There are different forms of orthodontic treatment available to patients. One of these forms of treatment is clear aligner therapy. Invisalign is a system which uses a series of clear, BPA-free, medical grade plastic custom molded trays which allow for movement of the teeth back into proper alignment. Left untreated, an improperly aligned bite can lead to gum disease, periodontal disease and other health issues. It can also lead to TMJ pain, jaw pain and headaches. Invisalign may be able to properly align the bite to prevent many of these problems.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign trays are removed while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing your teeth. Aside from those activities, while in treatment, you will wear the aligners/trays 20-22 hours per day including as you sleep.
Founded in 1997, Align Technology Incorporated (A.K.A. “Invisalign”) has been straightening teeth for over two decades. They have over 900 patents, and to date, they have treated over 9 million patients.
The first step at our office is having a consultation/examination with Dr. Brian Goldberg, taking a series of X-Rays, intra-oral photographs and a mold/impressions of your mouth/teeth which we send to a laboratory. Invisalign’s laboratory uses cutting edge three-dimensional computer imaging software to fabricate custom made aligners to straighten your teeth and they come up with a personalized treatment plan. Each patients case is different and duration can span anywhere for four months to twenty four months on average. Most patients will require small attachments/buttons on certain teeth and a groove in the aligners is allowed specifically to fit them. In order for the teeth to move as needed, certain teeth need a stronger hold to the aligner and a small piece of composite resin (the same material used in a white filling) is bonded to the tooth. They are not very visible. These are removed at the end of your treatment.
Every 4-6 weeks we have you return to our office to monitor your progress with a short 15-30 minute appointment. We will give you series of trays and have you change them every 7-14 days on your own between appointments with duration of wear in each set of aligners varying from person to person. The reason you need to come in every few weeks is so that the doctor can monitor your progress against the original treatment plan and make any mid-course corrections as necessary.
Some insurance plans provide partial coverage for Invisalign®, but other dental plans do not. In fact, over 75% of adults do not have coverage for orthodontic services even if they indeed have dental insurance. There are in office financing plans available to help make the cost of treatment more affordable. This can be discussed with our Practice Manager. The cost of treatment for Invisalign® varies from patient to patient based on the number of aligners needed to achieve the desired movement and complexity of the case.
Although many cases of malocclusion can be treated by general dentists with the help of Invisalign, there may be some cases which are quite complicated and if necessary, our office would refer to one of our trusted Orthodontist colleagues.
