Straighten your teeth and correct bite irregularities in a discreet and comfortable way with the effective Invisalign® orthodontic system. The clear, flexible plastic aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces — which use metal brackets and wires — to create the straighter, more uniform smile you desire. Our experienced team of dentists at New England Dental Group can help you achieve beautiful and functional results with the innovative Invisalign® system.
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment using a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to correct dental issues. The gradual teeth repositioning process helps improve unevenly spaced, crowded, or gapped teeth as well as overbite, underbite, and crossbite issues. Invisalign® is available for both teens and adults interested in straightening their teeth without others knowing they are undergoing treatment.
Invisalign® gives patients an enhanced opportunity to correct mild to moderate teeth misalignment and bite concerns. This modernized orthodontic system offers many advantages over more traditional solutions, including these benefits:
New England Dental Group understands the importance of a thorough and meticulous treatment process. Our office uses advanced technology involving X-rays and 3-D dental imaging technology, powered by our GALILEOS® system, to create a precise digital impression of your teeth. Next, your series of Invisalign® clear braces will be designed, each to be worn for about two weeks. Once that period has elapsed, you will then discard the aligners and place the next in the series on your teeth. This allows for progressive movement of your teeth into a more desirable position.
Each patient follows a unique treatment plan customized to fit their own functional needs and aesthetic goals. Although individual timeframes may vary, the entire Invisalign® process typically takes about 9 to 15 months to achieve optimal results. To help maximize the effectiveness of the Invisalign® system, dedication is key. It is strongly recommended to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day and only remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing.
In general, significant differences between Invisalign® and metal braces include the type of materials used, visibility, and removability. Although metal braces are the more traditional route, clear braces are generally the more comfortable and convenient alternative.
Invisalign® trays are made with a clear, flexible plastic material, often providing a more comfortable and attractive fit than metal braces, which use wires and brackets that can cause irritation to soft oral tissues. While traditional braces have clear and ceramic options, the reality is they are still quite noticeable. Unlike the removable Invisalign® design that easily allows you to brush and floss, braces are sealed to the tooth enamel with dental adhesive. This can add more effort to ensure proper oral care and can lead to uneven tooth coloring from the covered surfaces.
However, traditional braces may still be the preferred option for more severe or complex orthodontic issues, or for patients that may have a harder time committing to wearing the aligners 22 hours a day.
To clean your aligner trays, simply brush and rinse them under lukewarm water. Take care to not use hot water as the higher temperature can warp the customized shape. It’s also important to brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dark-pigmented food and beverages from staining the clear trays.
The average cost of Invisalign® is customized to each treatment plan. There are several factors that will determine your individual cost for Invisalign® treatment including the extent of correction needed, the number of aligner sets to achieve a successful outcome, other combined procedures, insurance coverage, and more. During your initial consultation, a clearly outlined cost estimate based on your treatment plan will be provided so you may make an informed decision. New England Dental Group also partners with dental financing companies to provide patients the opportunity to receive high-quality cosmetic dental care regardless of their budget.
Most dental insurance carriers recognize Invisalign® treatment as orthodontic care so, if your plan includes that option, your treatment may be at least partially or fully covered. We encourage you to speak to our Invisalign® dentists or your insurance provider to better understand what amount may be paid for and what costs you can expect to be out of pocket.
Invisalign® is one of the most revolutionary orthodontic treatments to come along in quite some time. With Invisalign®, you can straighten your teeth without the self-consciousness often associated with wearing metal braces or wires. Please contact New England Dental Group for more information on Invisalign®, or to schedule a consultation.