• How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?

    In the realm of orthodontic treatments, Invisalign has emerged as a highly favored alternative to traditional metal braces. Known for its clear, removable aligners, Invisalign promises a less conspicuous and more comfortable path to achieving a perfect smile. However, despite its popularity, there are numerous misconceptions about how long it actually takes to straighten teeth using this method. Many prospective patients enter treatment with unrealistic expectations about the duration and effectiveness of Invisalign, influenced by advertising, anecdotal stories, and simplified comparisons with conventional braces.

    Today we will debunk some common myths surrounding the timeline of Invisalign treatment. By understanding what truly influences the duration of Invisalign treatment and setting appropriate expectations, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about your orthodontic care. Continue reading “How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?”

  • Your Invisalign Treatment: Tips for Faster Results

    Invisalign has revolutionized the world of orthodontics by offering a clear, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. As an appealing solution for straightening teeth discreetly, Invisalign involves wearing a series of custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Typically, the duration of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case and patient compliance, with most treatments spanning anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

    Most patients are eager to see results as quickly as possible. Achieving faster results requires a proactive approach to treatment adherence and care. Today, we’ll explore several practical tips that can help accelerate your journey to a perfect smile with Invisalign. At Park56 Dental, we hope to help you make the most of your Invisalign treatment. Continue reading “Your Invisalign Treatment: Tips for Faster Results”

  • Invisalign and Headaches: Is There a Connection?

    Praised for their aesthetic appeal and convenience, Invisalign aligners have become a popular choice for individuals seeking to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces. Despite their many benefits, some users have reported experiencing headaches during their Invisalign treatment. This raises the question: is there a connection between Invisalign and headaches? Whether you are currently using Invisalign or considering it as a treatment option, understanding the possible connection to headaches can help you make informed decisions about your oral health and overall well-being. Continue reading “Invisalign and Headaches: Is There a Connection?”

  • Adjusting to Invisalign: How Long Does it Take?

    Invisalign has revolutionized the field of orthodontics, offering a discreet and flexible alternative to traditional metal braces. These clear aligners are designed to straighten teeth gradually, providing an appealing option for those seeking to improve their smile without the visibility and restrictions of conventional braces. However, like any orthodontic treatment, adjusting to Invisalign requires a period of adaptation. Continue reading “Adjusting to Invisalign: How Long Does it Take?”

  • 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.