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Since its introduction in 1997, Invisalign has “invisibly” straightened and corrected more than 7 million smiles around the world. Not only does the system offer a more discreet straightening process than its traditional metal bracket competitor, but it can also often correct teeth alignment faster than braces.
Still, the retainer-like plastic tray system takes 12 to 16 months to work for the average patient, who must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. While the process can make dramatic changes to your smile without the discomfort and cosmetic distractions of metal, some patients may wonder if there is a way to fast-forward the process. Maybe you wish to speed up your results in time for a wedding, family photos, graduation, vacation, or other heavily-photographed life events.
While misaligned teeth can’t be magically fixed overnight, there may be ways that you and your dentist can speed up the straightening process.
Invisalign Express is an option for some patients with less-complicated alignment issues. This system works the same way as the traditional trays but uses less than half the number of aligners, which means half the allotted treatment time. This express system allows patients to see drastic or even complete results within as little as 4 to 6 months—just in time for that important date on the calendar. However, before you get too excited, know that not all dental issues can be addressed with Invisalign Express. This system is typically reserved for minor alignment issues.
Some patients can find their treatment is taking longer than expected. However, this is most commonly due to the patient not keeping their tray in for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Removing the tray for more than 4 hours per day could add extra weeks or months to your treatment time. If you want to have quick results, you should care for and wear your retainers diligently, only removing them to eat, drink, and brush.
Even if you aren’t able to fully complete your treatment in time for your specific event, you could still have a drastically improved smile by then. Because Invisalign uses digital imaging to design your unique and customized treatment process, your dentist can share images of what your smile is projected to look like at that phase of your treatment. While it may not be perfect just yet, chances are the results will still make you smile.
Permanently realigning your teeth takes time, and trying to speed up the process too much can cause extra complications that may actually slow down your treatment. The best thing to do is to talk to your dentist about your wishes so that they can come up with a practical and effective solution. There are a number of ways that you may be able to safely speed up your Invisalign process, but it will depend on your particular dental problems.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss Invisalign with Huntington, Long Island dentists.
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Invisalign has revolutionized modern orthodontic treatment, letting you straighten your smile discreetly and comfortably. Unlike metal braces, these clear plastic aligners don’t alter your appearance or cramp your style. Whether your treatment lasts 8 months or 16 months, you can smile with confidence while using Invisalign. Because the aligners are transparent, no one will even know you’re having orthodontic treatment.
While Invisalign offers patients of all ages an appreciable level of comfort and convenience, the aligners do require a degree of discipline and commitment. Everyone knows there are no diet restrictions with Invisalign. You can chow down on your favorite hard and crunchy foods without worry. Simply pop the trays out during meals, and you’re good to go.
In order to get the best outcome with the Invisalign system, there are some things you should avoid during the treatment.
Invisalign trays are made with a flexible thermoplastic material designed for comfort. While the aligners are durable, they are not meant to be worn while eating or drinking anything other than water. Don’t run the risk of damaging your aligners, which will simply prolong your treatment.
If you are an avid gum chewer, the aligners must be taken out before chewing. Gum can stick to the trays, ruining them.
It’s crucial to ensure your Invisalign trays are clean and sterile before placing them in your mouth. Take care to disinfect the trays with Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleanser, which removes plaque in a matter of minutes. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
After every meal or snack, it’s vital to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Why? Any leftover food particles or pigments (like tomato sauce, berries, or beets) can stain and discolor the aligners, giving them a dull appearance.
Many brands of toothpaste – especially the ones that claim to whiten teeth – contain strong abrasives that can scratch the clear plastic of your Invisalign trays, making them much more noticeable. For this reason, it’s best to use a dedicated toothbrush and denture cleanser or cleaning crystals only.
In order for Invisalign to work, you must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Non-compliance with this rule means your treatment time will take much longer than anticipated. You can take them out for special occasions now and again, but try and be mindful about the discipline needed for this orthodontic treatment.
At Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, getting the smile you’ve always wanted is a breeze! Want more information about Invisalign teeth straightening? Call our Rocky Point office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Long Island cosmetic dentist!
One of the many benefits of choosing to straighten your smile with the Invisalign system is that the aligners are highly durable, while also remaining comfortable to wear in your mouth. As durable as they are, however, it is possible for Invisalign aligners to become damaged. The good news is that, unlike metal braces, there are no sharp wires or brackets to hurt your soft tissues when breakage happens. Plus, aligner damage isn’t a complete catastrophe. Here’s what you need to know when it happens.
It’s possible for the aligners to sustain hairline cracks. If this happens, you may continue to wear them. However, you’ll need to be extra careful when putting them in and taking them out. You can reduce bending by using a flat edge to pop them off. This may help prevent the tray from splitting entirely. When putting the aligners back in your mouth, use even pressure.
Some patients attempt to repair the aligners by using super glue or some other substance. Please don’t attempt this, as it will lead to you having a toxic substance in your mouth 22 hours per day. This can be very dangerous for your health.
If you’re close to being done with your current set of aligners (which are usually worn for two weeks), you can call the cosmetic dentist to ask if it’s okay for you to move on to the next set of aligners in the series. Generally, if you’re within three days of moving on to the next set, it’s likely alright to do so prematurely. However, be very careful when putting these aligners on and taking them out, as it may be more difficult and you definitely don’t want to break another set.
If you’ve just begun wearing your current set of aligners, it isn’t advisable to move on to the next set prematurely. This might lead to complications, such as root loss, due to moving the teeth too quickly. A safer choice is to ask your cosmetic dentist to order a replacement set of aligners. While you’re waiting for the replacement set to arrive, you can put the previous aligners back in to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place.
You can reduce the risk of damage by always removing them before eating anything, and before drinking anything other than plain water. When your aligners aren’t in your mouth or being cleaned, they should be stored safely in their case. Don’t use hot water to clean your aligners or leave them near a heat source (including in direct sunlight). Over time, hot temperatures can affect the integrity of the plastic.
Most people with crooked smiles are great candidates for Invisalign! But you can get personalized guidance and a thorough examination when you visit Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry in Suffolk County. Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot will evaluate your smile, plan your Invisalign treatment, and answer all of your questions. You can schedule your one-on-one consultation today by calling 631.296.0609.
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You have decided that it’s high time to straighten out your smile, and have elected to do so with Invisalign. Assuming you’re a good candidate for the Invisalign treatment (most people are thanks to innovative aligner features) you’re likely eager to get the process started.
Once we determine you’re a prime candidate for Invisalign here at Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we develop a customized treatment plan that begins with taking 3D images of your teeth. These digital scans are relatively quick, painless and require none of the goopy mess used in traditional full-bite impressions.
These three-dimensional scans are then uploaded and sent directly to the Invisalign lab, where your aligners are crafted with fit and comfort in mind. Now the big question: How long will it take to get your first set of aligners, also called trays, after the scans are taken?
Most of our patients receive their trays within 3 weeks after having the digital scans. This can fluctuate by a week or so in either direction depending on whether multiple adjustments need to be made to the virtual mold and the final projection of how your teeth will be moved.
Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick work with Invisalign to fine-tune every movement in every tooth – paving the way to a straighter, more beautiful smile. We are able to do this with Invisalign’s ClinCheck software, a state-of-the-art system that harnesses the data of more than 6 million smiles across the world.
This software allows us to show our patients a time-lapsed preview of how your smile will change in the coming weeks and months.
Once your digital teeth straightening plan is finalized and confirmed, the Invisalign trays are custom-made out of a transparent, BPA-free plastic material that is pliable and soft. Because every patient’s gum line is unique, the trays are individually trimmed to ensure a proper fit. Invisalign trays are engineered so that they won’t irritate your gums and cheeks like metal braces can often do.
The moment your first set of aligners arrive, the fun part begins! You’ll come in to our office and try out the trays for comfort and fit. Depending on the patient and the desired outcome, we may recommend temporary attachments, which help secure the trays close to your teeth. These tiny buttons are undetectable and are removed after treatment.
Other patients may be asked to wear rubber bands to help facilitate the orthodontic process. From that day onward, you’ll be wearing the Invisalign trays for 22 hours a day (except when brushing, flossing and eating) until your next set of aligners comes in. Repeat the process for the duration of your treatment and watch the smile transformation happen!
Getting a healthy, straight smile has never been easier or more convenient, thanks to Invisalign. Our Long Island dentists are certified Invisalign providers in Suffolk County, and welcome the opportunity to discuss your smile transformation.
If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please call our Rocky Point office at 631.246.4992.
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Orthodontic treatment is often done during one’s teenage years, but there’s fantastic news for those who have waited to get their teeth straightened until later in life. Invisalign clear aligners have made it possible to achieve a beautiful, straight smile at just about any age. If you’re in your 50’s and wondering if it’s too late to correct crowded teeth or malocclusion, there is a good chance you are a great candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Many of our Baby Boomer patients worry that age is a determining factor for orthodontics, but the reality is that there isn’t an upper age limit when it comes to correcting teeth with Invisalign. In our Rocky Point dental office, dozens of senior patients have used the Invisalign system with outstanding results.
Some of these patients simply felt the time was right to improve their smiles, while others wore metal braces as teenagers but never realized the aesthetic results they desired.
The mere thought of sporting a mouth full of metal at the age of 30, let alone 50, is unappealing to most. Adults can truly appreciate the benefits of this revolutionary teeth straightening system, which lets you discreetly correct a host of orthodontic issues while maintaining a normal appearance. Invisalign’s thin, transparent aligners fit comfortably over your teeth, making them virtually undetectable, and you can pop them out during meals and while brushing and flossing your teeth.
Your family, friends and colleagues won’t even notice you’re wearing them! This means you can go about your daily routine, without food restrictions or painful metal wires, as your teeth are gradually moved into correct alignment.
Invisalign offers freedom and convenience for older adults who want to keep their orthodontic treatment under the radar and avoid feeling self-conscious in social situations. Moreover, a correct bite and straighter teeth can help improve oral hygiene and prevent dental problems from developing later on.
As you age, your risk of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can increase. Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact on orthodontic treatments, so it’s crucial to ensure your gums and underlying bone are healthy before treatment is begun.
As long as your periodontal health is stable, you’re on the right track to a positive smile transformation with Invisalign. The key to a successful Invisalign treatment is keeping your teeth clean and following the protocol, which means wearing the aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours each day.
Whether you’re 25 or 65, you can always achieve a winning smile with the expert guidance of certified Invisalign providers Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot. Take the first step by calling Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a private appointment today! We look forward to hearing from you soon — simply call our Rocky Point office or submit the online contact form.
Invisalign clear aligners have proven to be an impactful breakthrough in orthodontic technology. Thanks to these removable appliances, patients can get the beautifully straight smile they want while continuing to eat all their favorite foods, and without having to fret about the aesthetically displeasing look of metal brackets and wires. Another major bonus is that it’s far easier to keep your teeth clean with Invisalign than with metal braces.
Everyone needs to brush their teeth in the morning and before going to bed at night. You’ll continue to follow this healthy habit while you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment. However, the total number of times you’ll brush your teeth each day can vary, depending on how many times you eat meals and snacks, and drink beverages other than water.
Before eating anything and drinking anything other than water, you’ll need to remove your aligners and place them in their protective case. Once you’re done eating, you should brush your teeth before re-inserting the aligners. It may not be strictly necessary to brush your teeth after consuming a beverage like coffee; however, doing so can help prevent your aligners from getting stained.
With all the extra tooth brushing you’ll be doing, you may be tempted to brush quickly to get it done faster. Unfortunately, many people tend to brush harder when they brush quickly, and this can adversely affect the health of your gums and the enamel on your teeth. To prevent this, you should always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use gentle, round strokes. Remember to floss at least once daily!
Dirty Invisalign aligners can trap bacteria and food particles against your teeth and gums, so it’s important to clean them regularly. You’ll need to clean your aligners each morning when you wake up and each evening before you go to bed. Brush your aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, and rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water to rinse your aligners, as this can warp the plastic.
Another option for cleaning your aligners is to purchase the Invisalign Cleaning System. It’s available online or from your dentist. The Invisalign Cleaning Crystals can remove plaque from your aligners in as little as 15 minutes. Even if you do soak your aligners in a cleansing solution, it’s still a good idea to use a toothbrush on them, just in case there are any lingering bits of plaque.
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry are proud to be Invisalign providers in Suffolk County. Our highly trained team has helped many teens and adults get the beautifully straight smiles they deserve through convenient, hassle-free Invisalign. We strongly recommend the Invisalign system because it enables our patients to keep their teeth cleaner, which reduces the risk of problems like tooth decay and gum disease. You can find out whether Invisalign could be right for you when you schedule a one-on-one consultation at our office. Call today to begin your journey toward a smile you will love to show off!
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Dentists often hear patients talk about how dissatisfied they are with their crooked smile. Malocclusion can result in significant social embarrassment and damaged self-esteem. It can cause people to avoid smiling and laughing altogether, or even to avoid social situations. If this describes you, you shouldn’t have to live like this. You can get a beautifully straight smile with Invisalign in less time than you might think!
Invisalign treatment plans are developed on a case-by-case basis, since no two patients are alike. The length of time it will take to complete your treatment depends mostly on the severity of your misaligned bite and crooked teeth. Mild cases of malocclusion might be treated in only six months. More severe cases might take about a year. Very severe cases might take about 18 months.
It’s important to note that it’s possible for your treatment plan to take longer than you initially thought, depending on whether you followed the treatment instructions. Your dentist will ask you to wear your aligners for no less than 20 to 22 hours each day. You’ll take out your aligners only to eat meals and consume beverages other than water. Of course, you’ll also remove your aligners to clean your teeth and the aligners. But it’s important not to leave your aligners out for too long. If you wear them less than 20 hours per day, it’s possible that this can slow down your treatment plan.
One of the perks of getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign is that you can see the results get increasingly better during your treatment. Unlike metal braces, there’s no need to wait to see your beautiful smile! When you’re all done wearing the final aligner in the series, you’ll return to the cosmetic dentist to discuss your after-treatment care.
Just like other forms of orthodontic treatment, it’s strongly recommended that patients wear a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment. If you choose the Invisalign retainer, Vivera, it will look exactly like an aligner. It’s made from the same material, which means no one will notice it. Your dentist will give you a personalized retainer plan. It may involve wearing the retainer for 12 to 22 hours for the first three to six months, followed by wearing the retainer at night only for the next six to 12 months. After that point, you should only need to wear it three to five nights per week indefinitely. The retainer is necessary to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place.
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry are pleased to be Invisalign providers on Long Island. It’s our mission to help each of our patients get the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation in Long Island, Suffolk County to discuss Invisalign and receive your personalized treatment plan. Give us a call today!
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For years, metal braces were the gold standard in malocclusion correction. In fact, they were quite often one of the only options available. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology mean that there are more choices than ever before, and this is great news for adult patients (and teens!) who want to avoid metal braces.
One of the most common reasons given for wanting to avoid metal braces is the way they look. Having a mouth full of metal is enough to make anyone want to avoid smiling. But they’re also problematic from an oral health standpoint. Since it can be difficult to clean around the metal brackets and wires, patients may have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease while undergoing treatment. But with the alternatives available today, patients can correct their smiles while looking great and taking excellent care of their oral health!
After Invisalign was introduced in 1997, it quickly became a household name. Patients who tried it instantly fell in love with the discreet nature of the aligners, which create a straight, beautiful smile without the need for metal brackets or wires. And cosmetic dentists love it because the removable aligners promote good oral hygiene!
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for each patient. Patients are instructed to wear the aligners for 22 hours each day. Every two weeks, the patient moves on to the next set of aligners. This allows the teeth to gradually be shifted into their appropriate positions.
The biggest benefit of Invisalign is clearly its almost invisible nature. It’s a perfect choice for adults who want to avoid looking like teenagers, and it’s a perfect choice for teenagers who want to avoid the awkwardness and self-consciousness caused by metal braces. And of course, since the aligners are removable, patients can eat whatever they want without restrictions. They can easily brush and floss their teeth without having to work around bulky brackets, which decreases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In short, Invisalign is the ideal alternative to metal braces for many patients. However, before you decide to move forward with the treatment, consider whether veneers might work better for you.
Although veneers won’t correct underlying malocclusion, they may be an appropriate option for some patients who only have a few mildly crooked teeth. Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are customized to each individual tooth. The cosmetic dentist will adhere them to the visible sides of the teeth to instantly cover up minor imperfections, like mild crookedness, stubborn stains, or misshapenness. Consider talking to a cosmetic dentist about whether veneers might be an appropriate choice for you.
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry want to help you love your smile again. We are a proud Invisalign provider on Long Island, and we also provide a complete menu of other cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers. You’re invited to schedule your one-on-one consultation at our office to discuss your personalized treatment plan. Call 631.296.0549 today!
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The Invisalign system is an outstanding alternative to conventional braces, delivering gradual realignment without the sharp edges and constant debris accumulation of metal braces. Like any oral care equipment, Invisalign components require regular maintenance to perform their best, and the specially developed cleaning crystals make it easy.
Although the Invisalign system is designed to offer a minimally obtrusive option for straightening teeth, the transparent trays need proper care and cleaning.
Invisalign cleaning crystals are formulated to sanitize the system during regular use, offering a deep and thorough clean that keeps your aligners fresh and ready to wear. Using the crystals consistently can work to kill any bacteria that become trapped in the crevices as well as preventing the development of plaque on your aligners.
In order to sanitize your Invisalign system with cleaning crystals, you will need warm running water, a small clean cup, and a toothbrush with soft bristles. First, run your aligner beneath the warm running water to gently rinse it of any leftover food debris. Next, fill the cup with enough water to completely submerge all components of the aligner.
When the loose debris has been removed from the surface, it’s time to use the crystals to create the cleaning solution. Empty a packet of Invisalign cleaning crystals into the cup and stir well before placing the aligner in the solution. We recommend soaking your Invisalign system for up to 15 minutes.
After soaking your aligners, take them out of the cup containing the cleaning solution and rinse them again under warm water. Saturate the soft-bristled brush, then use it to carefully scrub the aligners inside and out to eliminate any debris that is still stuck to the aligners. Give them a final rinse in warm water, them place them in the case to dry.
The more, the better. The aligners will always look cleaner and more transparent when placed onto clean teeth, and while a meticulous cleaning session may not always be an option, it is best to make time for it whenever possible and keep cleaning tools in multiple locations, such as in your home bathroom, in your car, and in your desk at work.
Although our dentists recommend cleaning your aligners every time you remove them from your mouth, cleaning them twice daily is sufficient to prevent severe buildup of germs and bacteria. Clean them in the morning and evening when you brush your teeth.
When properly maintained, your Invisalign system will remain clear and odorless throughout the process of your realignment, leaving you with a radiant and attractive smile.
Long Island cosmetic dentists can provide answers to all of your Invisalign-related concerns, so contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation today!
Invisalign is one of the most popular options available for straightening crooked teeth. It’s effective in a wide variety of situations, from gaps to underbites to overbites, and many more. If you’ve been considering Invisalign treatment, you might be hooked on the idea that you could straighten your smile without having a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. Or perhaps you like the thought of being able to eat anything you want during orthodontic treatment. There are lots of perks to Invisalign treatment, but only a dentist can determine if it’s right for you. There may be some issues to consider, such as the existence of prior restorations, like dental crowns.
According to the Invisalign company, “Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment.” The crown caps the remainder of the natural tooth, and so it can be gently guided to a new position, just like an unrestored, natural tooth. However, certain precautions may be in order. Your dentist will carefully evaluate the crown, and might decide to tweak your treatment plan so that the tooth with the crown is manipulated a little more slowly than the rest of your smile.
In some cases, the location of the tooth with the crown can also be a factor in planning the Invisalign treatment. Some patients need attachments, which are very small, tooth-colored attachments that are bonded directly to a tooth. They remain there for the duration of the Invisalign treatment. Their purpose is to provide more focused guidance, enabling the Invisalign aligners to more effectively manipulate the movement of the teeth.
It may be more difficult to bond an attachment to a crown compared to a natural tooth. Your cosmetic dentist will consider this possibility, and will try to adjust your treatment accordingly.
Only your dentist can answer this question, as the answer is highly dependent on factors that are unique to your situation. If you’re thinking about getting a crown because the tooth is discolored, asymmetrical, or mildly chipped, then it’s probably best to wait to get this restoration until after your Invisalign treatment is complete. In other words, cosmetic restorations can wait a little while.
But if you need a crown because of extensive tooth decay or infection that requires a root canal, then you should get the crown first. Your medical needs should take priority over cosmetic needs.
There is no one-size-fits all solution when it comes to cosmetic dentistry makeovers. You need a complete evaluation and personalized recommendations to achieve your goals for your smile. Schedule your one-on-one consult with Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, and we’ll develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. You deserve a healthy, beautiful smile you can be proud of. Call our Rocky Point location at 631.296.0602 or our South Huntington location at 631.228.8308 today to request your smile evaluation.
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Contact our Rocky Point (631.744.5700) or South Huntington Office (631.423.6563) today.
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