Invisalign is a dental treatment for those who need braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, however, it uses clear adjusters to gradually straighten teeth into proper alignment. Although once considered to be cosmetic dentistry, it’s now considered in the category of braces and is also covered by many insurance plans. Many insurance providers cover Invisalign for health reasons such as TMJ and cavity prevention. Those who need braces should ask questions about Invisalign before they commit to the procedure.
Are They Truly Invisible?
The adjuster plates are made with a special medical-grade, clear material and they fit snugly over your teeth, so they are virtually invisible; this is one of the major differences between traditional braces and Invisalign. Certainly, they are less visible than metal braces. Their virtually invisible appearance makes them especially popular among adults and business professionals.
Do The Adjuster Plates (aka “Aligners”) Work As Well As Metal Braces?
Yes, and they may work even better because there are fewer limitations than there are with traditional braces. Those who have metal braces cannot eat certain foods and they can’t remove their braces. With this system however, you wear the adjuster plates for a minimum of 20 hours each day but remove them for eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth.
Many people find they are happier with them than they would be with traditional metal braces simply because of the lack of limitations. In addition, treatment time is often shorter than with traditional metal braces.
Are They Comfortable?
Traditional metal braces can cut, chafe, and irritate the inside of your cheeks and your gums. In contrast, the clear adjuster trays of Invisalign are substantially more comfortable than metal braces. The most common issue is a feeling of pressure for a day or so after installing a new adjuster plate but there’s no pain. The pressure is necessary in order to start the teeth on a new regimen of adjustment.
How Long Does The Treatment Program Take?
Usually, we tell our patients to expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for about a year. This varies by patient but that’s the average length of a treatment and is dependent on wearing the plates for the 20 to 22 hours per day that we recommend.
How Often Are The Aligners Changed?
Approximately every two weeks, you’ll need to come to our office for a new set of plates. They’re custom fit to your teeth so you may feel a slight pressure for a day or two as your teeth begin a new round of adjustment toward the ultimate goal.
Do I Need To See My Dentist Besides For New Adjuster Plates?
In addition to your visits to obtain new aligners, you’ll need to see your dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that your treatment plan is proceeding satisfactorily. Adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure that you ultimately receive beautifully straight teeth.
What Happens If I Lose One Of My Aligner Plates?
We know that things happen and sometimes things get misplaced. If you lose one of your aligner plates, be sure to call us immediately. It’s important that you wear the aligners at least 20 hours each day, so we need to get you a replacement as soon as possible.
Will This System Fix All My Teeth Issues?
Although typically used to straighten crooked teeth, it can also help with teeth that have:
Cross-bites
Large gaps
Overbites
Overcrowding
Underbites
Is This Option More Expensive Than Traditional Braces?
The cost of the clear adapter trays versus traditional metal braces will be unique to the individual and will depend on several factors. Items that will affect the final cost include:
The degree of straightening needed
Any additional dental or orthodontic treatments needed
Your dental insurance plan coverage
Your age
Our highly accessible NYC dental offices makes it easy to see one of our dentists at your convenience – and did we mention that we promise that there will be no wait time when you come in? Call our office to schedule a consultation today.
I have spent many years as a cosmetic dentist in Manhattan, New York and every sunny day I see the effect a sunny day has on the city. People from all five boroughs flood the parks to take in the rays, work on their tan, and enjoy the weather. Little do these sun worshippers know, but they are also extending the life and health of their teeth! That’s because vitamin D, sometime referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is made by the body through casual exposure to the sun. Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for forming and maintaining strong teeth and bones.
Vitamin D and Calcium are both equally necessary to counteract bone deficiencies and reduce the weakening of bone tissue. If one does not obtain the proper amounts of vitamin D and calcium, they will most certainly encounter bone loss and inflammation of many of the tissues in the body. Findings show that inflammation is a major symptom of gum diseases, which draws the conclusion that a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D may be a major risk factor for periodontal disease.
Many hours of research have been devoted to finding the best means of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D. So far, basking in the sun is at the top of the list. In fact, during winter months when the sun tends to hide away, researchers record huge drops in the levels of vitamin D in their patients. Ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. During those winter months, when the sun tends to hide away, it is advised to eat foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, sardines and tuna fish.
Now, it is not advised to forego sunblock or reduce the amount of times you brush your teeth if you are hitting the beach regularly. In fact, the amount of sun you are currently soaking in is probably up to par with the recommended level. Sunblocks will allow the proper amount of vitamin D to enter the body. Exposure to the sun is not a cure to periodontal disease, it is simply is a valuable tool to combat a stubborn and rampant danger to our bodies.
If you feel that you are not receiving adequate levels of vitamin D and calcium, it is very important to talk to your dentist or physician about the possibility of taking supplements or providing other means to put you on the right track.
Daniell Mishaan, D.M.D. is a Cosmetic and Restorative dentist in the Garment District in midtown Manhattan. He serves patients from all over New York City and is open Sundays for all patients including emergencies.
My patients know that I am a huge advocate of preventative dentistry, emphasizing proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and timely treatment of problems. Preventative dentistry techniques keep the mouth healthy. A healthy mouth provides a bright and beautiful smile, fresh breath, and prevents other medical problems throughout the body. When proper oral hygiene is ignored, bacteria tends to build up around the teeth and gums. This bacteria is the cause of periodontal disease.
An astounding 75 percent of adults over the age of 35 have some degree of periodontal disease. Left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause serious damage to bone and tissues in the mouth and affect conditions elsewhere in the body. In fact, there is ongoing research linking periodontal disease with very serious medical problems. Some of these potential ailments include:
Increase in the risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Increase in the risk for strokes
Respiratory problems
Problem pregnancies
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Bacteria stored in the plaque in your mouth can very easily enter the bloodstream, which has been know to trigger an increase in certain protective materials which attach to vessels in the heart. This build up of plaque and fatty proteins thickens coronary arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This inflammation is the major cause of the development of cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of having a stroke.
Researchers have found that a person with a large amount of bacteria, due to improper oral hygiene, will inhale these germs into the respiratory tracts. An increase in bacteria in the respiratory system causes infections and worsens existing respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia.
Current research has found a link between periodontal disease and pre-term births. Mothers with periodontal disease have been found to be much more likely to give birth to a pre-mature or low birth weight baby. While this research is new, periodontal disease seems to increase certain biological fluids which induce labor, leading to pre-term births.
Periodontal disease has been known to be more prevalent in those who suffer from diabetes. New research is now finding that periodontal disease may, in fact, play a role in the development of diabetes. While victims of diabetes have a hard time fighting the infections caused by the bacteria associated with periodontal disease, conversely, these infections can bring about reactionary processes that lead to the onset of type 2 diabetes in healthy individuals.
While periodontal disease is found in a large majority of adults, it is important for people of all ages to be aware of the damage this disease can cause to the mouth and the rest of the body. It is imperative that proper oral hygiene is practiced at home and regular trips to your dentist’s office are scheduled throughout the year.
Daniell Mishaan, D.M.D. is a dentist in the Garment District in midtown Manhattan. He serves patients from all over New York City.
