Invisalign in Syracuse, NY

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a part of orthodontic treatment. Most commonly, people have heard of braces. If you qualify for Invisalign, it's a second option that you can undergo for orthodontic treatment.

How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?

Invisalign is similar to braces in that the end goal is to obtain an ideal bite and often straighten any crooked teeth you may have. Invisalign differs in the sense that you don't have metal brackets in your mouth or metal wires. Instead, you're wearing clear aligner trays with filling attachments on your teeth, so for the most part, it's more aesthetic. However, they do work in similar ways to reach the same end goal of achieving an ideal bite and smile.

Is Invisalign really faster than braces?

Invisalign can or cannot be faster than braces; it really depends on your case. If you are someone who simply needs realignment, such as fixing crowding on your lower teeth because you haven't worn your retainers in a while and your teeth have shifted back, cases like those are straightforward, and Invisalign can achieve that quickly. But it really depends on your case.

Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?

Invisalign is often considered more comfortable than braces simply because you don't have bulky metal in your mouth. Sometimes the wires from braces can cut your gums, and the metal brackets can be irritating and abrasive for some people. With Invisalign, you are wearing smooth, clear aligners, making it a bit more comfortable for most patients.

How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?

The length of Invisalign treatment to straighten teeth varies for people. If you have a more straightforward case, I've had patients where it could just be a few months, and it can also range up to a year or two years. It really depends on your individual case.

What are Invisalign trays, and how many will I need?

Invisalign trays are clear aligners that cover all of your teeth, which you wear for about 22 hours a day. How many you need depends on what your treatment requires. If you have a more extensive treatment, you'll have more aligners, and each aligner is worn for about two weeks at a time.

What is the process involved in Invisalign?

The process involved with Invisalign treatment includes attachments, which are filling buttons placed on your teeth to help hook on the aligners. You may also need interproximal reduction, a superficial polish between some teeth if more space is needed. Essentially, you wear each aligner for about two weeks, and you'll feel your teeth slightly changing throughout the period of wearing your different aligners. If everything goes well, at the end of the treatment, we just polish off those buttons, and then you'll be in retainers.

Do I sleep with Invisalign?

Yes, you do sleep with Invisalign, and it's very important to wear them for about 22 hours a day to get the best results.

Is there anything that could disqualify me from Invisalign?

Certain factors could disqualify you from Invisalign. If your case is more complex and requires extensive orthodontic treatment, we'll let you know during your consult. Not everyone qualifies, but most people do.

Can Invisalign fix crossbite?

Invisalign can fix certain crossbites, but it depends on the severity of the crossbite. We take an assessment of your teeth and bite at your new patient exam and can better inform you at that time.

Is Invisalign painful?

Invisalign is not very painful, though you might feel a little soreness. Every time you switch out your aligner every two weeks, you might feel some pressure on your teeth. In that case, you can take some Advil for a couple of days to help take the edge off. Overall, Invisalign is not a painful process at all.

How can I schedule an appointment to talk with a dentist about Invisalign?

You can schedule an appointment with any dentist that offers Invisalign in their practice. Most orthodontic offices and a good number of general dentists offer Invisalign. I encourage you to check their website to see if they offer this service, give them a call, and schedule a new patient exam to start.