• Why it’s important to seek an Invisalign provider

    When Invisalign aligners came on the scene, they were a revolutionary idea. Suddenly, people could get beautiful, straight teeth without the hassle of traditional wire braces. Instead, using a series of nearly invisible, removable, comfortable, clear aligners, dentists could straighten teeth in less time than people spend in wire braces. Now, various companies have seized upon this idea and are flooding the market with at home straightening kits. Do they work, or is Invisalign still the right choice?

    At-home straightening companies send the customer a kit to make a 3-D mold of their own teeth. This mold is submitted to the company, and a series of clear aligners are sent to the customer periodically. The patient never needs to visit the dentist or orthodontist, which allows these companies to charge far less than a patient would pay for Invisalign. In fact, one leading at-home straightening company estimates that their product is about 60 percent cheaper than traditional teeth straightening.

    The problem with these at-home straightening kits is the same thing that makes them inexpensive: they allow patients to skip the orthodontist or dentist. Without professional supervision, patients can actually damage their teeth irreparably. This is because straightening teeth often requires adjustments to the plan, and if you are straightening your teeth on your own, there’s no monitoring of your progress and no professional who could make these adjustments.

    Additionally, while a dentist is qualified to create a customized straightening plan for you, at-home straighteners are more of a “one-size-fits-all” product. They don’t work for everyone, and there is no way for these companies to consider all the different factors that could affect your progress. When you bypass the guidance of a dental care professional, you run the risk of missing problems with your jaw or the roots of your teeth. Issues that could have been caught by an x-ray before treatment can end up being complications that can affect the results of your straightening attempts. While an at-home straightening program may cost less upfront, it could end up leading to costly problems in the long run.

    If you want to straighten your teeth using clear aligners, the best choice is to seek a qualified Invisalign provider. Your dentist or orthodontist will create a 3D image of your teeth and design a treatment plan that’s customized for you. You’ll wear a series of clear aligners that are removable, so that you can continue to eat your favorite foods while your teeth are being straightened. Each set of aligners will need to be worn for about two weeks, and you’ll see your dentist every six weeks so that your treatment can be monitored and adjusted as needed. The average treatment time for Invisalign is between nine and 15 months.

    When you’re ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

  • Is your bite affecting your dental health?

    If your teeth are misaligned, you might not like your smile. On the other hand, you might find your slightly crooked smile charming! After all, it makes you look unique, and it’s not hurting anything, right? Actually, crooked teeth can have a negative impact on your dental health. Read on to learn more about how your bite affects your mouth and why crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic issue.

    Crooked teeth come in all sorts of variations, for many different reasons. Some people have mouths that are too small for their teeth, so the teeth become crowded and shift out of position. Other people have jaws that aren’t the same size or are misaligned, causing an overbite or underbite. The shape of your mouth and configuration of your teeth can be inherited traits or they can be the result of factors like improperly fitting dental restorations, misalignment of the jaw from an injury, or even thumb, sucking, tongue thrusting, or extended pacifier use as a young child.

    • Sometimes, misaligned teeth can interfere with eating and speaking. If you’ve got an overbite, for example, you might struggle to eat or experience discomfort while chewing. Trying to compensate for your misalignment can put stress on your jaw. You might also have trouble articulating your words, or you might speak with a lisp.
    • Crooked teeth can cause problems with your jaw. You might have pain or stiffness, or even temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Your jaw might hurt when you chew, or you might experience pain in your ears or face. Clicking or popping of the jaw is another sign of TMD, as is fatigue of the facial muscles. In severe cases, misaligned teeth can cause lockjaw, making it impossible to fully open or shut the mouth.
    • It can be hard to breathe if you have crooked teeth. This is because misaligned jaws cause the tongue to be improperly positioned. When it’s not resting in the right place, it can block your airways. This can prevent proper breathing and disrupt your sleep.
    • Misaligned teeth can become damaged. It can be challenging to clean teeth that are incorrectly aligned, so they’re at higher risk of cavities, gingivitis, and tooth decay. An overbite can cause cracked or broken teeth, and loss of enamel from grinding, and misalignment can strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, which can also result in broken teeth.

    If your teeth are crooked or your bite is misaligned, your dentist can diagnose it by checking for abnormal alignment or abnormal appearance of your face. The dentist will also ask if you have difficulty chewing or biting, and will evaluate you for speech difficulties like a lisp. If the dentist believes your mouth needs correction, you’ll be referred to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, surgery may be recommended, but often, misalignment can be corrected with braces or Invisalign.

    Whether you need simple cleaning or a specialty service like Invisalign®, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

  • Why You Should Choose Invisalign to Help Give You A Healthier Smile

    When you think of a beautiful smile, what do you think of? Straight teeth! When you look at your own smile, is there something you wish you could change? Straight teeth are actually easier to attain than you’d think! Let the certified Invisalign experts at Park 56 Dental of NYC help you know how easy Invisalign actually is!

    What is Invisalign?

    Invisalign is a modern method of straightening teeth without the hassle and diet restrictions of braces. Because the aligner is designed to be removed, it is easier to maintain healthy daily oral hygiene habits that your whole mouth will benefit from! A typical process is completed between 9 and 15 months of wearing the aligners 24 hours a day, other than when brushing, eating, drinking or flossing.

    What are the health benefits of having straight teeth?

    Straight teeth are more than just a visual bonus.  The American Dental Association says that properly spaced teeth can prevent periodontal disease (red, swollen gums) as well as other periodontal related issues. Additionally, the ability to remove the aligner while under treatment with Invisalign allows for better/ easier access to your mouth so that there isn’t as much risk for mouth sores, hidden food getting stuck between wires or brackets, plaque and tartar build up, or other daily challenges that braces can present.

    Why is Invisalign for me?

    Invisalign is effective at straightening crooked teeth with many, many benefits, such as:

    1. Convenient
    2. Removable, so you are able to keep your teeth and your aligner clean!
    3. Free to eat and drink your preferred food choices without concern for damaging, as with braces
    4. Virtually invisible (Ha! That’s why they’re called “Invisalign!”)
    5. So comfortable, you hardly know they’re there!
    6. Easier to clean
    7. Versatility
    8. Game ready! No wires= NO mouth guard needed with an Invisalign!
    9. Produces amazing results quickly
    10. Fewer visits to the dentist are needed (as compared to braces)

    What will Invisalign cost?

    Remember, when caring for your teeth, you are making an investment in YOU and your overall health! The price of Invisalign treatment varies, depending on duration of treatment. Additionally, if your insurance includes orthodontic treatment, you may qualify for Invisalign.  Park 56 Dental also has payment options so that you may choose a plan that works best for you.

    What do people say about Invisalign?

    Testimonials are a great resource for making a decisions.  Here are a few testimonials from Park 56 Dental Invisalign patients.

    I definitely smile a lot more. Even though I’m still in treatment, it has given me more confidence. It’s given me something to look forward to. I feel good about myself. I feel good that I have taken the steps to get these braces. ~Daniel, age 38

     I always wanted to have straight teeth, but never thought my smile would look this great. Plus, no one even knew when I was wearing them. I couldn’t be happier! ~Gina, age 26

    More than 1,000,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign and the number continues to climb! If you’re curious about Invisalign, don’t hesitate to set up a consultation with the certified Invisalign providers  at Park 56 Dental of NYC and schedule a consultation today at (646) 679-3989!

     

  • How Teeth Crowding Can Impact your Dental Health

    If your teeth are overcrowded, it can make you feel less confident in your smile. What you may not realize, though, is that it also has serious implications for the health of your mouth. Here are some reasons why, along with some tips to help you improve your dental health.

    • It’s harder to clean overcrowded teeth. If your teeth are incorrectly spaced, you won’t be able to effectively brush and floss them. You’ll be unable to get the floss in between some of your teeth, and you won’t be able to brush every surface of your teeth. This can lead to bad breath, cavities, and health problems that occur when an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth makes its way to other parts of the body.
    • Crowded teeth can increase your risk of gingivitis. When you don’t completely remove the plaque from your mouth, it can cause gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. The symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, irritated, and sometimes bleeding gums, along with bad breath.
    • If your teeth are overcrowded, you may experience pain. Sometimes, when you have a crowded mouth, a tooth becomes impacted because it has no room to erupt from the gums. This impaction can also cause overcrowding, by pushing other teeth into a problematic position, which can lead to pain when you bite or chew.
    • Bite problems happen when crowding causes misalignment. If your teeth aren’t lining up correctly because they’re too crowded, you won’t bite properly. This can lead to cracking, chipping, and otherwise damaging your teeth.
    • Allergies may be connected to teeth crowding. This goes back to the oral care component: when you can’t properly clean your teeth, it leads to poor oral health. In turn, poor oral health has been linked to allergic rhinitis, asthma, and skin allergies.
    • You’re more likely to grind or clench overcrowded teeth. This grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, can cause headaches, face pain, damage to your teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

    So, what can you do about crowded teeth? In some cases, especially with impacted teeth, you may need an extraction. Often, however, your crowded mouth can be greatly improved using orthodontia. One of the simplest and most effective ways to move teeth into the correct placement in your mouth is using Invisalign®. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about the options that are available to you.

    Whether you need simple cleaning or a specialty service like Invisalign®, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

  • 9 Celebrities Who Have Worn Invisalign

    Do you wish you had straighter teeth? If you don’t want to be a “metal mouth,” you may think you’re stuck with an imperfect smile forever. Luckily, there’s another way. You can straighten your teeth the way celebrities do—with Invisalign! You’ll be shocked to learn that some of your favorite movie stars, singers, and public figures have worn Invisalign over the years.

    • Tom Cruise: While filming Minority Report in 2002, Tom donned nearly invisible braces to discreetly straighten his teeth. He was 40 at the time and opted for an invisible choice so as not to tarnish his dashing good looks.
    • Justin Bieber: This young pop star rose to fame in his early teens, but he dealt with crowded teeth behind the scenes. Justin improved his smile with Invisalign back in 2011, sharing his experience with fans on YouTube. His teeth have been straight ever since.
    • Oprah Winfrey: As one of the world’s most influential people, it’s no wonder Oprah chose to straighten her teeth with Invisalign. She felt so confident in her aligners that she didn’t hesitate to wear them in front of the camera while filming her award-winning talk show.
    • Zac Efron: He started as a teen sensation in Disney’s High School Musical, but once he began taking on more adult roles, Zac decided it was time to close the gap between his front teeth, a condition called diastema. How did he do it? With Invisalign.
    • Eva Longoria: Best known for her role in Desperate Housewives, Eva decided her smile needed a little tweaking at 36 years old. Instead of turning to traditional metal braces, she chose Invisalign to discreetly correct the alignment of her bottom teeth.
    • Katherine Heigl: Like many blushing brides, Katherine wanted straight teeth for her wedding photos. She started wearing Invisalign in 2007 to fix her misaligned teeth and repeatedly told interviewers how pleased she was with the results.
    • Serena Williams: This star tennis player is a multiple Grand Slam tournament winner. She has seemingly always had straight teeth, but she wore Invisalign as a teenager. Thanks to that treatment, she has always smiled with confidence when celebrating her big wins.
    • Kate Middleton: As reports have it, the Duchess of Cambridge donned Invisalign for six months leading up to her wedding to Prince William. Kate’s French orthodontist recommended the aligners to perfect her smile just in time for the big day.
    • Khloe Kardashian: The youngest of the Kardashian sisters decided to start Invisalign treatment in 2013. The wire-free option proved to be the right method for straightening her teeth. Still, she wasn’t shy about it, even tweeting “thank you” to her dentist for handling the entire process.

    When it comes to achieving the perfect smile, nothing is more comfortable, convenient, or discreet than Invisalign. If you’re ready to straighten your teeth the invisible way, please call Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

  • Invisalign for Teens

    Does your teenager need braces? Sometimes, teeth need to be straightened during the middle and high school years, but that’s also when teens are often most sensitive about their appearance. How can you help your teenager feel confident while still providing the orthodontic care necessary for long-term oral health? Invisalign® may be the answer. A revolutionary way to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses customized aligners to shift teeth without the discomfort and unattractive look of metal braces.

    • Invisalign® aligners are practically invisible. Made from a soft, clear plastic, Invisalign® aligners are so discreet that people are unlikely to even notice you’re wearing them! Invisalign® Teen, created especially for teenagers, are non-invasive so that teens can feel confident while wearing them.
    • Because they’re removable, Invisalign® aligners don’t require a special diet. With traditional braces, you have to be careful about eating things like popcorn or hard food. Invisalign® aligners are removable, so you can take them out when you’re eating and eat whatever you want. What’s more, because you take them out to brush and floss, it’s easy to take care of your teeth.
    • Invisalign® is more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Metal braces can feel tight or rub against the inside of your mouth, causing discomfort or even pain. Invisalign® Teen is made from moldable plastic and specifically customized for your teen’s mouth, so you can be sure of a comfortable fit.
    • Teens can keep participating in the activities they love while wearing Invisalign®. Whether they’re playing sports or playing instruments, teenagers don’t have to worry about Invisalign® getting in the way. The aligners are easy to take out and put back in after the activity is finished.
    • Invisalign® works for many different issues. Underbites, overbites, and crossbites can be fixed with Invisalign, as well as crowded or widely-spaced teeth. Invisalign® is great for most mild to moderate orthodontic problems; during a consultation, your dentist can evaluate your teen’s mouth to see if this treatment is a good fit. What’s more, Invisalign® often works more quickly than traditional braces, so the treatment doesn’t take as long.
    • You and your teenager need to understand that Invisalign® is a commitment. Each aligner needs to be worn for two weeks, and the whole process takes anywhere from a few months to three years. The aligners don’t have to be worn all the time, but they do have to be worn about 20-22 hours each day. Additionally, Invisalign® requires frequent trips to the orthodontist for checkups and to make sure the treatment is progressing on schedule.

    At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer Invisalign®, along with pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

  • The Benefits of Straighter Teeth

    If you’re thinking of having your teeth straightened, you’re probably thinking about the cosmetic benefits. About a million adults in the U.S. wear braces, most of them because they want the look of perfectly straight teeth. Would it surprise you to learn that the benefits of straighter teeth go far beyond the way you look? Read on to learn more.

    • Straight teeth are easier to clean. When your teeth are crooked or crowded, it can be hard to thoroughly clean them, getting between every space and crevice. This can lead to cavities, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues.
    • Because they help you keep your mouth healthier, straight teeth are better for the overall health of your body. Cleaning your teeth removes bacteria, preventing infections from spreading throughout your body. Unhealthy mouths have been linked with a variety of health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and dementia.
    • Straight teeth help your digestion. This is obvious if you think about it, because chewing is the first step of the digestion process. When you’re better able to chew your food, the rest of your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard.
    • You’ll speak more clearly with straighter teeth.Teeth that are crowded, gapped or protruding teeth can negatively impact your speech patterns. Lisps and other speech impediments are more likely with crooked teeth. When your teeth are straight, your speech will be clearer, boosting your self-confidence.
    • Straight teeth last longer. They’re less likely to break, crack, or decay and fall out. When your teeth are straight, there’s less wear and tear placed on your teeth, gums, and jaw when you bite and chew. Improper alignment can prematurely wear teeth down, causing chipping and notching at the gum line, fractures in the teeth, and abnormal flattening of the biting surface.
    • Neck, head, and jaw pain can be reduced when teeth are straightened. Crooked teeth can contribute to jaw misalignment, straining the joints of the jaw and leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause ear problems, dizziness, and chronic neck, face, and head pain.
    • You’ll sleep better if your teeth are straighter. Crooked teeth can contribute to problems like sleep apnea and tooth grinding.
    • Straight teeth can make you feel more confident. When your teeth are crooked or misaligned, it can make you feel insecure or unattractive. Havin them straightened can improve your self-esteem, which improves your mental and physical health. You’ll be less likely to feel depressed or anxious, and more likely to feel confident and sure of yourself.

    At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

  • How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

    One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove it to eat and drink. Unlike metal braces, this means there are no dietary restrictions, so you can eat whatever you want while straightening your smile with nearly invisible plastic aligners! Still, keeping the aligners clean is an important part of your treatment plan. With proper care, you’ll keep your Invisalign clear, odorless, and free of bacteria buildup. Here’s what you need to know.

    Rinse Your Aligners Whenever You Take Them Out

    Rinsing your aligners helps remove saliva, bacteria, and plaque before putting them in their storage case. This is an important step even if you’re not at home, so be sure to locate a drinking foundation or bathroom sink before removing your Invisalign.

    Remember, you should take out your aligners to eat and drink anything other than water. Otherwise, the clear plastic is liable to stain. Still, you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure your treatment stays on schedule, so refrain from snacking too often.

    Clean Your Invisalign Morning and Night

    When brushing your teeth before bed and after waking up each morning, clean your Invisalign as well. This involves brushing the aligners with a soft toothbrush (different from the one you use on your teeth) with clear, anti-bacterial liquid soap. It may seem counterintuitive, but you should not use toothpaste to brush Invisalign aligners. Doing so could cloud the plastic and make it appear more visible in your mouth.

    Invisalign care also involves soaking the aligners in a cup of manufacturer-provided cleaning crystals dissolved in lukewarm water. Soak for 15 minutes once a day to keep your aligners sanitized and odor-free.

    Brush After Eating

    Proper Invisalign care isn’t just about cleaning the aligners—it’s also about having good oral hygiene. In addition to brushing and flossing each morning and night, Invisalign wearers should make a habit of brushing after each meal or snack before putting the aligners back in. This prevents trapping food particles against your teeth, which could lead to cavities and staining. If brushing isn’t an option, rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water.

    Store Your Invisalign Aligners in a Dedicated Case

    Whenever you remove your aligners, put them in their case immediately. Otherwise, you risk damaging, losing, or accidentally throwing away your Invisalign. This tip applies even when you’re out and about, so it’s helpful to have two cases—one for at home and one for on-the-go.

    Remember to keep your Invisalign case clean as well. Once a week, brush the case with the same toothbrush and soap you use with your aligners. Let the case air dry before closing it again.

    If you have more questions about caring for Invisalign, or you’re ready to straighten your smile using this cutting-edge technology, please contact Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322. We offer a complimentary consultation with our knowledgeable dentist so you can find the answers you seek before moving forward with your Invisalign treatment.

  • The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Invisalign

    Have you chosen Invisalign over traditional braces to straighten your teeth? As a fast, effective, virtually invisible way to get the smile of your dreams, Invisalign is popular among teens and adults alike. Just be aware that this tooth-straightening method has specific care requirements. Here are the basic dos and don’ts of wearing Invisalign to ensure the best results from your investment.

    • Do soak and brush your trays daily: Start off each morning by soaking your aligners in denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Then, remove residue by brushing the aligners using a separate toothbrush from the one you use to brush your teeth. Rinse the trays and slip them back into your mouth. Do this again every night before bed.
    • Do remove the trays to eat and drink: Apart from water, you should not eat or drink anything while wearing your Invisalign. Food and beverages can stain the clear plastic aligners and encourage particles to become stuck between your teeth.
    • Do brush and floss after eating: When you finish a meal or snack, brush and floss to remove particles before putting your Invisalign back in. If you can’t do this while away from home, at least rinse your mouth out or chew sugarless gum for a few minutes.
    • Do wear your Invisalign 20 to 22 hours a day: If you’re not eating or drinking, you should be wearing your aligners, including while you sleep. Failing to follow this schedule could delay your treatment.
    • Don’t snack excessively: Are you accustomed to snacking or drinking soda and coffee throughout the day? You may need to reassess these habits. Every time you remove the trays to eat and drink, you must clean your mouth to prevent cavities and staining. Your oral health—not to mention your waistline—will thank you for cutting down on snacks and drinks between meals during Invisalign treatment.
    • Don’t leave your trays lying around: To prevent losing or damaging your aligners, store them in their carrying case whenever you remove them from your mouth. This also protects against bacteria buildup. Help the case stay clean by rinsing your trays before putting them inside.
    • Don’t leave town without your next set of aligners: Invisalign treatment involves swapping out the trays every few weeks. If you’re going on vacation, make sure you bring the next set with you to avoid delaying the results.
    • Don’t smoke: Tobacco will quickly discolor your clear aligners, not to mention stain your teeth and cause numerous other oral health problems. If you are currently a smoker, consider quitting before you begin Invisalign treatment. Your overall health will improve if you do.

    Park 56 Dental is a certified Invisalign provider in NYC. We can help you plan your smile transformation from the comfort of our spa-like office. Here, you’ll receive exceptional care during convenient hours that fit your schedule. To learn more about Invisalign, please contact us online or call (212) 826-2322 and schedule a complimentary consultation today.

  • Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign

    Are you looking to improve your smile with straighter teeth? You have two primary options—traditional braces and Invisalign. Compare these teeth-straightening methods to help you decide which one is the best choice for you or your child.

    Traditional Braces

    When most people think of braces, they picture the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. These are glued to your teeth and cannot be removed. Here’s what to expect from this option:

    • Aesthetics: While they never fully disappear, traditional braces are available with enamel-colored components to make them less noticeable. Teens may also enjoy making a statement with brightly colored brackets and wires.
    • Treatment time: The average patient needs braces for two years, though this varies greatly depending on the individual’s needs.
    • Cleaning: Brushing and flossing with braces is more difficult and time-consuming, leading to an increased risk of discoloration and cavities.
    • Comfort: Brackets and wires are notorious for causing lip and tongue sores.
    • Effectiveness: Traditional braces are often the best choice for complex issues, such as correcting back bite issues, rotating canines or premolars, and moving teeth vertically.
    • Lifestyle: Patients who wear traditional braces must follow certain dietary limitations to avoid damaging the brackets and wires with sticky, chewy, or hard food. Traditional braces are also not ideal for anyone who plays rough contact sports.

    Invisalign

    The premise behind Invisalign is to provide a more discrete teeth-straightening option. The dentist uses an impression of your mouth to produce BPA-free plastic aligners, which you wear for two weeks before moving to the next set. Here are some qualities of Invisalign to consider:

    • Aesthetics: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Unless you tell people, it’s unlikely anyone will notice you’re wearing them.
    • Treatment time: The average patient completes Invisalign treatment in six to 18 months, depending on their needs. To maintain your treatment schedule, be sure to wear your aligners for 22+ hours per day, only removing them to eat or drink anything other than water.
    • Cleaning: The aligners must be brushed and rinsed daily to avoid harboring germs. While this adds an extra step to your oral care routine, the ability to brush and floss your teeth like usual is a huge benefit.
    • Comfort: Invisalign has a smooth surface that feels comfortable on your cheeks, tongue, and gums.
    • Effectiveness: Standard Invisalign is best for treating relatively simple issues, such as overcrowding and bite problems. However, with the addition of clear buttons, it’s possible to achieve more complex corrections.
    • Lifestyle: Because you remove the aligners before eating, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. Of course, this requires extra care to avoid losing your aligners. We also recommend brushing your teeth after every meal to prevent staining the plastic.

    To learn more about traditional braces vs. Invisalign, please call Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322 or contact us online. We proudly offer Invisalign in NYC, the modern way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile.