How to Straighten Your Smile Discreetly with Invisalign®

Unsightly, uncomfortable metal braces are no longer necessary to correct crooked teeth. Find out more about how you can straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign.

“You need braces” is a dreaded phrase to hear for many tweens, teens, and adults. Being told your teeth need correction for misalignment can conjure up images of years of wearing unsightly and uncomfortable metal braces.

Thankfully, metal braces are no longer necessary to correct crooked teeth for many teens and adults. Instead, you can subtly improve your smile with clear Invisalign® aligners.

Find out more from board-certified dentist Bella Pinkatz, DDS, at Kew Gardens Dental P.C., in Queens, New York City, about how you can straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign.

How is Invisalign different from braces?

Invisalign and braces both fix malocclusion in preteens, teenagers, and adults. Malocclusion refers to the condition where your teeth are crooked, or you have related problems, such as jaw or bite misalignment.

By choosing Invisalign to treat malocclusion, you can correct your smile and related issues without the visibility of wearing braces. Gone are the days of wearing permanently affixed, metal colored braces that everyone can see.

Instead, Invisalign is a system of custom-made removable, clear aligners. You wear these aligners nearly all day, but you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth. You can eat what you want, with no food restrictions.

The clear appearance makes Invisalign aligners discreet, making it easier for you or your teen to comfortably go about the day. They can also be temporarily removed if you have a special event.

You’ll also have fewer appointments during Invisalign treatment than the frequent orthodontic adjustments expected for braces. The aligners are more comfortable than braces, since your mouth isn’t constantly adjusting to them being tightened or moved.

What can I expect from Invisalign treatment?

Our team recommends Invisalign for malocclusion and related problems at preventive teeth cleaning or pediatric dentistry appointments. You can also make an appointment any time to discuss Invisalign for you or your child.

If we determine that Invisalign is a good solution for you, we custom-fit and order the aligners. Once delivered, we teach you how to wear and care for them.

You can expect to wear Invisalign aligners up to 22 hours per day, including during sleep and nearly all daily activities. By removing the aligners to eat, brush, and floss, and when playing certain sports, you can continue to eat a varied diet and easily keep your teeth clean.

You come in for periodic appointments to check on your Invisalign aligners and ensure they’re working properly. Let us know right away if your retainer cracks, breaks, or causes pain beyond mild soreness.

Most people can expect their smile to look great after up to 18 months of Invisalign treatment.

How can I ensure a perfect smile from Invisalign?

You get the most out of Invisalign by following all directions and treatment recommendations. This includes wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, cleaning the aligners well, and attending all orthodontic appointments.

Invisalign treatment takes more discipline than braces because the devices are removable. Fortunately, their discreet appearance and comfortable position on your teeth make complying simple.

If you or your teen needs orthodontic treatment but you’ve been dreading getting braces, Invisalign can give you the same results without the dreaded metal mouth.