Invisalign – Schenectady, NY

Crowded Teeth

We tend to think of our teeth as immovable structures in our mouths, but the truth is that they continue shifting over the years due to ongoing pressure from chewing and speaking. They can become overcrowded which causes problems like:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Jaw aches or discomfort
• Difficulty biting or eating

This happens because when your pearly whites are pressed too closely together, it’s hard to reach all the surfaces to thoroughly clean them. Harmful bacteria are attracted to leftover bits of food and contribute to plaque and tartar buildup.

Fortunately, Invisalign gently repositions your teeth to their ideal placements so that you can brush and floss more effectively. As a bonus, having a more even smile can boost your confidence in your appearance.

Gaps Between Teeth

If you have gaps in your teeth, food is more likely to become stuck between them and draw unwanted germs. There are many reasons why you may have wider spaces, such as:

• Oral anatomy. Some people simply have teeth that are naturally inclined to be further apart.
• Small teeth. If they’re not large enough then they won’t line up next to each other appropriately.
• Having a large jawbone. Your teeth may spread apart to try to fill your mouth or become pushed out of place because there’s more area to spread out into.

Whatever the cause behind it, pulling your grin together can reduce the risk of decay, disease, or inflammation due to unprotected gum tissue between your teeth. If you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign, these issues can also be addressed with dental bonding.

Overbite

People with an overbite, also called an overjet, have top teeth that extend out too far over the lower arch. This can lead to jaw pain, speech issues, uneven dental wear and tear, and a stiff or locked jaw. It also leaves their upper arch more exposed which can increase the chances of damage due to injury, breaking, or cracking.

Underbite

If you have an underbite, your lower teeth don’t sit under your top set the way they should. Instead, they’re exactly aligned, or your bottom arch extends beyond the upper. You’re more prone to sleep apnea as a result because your airway can become restricted in the upper nasal passages. You may also have a harder time breathing through your nose, eating normally, or enunciating words correctly.

Invisalign can often treat this with the inclusion of rubber bands or other attachments to gradually make the necessary adjustments.

Crossbite

Crossbites occur when parts of your bottom teeth are slightly in front of the upper arch and are often due to genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, or the premature loss of baby teeth. Although Invisalign can address it, Dr. Oshins may need to include elastics or other accessories to help shift your jaw into proper alignment.

Open Bite

Are your top and bottom teeth unable to overlap or touch when you close your mouth all the way? If so, you may have what’s referred to as an open bite. This is typically a result of poor bone development or lack of proper nutrition as a child. It can leave you unable to form certain sounds or words and causes excessive wear and tear of your back teeth which leaves them more prone to injury. Invisalign can improve your bite pattern to allow your smile to come together the way it should.

Wearing Your Trays

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, patients sometimes assume that they can take them off whenever they want. That’s not really the case. Basically, you need to keep them on for a minimum of 20 hours a day, every day to stay on-track with your treatment timeline. So, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of only taking them off when it’s absolutely necessary.

Tip: Not sure if you’re wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time? Use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide!

Cleaning Your Aligners

If you don’t take good care of your aligners, it won’t take long for stubborn stains to surface. In addition to drawing unwanted attention to your smile, this can lead to an unpleasant odor on your breath and even negatively impact your oral health. So, make sure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to clean them after each meal.

Tip: Check the temperature of the water when you’re cleaning your aligners! If it’s too hot, they can warp.

Eating & Drinking

Unlike traditional braces, which require patients to tweak their diet, Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. In fact, there’s really only one rule: you need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Outside of that, just do your best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals that benefit both your oral and overall health.

Tip: In the hours following your transition to a new set of aligners, opt for plain yogurt, oatmeal, and other soft foods to help prevent soreness.

Damaging a Tray

Although Invisalign aligners are durable, they aren’t unbreakable. If yours do shatter into several pieces, then don’t hesitate to call us so we can determine if it’s safe to move onto the next set of trays in the series. We also recommend calling us if you accidentally misplace your aligners so we can decide how to proceed with as little delays as possible.

Tip: Always keep your previous set of aligners in case you need to wear them while replacement ones are made!

Attending Progress Visits

Fortunately, Invisalign doesn’t require you to come to our office monthly for adjustment appointments. You will, however, need to visit us every 6-8 weeks so we can make sure you’re on-track with your treatment plan. If you aren’t, we can determine why that is and figure out what changes need to be made to avoid further delays.

Tip: Always wear your aligners to your progress visits, even if you are starting a new set after!

Discreet Aligners

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of choosing Invisalign in Guilderland is that your orthodontic treatment will be virtually undetectable. After all, the aligners are completely see-through and custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly. So, when you wear them, they blend in instead of drawing unwanted attention to your smile.

Improved Comfort

One downside of traditional braces is that the metal brackets and wires aren’t comfortable. In fact, it’s very common for patients to experience mouth sores throughout their teeth-straightening journey. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Invisalign. Since the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic, they don’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth.

Entirely Removable

In an effort to prevent orthodontic emergencies, patients with traditional braces are asked to adjust their diet. That’s not necessary with Invisalign because the aligners are removable. As long as you stick to well-balanced meals that contain nutrient-dense foods the majority of the time, you’re free to eat all of your favorites on your journey to your dream smile.

Less Time in the Treatment Chair

Another considerable perk: there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments with Invisalign. Instead, patients come to our office every 6-8 weeks so we can monitor their progress. Most of the time, these visits are less than 20 minutes too, so you can see why busy students, parents, and professionals love clear aligner treatment: it’s considerably more convenient!

Hassle-Free Oral Care

Oftentimes, patients with traditional braces need to buy special oral hygiene products, like interproximal toothbrushes and pre-threaded floss, to ensure tooth decay and other common oral health problems don’t develop. That’s not the case with Invisalign. Since the aligners are removable, all you need to do is take them out and store them properly first. Then, you can brush, floss, and rinse like you usually do!

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

One perk of Invisalign that is sometimes overlooked is the average treatment timeline. While traditional braces usually take two years or more, Invisalign typically delivers results in just 12-18 months. Not only that, but you’ll see improvements in the alignment of your teeth and bite much sooner since the trays are see-through and removable!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but a few main factors that often influence the total cost include:

• How many aligners you need to straighten your teeth – This is often related to the extent and type of your misalignment.
• Whether you are straightening one arch or both – It’s more expensive to straighten both the upper and lower teeth than straightening just one or the other.
• Your compliance with treatment – Lost or damaged aligners will inevitably need to be replaced, and these added costs can quickly add up. Additionally, not adhering to the 22-hour rule will lengthen your overall treatment process.
• Whether you require extra accessories – If you need elastics (small rubber bands) or other accessories, these can also factor into the final cost.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Many patients like to weigh their options when it comes to orthodontic treatments, and DIY clear aligner treatments like Smile Direct Club™ have also become popular alongside Invisalign. These DIY alternatives usually cost around $2,000 whereas Invisalign may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. As attractive as the DIY system might be, it’s important to note a few differences between this option and Invisalign:

• DIY aligners are often made out of cheap plastic, while Invisalign uses a patented material that is designed for comfort and efficiency.
• There have been accounts where DIY aligners have been ineffective, and in some cases, they’ve even been known to worsen dental alignment!
• With Invisalign, you’re guaranteed the personalized support of our dental team!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some dental insurance policies include a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment and Invisalign is often included, though you will need to verify with your provider beforehand. We’re able to work with your insurance plan and fully maximize your benefits so that your Invisalign treatment isn’t a financial burden on you. If your insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign, you might be able to use your FSA or HSA to pay for your treatment instead.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Our team is happy to work with you to find a way to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable! If you don’t have dental insurance or orthodontic coverage, we offer alternative payment options with low-interest financing including CareCredit . If you’re ready to straighten your smile with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to figure out the specifics—including the financial details.