Invisalign Clear Aligners – Brick Township, NJ

Crowded Teeth

Do your teeth overlap? If so, you might be wondering, “Does Invisalign fix crowded teeth?” We have good news for you: Invisalign clear aligners have helped countless patients struggling with this orthodontic problem achieve a healthier and more confident smile. If we determine that you’re a good candidate for this discreet teeth-straightening treatment, then we will gently guide your teeth into proper alignment, addressing crookedness in the process.

Gaps Between Teeth

When teeth are spaced too far apart, your probability of developing oral health issues and tooth damage increases considerably. The reason for this is simple: food becomes more easily trapped and difficult to remove. Don’t get discouraged, though – traditional braces are no longer the only solution. With Invisalign, we can shift your teeth so they are the perfect distance apart (often in a shorter amount of time, too!).

Overbite

To put it simply, overbites can negatively impact the appearance, function, and health of your smile. That’s why we don’t recommend waiting to explore your treatment options! Once we review your dental needs and learn about your smile goals, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. If the answer is “yes,” then we can create a custom series of clear aligners to gradually bring your bite into proper alignment.

Underbite

Even if you have a relatively minor underbite, you can experience issues, like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding). The good news is that Invisalign can correct mild to moderate cases with the help of rubber bands, buttons, and other orthodontic accessories. So, don’t just assume metal braces are the only option! We may be able to deliver the same incredible results with clear aligners.

Crossbite

Crossbites are another bite problem that can make it difficult to smile confidently as well as increase your risk of TMJ dysfunction. Fortunately, it’s another orthodontic issue that can often be corrected with clear aligners. Sometimes, rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories are needed to achieve the desired results. That said, you don’t have to worry – they are still considerably more comfortable than traditional brackets and wires.

Open Bite

If there is a space – even a small one – that prevents you from biting down all the way, you should come to our office to explore your treatment options. After all, even mild open bites can lead to premature wear, difficulty chewing properly, and other problems.

Virtually Undetectable

Let’s start with one of the most obvious benefits: appearance. Since Invisalign aligners are crafted from smooth, see-through plastic, they are almost completely invisible. So, it is unlikely that anyone will notice that you are wearing them as long as you take good care of yours (that way, stubborn, yellow stains don’t develop on the surface).

No Dietary Restrictions

With traditional braces, there are some foods and beverages that you need to avoid, including whole apples and raw carrots. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t need to alter your diet at all. Just make sure that you don’t wrap them in a napkin or leave them on your plate while you’re eating since these are two of the most common ways they get misplaced.

Improved Comfort

Without brackets and wires, you are much less likely to experience soft-tissue irritation. In fact, Invisalign aligners are crafted from smooth plastic and custom-made to fit the contours of each patient’s mouth perfectly. As a result, your journey to a straighter smile will be quite comfortable. Plus, for occasional soreness, over-the-counter pain relievers can do the trick!

Better Dental Hygiene

Since traditional braces are bonded securely in place, patients need to brush and floss around the brackets and wires. Fortunately, taking care of your smile is much easier with Invisalign because the aligners are removable. The only “big” change you need to make to your routine is cleaning your aligners, but even that’s pretty simple because you don’t need any special or expensive products.

Fewer Follow-Up Visits

Don’t worry – there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments with Invisalign. In fact, most patients only come to our office every 6-8 weeks so we can take updated scans, make sure their teeth are tracking properly, and provide them with their next set of aligners. Usually, they are in and out of the treatment chair in less than 30 minutes, too!

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

Last, but certainly not least, the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. Traditional braces, on the other hand, usually take 2-3 years. So, if you want to have your dream smile sooner rather than later, consider clear aligners! At your consultation, we can even provide you with a more precise estimate once we have an in-depth understanding of your dental needs and goals.

Wearing Your Trays

Although your aligners are removable, you should get in the habit of only taking them off when it’s absolutely necessary. This will make wearing them for 20+ hours a day considerably easier. It’s also a good idea to use the stopwatch on your phone to track your aligner-free time, especially toward the beginning of your orthodontic treatment when you’re trying to find a routine that works for you.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Patients often assume that they need to buy special or expensive cleaning products to take care of their aligners. That’s not the case! In fact, there’s a good chance that you already have everything you need at home: a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean, room-temperature water, and clear, mild dishwashing liquid.

Important reminder: Do NOT use bleach, mouthwash, or toothpaste to clean your trays.

Eating & Drinking

Since Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions, you don’t need to completely change your meals or snacks. You should, however, keep added sugar to a minimum. After all, eating ice cream, lollipops, and other sweets in excess can lead to tooth decay and, in turn, significant treatment plan delays.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If you can’t find your aligners or there is a significant crack on the surface, we recommend calling us right away. From there, Dr. G can take a look at where you are in your treatment plan and determine the best way to get you back on track. For many, it’s simply moving on to the next set in the series a bit early. That said, there are some cases when it’s best to have a replacement pair made instead. If that’s the case for you, then you will need to wear your previous set until it arrives.

Attending Progress Visits

One of the many perks of Invisalign is that it allows you to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home, thus erasing the need for monthly adjustment appointments. Instead, you’ll visit Dr. G every 6-8 weeks so we can monitor the movement of your teeth. If any changes need to be made to your treatment plan, he’ll handle that at your visit. Otherwise, he’ll send you on your way with the next several sets of aligners in the series!

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign 

The cost of Invisalign is different for everyone depending on a variety of different factors. Here are the most prominent:

• Arches: Most people who get Invisalign will need to have both their upper and lower arches adjusted. However, in some cases, only one arch needs to be addressed. If this applies to you, the cost will be lower.
• Complexity: If you have more severe misalignment, your treatment will probably cost more. Closing a few small gaps is less costly than correcting significant bite issues.
• Length of Treatment: A longer treatment time means more aligners and a higher overall cost.
• Compliance: You need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. If you aren’t wearing them as often as you should, this can lengthen your treatment time.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Orthodontic treatment can add up, so many people are tempted by mail-order aligners as a “quick fix” at a lower cost. However, a lower cost doesn’t mean that it is a better option. While the price is generally lower than Invisalign, mail-order aligners, like Smile Direct Club™, have a “do-it-yourself” approach with little oversight from a dental professional. This means that there is much more room for error, and you could end up with serious problems that will need to be addressed by a dentist anyway.

By choosing Invisalign, you have the trusted oversight of your dentist for every step along the way. Invisalign is professionally made, uses highly accurate impressions, and results in a more successful treatment. The cost difference is worth it for a smooth, stress-free treatment!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, so you should check with your provider to see if this applies to you. At NU Dental Brick, we are proud to be in-network with numerous popular dental insurance providers. If you need help understanding your benefits, reach out to one of our friendly team members.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. You can get NU Smile Aligners for as low as $80/Month. By joining one of our Dental Membership Plans, you can save on treatments completed at our practice. We also work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to contact us.

To find out exactly how much you can expect your Invisalign treatment to cost, schedule a consultation with us. We are eager to help you achieve a straighter smile!