If your teeth are crooked or crowded, ask Dr. Matthew Scaffa about Invisalign® in our Staten Island, New York, office. Invisalign uses clear, comfortable aligners to move your teeth to their ideal positions over time. We encourage you to contact Dental Art Concepts PLLC today at (718) 313-4343 to learn more and to schedule an appointment with our dentist.
Invisalign® aligners are a great choice for patients who are searching for a more discreet orthodontic treatment option for straightening their smile. Rather than using metal brackets and wires like traditional braces, the Invisalign system uses a series of custom-made, computer-generated plastic aligners to straighten teeth. Each set of aligners is designed to make small changes to the alignment of the teeth. As you switch sets of aligners about every two weeks, your teeth will gradually and gently move to their proper positions. You will also visit our office on a regular basis during treatment to make certain that your smile is progressing as planned.
In general, Invisalign aligners can be used to treat the same orthodontic issues that are normally treated with braces. Our dentist may recommend Invisalign treatment to correct:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped and spaced teeth
- Certain problems with the bite, such as an overbite, open bite, underbite, or crossbite
During your initial visit, we will determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. This treatment is often a good choice for adult patients and others who are interested in a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment. In addition to being discreet, Invisalign aligners are very comfortable because they are custom-made from smooth, thin plastic. The aligners are removable as well, which allows you to easily remove them as needed to eat, brush and floss. We welcome you to call or visit us today to learn more about Invisalign clear aligners.
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Treatment
When it comes to Invisalign treatment, Dental Art Concepts PLLC in Staten Island, New York, understands you may have several questions. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help. But if you still need more clarity, don’t hesitate to contact our Invisalign dentist, Dr. Matthew Scaffa.
Conventional braces use metal wires and brackets permanently attached to the teeth to move them to their ideal positions. Invisalign orthodontics involves the same principle, but the approach is different. Instead of metal appliances, Invisalign uses transparent, removable plastic trays to align your teeth and bite. The Invisalign trays are created from SmartTrack®, a smooth, flexible, and BPA-free plastic that offers unrivaled comfort and effectiveness.
The treatment starts with a consultation with your Staten Island, New York, Invisalign dentist, Dr. Scaffa. The dentist will inspect your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign is the best treatment. Then, we’ll digitally scan your teeth and create your treatment plan using 3D imaging technology.
Our Invisalign lab will create several aligners to move your teeth gradually until you achieve the desired results. Most patients need 18-30 aligners, although you may need more or less depending on your orthodontic issue. You’ll wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks before moving to the next in line. Also, you must wear your Invisalign trays 20-22 hours daily, only removing them during mealtime and when brushing or flossing.
Once you conclude your Invisalign treatment, we recommend wearing a retainer to keep your results intact. You should wear a retainer full-time for the first four to nine months and continue with nightly wear after the initial period.
Orthodontic treatment involves moving your teeth, so Invisalign may cause pain, especially in the first few days. However, the discomfort is manageable with OTC painkillers and home remedies like applying an ice pack on the cheeks, although we find that most patients undergoing this treatment have minimal discomfort. However, after the adjustment period, your treatment will be comfortable, and you don’t have to worry about sharp edges or protruding wires poking your cheeks and gums, like you would with traditional metal braces.
The many benefits of Invisalign include:
- Discreet treatment
- Predictable outcomes
- Faster treatment
- Fewer dental visits
- No dietary restrictions
- No disruptions to your oral hygiene routine
- Convenience of removability
Ready to start your smile transformation with Invisalign? Please call (718) 313-4343 to schedule a consultation with Dental Art Concepts PLLC of Staten Island, New York.
Like your teeth, your aligners need optimal maintenance to protect them from stains and harmful bacteria. Gently brush your aligners with fluoride toothpaste after wearing them. Rinse your aligners with clean, cold/warm water to remove saliva and debris. Always brush your teeth before wearing your aligners. Lastly, store your aligners in a clean, dry case if they aren’t in use.
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign costs like any other orthodontic treatment. However, it’s essential to note your insurance won’t cover the entire Invisalign cost. In most cases, the insurance covers a percentage of the price or pays a specific dollar amount. Always consult with your insurance provider to know what will be covered before starting treatment.
Whether you have insufficient or no insurance, you can still get treatment from our Staten Island, New York office. We provide various financing options, such as CareCredit, ensuring you can afford your treatment through convenient and budget-friendly payment plans.
Yes! Foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and wine can stain your clear aligners, resulting in a cloudy appearance. To prevent this, avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners.
