If you want to correct the alignment, spacing, or positions of your teeth, but don’t want to deal with a mouth full of metal, consider Invisalign. Jessica Pandich, DDS, offers Invisalign treatments — a flexible yet powerful alternative to traditional metal braces that provides patients near Bryant Park and Grand Central in Midtown Manhattan with lasting results. Call Dr. Pandich today or schedule a consultation online to find out if it’s right for you.
What is Invisalign?
It’s a cutting-edge orthodontic system designed to straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Instead, it uses a series of clear BPA-free plastic aligners to move and straighten your teeth. Like braces, the aligners put gentle pressure on your teeth to guide them to their correct positions.
The system was created to provide results while having a minimal impact on a patient’s life. For example, you can remove the aligners while eating or brushing your teeth, although you do need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day for optimal effectiveness. Also, the trays are nearly invisible while you’re wearing them, so no one will know you’re having orthodontic treatment. Additionally, the smooth plastic aligners won’t irritate your cheeks or gums like metal braces and are more comfortable overall.
How does Invisalign work?
When your aligners are ready, Dr. Pandich fits you with the first set. You wear them for one week and then have a follow-up appointment for her to check your progress and give you the next set of aligners. You continue to have biweekly appointments until Dr. Pandich is satisfied that your teeth are responding as predicted — which usually happens around your eighth week of treatment. At this point, Dr. Pandich gives you several sets of aligners and you change them every two weeks at home. You still have checkups, but only every six to eight weeks.
When your treatment is complete, Dr. Pandich provides your final set of aligners that you use as a retainer. You wear the retainers all the time for a few months, but eventually, you only need to wear them while you’re sleeping to ensure your teeth stay in their corrected positions.
Is it a good fit for everyone?
It’s a great alignment option for most people. Dr. Pandich uses this system to correct a variety of dental imperfections, including:
- Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Gaps
- Overlapping teeth
- Twisted or crooked teeth
That said, there are certain cases in which traditional metal braces are a better option. That is why the initial consultation process is so important; it allows you and Dr. Pandich to discuss your specific needs and goals, and determine if Invisalign is the best possible option for you.