Invisalign Clear Braces
in New York City & Manhattan, NY

Am I A Candidate for Invisalign In Midtown East New York?

The Invisalign system is a great alternative to metal braces for many patients, but unfortunately, not all dental patients are well-suited to the treatment.

Younger patients, for example, should not have Invisalign. Before age 12, the jaw is still growing, and treatment is not recommended. In addition, Invisalign requires a level of discipline and cooperation from the patient. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners can be removed periodically so that you can eat or drink, and patients need to be responsible enough to care for the aligners and wear them as instructed: about 22 hours a day. In addition, your cosmetic dentistry plan includes a series of plastic trays that the patient must keep track of and replace as necessary.

Finally, Invisalign isn’t suitable for adults with significant orthodontic issues, such as a severe under- or overbite. In this case, a better solution may be traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are effective at shifting the teeth, but cannot fix a severely misaligned bite. These issues typically need more comprehensive orthodontic care. 

If you’re interested in Invisalign in New York, Dr. Chern can determine whether this is a suitable treatment plan for you after a thorough Invisalign consultation at New York General Dentistry, located in Midtown East.

The Invisalign Treatment Process and What to Expect

Your First Appointment (30-60 minutes)

• We’ll discuss your treatment expectations and take photographs of your face and smile.
• Dr. Chern will go over your dental health history and examine your teeth to make sure they are healthy and cavity-free for treatment. Necessary x-rays will be taken to check that bone levels are healthy for tooth movement.  If there are any concerns, these will be addressed first.
• We’ll take impressions and scans to send to the lab for your custom, 3D rendering (ClinCheck) of your Smile Design.

Your Second Appointment (30 minutes)

• We’ll review your ClinCheck, a custom software rendering of your teeth.
• Once you’ve approved your treatment plan, your trays will be ordered and you’ll be scheduled for your next appointment.

Your Third Appointment (30-45 minutes)

• You’ll be fitted with your first aligner and the necessary attachments will be bonded into place.
• You’ll be given several additional trays that should be changed every 7-10 days.
• Our team will go over your maintenance and care, as well as what to expect.

Your Follow-up Appointments (15-30 minutes)

Each aligner should be worn for 7-10 days for a total of 20-22 hours per day. After you are done with an aligner, you’ll move on to the next in the series. You should check in with our Manhattan office occasionally so we can make sure your treatment is moving along as it should. Most patients achieve their results within 6-12 months, although this can be different for each patient. We’ll make sure you understand the best way to maintain your new smile for the long term.

Caring For Your Invisalign Aligners

Taking good care of your aligners means they will work effectively and transform your smile over time. Follow these care steps to make sure you achieve the straight and beautiful smile you’re hoping for:

• Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours throughout the day, except to eat
• Clean your aligners daily to prevent bacteria buildup
• Eat a healthy diet (cut back on sweets and soft drinks)
• See your dentist regularly
• Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes with a soft or electric toothbrush
• Floss every day or use a water flosser (Waterpik)

How Much Does Invisalign Cost in New York, NY?

The overall cost of Invisalign depends on factors including the specific type of Invisalign you require, the length and extent of your treatment plan, what your dental insurance covers, and other factors. In New York City, the cost of Invisalign ranges between $1,000-6,000. As an advanced technology, Invisalign tends to be slightly more expensive than traditional metal braces. Dr. Chern understands that everyone’s financial situation is different and is happy to provide a 12-month interest-free financing option!

Even with a higher price many patients prefer Invisalign because they are clear and discreet, and it is generally easier to maintain your oral hygiene with Invisalign aligners. For many patients, this makes the increased cost worth the investment. Dr. Chern can give you a more accurate cost estimate for your Invisalign treatment after a consultation.