Sachar Dental NYC
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All the below content has been written by Dr. Sandip Sachar.
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Invisalign Dentist NYC: crooked teeth
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Crooked teeth Vs. crowded teeth?
What causes crooked teeth?
What are the problems associated with crooked teeth?
Why should I fix my crooked teeth?
Can I straighten my crooked teeth with Invisalign?
How does Invisalign straighten my crooked teeth?
How long will Invisalign take to straighten crooked teeth?
How many hours a day should I wear my Invisalign aligners to correct crooked teeth?
What is the best way to clean my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign Vs. traditional metal braces for crooked teeth
Will I need a retainer after my Invisalign treatment for crooked teeth?
What is the cost of Invisalign for crooked teeth in NYC?
Does insurance cover the cost for Invisalign for crooked teeth?
Why are we the best dentists in NYC for Invisalign for crooked teeth?
Picture description: Before and after pictures of Invisalign patients with crooked teeth.
Are you embarrassed or self-conscious about your crowded or crooked teeth? Would you like straighter teeth without having to wear metal braces? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign for your crowded or crooked teeth. Invisalign is “The Clear Alternative to Braces!” Invisalign offers an easy and discrete way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces that can be embarrassing and cumbersome. Invisalign may be your answer to create that perfect smile that you have always wanted.
Crooked teeth Vs. crowded teeth?
Often times, the terms crowded and crooked are used interchangeably when discussing malaligned teeth. In our early years, our baby teeth fall out and our adult, permanent teeth come in. When our teeth are crowded there is not enough room for them to come in straight, there will come in crooked in order to fill whatever space they can acquire. This results in teeth that do not align properly and appear crooked.
What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are mostly a genetic, inherited trait. There are also several environmental factors that may contribute to crooked teeth. These include: thumb sucking during early development, using bottles versus breast-feeding, use of pacifiers, and diet during the early years of development.
What are the problems associated with crooked teeth?
The most common problem associated with crooked teeth is aesthetic. Many people complain that they do not like the look of their smile when their teeth are crowded or crooked. Additionally, when patients have teeth that are crowded or crooked, it makes it difficult for them to keep their teeth clean when brushing and flossing. This allows a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, between the teeth, and under the gums. Accumulation of plaque and tartar can result in an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as be a source of bad breath. And finally, crooked teeth may result in an obstructed airway leading to additional complications such as snoring, mouth breathing, clenching and grinding of the teeth, and possibly sleep apnea. Clenching and grinding often leads to TMJ disorder.
Why should I fix my crooked teeth?
Fixing crooked teeth can help with the aesthetics of your smile. Many patients desire straight teeth in order to improve their smile. Additionally, having straight teeth increases the efficiency of brushing and flossing to remove plaque and tartar. Preventing the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, between the teeth, and under the gums can significantly reduce the risk and lower your chances of having tooth decay and/or gum disease. Additionally, reducing plaque and tartar and also reduces your chances of having bad breath.
A misaligned bite can also lead to clenching and grinding and possibly TMJ disorder. Another advantage of having straighter teeth is having a more aligned bite and that can lower your risk and clenching, grinding and having TMJ disorder. And finally, we have seen many patients benefits from having straighter teeth to help with breathing and airway obstruction.
Can I straighten my crooked teeth with Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent, and effective option for the treatment and straightening of crooked teeth. Invisalign can be used for both adults and teenagers. It is an excellent alternative to metal braces for people who want to straighten their crooked teeth. However, Invisalign does have its limitations and does not completely replace the need for traditional metal braces for everyone. We recommend coming in for a consultation with our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign to straighten your crooked teeth. Invisalign can be performed on the top teeth, bottom teeth or both.
It is a common misconception that Invisalign is only indicated for slightly crooked teeth. We have seen people with severely crooked teeth that have had excellent results with Invisalign. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists are experts in determining who is a good candidate for Invisalign, and who is not. With Invisalign, you can straighten your crooked teeth discreetly with nearly invisible aligners that can be an ideal treatment option. Invisalign is removable, comfortable and effective. Invisalign removable aligners can be a convenient alternative to traditional metal braces allowing one to continue to eat without restrictions and continue to more effectively brush and floss daily.
How does Invisalign straighten my crooked teeth?
Invisalign is an excellent treatment option for crooked teeth. The use of Invisalign is effective, convenient, safe and easy. We start by taking a mold of your crooked teeth to determine your starting point. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists will then develop a complete and comprehensive treatment plan. The Invisalign clear, removable aligners will slowly move your teeth into their new desired position. Every patient is unique and every treatment plan is unique. Our cosmetic dentists will discuss your goals with you, and make recommendations in order to achieve that perfect smile.
Prior to starting any Invisalign treatment, we always take x-rays in order to identify any pathologies that may be present and to help us develop your Invisalign treatment plan. Many of our existing patients that come in for Invisalign already have x-rays that have been taken during their routine examinations. We also take photographs from different angles in order to document the before Invisalign crooked tooth alignment, and compare it to the after Invisalign appearance. For all patients we send photographs, x-rays and 3-D molds of the teeth to Invisalign in order to have them create the perfect aligners.
After our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists have developed your individual and unique treatment plan, the Invisalign 3-D imaging software takes over. This patented software performs a smile and bite analysis while mapping out the course of your treatment. It allows us to easily view the position of your teeth every step along the way while moving from crooked to straight. The software allows us to see what to expect at each time interval throughout your treatment.
After the 3-D mold of your mouth is taken and sent to Invisalign, we will order and receive your clear aligners. You will receive your first aligners and be instructed to change them approximately every two weeks. Each of these clear aligners is designed specifically to carefully move your teeth into the exact position that is desired. Each aligner will provide the exact amount of force in the exact perfect place to move your teeth as desired. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks before being replaced by the next one in series. With Invisalign, we are able to move individual teeth and also are able to move them in the proper timing order. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists are experts in determining which teeth to move, and when to move them.
It is recommended that you wear your clear Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, taking them out only to brush, floss, eat and drink.
Every few weeks, we will have you come back to our office so that we can monitor your progress. Depending on your unique treatment plan, we may give you multiple trays and have you change them every 2 weeks on your own between appointments with us. For the more complex cases, we may have you come in more often to monitor your progress and treatment. Occasionally, we will add a mid-course correction to your treatment plan as we see your teeth moving.
For some patients, it may be necessary to make room for the new alignment of the teeth by filing a small amount of the tooth. This is particularly true for patient that have crowding of the teeth. At Sachar Dental NYC it is our philosophy is to always remove as little of the natural tooth as possible. It is our practice to avoid taking shortcuts by filing more of the tooth to make it easier to move them into alignment. Unfortunately, taking shortcuts can possibly lead to a narrower, unsightly tooth that does not function as well. We would rather that your Invisalign treatment take longer, than taking shortcuts by filing the teeth. It is been our experience that patients are much happier with their results this way.
How long will Invisalign take to straighten crooked teeth?
Most patients will use Invisalign for 6-18 months and rarely longer for more severe cases of crooked teeth.
How many hours a day should I wear my Invisalign aligners to correct crooked teeth?
We recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day and only take them out when you are flossing, brushing, drinking or eating.
How often will I come in for appointments during my Invisalign treatment?
During the course of your Invisalign treatment for crooked teeth, we will schedule you for return visits periodically. The length of time between your visit will be determined during your unique treatment plan that we have prescribed. On each of these visits, we will assess how your treatment is going and how your teeth are moving. Sometimes, we will perform a mid-course correction or refinement as we observe the movement of your teeth. Sometimes, we may take new molds and refine your treatment plan and/or adjust your aligners.
Occasionally, we may add attachments on certain teeth that allow the aligners to gently push these teeth into proper alignment more effectively. These attachments allow the aligner to grip the tooth better in order to move it and are barely noticeable.
Living with Invisalign aligners
Living with Invisalign aligners tends to be much easier than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign aligners, you take them out when you eat, drink, brush and floss. Also, unlike traditional metal braces, being removable allows one to eat and drink normally without restrictions.
For most patients, Invisalign treatment for crooked teeth will be pain-free and they only experience temporary mild discomfort every few days at beginning of each new aligner change. Most patients describe this as a feeling of pressure and not pain. Most patients report getting used to each new aligner within a couple of days of changing. On occasion, some patients will inform us that they feel like their teeth are slightly loose after they remove their aligners. This is completely normal and occurs as a result of your gums reforming around the new alignment of your teeth.
What is the best way to clean my Invisalign aligners?
We recommend cleaning your Invisalign aligners whenever you take them out by brushing them and rinsing them with water.
Invisalign Vs. traditional metal braces for crooked teeth
An advantage of Invisalign over traditional metal braces for crooked teeth is that Invisalign uses a removable clear aligner that works to move the teeth and straighten them. Invisalign allows the patient to be able to brush and floss regularly which traditional braces do not. A great advantage and convenience of Invisalign over traditional metal braces is the ability to remove Invisalign aligners when one eats. This allows patients to avoid food limitations that are associated with metal braces. It also allows for significant improved oral hygiene when removing the Invisalign aligners to brush and floss over trying to floss and brush around traditional metal braces.
Another advantage of Invisalign over traditional metal braces is that Invisalign requires less trips and visits to your dentist and avoids wire adjustments that are necessary with traditional braces. Without sharp edges and wires, Invisalign aligners are easier on the gums and lips. And finally, Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually undetectable allowing for a much more discreet and cosmetic appearance during your treatment.
Will I need a retainer after my Invisalign treatment for crooked teeth?
Yes. In order to prevent relapse and to maintain your new alignment, it is necessary to wear a retainer at night.
What is the cost of Invisalign for crooked teeth in NYC?
There are two types of Invisalign treatments that we perform at Sachar Dental NYC, express Invisalign treatment and full Invisalign treatment. Express Invisalign treatment is used for the simpler cases of crooked teeth and does not require as much time or movement of the teeth as full Invisalign treatment cases. Our expert Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists will always inform you if you are a candidate for express Invisalign treatment during your initial consultation. Express Invisalign treatment takes approximately six months. Full Invisalign treatment is utilized for all other cases and takes between 12 and 18 months, and occasionally more.
As of the time of this writing, in Midtown Manhattan, the cost range for Invisalign treatments is $3,000 - $6,000 for express Invisalign treatment, and $6,000 - $8,000 for full Invisalign treatment.
At Sachar Dental NYC our costs for Invisalign treatment of crooked teeth are:
- $4,500 for express Invisalign treatment
- $6,500 for full Invisalign treatment
Does insurance cover the cost for Invisalign for crooked teeth?
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover the cost Invisalign treatment at 50%-60%, up until your annual maximum. At Sachar Dental NYC, we always check your insurance benefits prior to your visit. We will let you know if Invisalign treatment is a covered service under your dental insurance, and also let you know what your out-of-pocket expenses will be prior to performing any procedure. We will submit a claim to your dental insurance and receive payment for the insurance portion directly from them. At the time your visit, you will only be responsible for your percentage out-of-pocket.
Can I use flexible spending dollars or a medical savings account for these charges?
Yes, you may be able to use your medical savings accounts or flexible spending dollars to cover charges related to your Invisalign treatment. At the time of your service, we will provide you with all the necessary documentation and receipts.
Do you offer payment plans for Invisalign treatment?
At Sachar Dental NYC, we offer interest free financing through Lending Club and Care Credit. In 15 minutes, we will let you know if you are approved for interest-free financing. These options will enable you to make payments over the next 12-18 months without any interest charged.
Why are we the best dentists in NYC for Invisalign for crooked teeth?
The cosmetic dentists at Sachar Dental NYC are Invisalign Certified and have undergone extensive training in Invisalign treatment. They are able to visualize your perfect smile and the goals of your Invisalign treatment in advance. Every Invisalign treatment is unique for each unique patient. Every unique patient’s smile will require a different treatment plan. Every Invisalign treatment will vary for each circumstance, and for each patient, every dentist may have a different plan. Our Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists have extensive experience of practicing for over two decades in New York City and have performed many successful Invisalign treatments for crooked teeth.
At Sachar Dental NYC, our philosophy is to always perform the most conservative treatment options and the least invasive procedures whenever possible. When it comes to Invisalign treatment, there is the possibility of taking shortcuts to move crooked teeth by filing more of the teeth. Unfortunately, this can result in unsightly narrow teeth and a less cosmetic result. We never take shortcuts and would prefer that treatment takes longer with Invisalign for your crooked teeth, and yields a more cosmetic and functional result.
And, as always, at Sachar Dental NYC, our dentists and dental assistants our compassionate, empathetic and have excellent bedside manner.
