Invisalign in Wayne, NJ

When it comes to orthodontics, braces are commonly associated with young adults. It almost feels like a rite of passage to experience wearing braces sometime throughout your school years. However, the American Association of Orthodontists estimates that 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today are adults. The number of adults pursuing orthodontic treatment has increased the demand for an alternative to traditional braces that suit diverse needs and preferences. Clear aligners like Invisalign trade painful and bulky wire-and-bracket braces for discreet and convenient realignment trays. With so many benefits, Invisalign has become a popular tooth-straightening option for adults and teens alike.

What Is Invisalign?

Clear aligners such as Invisalign are a tooth straightening option that removes many of the drawbacks of traditional braces. Developed about 25 years ago to provide an alternative to braces, these custom-made trays are made of medical-grade plastic and fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them into proper alignment over time. Users wear their clear aligners for approximately 22 hours every day, taking them out only to eat, brush, and floss. Each tray is worn for approximately one week, and sometimes up to two weeks before moving on to the next one in the sequence.

One of the greatest benefits of using Invisalign is it lives up to its name. The clear plastic trays are nearly invisible, offering a much less noticeable option than traditional braces. Another advantage is that Invisalign is even more effective than braces when it comes to shifting your teeth. However, Invisalign can actually straighten teeth in less time. While many people must wear braces for multiple years, most Invisalign users complete their treatment within one year.

Just as with braces, a retainer needs to be worn at night once the process is complete to keep teeth in their proper positions.

Who Is Right for Invisalign?

Invisalign can fix all the same problems that braces address, including:

  • Crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite

Good candidates for Invisalign are responsible patients committed to following the treatment schedule without the reminders that constant appointments provide. Braces provide a regular appointment schedule to adjust and tighten the apparatus, but Invisalign is a more independent process that relies on the patient following the plan.

Smokers should be wary of how often they would need to take out their Invisalign to smoke, which would delay treatment outcomes. Smoking can also lead to discoloration of the clear trays.

Many people are concerned about what age is right to get braces. While you’re never too old for orthodontics to work, a good time for braces is between ages 9 and 14. Most or all of the adult teeth have come in, and the facial bones are still flexible enough to move without too much trouble. Adult orthodontics may take a little longer because of the increased bone density, but they are ultimately just as effective.

Advantages of Invisalign Over Braces

Clear aligners offer several advantages over conventional braces.

More Discreet Look

One of the most challenging aspects of metal braces is that they’re essentially impossible to hide. They draw attention to themselves and tell the world that you’re undergoing an orthodontic procedure. Invisalign, on the other hand, allows you to straighten your teeth without announcing it to everyone around you. Their clear, custom-fit trays are almost impossible to see if you’re not already looking for them. They allow you to experience daily activities like conversations without the intrusion of brackets, wires, and rubber bands.

More Comfortable and Convenient

Not only are the metal apparatus of braces impossible to hide, but they’re also constantly reminding you of their existence by poking and prodding your gums, lips, and tongue. This can cause irritation or soreness in the mouth, especially in the early stages of wearing braces. Invisalign’s smooth plastic trays conform to your teeth, meaning no more accidental snags on a metal wire.

Clear aligners also offer greater convenience than conventional braces, which need constant adjustments at the dental or orthodontic office.

Dr. Fine will sequence out the Invisalign treatment progression for you. Once you complete your time with one tray, you just move on to the next. Although they must be worn 22 hours a day, you can remove them for special occasions such as family photos, musical performances, or job interviews. That’s not possible with traditional braces.

Faster Treatment Timeline

Braces can take years to complete the realignment process. Invisalign is a faster process from start to finish. For 90% of Invisalign patients, treatment is done in 12 months or less, although a retainer will still need to be worn afterward.

Easier Oral Hygiene

Trying to brush or floss around the metal jungle gym of braces is frustrating and difficult. Removing Invisalign for brushing, flossing, and rinsing makes your daily oral hygiene routine much easier. The trays themselves are also easy to clean, which simplifies maintenance and minimizes bacterial buildup.

No Dietary Restrictions

One of the toughest things about braces, especially for younger patients, is avoiding certain foods because of damage they can cause to the brackets and wires. Say goodbye to sticky, gooey, or crunchy foods for the next few years.

However, since you take out Invisalign aligners before eating, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction. Just remember to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in!

The Cost of Invisalign

Like braces, the cost of Invisalign varies depending on each patient’s situation. Some people are surprised to learn that the two procedures are generally comparable in price. But because of the expedited treatment timeline, you get all the benefits of Invisalign with little to no extra cost.

Out-of-pocket expenses will also depend on insurance coverage. Insurance plans are more likely to cover Invisalign for children and teens, but some also cover adults. At Fine Dental Care, our experienced staff will help you understand your plan’s benefits at your free, no-risk consultation.

We strive to make dental care affordable to all. If you’re looking for financing assistance, we can help. We partner with several flexible financing companies to offer rates that suit your budget. These lenders offer various plans that make monthly payments affordable. This allows you or your loved one to experience the transformative power of Invisalign without financial stress.

Start the Process Today

A straighter, brighter smile used to mean suffering through years of painful and unsightly metal braces. Clear aligners like Invisalign are a preferred choice for many patients thanks to their comfort, convenience, and efficiency.

Dr. Fine has provided Invisalign treatment for over ten years and has seen firsthand how it can change lives. By scheduling a FREE Invisalign consultation, you can meet with Dr. Fine, ask any questions you may have, and learn if Invisalign is right for you.