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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.
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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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The new year is here, and what better way to start off 2020 than with an improved smile! Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry offers numerous ways to achieve your goals and will work with you to understand your concerns and identify areas of improvement.
There is no need to feel self-conscious about your teeth anymore, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy (and painless) it can be to realize the looks, functionality, and confidence you deserve.
Cosmetic dentistry can provide life-changing benefits in so many ways. Not only in your appearance and self-esteem but your overall health. Did you know that the act of smiling is good for you? Research has shown that people who smile more tend to live longer, happier lives. Smiling releases those feel-good hormones known as endorphins that help alleviate stress. Less stress over the long term can lead to a stronger immune system.
“We are proud to help patients of all ages improve their smiles and oral hygiene using the latest methods and technologies,” says Dr. Nick Augenbaum, DDS. “Whether you want to straighten your smile, brighten discolored teeth, or need a cost-effective tooth replacement option we will find a solution that fits within your budget.”
A lot of patients put off dental care because they are worried about cost. We are happy to work within your constraints and offer a variety of financing options and payment plans. Our Long Island dentists are able to offer first-rate cosmetic and reconstructive care at affordable rates. This is because our office has an in-house lab, and we are able to perform many services that other dentists have to outsource, thus adding to the cost.
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crowns are a great example of this. Our practice has a state-of-the-art CEREC imaging machine that makes customized dental crowns in less than half an hour! These personalized restorations are ideal for replacing deep fillings, protecting weak teeth, covering gaps or improving the aesthetics of a misshapen tooth. Imagine getting a new, tooth-colored crown in just a single office visit!
There are numerous ways to improve your smile and see noticeable changes in a relatively short period of time. Stain-resistant porcelain veneers can be placed in just two office appointments, and are an excellent choice for improving the shape, length, and color of teeth.
If you want to kick off the new year with whiter, brighter teeth, ask about Sinsational Smiles® — our in-office tooth whitening system that works wonders in less than one hour.
The first appointment at our Long Island practice is free and gives patients an opportunity to discuss their goals and explore cosmetic dentistry options. Whether you’re thinking about dental implants or teeth straightening with Invisalign, there’s no time like the present to get started!
You can reach our Rocky Point office by phone or request an appointment online.
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Over four million Americans wear braces to correct misaligned teeth. It’s never too late to straighten your smile; in fact, 1 in 5 braces-wearers are over 18 years old. Braces has been a traditional treatment for crooked teeth, but more Long Island residents have been asking about Invisalign at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry in recent years. Learn why!
Some children like the look of metal wires and colorful rubber bands – proud of their differences. However, the invisibility of Invisalign treatment is the top reason people choose this method of tooth straightening over traditional braces. Instead of using wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners designed to perfectly fit over the teeth. They are FDA approved and contain no gluten, latex, BPS, or BPA. Most people will never know you have them in.
Braces tightening can be a painful process for children with low pain thresholds. It is common for soreness and discomfort to persist for a few days after the wires are placed. The lips and tongue can become agitated by the presence of metal in the mouth, particularly if a wire or bracket breaks. Kissing another person with braces can cause you to get stuck together. By contrast, Invisalign is painless with smooth surfaces that do not irritate mouth surfaces.
Food can easily get stuck between metal brackets, causing the unwanted buildup of plaque. Popcorn, caramel, corn on the cob, and sticky candies are forbidden foods when you wear braces. Invisalign aligners are simply removed and cleaned after meals. You can eat whatever you want, without worry. Simply remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything but water. Some may consider this a nuisance, but most people find they tend to snack less during Invisalign treatment, which provides an added benefit of weight loss.
The cost of braces range from $3,000 to $7,000, whereas Invisalign costs around $5,000. X-rays While metal braces may seem more affordable, other factors include the frequency of orthodontic office visits. You’ll need to visit the dentist every six weeks to tighten your braces wires. Invisalign users receive several months of trays that are replaced at home every two weeks. No surprise repairs will be needed for the Invisalign trays either. Many insurance policies willingly cover 25 to 50 percent of the cost for either braces or Invisalign.
Invisalign can treat crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, gap teeth, cross-bite, open bite, and crowded teeth. Braces may be necessary to correct severe oral issues, such as misshapen teeth, tilted teeth, large gaps, intrusion, and extrusion. If you have a dental bridge or porcelain veneers, the Invisalign tray may not adhere to the teeth.
We want you to live your best life and get the smile you deserve as soon as possible. Our office is renowned for award-winning, patient-centered care. A free consultation with Suffolk County cosmetic dentists Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry will help you know for sure whether braces or Invisalign is right for your situation.
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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Contact our Rocky Point (631.744.5700) or South Huntington Office (631.423.6563) today.
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