Basking Ridge
65 S. Maple Avenue
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-766-2444
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908-766-2444
Invisalign® is one of the most popular orthodontic techniques available. Free of metal parts, removable, and designed with your convenience in mind, these clear teeth aligners can straighten misaligned and crooked teeth more inconspicuously, comfortably, and quickly than traditional braces. Our skilled Basking Ridge orthodontist, Dr. Kenneth Banasiak, offers Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen at our practice. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, Invisalign® may be able to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always desired.
Many dentists offer Invisalign® at their practices; however, an orthodontist like Dr. Banasiak is a specialist in tooth movement, proper jaw growth, and abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. His education, experience, and training can help you obtain the best possible results in a comfortable and professional environment. If you would like to see the difference that an orthodontist—and preferred Invisalign® provider—can make, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Invisalign® is a teeth straightening system that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Due to the enhanced comfort and discreet appearance, you may find yourself smiling more often even before treatment is complete. Created with 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign® offers a technologically advanced solution to teeth misalignment. For these reasons and more, Invisalign® is one of the most popular orthodontic techniques in the nation.
Invisalign® offers a modern approach to straightening teeth with clear, virtually invisible aligners. These custom-made aligners can provide a comfortable fit and allow for easy removal during meals and dental hygiene routines, ensuring better oral health. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® does not involve metal brackets or wires, which typically means fewer adjustments, shorter orthodontist appointments, and less discomfort and mouth abrasions. The transparent design helps patients undergo treatment discreetly, making it a popular choice for both adults and teens. Additionally, Invisalign® often requires shorter treatment times than other orthodontic options, with progress usually visible in a matter of weeks. Overall, Invisalign® can not only enhance dental alignment and function, but can also boost confidence with its aesthetic appeal.
Invisalign® can be an excellent option for many patients. The clear aligner trays are nearly invisible, and they can be conveniently removed when you want to eat, drink, brush, or floss. Invisalign® has no metal parts. As a result, you may need fewer adjustments, experience shorter orthodontist appointments, and avoid mouth abrasions that can sometimes be caused by metal brackets and wires. We will customize your treatment plan to suit your needs and goals, and you can view a virtual recreation of the step-by-step process from beginning to projected final result. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, Invisalign® may be right for you.
When considering treatment candidacy, Invisalign® is typically suited for individuals seeking a less noticeable and more comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Oftentimes, ideal candidates:
When you arrive for your complimentary initial consultation, Dr. Banasiak will evaluate your oral structures and discuss your orthodontic goals. He will then determine if Invisalign® is an ideal treatment option for your needs and desired outcome. If you are a candidate for Invisalign®, our orthodontist will create a treatment plan customized to achieve the best possible results.
Once a treatment plan is developed, you will wear a series of customized aligner trays that will gradually adjust your teeth toward the final position. Each clear, removable tray should be worn for about two weeks, followed by the next one in the series, continuing until you complete the process. You should wear the aligners at all times except when you are eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
An orthodontic technique as advanced as Invisalign® deserves an equally innovative selection of support elements. Digital imaging technology makes it possible for our orthodontic team to take impressions of your teeth, gums, and oral structures without the mess and discomfort of traditional molds. Using state-of-the-art digital cameras, we can collect images of your bite, plan your orthodontic program, and provide highly precise blueprints for an improved smile. In many cases, using digital impressions can reduce procedure time and minimize the need for corrections mid-treatment.
Treatment times will vary based on your needs and goals, though most patients complete the procedure in 9-15 months. It is recommended that you wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day. Wearing the aligners throughout most of the day and night will help ensure that the treatment is progressing as intended and the teeth are gradually moving into the ideal position. If the aligners are not worn for the length of time necessary each day, it can increase the chance that the treatment may take much longer to achieve the best outcome.
Invisalign® results, when maintained properly, can usually last a lifetime. The key to lasting outcomes typically lies in the diligent use of retainers after treatment, as retainers can help teeth remain in their new positions. Additionally, good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can play a significant role in maintaining both the health of your teeth and the stability of the alignment. Thus, the permanence of Invisalign® results significantly depends on post-treatment care.
Just like Invisalign®, Invisalign® Teen is an orthodontic technique that can straighten misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners. That means you won’t have a mouth full of metal when you take yearbook pictures, ask someone out on a date, or just live your life. Furthermore, you can remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. There’s no worrying about whether you have pepperoni stuck in metal brackets and wires! Invisalign® Teen is designed with your needs in mind, so it’s easier to clean, more comfortable to wear, and much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Unlike conventional metal braces that have dietary restrictions, Invisalign® will let you eat what you like, including pizza, popcorn, candy, and corn on the cob. Just make sure you take out the aligners before you chow down! Invisalign® can handle all of your extracurricular activities too. The material is made from durable plastic and the trays will be customized to precisely fit your teeth, so you can practice sports, play music, or just lay around without feeling like braces are getting in the way.
Keeping your clear aligner trays clean can help you keep your teeth clean, and thus reduce the risk of developing cavities and other types of decay. Fortunately, caring for your Invisalign® system is as easy as caring for your teeth. Simply brush each aligner and rinse with lukewarm (not hot!) water each time you take them out. They will be nice and fresh for you when you put them back in. It’s also important that you brush your teeth after eating or drinking—every time—before putting the aligners back in your mouth. Food residue can lead to bacteria buildup that can affect your teeth and damage or stain your aligners.
The ability of Invisalign® to minimize discomfort during the treatment process is one of the many reasons so many patients select this option for their orthodontic needs. With that in mind, Invisalign® does involve a brief period of adjustment. As you wear the aligners for the first few days, you may notice a bit of soreness or discomfort. These effects should fade relatively quickly as your mouth gets used to the appliances. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often be helpful until these temporary side effects go away on their own.
Some patients will need to wear a retainer to help preserve the position of their teeth and to avoid having the bite shift in any way. Some patients will not. Our skilled orthodontist will let you know if a retainer should be part of your treatment plan.
The main difference between Invisalign® and braces lies in the fundamental design of each technique. The goals of both options are essentially the same; however, the approach is quite distinct. Invisalign® uses a system of clear aligners made of a flexible plastic material to progressively move the teeth into a new position and correct mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. The aligners can be easily taken out when you eat, drink, and perform your regular oral hygiene routines. Since Invisalign® does not rely on metal wires and brackets to straighten the teeth, this treatment offers a more discreet alternative to braces. Additionally, Invisalign® typically does not require as many follow-up visits for maintenance when compared to braces.
Traditional braces are orthodontic appliances that are fixed in place during the entire treatment period. This option relies upon a system of brackets and wires to correct teeth misalignment and bite irregularities. While braces may not be as discreet as Invisalign®, it’s important to note that these treatments are often better for patients who have more severe orthodontic concerns. If you are not an ideal candidate for Invisalign®, braces may be recommended; however, that doesn’t mean your wishes for a less noticeable orthodontic treatment option will go unfulfilled. Our orthodontist offers a selection of clear and ceramic braces that are designed for patients who would like to effectively achieve their orthodontic goals with as much discretion as possible.
During your consultation, Dr. Banasiak will perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and talk with you about the best option for your needs.
The cost of Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen will vary depending on your unique treatment plan. We offer a wide range of payment options and we can work with you to find a course of action that fits within your budget.
The material that composes Invisalign® is so translucent that it is barely detectable while on the teeth—even at a close range. In terms of how you may sound while wearing the aligners, it’s not uncommon for patients to notice a slight lisp at first. This effect should become less apparent within a few days as your mouth continues to adjust to the aligners.
Invisalign® is often covered (at least partially) by dental insurance plans if the policy offers benefits for orthodontics. A member of our team can go over your specific policy and help you determine whether coverage is available for Invisalign®.
If Invisalign® is ultimately not the best option for your orthodontic needs and goals, there are treatments available that may serve as ideal alternatives. Conventional braces may be a more suitable treatment for patients who have severe teeth misalignment, bite irregularities, or other orthodontic concerns. Our practice offers a comprehensive array of options, including traditional metal braces, clear and ceramic varieties, and the innovative self-ligating braces option. Many of our braces options are designed to be less noticeable on the teeth, offering the ability to correct orthodontic concerns while retaining some degree of discretion. If you are not a candidate for Invisalign®, Dr. Banasiak will explore all of your alternatives with you and help you find the option that can successfully meet your needs.
It is possible to switch from braces to Invisalign® in some cases; however, it will ultimately depend on each patient’s unique situation. Individuals who already have braces must be considered ideal candidates for Invisalign® in order for this process to be recommended. If so, it may be possible to remove the braces and continue treatment with Invisalign®. For some patients, it may not be a good idea to switch methods because it could have a negative effect on the final outcome. In other cases, the treatment plan may have been designed from the outset to incorporate a switch from braces to Invisalign®—these situations are often more ideal because the change in treatment methodologies is strategic and part of the treatment plan from the beginning. Our orthodontist can talk with you about your needs and goals and determine the best option for you.
Generally speaking, traditional braces will likely have fixed the orthodontic concerns present once the treatment process is complete. If for some reason your teeth have shifted or begun to move back to their original positions, Invisalign® may be able to correct the problem and prevent additional shifting.
In some cases, Invisalign® may be able to be utilized while dental restorations are in place. Restorations such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers must be very securely bonded to the teeth for this to work. Even so, in some cases, they can present issues when used in tandem with Invisalign®. Dr. Banasiak will evaluate your needs and explain your options during the initial consultation.
Yes. For optimal results, Invisalign® aligners are designed to be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day. Neglecting to wear them at night and while sleeping may cause the treatment to take longer or even render it ineffective.
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