Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy
Experienced Clear Aligner Dentist
Trust Dr. Edward Alvarez for teeth straightening ...
If you have always wanted that straight, beautiful smile, without the metal wires of traditional orthodontics and braces, then choose Dr. Edward Alvarez. First certified by Invisalign® in 2002, Dr. Alvarez has been creating beautiful smiles with clear aligner therapy in our Manhattan, New York City office for two decades. Invisalign® is a great choice when choosing to straighten your teeth without braces.
What is Invisalign®? What is clear aligner therapy?
Invisalign® is a treatment that use a series of clear dental aligners, also called "trays" to move your teeth a little at a time.
Invisalign® serves as an alternative to traditional braces.
Invisalign® can treat a variety of different orthodontic problems such as gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, crowding and crossbites.
Invisalign® is an excellent choice for treating teeth that have relapsed after previous orthodontic treatment and need minor correction.
Invisalign® has been on the market since 1999.
Dr. Alvarez was an early adopter of Invisalign®, certified in 2002.
What is the process to get Invisalign?
In order to fabricate aligners for teeth straightening, Dr. Alvarez will take a digital scan of your teeth, digital x-rays, and digital photographs of your face. That information is then sent via secure internet from our Manhattan, New York City office to Align Technology, who makes Invisalign®. A digital 3D model and computer simulation will then be created, on which Dr. Alvarez will design your new smile. After a few weeks in production, the aligners will be shipped to our New York City office.
Once we receive your aligners, we will again meet with you to make sure there is an accurate fit, as well as to give you clear instructions on the use of your new clear aligners. Each aligner, or "tray" is worn by a patient for 18-22 hours per day. Trays are changed every week. Most clear aligner cases are completed in an average time of 12-14 months, but can be as little as 3-6 months, depending on how much correction is necessary.
Invisalign FAQ
How do clear aligners compare to traditional braces?
Both traditional braces and Invisalign® will give you virtually the same cosmetic results. Clear aligner therapy can give you the beautiful, straight smile you have always wanted.
What are the advantages of treating with Invisalign®?
The first advantage is obvious and that is that the trays are clear, and virtually invisible to the naked eye. They are much more attractive as compared to the wires and brackets of traditional braces.
You can take them off when you like, for up to 6 hours per day, just in case you have a special event to attend.
Unlike braces where nuts, seeds, and other foods can get trapped or break your brackets and wires, with clear aligners you can eat whatever you like.
You are able to floss and brush without any special tools. Your mouth will be cleaner and much healthier.
There are no metal wires to cut your lips, cheeks, or gums. Comfort is greatly improved.
Unlike wires in traditional braces that may contain nickel, clear aligners are completely metal free, so you don't have to worry about metal allergies or toxicity.