Am I Still a Candidate for Invisalign if I’ve had Braces?

It is absolutely acceptable and sometimes necessary to repeat orthodontic treatment even years after the braces have been removed. Often, patients who have completed the orthodontic process with traditional braces as a teen or a child may have a need for further treatment as an adult.

 If you have noticed that the teeth have shifted out of position, you may wish to have them realigned in order to produce a more esthetic and uniform smile. As an adult, however, you may be unwilling to undergo the traditional treatment that includes metal braces and brackets.

The Invisalign procedure offers an effective and comfortable alternative to the traditional method. Your orthodontist can utilize a series of customized aligners to realign your teeth. These clear aligners are discreet and virtually invisible to those around you, allowing you to protect your privacy and project a more professional appearance.

The duration of your treatment and the number of aligners that will be required will need to be determined by your orthodontist. In many cases, a limited treatment may be recommended, lasting anywhere from a few months to a year. In fact, as an Invisalign patient, you will hold much of the success of your treatment in the palm of your hand. Adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions and wearing your aligners as recommended can significantly shorten the treatment period.

If you recall a less than pleasurable experience with braces, you may be hesitant to proceed with Invisalign. But, fear not! Your experience with Invisalign can be far more comfortable than the braces that linger in your memory.

Your new aligners will not pinch or irritate your soft tissue. They are fabricated from a smooth, lightweight plastic that has been contoured to your anatomy. Although these aligners should be worn 24 hours each day, they can be removed for eating and drinking. You will also be permitted to remove the aligners for brushing and flossing after meals.

Whether you have had braces in the past or you are a first-time orthodontic patient, you can still be a candidate for the Invisalign procedure. Call Newman Orthodontics, serving Long Island, for an appointment today to discuss your options.

Can You Just Wear Invisalign at Night?

By now, most patients recognize the beauty of the Invisalign system. Thin, clear, customized aligners that gently guide the teeth into the most ideal positions are particularly attractive for adults. The reasons for the popularity are as clear as the aligners. The entire process is metal-free and practically invisible to those around you.

Your orthodontist will tell you, however, that if you choose Invisalign it is important to adhere to the simple but necessary instructions. Failure to follow the guidelines will result in a prolonged treatment time and an unsatisfying final outcome.

The method behind the Invisalign magic is that the teeth are subjected to a constant but gentle pressure until they reach the desired position. The process is only effective when the aligners are in place for a minimum of 22 hours each day. They should be removed only for eating, drinking, and routine oral hygiene. Removing the aligners for longer periods of time is not recommended and can significantly delay the orthodontic process. In fact, patients who choose to wear their aligners overnight often learn that the nighttime hours are not long enough to produce the desired result at all.

Without the steady guidance of the aligners during the day, it is highly probable that the teeth will move back into their previous positions. This type of setback may require new, unanticipated aligners for an additional fee. The unexpected expense and the delay in treatment can be disappointing for both the patient as well as the orthodontist.

Fortunately, your orthodontist, backed by a team of Invisalign professionals can provide you with aligners that you won’t mind wearing all day and all night. During the treatment period, there will be no noticeable impact on your speech or appearance. Most of your professional acquaintances and personal friends will never suspect that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Following your orthodontist’s instructions during your Invisalign treatment will place you on the path towards your beautiful smile. Learn more by calling Newman Orthodontics, serving Long Island, for your professional consultation.

Invisalign: The Removable And Transparent Orthodontic Alternative

If you have always been self-conscious about your smile but never had the time to bother with braces, you might want to consider a clear and simple alternative. Invisalign is the latest orthodontic treatment that makes use of a series of transparent trays or aligners to improve your bite. The aligners are custom-made to fit you and aesthetically pleasing compared to the traditional metal braces.

The orthodontist will begin with a consultation visit wherein your medical and dental history will be reviewed. This will help determine if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. Digital x-rays and bite impressions may be taken to assess your bite. If you are deemed an ideal candidate for Invisalign, your bite impressions will be sent off so that your clear aligners can be fabricated.

You will be given your first set of clear trays during the second visit and your orthodontist will instruct you to wear it for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. The aligners will be replaced every two weeks to facilitate the movement of your teeth. The average number of trays used can range from 20 to 25 pairs. It should be noted that more severe cases may require an additional number of trays.

With Invisalign, the patient will be able to savor his or her meals without having to worry about food getting stuck between brackets. To appliance does not require extra maintenance tools – the aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush.

When wearing your clear aligners, you should remember to avoid drinking highly pigmented beverages like grape juice or red wine. Take off your aligners if you plan to drink coffee and tea as well.

If you would like to learn more about this innovative treatment, please call our office serving the Long Island area at 516-626-2060 today.

Straighten Teeth Without Braces

If you have crooked teeth or dentition with large spaces in between, you may have been teased about your abnormal occlusion growing up. As we get older, we think that we have to kiss our dream of straighter teeth goodbye. Many patients think that orthodontic treatments are exclusively for teenagers. That is not entirely true. Sure, many start their foray to straighter teeth at a younger age because our supporting structures are more pliable at this period.

For patients who do not wish to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment, Invisalign in Long Island NY is a great alternative. Your journey begins with a consultation with our experienced Invisalign provider. In order to assess your bite, an impression of your teeth will be made. After which, a computer generated Invisalign machine will study your occlusion and create a series of clear aligners to fix the abnormalities.

Extractions may be necessary for patients with large dentition and small jaws prior to beginning treatment, especially if the teeth exhibit severe crowding. Invisalign therapy can also be utilized on relapsed bites of people who had braces but failed to wear their follow-up appliances religiously. On average, a treatment will usually consist of 18 to 25 clear trays or aligners. The patient will be asked to wear the appliance all day, except during meals.

Patients are advised to remove the Invisalign trays while drinking beverages that can lead to staining. The trays should be removed when drinking tea, coffee, red wine and juices that contain high amounts of artificial coloring. Your orthodontist will advise you to change the tray approximately every two weeks. The slow and gentle movement caused by the aligner will cause the teeth to move into the desired position.

Many patients have reported seeing a drastic improvement somewhere between the 7^th to 12^th set of trays. Older individuals with normal alveolar bone density are also candidates for Invisalign treatment. Give yourself a reason to smile. Contact Newman Orthodontics at 516-626-2060 and ask about how this clear breakthrough in technology can transform your smile.