Teeth Straightening Aligners, a Great Option for a Beautiful Smile

If you had lived some decades ago and wanted straighter teeth, you would have been fitted with bulky, uncomfortable metal braces. Besides being uncomfortable, metal brackets and braces made some people feel self-conscious. The good news is that advances in modern orthodontics have given people with teeth-straightening needs more options today. With Invisalign^® clear aligners, the team at Dental Art Concepts PLLC can give you straighter teeth without the burden of unsightly metal braces. 

1. Understanding Invisalign^® Clear Aligners

Introduced in the 1990s, Invisalign^® clear aligners are removable, transparent aligners that serve as an alternative to traditional braces with wires and brackets. Because they are transparent, someone has to be very close to you to know you’re wearing them. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign^® aligners use consistent, gentle force to make your teeth straighter in a discreet and comfortable way. 

2. Clear Aligners Can Treat Several Conditions

Initially, Invisalign^® clear aligners were designed to help with crooked teeth. However, in addition to crooked teeth, which is also known as malocclusion, Invisalign^® aligners can help with all of these conditions: 

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gapped teeth
• Openbite
• Crowding
• Unevenly-spaced teeth

3. Clear Aligners Are Super Discreet

If you’ve ever seen a mouthpiece athletes wear to protect their teeth, you can somewhat visualize clear aligners. However, Invisalign^® clear aligners are very thin and made with smooth, transparent thermoplastic. In fact, unless you tell people you’re using them or they’re standing very close to you, they may not even notice your aligners. 

4. You Don’t Have to Change Your Diet

People who wore metal braces bemoaned the dietary changes they had to undergo. Forget about corn on the cob; popcorn was also a taboo food with metal braces. Fortunately, you can remove our clear aligners for eating. Nevertheless, you do need to wear your aligners consistently for them to do their job, so be sure to pop them back in after enjoying that buttery corn. 

5. Invisalign^® Clear Aligners Are Easy to Care For

Like any dental appliance, you must care for your Invisalign^® clear aligners daily. A thorough cleanse is different from rinsing. You can rinse your aligners throughout the day if necessary. However, before you go to bed, perform hygiene care for your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear liquid soap. Don’t use the same toothbrush you use to brush your teeth. 

6. It Takes Time to Straighten Teeth

Invisalign^® clear aligners are not a miracle fix. Like metal braces, teeth straightening with clear aligners will take time. After receiving your first set of aligners, you will wear them daily. Then, your dentist will give you a new set every couple of weeks as your teeth start moving. The entire process could take as little as 6 months, but in some cases it might be 18-24 months. 

Your Choice for Teeth Straightening in Staten Island, NY

Dr. Matthew Scaffa and the team at Dental Art Concepts PLLC are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams with Invisalign^® clear aligners. Call us today at (718) 313-4343 to schedule your consultation. 

Dr. Matthew Scaffa
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Matthew Thomas Scaffa, DDS, graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University. He has been a dentist in Staten Island, NY, for over 35 years.

Dr. Scaffa annually attends continuing education courses to stay current on emerging technologies and procedures in dentistry. He has received advanced training in implants, Invisalign, and veneers. He is a member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, and the 2nd District Dental Society.

Dr. Scaffa opened his practice in 1985 and moved to more spacious premises several times before settling at the current location in 2000. He believes in “over-delivering” professional and high-quality dental care so patients will have healthy and beautiful smiles. Among the accolades he has received include being in the 99th percentile on Healthgrades for Dental Providers in the New York Area, a Top pick for NextDoor Neighborhood Faves ratings, and the MetLife SpotLite on Oral Health designation.

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