Invisalign

Invisalign® - Revolutionary Cosmetic Dentistry in Boston, Massachusetts

When it comes to straightening teeth, cosmetic dentistry in Boston, Massachusetts has come a long way. Gone are the days of the “metal mouth.” Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners that are worn continuously except when eating or drinking. The aligners are invisible so no one can tell you’re wearing them. They’re comfortable - no cutting your lips and tongue on sharp metal brackets and wires. And they’re removable. When you’re eating or drinking, brushing or flossing, you simply slip them out of your mouth! 

Using cosmetic dentistry to make Invisalign® aligners

Dental Associates of New England is proud to offer the cosmetic dentistry expertise of Dr. Elise Vincelette, & Dr. Geoffrey M. Glick. Our orthodontists specialize in Invisalign® orthodontics. During your first Invisalign® appointment, your doctor will determine your candidacy and make an impression of your teeth. Your Invisalign® aligners are made from these impressions.

How Invisalign® Treatment Works

Our staff will take a series of X-rays, pictures, and digital impressions of your teeth. We will create a 3D digital image of your smile that will be used to create a series of custom alignment trays, which will gradually move your teeth into proper alignment.

Your aligners are made of a clear, BPA-free plastic. They are smooth, so they will not irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional braces can. Usually, 18 to 30 aligners are made for each patient. You will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, for at least 22 hours each day, removing them when brushing, flossing, eating, or drinking anything hot. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth about 1/10 mm, so each successive aligner will be slightly different from the one that preceded it. You will maintain appointments with us once every six weeks so that we can monitor your progress. It takes on average nine to 15 months to complete your series of aligners, about the same amount of time when compared to traditional braces.

After Invisalign®

When you have come to the end of your treatment, it will be necessary to wear retainers to ensure that your teeth do not gradually revert back to their former positions. Some patients choose to have a permanent retainer placed on the inside of their lower front teeth. Other patients will have Vivera® retainers custom designed for them. Vivera® retainers are made by Invisalign®, and are very similar in appearance. Vivera® retainers are designed using the same technology as the Invisalign® trays, so you can enjoy a precise and comfortable fit. When you have completed your treatment, our doctors will determine which retainer is best for your needs and lifestyle.

Determining Invisalign® Candidacy

A consultation with one of our orthodontists is the surest way to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign® treatment. Adults and teens who want straighter teeth, but have been concerned about the comfort and appearance of traditional metal braces, often make excellent candidates for Invisalign®. Patients who don’t wish to stop eating the sticky or tough foods they love choose Invisalign® because the removable aligners make brushing and flossing no more difficult than before.

What Conditions Can Invisalign® Treat?

Invisalign® treatment can be used to correct a number of dental alignment issues:

• Gapped Teeth – Wide gaps between teeth can lead to a variety of dental problems.
• Overcrowded Teeth – Overcrowded teeth are more difficult to clean. Invisalign® can help you achieve straighter teeth, making it easier to maintain oral health.
• Overbite – When the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth, it can lead to joint problems and other issues.
• Underbite – When the lower teeth protrude farther than the upper teeth, it can lead to painful jaw and joint issues.
• Crossbite – When both the upper and lower teeth are misaligned, it can cause the upper teeth to rest on either side of the lower teeth. This condition can cause tooth wear and other issues.
• Open Bite – Open bite occurs when one or more teeth are unable to make contact with the tooth on the opposite jaw. It is most often caused by an abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb sucking, and can lead to painful chewing, speech impairment, and TMJ disorder.

More severe orthodontic issues may require traditional braces. After an examination, our doctors can determine if Invisalign® treatment is right for you. If you are a candidate, our staff will use Invisalign® software to show you what you can expect your smile to look like after you have completed treatment.

What Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign® is different for every patient because it is customized to their individual needs. Meeting with one of our dentists is the best way to determine what you can expect to pay for treatment. Invisalign® is an investment in your smile, your dental health, and your quality of life.

Invisalign® treatment carries about the same cost as traditional metal braces. Both forms of treatment can cost from $3,500 to $8,000, with the average being about $5,600. Dental insurance can usually cover a portion of the cost. If you are unsure whether your plan covers orthodontic treatment and Invisalign®, our staff will be happy to speak with your provider about your coverage. Your candidacy for treatment will be determined during a free initial consultation.

The precise cost of Invisalign® for each individual case depends on many factors:

• The location and quality of the dental office providing treatment
• The amount covered by your insurance provider
• Your level of commitment to treatment (following instructions ensures your treatment works efficiently)
• The extent of treatment needed
• The need for follow-up care, including your retainer

The best way to determine your actual cost is to make an appointment with one of our orthodontists. At this time, you will also have an opportunity to learn more about the different financing options that we offer. We will help guide you and make sure that you understand what your out-of-pocket costs are going to be. We believe in taking ample time to educate our patients in every aspect of the treatments we administer.

Benefits of Invisalign®

The Invisalign® system can be used to correct many of the same conditions traditionally treated with metal braces, including gapped teeth, overcrowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and open bite.

The aligners are made of clear plastic, and are virtually invisible to those around you. Because you remove your trays when you are eating, there is no need to alter your diet or worry about food getting stuck in wires or brackets. They also allow you to continue brushing and flossing normally without having to clean meticulously around hardware. Meanwhile, keeping your Invisalign® aligners clean is easy. Simply remove your aligners and clean your teeth normally, and brush and rinse your aligners in warm water before placing them back in your mouth.

Because Invisalign mouthpieces are removable and easy to clean, you can eat any foods you choose during treatment.

Meanwhile, Invisalign® treatment time and cost are comparable to traditional braces. Invisalign® requires fewer visits to the dentist, so interruptions in your schedule are less frequent. We schedule appointments every six weeks to monitor your progress. When treatment is complete, you can expect to have a smile that is beautiful and easier to clean, helping you to maintain excellent oral health.

Why Choose Dental Associates of New England?

The Elite Preferred Providers distinction is only given to the top 1 percent of providers worldwide, and we are proud to be a part of this exclusive and prestigious group. Dr. Geoffrey Glick has treated more than 1,000 Invisalign® patients, including members of the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, Miss USA contestants, and more. We provide all of our patients with the best comprehensive dental care and perform all our cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments in-house. 

Learn More about Invisalign®

Take the first step towards straighter teeth and the beautiful smile that you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and find out if Invisalign® is right for you.