The Many Benefits of Invisalign

For many Americans, childhood memories often include a long and awkward chapter on orthodontics. 

With all of the advances in dentistry, it’s hard to believe that in the not-so-distant past, fixing issues like crooked teeth meant just one thing — traditional metal braces, sometimes with added “head gear,” and always with the stigma and embarrassment attached to wearing braces.

It all changed in 1999 when a clear aligner treatment option called Invisalign® hit the market. Now patients with mild and moderate orthodontic issues can get that healthy, beautiful smile they’ve always dreamed about without the hassle and embarrassment of traditional braces.

Spend a few moments with Dr. Meriem Boukadoum here at 54th Street Dental as she unpacks this game-changing orthodontic treatment and shares her insights on its many benefits. 

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that uses a series of custom-made clear aligners or trays to gently move teeth into optimal position as you address common orthodontic issues. 

Here at 54th Street Dental, our team offers Invisalign treatment to help patients with mild or moderate issues such as crowded or crooked teeth, as well as bite issues like an overbite, underbite or crossbite. Some patients with spaces between their teeth can also benefit from Invisalign.

We begin the process with an in-office consultation, where Dr. Boukadoum performs a comprehensive dental exam, takes X-rays and learns more about your treatment goals.

If everything checks out, Dr. Boukadoum takes digital impressions of your teeth and uploads this information into a computer, which ultimately creates your treatment plan. Then she sends the data to a special dental laboratory, which fabricates your first set of aligners. 

Your provider maps out how often you need to return for your next set of aligners. Throughout the treatment plan, you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Follow your provider’s instructions, and you’ll be on your way to getting the smile you’ve always wanted. 

Virtually invisible

Invisalign gives you the end result of traditional orthodontics — straighter teeth or a corrected bite — but without all of the negatives. 

It all starts with aesthetics. Invisalign aligners are produced from a thin, clear, flexible, and allergen-free thermoplastic called SmartTrack®. The SmartTrack material is free of BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten.

Since the aligners are tailor-made for each patient and the material is super clear, they not only fit snugly over your teeth, but also are virtually undetectable. Finally, you can kick to the curb the stigma and embarrassment of wearing orthodontics. 

No uncomfortable wires or messy wax

As if aesthetics weren’t enough, another benefit of Invisalign is that you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable metal wires and brackets, and the daily battle of applying messy wax to cushion the sides of your mouth. 

The smooth-plastic custom aligners provide a more comfortable and stress-free way to get your new smile, and because you can remove your aligner when you eat, you won’t have to worry about picking food out of your brackets. Instead, you simply rinse your aligners with cool tap water throughout the day, and gently brush them each night. 

Shorter treatment plan

When it comes to Invisalign and treatment time, less is definitely more. Although treatment plans vary patient to patient depending on the severity of the condition being treated and the patient’s goals, here at 54th Street Dental, most patients reach their goals in 12-18 months. 

Expedited treatment plans also translate into fewer follow-up appointments, which makes it much easier and less stressful compared with traditional orthodontic treatment.

If you’re unhappy with your smile and want to learn more about Invisalign, contact 54th Street Dental for a consultation. To reach us, use the online booking tool or call our office in the Midtown West neighborhood of New York City at 212-333-3200.