective teeth straightening system that works well for most patients with malocclusion. However, only an authorized Invisalign provider can determine whether you’re a good candidate for it.
The occlusion of the teeth refers to the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaws are closed. In a normal bite pattern, the upper teeth should be positioned just slightly forward of the lower teeth. The points of the lower molars should fit into the grooves of the upper molars, and vice versa. Malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly. There are multiple types of malocclusion, and Invisalign can treat most of them, including the following:
Even if your teeth are just a little bit crooked, Invisalign can be a great way to transform your smile from “just okay” to “picture perfect.”
Of course, no matter what type or degree of malocclusion you have, Invisalign will only work for you if you are committed to complying with your treatment recommendations. One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You can enjoy all the crunchy, chewy foods you love because you’ll take out the aligners each time you eat. You’ll also need to remove them before drinking anything other than plain water. Before putting the aligners back into position, it’s important to brush your teeth and the aligners.
Although the aligners are removable, you will need to ensure that you wear them for at least 20 hours per day (22 hours is preferable). If you consistently leave your aligners out for longer than two to four hours in every 24-hour period, you may fall off track with your treatment plan.
Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry is open for business, and we are taking all safety precautions to ensure the well-being of our valued patients and staff. We are pleased to be an authorized Invisalign provider. We offer one-on-one Invisalign consults, during which we will determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. We’ll also plan your treatment, enabling you to visualize the final results. Schedule an Invisalign treatment consultation in Rocky Point, LI, today.
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When you think teenage orthodontia, you might immediately picture shiny metal braces, colored rubber bands, and lots of embarrassment. You wouldn’t be alone. Metal braces have been the only viable treatment option for misaligned teeth for years, but not anymore.
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear and removable plastic “aligners” to straighten teeth without any wires, metal, and rubber bands. While many adults use Invisalign to get the smile they’ve always wanted, it’s a great option for teens, too.
Here are 7 reasons parents should consider Invisalign for their teens:
Being a teenager is hard enough already without adding uncomfortable and embarrassing metal braces into the mix. Invisalign not only helps boost a teen’s self-confidence by building a great smile but also by being virtually undetectable.
How many movies are there in which teens are bullied or teased for their braces? Invisalign aligners are almost completely invisible, meaning that teens are less likely to be teased or bullied for wearing them.
Invisalign is just as effective as traditional braces. The clear aligners provide almost the same results as the metal wires and rubber bands when treating misalignments like:
Invisalign can also improve overall oral and dental health. In fact, it’s been shown to help prevent other periodontal uses like gum disease.
Traditional braces pose problems for teens that play sports or instruments as the metal wires can irritate and cut the insides of the mouth. Invisalign aligners are smooth and non-irritating so teens can continue with their activities without worry of being injured or in pain. Plus, the aligners are removable, making them ideal when an athlete needs to slip on a mouthguard for a practice or game.
Metal braces seem to take all the joy out of eating. No chewy candies, gum, popcorn, corn on the cob, or other tasty meals. No foods are off-limits with Invisalign as the aligner trays are removable. Teens can take out the trays to eat, brush and floss, then put the trays back in.
Many parents that have tried to get a teen to make a bed can attest that teens aren’t the most responsible age group. However, many orthodontists report that teens are actually more reliable when it comes to wearing their aligners than adults.
If the above reasons aren’t enough, here’s one more: Invisalign is comparable in price to traditional braces. Plus, most dental plans will cover Invisalign if they cover metal braces.
Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry in Rocky Point offers Invisalign treatment plans tailored for teens. Call us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
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Contact our Rocky Point (631.744.5700) or South Huntington Office (631.423.6563) today.
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