Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Invisalign is made to fit your lifestyle

• Clear, virtually invisible aligners
• Removable, will not get in the way of your activities
• Easy to remove to eat, brush, and floss
• Graduate to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks
• Easy to monitor your progress with regular appointments

Effective for a wide range of smiles. The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. Dr. Pruzansky will create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign´s clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues, including: overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign clear aligners work the same way traditional braces do: by applying carefully controlled forces to teeth to move them into a better position. But they are not made of metal; instead, they are made of clear, flexible plastic.

Here’s how it works: Specialized computer software helps us design a plan for moving your teeth from their current positions into the best possible alignment. This movement will be broken down into perhaps several dozen stages. For each stage, the Invisalign company will manufacture two plastic mouth “trays” or “aligners,” one to fit over your top teeth and one for the bottom. You will wear this first set of trays for one to two weeks, for a minimum of 20 hours per day. You will then move on to the next set of aligners in your series to accomplish the next stage of gradual movement. You will keep doing this until your teeth are correctly aligned.

In the past several years, two features have been added to make Invisalign a more appropriate orthodontic treatment method for teenagers. Special “eruption tabs” hold the appropriate amount of space open for molars that have not fully-grown in. Invisalign for teens also comes with “compliance indicators” built into the aligner material, which fade with wear. This allows parents and the teens themselves to make sure the trays are being worn as prescribed. Treatment with Invisalign can only be successful if this is the case.

Caring For Your Invisalign Aligners

You’ll be wearing a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called Aligners. They’re virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth. When you wear your clear Aligners, Invisalign moves your teeth, week by week, millimeter by millimeter, to the desired location.

Invisalign ONLY works while you are wearing the Aligners. We recommend that you wear your Aligners FULL-TIME, day and night, except to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth. Because the Aligners are designed to sequentially move your teeth, it is very important to wear each Aligner in the order prescribed. Usually, you’ll wear each Aligner in the series for one to two weeks. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments – this is the only way we can be sure the treatment is progressing as planned. Failure to follow instructions could significantly delay or compromise treatment results. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your Aligners. Handle only ONE Aligner at a time.

To Insert

• Make sure you have the proper Aligner – the upper for the top teeth and the lower for your bottom teeth. To help avoid confusion, each Aligner is engraved with a ‘U’ for upper or an ‘L’ for lower.
• Insert the LOWER Aligner First, then the upper.
• When inserting, gently push the Aligners over your front teeth. Then, apply equal pressure, using your fingertips, to the tops of your left and right molars until the Aligner snaps into place.
• DO NOT BITE your Aligners into position. This may damage them.

To Remove

• Using your fingers, simultaneously apply equal downward pressure on the left and right side of the Aligner and lift the Aligner off your rear molars.
• Using your fingers, gently lift the Aligner off your front teeth.
• Immediately rinse and store your Aligners in the protective case provided with your starter kit.
• To help prevent damage, avoid unnecessary removal.
• DO NOT use any sharp object to remove your Aligners.

Care Instructions

• Clean your Aligners prior to each insertion. The Invisalign Cleaning System is recommended for the effortless extra-strength cleaning and clarity that it provides Aligners.
• Rinse well after each cleaning.
• DO NOT use denture cleaners to clean Aligners or soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the plastic, causing it to become dull and more visible.

Proper Oral Hygiene

• Always remove your Aligners before meals.
• Brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners.
• Brush and floss according to your usual routine.
• Regular checkups and cleaning are recommended for the continued health of your teeth and gums.

Storing Your Invisalign Aligners

We recommend that you store your Invisalign Aligners in a case when not in your mouth. This will protect them from potential damage.

Please keep your old aligners in a safe place – if an Aligner is lost or broken, we may recommend that you temporarily go back one stage and use the Aligners.

One of the first questions people tend to have when considering Invisalign is, “How much will it cost?” The good news is that most individuals are pleasantly surprised to discover that the cost of Invisalign treatment is usually comparable to the cost of traditional braces. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just as they would other orthodontic treatments like traditional braces and your insurance carrier can help you to determine the exact coverage for your treatment. If your insurance does not cover all of your treatment costs or if cost is a concern for you, talk to our staff about payment options. Our office offers flexible, interest-free financing, extended 3rd party financing and options with no down payment.

The exact cost of Invisalign Treatment varies and is based on the specifics needs of the individual patient. These factors can include the complexity of your treatment plan, how long your treatment will take and your orthodontic insurance coverage. During your initial examination, we will provide you with a thorough examination to determine the cost for your Invisalign Treatment.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pruzansky to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.