How Invisalign Works Clear Aligner Therapy in Boston, MA
Invisalign is a form of orthodontics for straightening teeth. It stands out from braces because of its subtle look and ease of use.
While braces use a series of metal brackets and a wire to guide the teeth into their intended positions, Invisalign uses one clear aligner at a time. These aligners are made from thin, flexible plastic, so they’re comfortable to wear. Since they're clear, they will easily blend in with your smile.
Another big advantage of Invisalign is the fact that you can remove your clear aligners at any time. Braces remain firmly attached to the surfaces of your teeth throughout treatment, so the orthodontic process comes with some dietary restrictions. With Invisalign, you can simply take your aligners out, enjoy your favorite foods, brush, and put them back in to seamlessly resume treatment.
It’s Not Just About Your Confidence Invisalign Boosts Your Oral Health
It’s clear how straightening your smile with Invisalign can transform your confidence, but did you know these clear aligners can also benefit your health? It’s much easier to keep straight teeth clean than crooked teeth. Nooks, crannies, and hard-to-reach spots are breeding grounds for bacteria that form cavities and decay. By evening out your dental alignment, you make brushing much easier and decrease your risk of troublesome dental issues moving forward.
Work With a Trusted Invisalign Provider Request Your Consultation for a Straighter Smile
At Dental Associates of New England, we pride ourselves on having a team of professionals who perform all aspects of dentistry on an elite level. You can trust your smile in the hands of our orthodontist, Dr. Elise Vincelette.
Dr. Vincelette received her Master of Science in Dentistry and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Orthodontics from Boston University, home to one of the best dental programs in the country.
A dual board-certified professional in the United States and Canada, Dr. Vincelette earned Diplomate status with the American Board of Orthodontics in 2020, which involves an intensive review period with written and clinical examinations.
Dr. Vincelette and our team would be pleased to provide you with Invisalign if you’ve been feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. It all begins with a consultation at our dental offices in Boston or Waltham so we get to know you and your goals. Get in touch today by requesting an appointment online or calling:
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How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign is about the same as the price of braces. Both treatment plans cost anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000, with the average cost being about $5,600. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case and the number of clear aligner sets needed.
Certain dental insurance providers will cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, including both Invisalign and traditional braces. We can assist you in checking the terms of your plan to find out if you are eligible for any coverage. We can also help you arrange a no-interest or low-interest financing plan through CareCredit®.
A Happy Invisalign Patient Watch Brooke's Testimonial
Invisalign Attachments How We Treat Mild, Moderate, and Complex Cases
We are able to treat mild, moderate, and even complex misalignment issues with the use of Invisalign attachments—small tooth-colored “dots”of composite dental resin that are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth. This advanced form of treatment can achieve more precise and predictable tooth movement than ever before because the attachments allow the trays to get a better grip on the teeth. Invisalign attachments are especially beneficial for patients with rotated or angled teeth.
When Are Braces Better?
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Our Boston team will typically recommend metal braces over Invisalign in cases of especially severe misalignment. Though Invisalign is very effective for mild to moderate cases, and even complex cases with Invisalign attachments, metal braces can simply exert more force on the teeth than clear aligners. This makes them a more reliable option when extensive repositioning is needed.
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How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Before committing to treatment, patients usually want to know how many aligners they will need and how long treatment will take.
During your initial consultation at our Boston, MA, dental office, your orthodontist will determine approximately how many trays are needed and how long treatment will take. Since most aligner sets are worn for a total of two weeks each (and for 20 to 22 hours each day), the length of your treatment will depend on the number of aligner sets recommended. The average treatment time is 12 to 18 months.
# of Aligner Sets | Weeks | Months |
---|---|---|
10 | 20 | 4+ |
20 | 40 | 9+ |
30 | 60 | 13+ |
40 | 80 | 18+ |
50 | 100 | 23+ |
Another Happy Patient
"Friendly atmosphere starting from the moment you walk through the door. Staff is very helpful, technicians and doctors are extremely professional. I felt safe throughout my visit." Anthony H., 5-Star Google Review
The Invisalign Treatment Timeline
The average Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign aligners are considered much more comfortable than traditional braces. Because the trays are made of a smooth plastic material, they are far less likely to irritate or cut the soft tissues of your mouth the way metal brackets and wires can.
However, the system is designed to move your teeth into proper alignment. This can result in some discomfort for a day or two each time you switch to a new set of aligner trays. To reduce pain, follow these tips:
- Start wearing your new aligners before going to bed at night so you can sleep through some of the discomfort
- Use over-the-counter pain medication
- Eat soft foods for a day or two after switching to a new set of trays
Maintaining Your Results Why Retainers Help
To maintain the results of any type of orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear a retainer at night. Failing to routinely wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment will result in the teeth starting to shift out of place.
Patients can either wear their final set of Invisalign aligner trays as their final retainer set or we can have a new one fabricated. Be sure to clean your retainer on a regular basis and have it replaced as needed by our dentists.