Invisalign

Albany County Dental Associates offer Invisalign aligners as an alternative to braces. That means you can straighten teeth without braces, discreetly. The retainers are made of clear plastic so they’re much less noticeable. You wear them most of the day and night (between 20 and 22 hours), taking them out to eat and clean your teeth. You may even reduce the amount of time it takes for teeth straightening!  Contact the experts   for a consultation.

 

If you have crooked teeth and are feeling self-conscious about your smile, then you may have considered getting orthodontic treatment in the past. Braces provide a proven way to straighten your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. For many people, though, the thought of having metal braces stops them from taking any action.

There are now effective alternatives to traditional metal braces, including clear braces and Invisalign retainers. Invisalign are virtually invisible, custom-made plastic trays or aligners that shift your teeth into their proper position over time. Invisalign for teens and adults may actually work faster than traditional braces for some people.

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces present several problems, even though they’re effective for teeth straightening. With metal braces, your molars become the anchors for the wire. When it’s threaded through the brackets of the braces, your teeth are pulled into alignment. Some negative side effects of metal braces include:

  • Breaking brackets or wire. Braces are held together by wire, stringing one metal bracket to the next. If the wire breaks, it can cause significant damage to your teeth, gums and cheeks. If a bracket breaks or comes loose, it can cut your lip.
  • Increased risk of tooth decay. Wearing metal braces tends to trap food particles around your teeth, which increases the chances of tooth decay.
  • When your orthodontist tightens the metal braces, it adds tension to your jaw, which can cause jaw pain and headaches due to the pressure exerted.
  • Abnormal wear and tear on your inner cheeks. The metal of the braces can cause damage to the fleshy skin inside your mouth because of the constant friction. It can lead to cuts, bleeding and sores.
  • Root resorption. It’s possible that the roots of your teeth shorten because of the pull of tight braces. Shorter roots weaken your teeth.

Why Choose Invisalign?

You can straighten teeth without braces, thanks to the proven effectiveness of Invisalign. There are many reasons to choose this teeth straightening method, including the increased confidence you feel during and after the process. Unlike braces, the Invisalign aligners are removable, although you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day.

You change your aligners about every two weeks. Each new aligner moves your teeth a little more toward your goal. Other benefits you receive if you choose to straighten teeth without braces include:

  • Less danger of cuts, as Invisalign uses no wires or brackets
  • Fewer Invisalign dentist visits required during the treatment phase
  • Invisalign cost that compares with traditional braces
  • No restrictions on what you can eat or drink
  • The retainers are easy to clean and care for
  • Faster improvement for teeth straightening in many cases

You may feel some Invisalign pain when you switch to a new aligner tray, but it’s nowhere near as much pain and discomfort as you may experience with metal braces. As your teeth adjust to the aligners, any Invisalign pain disappears.

Invisalign for Teens

During the teenage years is when it becomes most common to get braces. But at this time of their lives, teenagers are concerned about their social status. Getting metal braces often comes with a social stigma. As a result, teen Invisalign has become a trusted alternative.

Since the retainers are made of clear plastic, teen Invisalign wearers get the benefits of straighter teeth while avoiding the social costs of braces. Being clear, the aligners provide discretion. And since they’re removable, your teens aren’t forced to give up any of their favorite foods. Other benefits of Invisalign for teens include:

  • Increased confidence in their smile and in themselves
  • Less time at an Invisalign dentist
  • More convenience and easier to clean your teeth
  • Equally effective when compared to traditional metal braces

Is Invisalign Covered by Insurance?

Whether your dental insurer covers Invisalign products depends on your insurance provider. Your Invisalign cost varies; one factor is based on the number of custom-made trays you need to reach your goals. The cost can only be determined by your dentist.

At Albany County Dental Associate

s, your dentist works with you and your insurance carrier because he is committed to providing you and your family with affordable dentistry procedures you need and want. The Invisalign cost is about the same as for traditional braces, but there are many factors in the final cost, such as:

  • How many different trays you need
  • How long you need to wear the aligners
  • How many visits to your Invisalign dentist you need
  • Whether you need a nighttime retainer after the process is complete

Ask your Albany County dentist if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.