Have you spent your entire life wishing your teeth were straighter? Did you have braces as a child, and now your teeth have moved back out of place? Have your teeth shifted with age, and you don’t know what to do about it? Invisalign® clear braces are one of the cosmetic dental care treatments that might just be the answer you have been looking for!
Dr. Brad Gorsky is an Invisalign provider in Tuckahoe and can help you improve the health and function of your smile with clear aligners. With Invisalign, you can achieve a beautiful smile without disrupting your lifestyle.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth. This advanced system uses a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth.
Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks until your treatment is complete.
You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.
The Invisalign Process
At our office, Dr. Gorsky will take digital impressions of your teeth to design your clear aligners. Each set of aligners is slightly different because they slowly move your teeth into the proper position. You’ll change out your aligners every 1-2 weeks. Based on the severity of your case, Dr. Gorsky will give you an estimated treatment length for you to get your dream smile.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign braces work the way traditional braces do – through applied pressure. But that is where the similarities end.
Invisalign braces are made of clear, medical-grade plastic and are almost invisible in your smile. This is one of the top reasons patients choose Invisalign. Metal braces are very obvious and noticeable on your teeth. Invisalign aligners are transparent, making it hard for people to notice you’re wearing them.
You also don’t have any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. With metal braces, you have to worry about food getting stuck in the mechanisms or breaking a wire. You can take out the Invisalign aligners every time you eat, allowing you to eat whatever you want.
Being able to take out your aligners also makes your oral healthcare routine easier. Patients with traditional braces have to learn special techniques to brush and floss around the brackets and wires properly. It’s difficult to ensure you’re cleaning every nook correctly. With Invisalign, you don’t have to change up your brushing and flossing technique. You just have to ensure you’re cleaning the aligners, too.
You require fewer dentist office visits with Invisalign. With metal braces, you have to visit an orthodontist so they can tighten the wires every month. Tightening the wires puts pressure on your teeth to shift them into place. Since you change out the aligners yourself, you don’t require this step.
Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
If you don’t care for your aligners well, they won’t work properly. Every time you take your aligners out, rinse them with lukewarm water. This removes saliva buildup and food debris. At least once a day, brush the aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap. Don’t use toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and scratch the aligners. This gets rid of odor-causing bacteria that can make your aligners smell.
At least once a week, deep clean your aligners in a specialized aligner soaking solution. This eliminates any bacteria that your daily cleanings may have missed.
Every time you take your aligners out, store them in their carrying case. Too often, people take out their aligners and wrap them in a napkin while they eat, only for them to accidentally throw the aligners out with the trash. This way, you always know where your aligners are, and you can keep them safe.
Make sure you’re routinely cleaning the carrying case, too. It doesn’t do any good to clean your aligners and put them back into a dirty case. That immediately reintroduces harmful bacteria. The aligners will only be as clean as the case is.
You should wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat or perform your oral healthcare routine. When you do have to take the aligners out, ensure they’re not near a heat source. If you use water that’s too hot to clean them or set them in direct sunlight, it can warp the plastic, rendering them useless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign is one of the most popular choices for straightening crooked teeth. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions below.
Can Invisalign correct bite issues like overbites or underbites?
Yes, Invisalign can correct many mild to moderate bite issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. The treatment uses custom-made aligners to shift the position of your teeth and jaw gradually. Severe bite problems may still require other orthodontic solutions, so a consultation is key. Dr. Gorsky will determine if Invisalign is the right option for your case.
How long do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners each day?
You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. This gives your teeth the consistent pressure needed to shift effectively. You can take them out to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush, and floss. Wearing them less than recommended can slow your progress and extend your treatment time.
Will Invisalign work if I previously had braces?
Yes, we often use Invisalign for patients who have had braces in the past but have experienced relapse or shifting. It’s a good option for realigning teeth without returning to traditional braces. Your provider will evaluate your current alignment to create a personalized Invisalign plan. The treatment is often shorter than the original time spent in braces.
Can Invisalign help with spacing issues or gaps between teeth?
Yes, Invisalign is effective at closing gaps and correcting spacing issues. The aligners apply gentle pressure to bring teeth closer together over time. Treatment time depends on the size of the gaps and your overall bite alignment. Regular check-ins help ensure your teeth are tracking correctly throughout the process.
What should I do if I lose or damage one of my aligners?
Contact your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. They may advise you to wear your previous aligner, move to the next one early, or order a replacement. Don’t try to force a damaged aligner into place, as this can hurt your teeth or gums. Staying on track is important, so prompt action is necessary.
Will I need to wear a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment?
Yes, wearing a retainer after Invisalign is essential to maintain your results. Teeth naturally try to shift back to their original position if they aren’t held in place. We will recommend how long and how often to wear your retainer. In most cases, nighttime wear becomes a lifelong habit to keep your smile aligned.