Comfortable, Effective Invisalign® Treatment in Brentwood, NY
Do you want to achieve a straight, beautiful smile but don’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires? If so, Invisalign® may be the perfect solution for your orthodontic needs. Invisalign features a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions—without anyone noticing you’re undergoing treatment. Ocean Blue Orthodontics is the top office offering Invisalign in Brentwood, New York, and we can help you achieve your orthodontic goals.
Why Choose Invisible Braces?
Invisalign provides discretion, comfort, and freedom to eat and drink what you want while undergoing treatment, making it an excellent alternative to metal braces. Invisalign aligners are smooth, eliminating discomfort and chafing, and you can remove your aligners to floss and brush your teeth normally.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Our team will evaluate your bite to determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. This treatment option is ideal for mild to moderate cases—if you have severe misalignment or other dental problems, you may need another orthodontic treatment to correct your bite. If you are a candidate, our Invisalign dentist will take a 3D model of your teeth to send to Invisalign’s lab and provide you with custom aligners that fit your teeth perfectly.
How Many Aligners Do I Need?
The number of aligners you need will depend on your unique orthodontic case. You may receive as few as 10 or up to 30 aligners. You’ll wear each one for about two weeks, and you can expect to visit our office about every six weeks to check your progress.
The Best Time to Get Invisalign Braces
The best time to start Invisalign treatment for patients in Brentwood, NY varies by individual, but generally, it is ideal when all permanent teeth have fully erupted. This typically occurs during the teen years but can extend into adulthood.
For adults, any time they are ready to improve their dental alignment and are committed to adhering to the treatment regimen can be considered the best time. Commitment is the most important part of invisible braces because, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed, and failing to wear them the recommended 20-22 hours per day can hinder the effectiveness of the treatment.
Invisalign vs. Clear Braces for Patients in Brentwood, NY
Both are orthodontic treatments designed to straighten teeth and improve dental alignment, but they differ significantly in their design and application:
Visibility
Invisalign, or invisible braces, are almost invisible as they are made from clear plastic, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a discreet way to improve their smile. Clear braces are less noticeable than traditional metal braces but are more visible than Invisalign due to the presence of brackets and wires.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are known for their comfort. These aligners do not have brackets or wires that might irritate the mouth, as they are smooth and custom-fitted by an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist. Clear braces offer more comfort than metal braces, but the brackets and wires can still cause some irritation to the lips and cheeks.
Convenience
Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes eating, brushing, and flossing much easier. This feature is often emphasized as a key benefit. Clear braces are fixed to the teeth, requiring more careful cleaning around brackets and wires and necessitating dietary restrictions to avoid damage.
Treatment Time
The treatment time for Invisalign can be shorter for mild to moderate cases, typically around 12 to 18 months, but this varies widely depending on how consistently the patient wears the aligners. For clear braces, the treatment duration is generally predictable, ranging from 12 to 24 months, and does not depend on the patient's compliance with wearing schedules.
Suitability for Complex Cases
Invisalign aligners are best suited for mild to moderate dental misalignments and may not be as effective for more complex cases or severe misalignments. Clear braces are effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including complex bite and alignment problems.
Cost
Invisalign is typically more expensive than traditional braces due to the advanced technology and materials used to manufacture them. Clear braces are generally less expensive than Invisalign, though costs can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and duration.
A Trusted Office for Invisalign & Braces
Contact Ocean Blue Orthodontics today to schedule a free new patient consultation and get started on the smile of your dreams. We proudly serve Brentwood, NY, and look forward to providing you with compassionate orthodontic care.