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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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In recent years, patients and cosmetics dentists alike have chosen Invisalign to correct crooked teeth and other issues for a straight, beautiful smile with great success. However, Invisalign Go is the newest clear aligner system available, and might replace Invisalign in Huntington, NY as the go-to for convenient, quick and effective teeth straightening.
Similar to its original counterpart, Invisalign Go uses removable clear liners to gently correct crooked teeth over time. These liners are comfortable to wear and almost completely unnoticeable, making them ideal for patients who want a better smile but can’t interrupt work, travel or school with traditional braces. Unlike the original program, however, Invisalign Go only takes from 3 to 6 months on average for lasting results, and often costs much less.
Invisalign Go liners are custom made for each patient’s teeth. Invisalign Go patients receive a new liner or tray every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on his or her personal treatment plan. Each tray is manufactured so the teeth are slightly straighter than the last tray, sometimes moving the teeth .25mm per tray. In order for maximum efficacy, patients must wear the trays 20 to 22 hours every day, only removing them for eat, brush and floss.
The removable tray system is ideal for minimal daily life disruption, as patients can still indulge in all their favorite foods and drinks like popcorn, gum, corn on the cob and more. However, the more the trays are removed the slower the process will take.
Every Invisalign Go case is different, as each treatment plan is customized for every individual patient. For example, a patient with minimal requirement teeth movement might only need to wear the liner trays for 3 months, while a patient with more serious malocclusion might require a longer treatment. However, Invisalign Go is designed to be faster than traditional Invisalign, and often takes between 3 to 6 months.
Traditional braces are well known to be incredibly painful. Invisalign Go, however, only comes with mild discomfort. An Invisalign Go patient’s teeth move slightly with each new set of liner trays, and this movement can cause a feeling of tightness or pressure for the first few days of each tray. This feeling isn’t bad, though, as it means the trays are working.
Some Invisalign Go patients have also reported minimal difficulty speaking during the first week or two of treatment. Patients aren’t used to having a tray in their mouth, and this new feeling might make it more challenging to pronounce “s” and “z” sounds. However, it usually only takes a few days for mouths to adjust and talking to return to normal.
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign Go, or want to see if it’s right for you and your smile, the team at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry can help. Come to us if you’re looking for an Invisalign dentist in Huntington, NY. Give us a call today to schedule your one-on-one consultation to discuss Invisalign Go.
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For patients and cosmetic dentists alike, Invisalign is often the preferred method to correct malocclusions and produce a more beautiful, straight smile. Invisalign gently repositions teeth through the use of a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners. After the treatment, patients will wear a retainer to preserve their results. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment or the retainer, you can consult an Invisalign dentist in Huntington, NY. Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry are always happy to answer their patients’ questions.
Your cosmetic dentist will give you customized recommendations, based on your unique issues. As a general rule of thumb, however, it’s recommended that patients wear a retainer for 12 to 22 hours per day, every day, for three to six months. After this point, most patients can cease wearing the retainer during the day. Instead, they’ll wear the retainer at night until it’s been at least 12 months since the Invisalign treatment ended. After this point, cosmetic dentists may strongly recommend that you wear the retainer three to five nights per week for your lifetime.
Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign accomplish some amazing results. With gentle, precise pressure, aligners are capable of repositioning the tooth within the jawbone itself. This is pretty remarkable, but unfortunately, the reverse can also happen. After you complete your Invisalign treatment, it’s possible for your teeth to shift out of place again. It’s necessary to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from moving once they’re in the appropriate positions. Over time, the teeth will “settle” and become more firmly rooted in place.
However, even after your teeth have settled into their new positions, it’s possible for gradual shifting to occur over time due to pressure exerted on them through chewing and similar actions. This is why cosmetic dentists strongly recommend that patients wear a retainer several nights per week for the rest of their lives. Many patients decide that the inconvenience is well worth the opportunity to continue to enjoy a beautiful, straight, and healthy smile.
After having Invisalign, you’ll likely want to continue to benefit from Invisalign technology. Invisalign makes its own brand of clear plastic retainers, called Vivera. Vivera retainers look much like the aligners, but they’re designed to keep your teeth in place, rather than to move them. You’ll care for your retainer just as you did your Invisalign aligners.
In Suffolk County, patients who want to correct malocclusions turn to the expert team at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot to discuss whether Invisalign might be a good choice for you. With our state-of-the-art computer technology, you can even see a visual image of what your smile can look like after you complete your treatment! Call us today in Huntington at 631.228.8308.
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Invisalign is an ideal treatment option for people of all ages who suffer from crooked teeth. It’s capable of addressing many types of malocclusion—from mild to severe. For teens in particular, Invisalign offers many advantages. If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign Teen in Huntington, NY, here’s a quick look at what you can look forward to.
Traditional metal braces can be a pain—literally. With wires that can become loose and poke the soft tissues in your mouth, playing sports can be problematic. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic. They are comfortable, and teens never have to worry about getting poked with stray wires or breaking the brackets if they get hit in the face with a soccer ball. There are absolutely no restrictions on sports or other activities with Invisalign Teen.
Teens who are undergoing treatment with traditional metal braces are constantly in and out of the orthodontist’s office. The average patient with metal braces needs to be seen about every four weeks during the course of the treatment. Invisalign makes the process easier and more convenient. Teens and their parents only need to visit the dentist’s office every six to eight weeks to check on the progress and pick up the new batch of Invisalign aligners.
Teens who get metal braces at an orthodontist’s office come home with a long list of dos and don’ts. Popcorn, apples, caramel, bagels, nuts, and even carrots are all on the “don’t” list. And don’t even think about chewing gum. Teens who dare to challenge these restrictions often find themselves back at the orthodontist’s office to get the broken brackets or loose wires fixed.
Invisalign Teen changes all that. There’s no need to worry about food restrictions because there aren’t any. You’ll take out the aligners before you eat, and brush your teeth before popping the aligners back in. As long as you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, you’ll still be on track with your treatment plan.
If you have friends who have had metal braces, you might have heard some horror stories about how discolored their teeth were when the braces finally came off. It’s hard to keep the teeth clean when brackets and wires are in the way. But with Invisalign Teen, you can easily keep your teeth clean and white, since you’ll brush your teeth with the aligners out. Just remember to clean your aligners too.
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot are proud to be certified providers of Invisalign, Invisalign Express, and Invisalign Teen. Parents are invited to schedule a consultation at our cosmetic dental practice in Huntington, NY. We’ll evaluate your teen’s mouth and develop a customized Invisalign Teen treatment plan. With the advanced software we use for treatment planning, your teen can see what his or her smile will look like when the treatment is done. Schedule a consultation today by calling 631-228-8308.
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Convenience is one of the biggest advantages for Invisalign wearers. Patients love the flexibility and freedom of removing their clear aligners for short periods of time, whether for a special event, during meals or while brushing and flossing.
Too work effectively, Invisalign requires self-discipline and patient compliance. Those who wear their aligners for less than 22 hours a day will see much slower results, and while a couple of hours here or there won’t derail your progress, forgetting to wear them for a week can have more serious consequences. What happens if for one reason or another, you don’t wear your Invisalign aligners as prescribed? The short answer is they may feel very uncomfortable or not fit at all when you try to put them back in. Why? Because the custom trays must be worn diligently for 22-23 hours a day in order to straighten your smile. This necessitates a certain level of dedication, no matter how good your intentions.
Younger patients may find it too tempting and too easy to leave their Invisalign trays out for longer than the allowed time. Some may think it’s perfectly okay to take a “small break” from their Invisalign treatment without negative repercussions. In reality, inconsistent use of Invisalign will result in some degree of relapse, as the teeth slowly begin to shift back into their old position. Every patient is different, and the degree of tooth movement will vary from one person to the next, but the good news there are a few simple methods for getting your smile makeover back on track.
Inserting your Invisalign tray may be difficult after a week’s vacation. Remember that the custom aligners are designed to provide a seamless fit. Never force the aligner into the mouth. First, try taking the path of least resistance. Using a mirror, insert the aligner on one side of the mouth. If it pops in easily and there is no discomfort, you can wiggle the other side into place. This process may involve some trial and error, but if you experience discomfort or have a lot of difficulty getting the aligner over your teeth, it’s time to go to Plan B.
When it’s too painful or impossible to insert the original tray, try the previous aligner. In most instances this older tray will fit more comfortably and allow you to reboot the orthodontic process. This could take a couple of weeks as the teeth are moved back into a correct position.
In the meantime, make an appointment with your Invisalign provider to ensure your treatment plan is on-track and you don’t need a mid-course adjustment. Failing to abide by Invisalign rules for aligner usage can delay your progress, and a week’s holiday from aligners can easily set you back a full month.
The best plan of action, and smartest way to protect your investment in a straighter, more beautiful smile is to follow your dentist’s guidelines and keep the Invisalign trays in for 22 hours a day.
There is no doubt that Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are some of the most patient-friendly orthodontic treatments available, but you have to be committed to achieve the best results.
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot are trusted Invisalign providers in Huntington, NY and Rocky Point. Schedule a free one-on-one consult today to learn more about this revolutionary treatment. We now have two convenient office locations to better serve residents in need of an experienced Suffolk County cosmetic dentist.
When you visit a cosmetic dentist because of crooked teeth, you’ll learn exactly which type of malocclusion you have. There are many different types, including overbites, underbites, and open bites. An uneven bite, however, simply means that the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together the way they should.
The most telltale sign of an uneven bite is that your smile looks crooked or uneven when your upper and lower jaws meet. Some of your teeth may be too close to each other. Others may be too far apart. Some teeth might be rotated improperly.
Cosmetic dentists are trained to detect more subtle signs of an uneven bite. When the jaws are closed together, the teeth might not quite meet in the middle. This is an open bite. The dentist might also notice that your teeth fail to line up in the midline of the face. Even with your mouth completely closed, the dentist may notice facial asymmetries.
An uneven bite can cause all sorts of problems, and undesirable aesthetics is just one of them. It’s important to get an uneven bite treated because the uneven wear on the teeth can cause the enamel to deteriorate over time. This will cause tooth sensitivity and leave the teeth more susceptible to dental decay. Similarly, uneven bites can lead to failed restorations like crowns and fillings. As restorations fail, these areas can invite tooth decay.
An uneven bite can cause the muscles of the jaw to become strained in an unbalanced way. The muscle tension can lead to chronic tension headaches. Some people with uneven bites have bruxism, which refers to clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth. This is often done during sleep, when the individual is unaware they are grinding their teeth down. Over time, an uneven bite can lead to chronic jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Cosmetic dentists take a two-pronged approach toward fixing uneven bites. First, they must develop a treatment plan for the uneven bite itself. Second, they treat the complications of the uneven bite. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend Invisalign, which gently moves the teeth to form an even smile and symmetrical bite pattern. Invisalign is an excellent option for both teens and adults. Since the aligners are clear and removable, the treatment is highly discreet and convenient. Additionally, some patients are good candidates for gentle tooth reshaping. Making slight adjustments to the length or shape of a few teeth may encourage the upper and lower jaws to fit together properly.
The rest of your treatment plan depends on the specific complications you’ve developed from the uneven bite. Your cosmetic dentist may need to replace a failed crown with a new CEREC crown. Old, loose fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored fillings. The end result is a smile you’ll love!
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry are certified Invisalign providers in Suffolk County, including Invisalign Teen and Invisalign Express. Schedule a one-on-one consultation at our Rocky Point or Huntington office to learn about your cosmetic dentistry treatment options. We can correct all types of uneven bites. We also offer other ways to improve your smile, such as teeth whitening, gum reconstruction, and CEREC crowns. Call us today!
Teens and adults alike often choose Invisalign because it’s so discreet. Unless you tell someone you’re wearing your aligners, they probably won’t have any idea you have them. Invisalign is considered superior to metal braces because of its convenience, as well. However, before you start your treatment, you do need to know that there’s a possibility of Invisalign getting stained. Here’s your crash course in preventing stains, and how to whiten Invisalign attachments and aligners when they do become stained.
Your cosmetic dentist will instruct you not to consume any food when you’re wearing the aligners. Since you’ll take them out before each meal and snack, and brush your teeth before putting them back in, you really don’t need to worry about food staining the aligners. However, beverages can stain them. You shouldn’t drink anything but unflavored, plain water while wearing the aligners.
Even if you’re willing to risk a little staining, it’s not advisable to consume hot beverages like coffee or tea while wearing the aligners. This is because hot temperatures will warp the plastic and you’ll have to purchase a new pair.
Do Invisalign attachments stain? You can eat and drink whatever you like when you’re not wearing the aligners. However, there’s a possibility of staining on the attachments. The attachments are tooth-colored “buttons” that your dentist will place at strategic points on your teeth. Not every patient needs them. If you do, it’s because they’ll help anchor the aligners and encourage your teeth to move in the right direction.
Note that you don’t need to worry excessively about staining the attachments. They’re made out of the same material that your dentist can use for simple restorations like composite bonding. This means that by the time they start to show stains, you might be nearing the end of your treatment. However, if you want to exercise an abundance of caution, try to minimize the attachments’ contact with pigmented beverages and foods. Or, swish some water in your mouth right after drinking red wine or coffee, and brush your teeth as soon as you can.
Most patients will only wear one set of aligners for two weeks before moving on to the next set of aligners in their treatment series. So if your aligners do become stained, the stains won’t stick around for very long. But if the stains bother you, you can get into the habit of soaking your aligners in a cleansing solution while you’re eating a meal. You can use the Invisalign cleaning kit. When you’re done eating, brush your teeth and then lightly brush the aligners. Rinse them with cool water before popping them back in your mouth.
Then schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry! Our dental office is an official Invisalign provider on Long Island. We use advanced technology to plan your treatment, and you can even see what your smile will look like when you’re done! During your consult, we’ll determine whether Invisalign is a good choice for you and explain what to expect.
Contact our Rocky Point (631.744.5700) or South Huntington Office (631.423.6563) today.
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