What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment technique that uses mouthpieces –– made from a thermoplastic called SmartTrack® –– to align your teeth and jaw.
Invisalign doesn’t use rubber bands, brackets, or wires. Instead, the aligners fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed at any time.
SmartTrack is FDA-approved and free of chemicals like BPA, BPS, and latex. Its unique makeup ensures Invisalign is safe for all people, including pregnant women and individuals who have allergies.
What types of alignment issues can Invisalign correct?
At Manhattan Dental Design, Dr. Tchoi uses Invisalign to correct various alignment issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Jet bite
- Underbite
- Misaligned jaw
You might also benefit from Invisalign treatment if you have noticeable gaps or spaces between two or more teeth.
What does Invisalign treatment involve?
Invisalign treatment begins with an in-office consultation at Manhattan Dental Design. During your appointment, Dr. Tchoi reviews your oral health history, conducts an oral exam, and takes X-rays using the on-site cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system.
After determining the position of your teeth and jaw, Dr. Tchoi develops a custom treatment plan. He takes digital impressions of your mouth and uploads them to a software program that maps out the step-by-step movements of your teeth and jaw.
Once your plan is finalized, he sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that crafts your Invisalign aligners.
During treatment, you wear the aligners for 20-22 hours each day. Every three weeks or so, you visit Manhattan Dental Design and transition to a new set. Gradually, the aligners straighten your teeth and jaw, restoring balance and symmetry to your smile.
How long does orthodontic treatment with Invisalign take?
The length of time that Invisalign takes depends on the severity of your misalignment and how well you adhere to the treatment plan. Most people have a straighter and more symmetrical smile in 6-12 months, but it can take up to 18.
After you finish wearing the aligners, you transition to a retainer. A retainer is a mouthpiece that prevents your teeth from shifting.
Do Invisalign aligners require routine maintenance?
To keep your Invisalign aligners in good shape, it’s important to clean them regularly. Dr. Tchoi recommends rinsing them off several times a day with cool tap water and brushing them gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush before going to bed. For more thorough cleanings, ask Dr. Tchoi about the Invisalign Cleaning System.
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, request a consultation at Manhattan Dental Design. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the New York City practice to speak with a staff member today.
