Orthodontics – Marlboro, NJ

Using Clear Aligners to Straighten Smiles

Woman placing a clear orthodontics tray

Many people consider straight teeth to be more attractive than crooked teeth, which is why straight teeth make a more powerful first impression on dates and at job interviews. Also, straighter teeth are easier to clean, and they are less susceptible to wear and tear since they can distribute the forces of your bite more evenly. For those who have been wanting to straighten their teeth, Dr. Yana is happy to offer Invisalign as a way to achieve your smile goals without traditional metal braces. Call today to set up a consultation to discuss options for orthodontics in Marlboro, NJ.

Why Choose Cambridge Square Dental for Orthodontics?

  • Convenient Removable
    Aligners
  • Friendly,
    Accommodating Team
  • Beautiful,
    Comfortable Dental Office

What Is Invisalign®?

Invisalign will help you solve these and many other misalignment issues. Invisalign is a very conservative, practically painless, and very comfortable way to solve dental and orthodontic problems. Besides correcting your smile, Clear braces also prevent gum disease, dental decay, tooth wear, bone loss, and joint problems. Invisalign consists of custom-made, virtually invisible, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth. The length of the treatment is very individual, most of the time depending on the severity of the problem. Compared to conventional braces, this type of orthodontic treatment will not interfere with your ability to speak, chew food, clean your teeth or affect your appearance.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Patient holding clear aligner

If you think Invisalign is right for you, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! If you want to learn a little more about clear aligner treatment first, including what orthodontic problems it can fix, then you’ll find everything you need to know in this next section.

Crowded Teeth

Illustration of crooked teeth

If your teeth crowd together to the point where they are no longer aligned, then it’s time to explore your treatment options. If you don’t, then there’s a good chance that the alignment of your teeth will negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. Fortunately, Invisalign has helped countless patients with overcrowding throughout the years, and many achieve the smile of their dreams in just 12-18 months!

Gaps Between Teeth

Illustration of spaced-out teeth

Patients sometimes assume that they only need to worry if they have a large gap between their two front teeth. The reality is that even small spaces throughout your smile can increase your risk of tooth decay and other common oral health problems. So, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us if you have spaced out teeth! There’s a good chance that we’ll be able to move your teeth into their properly aligned positions with clear, comfortable aligners.

Overbite

Illustration of overbite

Do your upper teeth jut out far beyond your lower ones? If so, you may have an overbite. This is a common bite problem that can lead to several problems – from jaw pain to trouble enunciating clearly. The good news is that mild to moderate cases can often be fixed with Invisalign clear aligners, which are comfortable, discreet, and don’t come with any dietary restrictions. In other words, don’t just assume traditional braces are your only option!

Underbite

Illustration of an underbite

If your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, then you likely have an underbite. Like the other bite problems on this list, it can negatively impact your speaking patterns, your oral health, and your self-esteem, which is why we recommend having it corrected sooner rather than later. The first step? Scheduling a consultation with us! Once we conduct a comprehensive oral exam, we can determine if Invisalign is a good option for you.

Crossbite

Illustration of a crossbite

Premature wear is a primary concern with crossbites. That said, it’s also common for patients to experience chronic jaw pain and trouble chewing properly as well. That’s why we don’t recommend taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, get an appointment with us on the calendar so we can learn more about your case and determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then your teeth-straightening journey will be metal-free!

Open Bite

Illustration of an open bite

An open bite is when there is space between your upper and lower teeth, which prevents you from biting down all the way. There are numerous causes for this bite problem – from sucking your thumb as a child to genetics – and Invisalign is almost always an option for patients with more mild cases.

Benefits of Invisalign

Smiling woman enjoying the benefits of Invisalign

Are you curious why millions and millions of patients around the world have chosen Invisalign over traditional braces? Well, there isn’t just one reason – there are several! Below, you will find a few of the many perks of this innovative orthodontic treatment.

Easier to Clean

It’s no secret that traditional braces can be hard to clean. That’s why products like interproximal toothbrushes and pre-threaded floss were invented! The good news is that you won’t have to buy any special products in order to complete your oral hygiene regimen with Invisalign. Since the aligners are removable, all you need to do is remove your aligners first. Then, you can brush, floss, and rinse normally as well as clean the aligners outside your mouth.

Virtually Invisible Trays

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are hard to see when worn. In fact, the fact that they are see-through and custom-made from impressions of your teeth means people won’t even realize you’re wearing any kind of orthodontic appliance!

To ensure your braces stay undetectable, you need to take really good care of your trays. That means cleaning them thoroughly after each meal as well as rinsing them with clean, cool water each time you take them out.

No Dietary Restrictions

With traditional braces, there are several foods you need to avoid, including tortilla chips, raw nuts, whole apples, and popcorn. That’s not the case with Invisalign. Since you don’t have to worry about removable aligners being damaged by crunchy or sticky foods, can eat and drink whatever you want. Just make sure foods that are particularly sugary or starchy are kept to a minimum to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Quicker Average Treatment Timeline

Oftentimes, traditional braces need to be worn for two or three years. The average treatment timeline with Invisalign, on the other hand, is 12-18 months. Yet another perk of straightening your teeth with clear aligners! We can provide you with an estimate of both the cost of your Invisalign as well as the time you need to invest in the treatment process at your consultation so you have a general idea of what to expect.

Improved Comfort

Patients often think that the main perk of metal-free aligners is appearance. However, there is another considerable benefit: comfort. Since Invisalign doesn’t use brackets and wires to guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions, the teeth-straightening process is considerably more comfortable.

Note: Any soreness that stems from the movement of your teeth will be temporary. Plus, it’s actually good news: it means the aligners are working!

Fewer Follow-Up Visits

If you have a busy schedule – whether it’s due to your class schedule or the fact that you’re working for a promotion – coming in for monthly adjustment appointments can be a bit difficult. Fortunately, Invisalign check-in visits are usually every six or eight weeks instead of every four! So, you’ll spend less time in the treatment chair overall.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Man smiling at dental assistant who is holding an Invisalign aligner

Although there isn’t a flat fee, understanding the cost of Invisalign isn’t difficult – our team makes sure of it! At your initial consultation, we will answer any questions you have about the treatment process and review all of the financial solutions available to you. However, if you are interested in learning more about the price of clear aligner treatment before then, you can also keep reading!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Closeup of woman placing Invisalign aligner on top teeth

As you know, no two smiles are the same. In order to provide an accurate price estimate, we need to consider a multitude of factors, including:

  • If you need to straighten one or both arches of teeth
  • How severe your misalignment is
  • How many aligners are needed
  • If additional accessories, like rubber bands, are required

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without another important factor: how well you follow the treatment guidelines. If you lose an aligner or consistently don’t meet the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time, there’s a good chance you’ll fall off-track with your original treatment plan. This often requires an additional investment of your time and money.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Patient holding Invisalign clear aligner against blue background

It’s true; mail-order aligners are cheaper than Invisalign. However, as a prospective patient, it’s important to ask yourself, “Why?” The short answer is that these braces alternatives cut several crucial corners to reduce the upfront cost, including completely bypassing the initial exam to determine if you’re a good candidate. If that wasn’t enough, they also rely on DIY impressions, have lawsuits from previous patients who have experienced worsened misalignment from their trays, and don’t have support from professional organizations, like the ADA. In short, even at a lower price, mail-order aligners aren’t worth your money.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Woman looking at dental insurance information on phone

Although there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, there are several dental plans that include a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit! The coverage does work differently than your “usual” preventive and restorative benefits, so we encourage our patients to read the fine print on their plan ahead of time. Of course, our team at Cambridge Square Dental can also help since we welcome many of the nation’s leading providers, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and Cigna.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Dental assistant showing couple Invisalign payment information

If you are currently uninsured, then you’ll be happy to know that there are other ways to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable. To begin, we offer periodic special offers, like a complimentary Invisalign consultation. Furthermore, we welcome payment plans with CareCredit, which can help break down the cost of Invisalign into manageable monthly chunks. If you would like to learn more about either of these financial solutions, give us a call.

Invisalign FAQs

Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign?

To determine whether you qualify for Invisalign in Marlboro, you should consider a few things. They include the following:

  • Your Age: Age is the most significant factor in treatment, as the jaw and teeth change from childhood to teenage years. That said, most teens and adults qualify for Invisalign.
  • Daily Wear Time: Patients must wear aligners for roughly 20 hours daily to achieve good results. Those who are younger or less responsible, then, may want to consider braces — being fixed to one’s smile, this option is lower maintenance.
  • The Severity of Misalignment: In general, Invisalign can correct crooked, gapped, crowded, and misaligned teeth in the upper and lower arches. Even so, some bite problems may be too severe to treat.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Overall, Invisalign doesn’t cause pain. Instead, its smooth, plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic services.

Admittedly, there is an adjustment period when you first get your trays. At that time, you might experience slight soreness or discomfort. However, such feelings will fade quickly as you get used to Invisalign. In the meantime, though, you could use a cold compress or over-the-counter medication to manage them.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

How long Invisalign takes varies from patient to patient. Some clients will have differing misalignment issues, higher or lower levels of commitment to treatment, etc.

Still, there are some consistent patterns and averages. Typically, the Invisalign process goes for 12 to 18 months before finishing. In cases of mild misalignment, though, patients might only need aligners for six months. As such, even the longest-lasting Invisalign treatments are still four months shorter than the average time with metal braces.

What Happens After Invisalign?

Once done with Invisalign in Marlboro, you might think you don’t need to focus on alignment anymore. In truth, though, you must follow the proper aftercare. As it turns out, you’ll have to work to maintain your newly-aligned smile.

Your post-treatment will start with you wearing a retainer, which will either have wires or be made of clear plastic. Either way, this appliance will preserve your treatment results and thus ensure you have straight teeth for years to come. It’ll also be more comfortable to wear than the models used in the past.

As for how often you’ll wear this retainer, your dentist will suggest the exact times. In most cases, they recommend wearing it full-time before slowly easing up. After a certain point, you can then wear it at night.