Invisalign

Straighten Your Teeth Without the Drawbacks of Traditional Braces

At A&M Dental Arts in Manalapan, NJ, we offer Invisalign. It’s no secret that straight, well-aligned teeth are an important part of a great smile. Unfortunately, the inconvenience and discomfort often associated with traditional braces keep some of our patients from wanting to straighten their teeth. For these patients, teenagers and adults alike, this could be the perfect solution.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of soft plastic aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth to gradually and gently straighten your smile. No wires or brackets to irritate your mouth! Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your Invisalign aligner during your oral hygiene routines and while eating your favorite meals. Brushing and flossing is not complicated and you don’t have to give up any of the foods you love.

What Does the Treatment Involve?

At A&M Dental Arts, treatment begins with an in-office consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Singh conducts an oral exam, reviews your dental health history, and asks about your goals for treatment. She then takes digital oral X-rays to assess the position of your teeth and jaw.

After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Singh takes digital scans of your mouth. She uploads your scans to a computer-aided design (CAD) program and develops a custom orthodontic care plan.

Once Dr. Singh maps each step of your treatment, she sends your scans to a laboratory that crafts your first pair of aligners.

A week or two later you return to A&M Dental Arts. You try on your first set of Invisalign aligners, and Dr. Singh makes adjustments as necessary.

What Is the Average Length of Invisalign Treatment?

The treatment typically takes between 6-12 months*, but it can take 18 months or longer depending on the issues being addressed. To ensure a positive outcome, it’s important to wear your aligners for between 20-22 hours each day, only removing them to eat.

During treatment, you visit A&M Dental Arts every two weeks. At each checkup, you change into a new set of aligners. Each pair of aligners puts slight pressure on your teeth, moving them into the proper position.

The Daily Invisalign Experience

For the first few days of each stage of your Invisalign treatment, you may feel minor discomfort as your teeth get used to the added pressure, similar to what traditional braces patients experience after adjustments. This is perfectly normal and a sign that the aligners are doing their job.

The difference is that with Invisalign, you may be tempted to take the aligners off to relieve the pressure. Resist that temptation, because it will delay your results! You should wear your aligners at all times during your treatment, except during meals and snacks and while brushing and flossing your teeth. Wearing them less often will make your treatment take longer.

Potential patients often ask if the aligners will make it difficult to speak clearly. Most Invisalign patients experience very little difficulty with speaking clearly while wearing their aligners, but there will likely be an adjustment period as you get used to having them in your mouth.

Do Invisalign Aligners Need Maintenance?

To keep your aligners in optimal shape, clean them regularly. Dr. Singh recommends rinsing your aligners with cool tap water at least three times each day.

Before going to bed at night, brush them with toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. For more extensive cleanings, ask Dr. Singh about the Invisalign cleaning system.

How A&M Dental Arts Can Help

For those patients that do not want traditional braces, Dr. Singh recommends Invisalign. Invisalign is a modern approach to teeth straightening without many of the drawbacks of braces. The clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to confidently show off your smile while straightening your teeth.

We want to help determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you. Call us today at 732-414-2002 or email us to set up a smile consultation.