Invisalign in Rochester, NY for Clear, Comfortable Teeth Straightening

FAQs

Why Invisalign?

Many people with crooked teeth decide they would rather live with them than deal with having metal brackets and wires on their teeth. Good news: now you can get your teeth straightened without having to get metal braces. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners, similar to a teeth whitening tray, to move your teeth into place. Not only are these aligners clear and comfortable, but they’re also removable. That means you won’t have any diet restrictions, and you won’t have to learn any special cleaning techniques—just brush and floss normally.
Invisalign is one of the most talked-about innovations in cosmetic dentistry because it is such a huge departure from traditional orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, won't irritate your cheeks or tongue and more comfortable than many other types of aligners or braces, are fully removable, require no diet restrictions, require no special cleaning techniques or tools and take about as much time as traditional orthodontics.
All of these benefits come from the clear plastic aligners that simply fit over your teeth. There’s no wires or brackets—the aligners are almost invisible. With no metal wires and brackets, you won’t end up with sharp ends and irritating wires. You can take them out whenever you want to eat something, so you can keep enjoying all your favorite foods. And because you can remove your aligners, you don’t have to worry about brushing and flossing around the metal brackets or wires.

What does the process entail, end to end?

In basic principle, Invisalign clear aligners work the same way as other orthodontic treatments. When we apply constant pressure to our teeth, our body remolds the bone around it. It removes bone on one side and builds it up on the other. This process takes time, which is why Invisalign and other orthodontic care take about the same amount of time: they’re limited by your body’s ability to refashion bones.
But where traditional braces apply this force with wires and brackets on your teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are designed in a precise sequence so that, after wearing each one for about two weeks, you will end up with straightened teeth and better overall oral health.
At your initial appointment, we will use iTero 3D digital imaging to get an impression of your teeth and create a sequence of custom-made aligners. Then, we will design how we want your healthy smile to look at the end of treatment. We will send the initial impression and the end-state shape in a 3D digital format to Invisalign, and their computers will calculate the precise movements of each tooth necessary to achieve your desired beautiful smile. This set of movements is then broken down into tiny pieces, each one controlled by a single aligner tray.
Then, Invisalign will send us your sequence of aligners. We will call you into our Rochester, NY, office to have the first one fitted. It will likely be a little uncomfortable and tight at the beginning but no worse than traditional braces. After two weeks, you will come back to get fitted with your second tray. After a little while, we will start sending multiple aligners home with you at once. You can’t speed up the process by trying to skip some of the trays, nor can you try to wear each tray for less than the recommended time. If you do, then you’ll just end up with poor results. You also need to make sure you wear each aligner for 20 hours a day. Take it out only for eating and brushing your teeth.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time varies, but many patients complete Invisalign within 6 to 18 months. It just depends on a lot of factors and we figure it all out during your initial consultation.

Is Invisalign faster than Braces and what affects the time frame?

In mild to moderate cases, yes, Invisalign treatment can work more quickly than traditional braces. The innovative technology behind these custom-made aligners often allows for more efficient tooth movement in moderate cases. While traditional metal braces typically require 18-24 months of treatment, Invisalign can sometimes achieve similar results in less time, with many patients completing treatment in 6-18 months. But each individual case is different and there are various aspects that affect the time frame. Specifically, they are:
Severity of the case - how crooked the teeth are, how much spacing there is between them, any bite issues or other dental issues.
Patient compliance - how willing the patient is to comply with the regimen of wearing thee aligners for prolonged periods of time.

Is Invisalign noticeable?

Invisalign aligners are clear and designed to be discreet, making them difficult to notice in everyday interactions.

Does Invisalign hurt?

You may feel some pressure when switching aligners, but it is generally more comfortable than traditional braces.

Can I eat normally with Invisalign?

Yes, aligners are removable, so you can eat your favorite foods without restrictions.

How do I know if Invisalign is right for me?

The only way to know if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation and exam with an Invisalign-certified dentist at Contemporary Dentistry. During your consultation with us, you’ll find out if you can have a short Invisalign treatment and whether it would be less expensive than traditional braces. In many cases it is. Don’t worry about being too old or young; there is no Invisalign age limit! It’s for anyone who wants to straighten their smile without wires and brackets.