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Invisalign

Malocclusion, also known as “bad bite” is a common problem. In most mild to moderate cases, it’s simply a cosmetic issue but in more severe cases, it could lead to additional problems including decay, tooth loss, and more. Therefore, it’s critical that you get your teeth straight with orthodontic treatment.

At Palisades Dental Care, , we offer both traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Most of our teen and adult patients prefer Invisalign because the aligners are transparent and almost invisible. Even at close range, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.

Dr. Jesse Small is our certified Invisalign provider. He has a passion for cosmetic dentistry and strives to ensure that his patients have a positive experience. His passion for this area of dentistry is what drives him to attend national and continuing education seminars.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign hit the market in 1998 and has increased in popularity since that time. This idea was developed by an orthodontic patient after his braces were removed and he was given a retainer. He brainstormed and came to the conclusion that perhaps this could be an option for patients who needed to have their teeth straightened.

He recruited three more people, and they worked on the idea for some time. Eventually, they released their idea to the public and it was received well.

Invisalign clear aligners is a system thin, clear aligners used to treat a variety of malocclusions. It is made with SmartTrack, which is a flexible, thermoplastic material. It is a method for treating orthodontic issues discreetly. Since the aligners are transparent, they are virtually invisible, so even when someone is close by, they are not likely to notice them.

Invisalign Uses

Invisalign clear aligners are effective at treating a variety of malocclusions, including the following:

Crossbite

A crossbite is when one or more of the bottom teeth fall in front of the top teeth and can affect either the front or the back. Invisalign is typically effective at bringing the teeth into alignment in mild to moderate cases, but severe cases typically require a different course of treatment.

Overbite

An overbite is when the lower teeth are overlapped by the upper teeth, making it difficult to bite or chew some foods. Invisalign is effective for shifting teeth in mild to moderate cases of overbite so that the arches align properly when your mouth is closed.

Underbite

An underbite is a condition in which the upper teeth are overlapped by the lower teeth, which makes it difficult to speak. Invisalign has been proven effective at shifting the bottom teeth backward so the two arches are lined up when your mouth is closed.

Gapped Teeth

Gapped teeth is a common orthodontic issue which can result in food getting caught between the teeth and gums. This can eventually lead to gum disease. Invisalign has been proven to close gaps by shifting teeth into their proper position.

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them all. Invisalign is effective for addressing mild to moderate cases- but if crowding is severe, extractions and/or other orthodontic treatments may be necessary.

Crooked Teeth

Mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth can be addressed by Invisalign. In more severe cases, with rotated teeth, it may be advisable to start with traditional braces and then switch to Invisalign later.

When you visit your dentist for a dental prophylaxis procedure, you can expect the following:

When teeth are oddly shaped- round, pegged, short, etc- aligners cannot grab them
If molars are rotated past 20 degrees or any teeth are tilted past 45 degrees, Invisalign cannot shift them
Tooth height can be addressed with traditional braces, but Invisalign is only able to slightly move front teeth and unable to move back teeth
Invisalign does not work for patients who have previous dental work such as a dental bridge, crowns, or porcelain veneers

Invisalign vs Braces

Most of our adult and teen orthodontic patients prefer Invisalign clear aligners over traditional metal braces for a variety of reasons:

Aesthetics:clear aligners are transparent and fit tight against the teeth, so they are virtually invisible
Comfort: aligners are soft and smooth and do not require brackets and wires, so they are more comfortable
Cost: the cost of Invisalign is comparable to the cost of traditional braces, depending on the complexity of the condition and length of treatment
Food restrictions:traditional metal braces come with a variety of food restrictions, but Invisalign is designed to be removed while eating, so you don't have to give up your favorite foods
Dental hygiene:since aligners can be removed, it's easier to practice proper dental hygiene- keeping teeth clean and reducing risk of developing cavities and tooth decay

Invisalign Cost

When it comes to cost, there are several factors involved including the complexity of your condition and the length of treatment. There are four levels of Invisalign clear aligners offered at Palisades Dental Care: Express, Lite, Moderate, and Comprehensive. Dr. Small will recommend the most appropriate level for your malocclusion.

Express: mild to moderate, costs $1,200 to $1,800 for up to 5 aligners and $1,500 to $2,000 for up to 7 aligners
Lite: mild to moderate cases, costs $3,000 to $4,500 for up to 14 aligners
Moderate: moderate cases, costs $3,500 to $5,000 for up to 30 aligners
Comprehensive: moderate to slightly severe, costs $4,500 to $8,000 for unlimited aligners

In some cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of treatment with Invisalign. Our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage. We can also help you with payment options.

Invisalign for Teens

At Palisades Dental Care, Dr. Small also works with children and teens who have malocclusions. Invisalign does offer a teen version, which has many parents wondering what makes it different than standard Invisalign. The difference is blue dots.

Invisalign Teen has blue dots that will fade over time if the aligners are being worn as directed. While this is not a fail-safe, it does ease parents’ minds, especially if there is concern about their teen’s compliance.

The cost for Invisalign teen ranges from $2,500 to $8,000 based on the severity of the malocclusion and the length of treatment.

Interested in Invisalign?

If you or your child/teen has a malocclusion and are interested in Invisalign as a treatment option, contact our office today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Small. He will work with you to determine the complexity of the malocclusion and help you decide if Invisalign is the best option.

We are located on East Madison Avenue in Dumont, New Jersey and look forward to working with you to straighten your smile and provide any other dental services you and your family may need.

Invisalign FAQ's-

At Palisades Dental Care, our orthodontic patients often have a lot of questions when it comes to Invisalign. Some of the most common questions we get include:

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that are fitted to the teeth in such a way that they put pressure on the teeth to shift them into their appropriate position within the jaw. Each set of aligners is designed to be worn for 1 to 3 weeks before switching to a new set. We recommend that patients come in every 4 to 6 weeks for a follow-up to ensure that treatment is going as expected. The aligners can be removed for eating and brushing/flossing teeth but should be worn for at least 22 hours a day for best results. This means that you will need to wear them while sleeping.

How long does Invisalign take?

The treatment timeline for Invisalign depends on the severity of the malocclusion. Most patients see results in 12 to 18 months. In mild cases, patients may see full results in 6 months, while more severe cases may take up to 24 months.

Can Invisalign fix underbite?

There are two types of underbite:
Dental: improper teeth position
Skeletal: improper jaw alignment

According to the experts, Invisalign is an appropriate treatment for mild to moderate dental underbite and may work on severe cases as well. It will not work on skeletal underbite- this will have to be resolved through orthognathic surgery. .

Can Invisalign fix overbite?

An overbite is where the upper teeth extend past the lower teeth. This is a common reason that patients use aligners. Research shows that Invisalign is effective at treating mild to moderate overbite. Traditional braces or other treatments may be required for severe overbites. The timeline for correcting an overbite depends on the severity of the overbite.

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