Invisalign – Plainview, NY

The Best Choice to Straight Teeth

girl holding out clear aligner

In years past, straightening your teeth meant having to endure metal brackets and wires for two years or even longer. Well, that’s not the case nowadays. At Meadowbrook Dentistry, we offer a better way to get the smile you’ve always wanted — Invisalign. This system uses clear plastic aligners to gradually guide your teeth into the desired position while maintaining your appearance and confidence during the treatment, making it the perfect straightening solution for both teens and adults. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!

Why Choose Meadowbrook Dentistry for Invisalign?

  • Digital Impression Scanner In-House
  • Care from an Accredited Team of Experts
  • Kind and Caring Dentists That Listen to Your Needs

How Invisalign Works

close up of woman putting in invisalign

Once you and one of our experienced cosmetic dentists have determined that Invisalign is the right option, we will take impressions of your mouth and use that information to create a personalized treatment plan just for you. The impressions are sent to a lab where your clear Invisalign aligners are created. Once the aligners arrive, you will begin wearing them for 20 to 22 hours every day, taking them out only for eating and cleaning. After about two weeks, you will receive and start wearing the next set of trays, bringing you one step closer to the final results.

Every couple of months, you will come into our Plainview office so that we can check on your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan. After 12 to 18 months, you can have a perfectly straight, healthy smile that you’ll be proud to show off.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

woman covering smile

Does the idea of Invisalign in Plainview sound like a great solution to fixing your misaligned teeth or uneven bite? If so, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with us to discuss Invisalign. This discreet orthodontic treatment can fix a wide range of problems, improving the look, health, and function of your smile in the process. Until your consultation, you can read on to learn more about the common issues clear aligner treatment can address.

Crowded Teeth

computer illustration of crowded teeth

The positioning of your teeth is essential for a beautiful, functional smile. Unfortunately, many people have an imperfect one because their teeth sit too close together. This can make you feel insecure about your mouth when speaking or smiling; however, there are more complications than just what you see on the surface. In fact, patients with this orthodontic problem are at an increased risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and the like. Fortunately, Invisalign can address mild to moderate cases with clear, custom, and comfortable aligners.

Gaps Between Teeth

computer illustration of spaced out teeth

Since gaps can take a toll on your self-esteem and create spaces where food particles can get trapped, it’s important to explore your orthodontic treatment options. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then we can use the clear aligners to decrease the amount of space between your teeth. To do this, your aligners are custom-made to fit comfortably within your mouth. Naturally, with each new set you wear, your teeth will begin to shift in a way that moves them the right direction and eventually matches with the aligner you are wearing. This process does take time but is much quicker than the forceful tightening of a metal wire.

Overbite

Illustration of overbite

Like the other bite problems on this list, an overbite can make it difficult to chew pain-free, smile confidently, and speak clearly. Also like the other bite problems on this list, Invisalign may be an option. If you’re a candidate, then we will create a series of clear aligners to apply gentle pressure to your teeth, moving them and your bite into proper alignment. The final result will be boosted confidence, better oral health, and an improved overall quality of life.

Underbite

Illustration of underbite

Do your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth? If so, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! At Meadowbrook Dentistry, we want our patients to feel confident while improving the alignment of their teeth and bite, which is why our Invisalign clear aligners offer a subtle look that gently shifts teeth without shining a spotlight on treatment.

Crossbite

Illustration of crossbite

Do some of your lower teeth sit in front of your top teeth and some of your top teeth sit in front of your lower teeth? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that this bite problem can often be corrected with Invisalign. Since the aligners are see-through, you won’t need to worry about any added attention brought to your teeth. You’ll also spend less time in the dental chair because you won’t need appointments for adjustments. This is perfect if you have a busy schedule. Overall, Invisalign is less restrictive and more convenient to enjoy added freedom while on your journey to a straight smile.

Open Bite

Illustration of openbite

If your top and bottom teeth don’t come together correctly, you might experience uneven wear on your enamel, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. As a result, moving your teeth into their correct positions is more than an investment in your self-esteem; it’s an investment in your dental health. Fortunately, this doesn’t always require metal brackets and wires. If your case is mild enough that it can be addressed with Invisalign, then your teeth and bite will be aligned with virtually undetectable aligners.

Benefits of Invisalign

woman holding invisalign in front of smile and mirror

Are you currently in the process of deciding if clear aligner treatment is right for you? If so, you might find it helpful to learn a few of the many reasons patients who were once in your shoes chose Invisalign! With this in mind, keep reading to learn some of the advantages of this discreet teeth-straightening solution.

Improved Comfort

Two friends smiling while hugging outside

If you had metal braces in the past, then you know all too well how uncomfortable the metal brackets and wires can be. Thankfully, Invisalign takes a different approach. Teeth are guided into their properly aligned positions with aligners that are smooth, low-profile, and custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. As a result, you won’t have to deal with soft tissue irritation!

The Trays Are Barely Noticeable

Woman in yellow shirt smiling outside

Of course, one of the biggest reasons patients choose Invisalign is because the aligners are clear. As a result, they are barely noticeable when worn. In fact, it’s very common for even those closest to you – like the coworkers you see every day or your friends who have known you for years – to have a hard time telling when you are and aren’t wearing them!

Hassle-Free Oral Care

Man smiling while flossing his teeth

A perk that patients often don’t consider (but definitely should) is that having removable aligners makes brushing and flossing a breeze. Furthermore, straight teeth are easier to keep clean, and a clean mouth is a healthy mouth, so your oral health will benefit from clear aligner treatment too!

It’s also worth mentioning here that the aligners are easy to maintain. Simply use your toothbrush and toothpaste to gently scrub them clean every night and rinse them off. That’s it!

Faster Average Treatment Timeline

Patient reclined in treatment chair smiling

You don’t want to wait 3+ years to achieve the smile of your dreams, do you? The good news is that Invisalign has a faster average treatment timeline. While traditional braces can take between 24 and 36 months to complete treatment, most patients achieve the final results with clear aligners by 12 to 18 months. To get a more precise estimate of your treatment timeline, schedule a consultation with us!

No Dietary Restrictions

Group of friends smiling over cup of coffee

One drawback with traditional braces is that crunchy, hard, and sticky foods need to be avoided – even healthy ones like whole apples, carrots, and celery. Invisalign, on the other hand, doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions! Since the clear trays are removable, you can keep enjoying your favorite foods; just make sure to keep added sugar to a minimum.

Quick Follow-Up Visits

Dentist showing patient image on tablet

Are you a busy student, parent, or professional? Don’t worry – your schedule won’t be weighed down with back-to-back Invisalign appointments. In fact, the check-in visits are usually every 6-8 weeks instead of every four (which is the case with traditional braces). Plus, they typically take 15 minutes or less!

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

invisalign trays and paperwork

The ultimate cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the number of aligners you need and the amount of time they need to be worn. These factors are affected by the severity of your case, your ability to comply with our team’s instructions, and your age. You can get a more detailed estimate at your initial consultation! In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the cost of Invisalign in Plainview.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

dentist and patient discussing the cost of Invisalign in Plainview

When you visit us for an Invisalign consultation, we’ll evaluate your case to create a personalized estimate of how much you can expect to pay for your treatment. This estimate will be based on factors like:

  • Your oral health: If you need to have oral health issues like cavities or gum disease treated before beginning Invisalign, the cost of these procedures will naturally add to the overall cost of your Invisalign treatment.
  • Your age: Invisalign is an excellent choice for teens, adults, and older adults alike! However, it will typically be easier, and therefore less expensive, to straighten a teenager’s smile since their jaws and teeth are not fully developed and set in place.
  • The severity of your case: As you may suspect, the more severe the misalignment of your teeth or bite is, the higher the cost of your treatment will be.

Your personal dedication to your treatment plan will also play a role in the cost of your Invisalign treatment. It’s essential that you wear your aligners frequently enough in order to keep your treatment on track. If you don’t, it may cost you more time and money.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Closeup of Invisalign in Plainview on white background

Have you heard of Smile Direct Club™? This company is one of many that offer mail-in aligners, boasting all the results of an Invisalign treatment without the need to set foot in a dentist’s office. While this may sound temptingly convenient at first, you should know that professional organizations like the American Association of Orthodontists have filed numerous official complaints against Smile Direct Club™. They site the countless Smile Direct Club™ cases where patients have ended up with far worse orthodontic problems than when they started, causing them unnecessary harm and expense. When you invest in a professional Invisalign treatment, you can rest easy knowing your smile is being cared for by an experienced professional who will be with you every step of the way.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Paperwork representing dental insurance coverage for Invisalign in Plainview

Dental insurance coverage for Invisalign in Plainview varies greatly. Not all companies or policies cover orthodontic treatment, and even among those that do, clear aligner treatments like Invisalign are not always covered. Our knowledgeable front desk team will be happy to look into the details of your plan to make sure your benefits are being maximized.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Patient and receptionist discussing how to make Invisalign affordable in Plainview

Don’t have dental insurance? Does your policy not offer coverage for Invisalign? Not to worry! We offer other ways to help make your treatment affordable, including:

  • Flexible Financing: We’ve partnered with CareCredit and Proceed Finance to offer flexible financing options. These third-party companies offer a variety of low- to no-interest payment plans, allowing qualifying patients to break up the cost of their Invisalign treatment into smaller chunks that fit into their monthly budget.
  • Our In-House Savings Plan: We are proud to offer our very own in-house savings plan, where you can enjoy many of the same benefits that traditional dental insurance offers without any of the hassles. You’ll receive 20% off basic services as well as 20% off major services like Invisalign!

Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions

With all of its obvious benefits, it’s hard to find a reason not to get Invisalign to correct your misaligned teeth. Still, before you seek treatment, you undoubtedly have some questions. Fortunately, we’ve gathered some of the Invisalign queries we get asked the most often and answered them for your convenience.

Will Invisalign Treatment Hurt?

Some patients experience some initial discomfort every few weeks when they first move onto a new set of aligners. This is completely normal, and also completely temporary. Remember that, thanks to our digital impression technology, your aligners are designed to fit you perfectly. It may just take some time for your mouth to get used to the new appliance in it. If your aligners ever cause you outright pain, be sure to contact us right away so we can solve your problem.

Am I the Wrong Age for Invisalign?

The good news is that there is no upper age limit for Invisalign treatment. Your teeth become more firmly rooted in your jaw as you age, so your treatment time might take a little longer, but it’s definitely still possible. However, Invisalign is not recommended for children and younger teenagers, as their mouths are still developing. Older teens and adults, on the other hand, can easily get their teeth straightened with Invisalign.

I Have Crowns. Can I Still Get Invisalign?

Crowns, which are tooth-shaped caps that fit over a tooth to protect or restore it, are usually not affected by Invisalign treatment. Because Invisalign moves a tiny portion of the mouth individually, it’s normally perfectly fine if you have crowns. However, the only way to know for sure is to come in and see us for an Invisalign consultation.

I Have Bridgework. Can I Still Get Invisalign?

Dental bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, so they are significantly resistant to tooth movement. Again, Invisalign is designed to shift a small section of your smile at a time, so it may not be compatible with bridgework. Schedule a consultation with us to explore your options.

Since Having My Braces Removed, My Teeth Have Shifted. Can Invisalign Correct This?

Yes! Invisalign can definitely be used to shift teeth that have undergone treatment from traditional braces back into their properly aligned position. In fact, a high volume of our Invisalign patients had braces in their youth, but had their teeth shift back, a phenomenon known as relapse. In most cases, Invisalign can get you your straight smile back.