Invisalign® Info

Dr. Joseph T. Hung DMD, MMSc. is a Invisalign® Elite Preferred Provider in New York, NY. Dr. Hung has been recognized as a top Invisalign provider every year since 2003.

Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. A consultation with Dr. Joseph T. Hung DMD, MMSc. can determine if this is the right orthodontic treatment option for you.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. The aligners are made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

Why would I want Invisalign?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. You can also view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How does Invisalign work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Joseph T. Hung DMD, MMSc. has prescribed.

You’ll visit Dr. Joseph T. Hung DMD, MMSc. about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

The Daily Invisalign Experience

For the first few days of each stage of your treatment, you may feel minor discomfort as your teeth get used to the added pressure, similar to what traditional braces patients experience after adjustments. This is perfectly normal and a sign that the aligners are doing their job.

The difference is that with Invisalign, you may be tempted to take the aligners off to relieve the pressure. Resist that temptation, because it will delay your results! You should wear your aligners at all times during your treatment, except during meals and snacks and while brushing and flossing your teeth. Wearing them less often will make your treatment take longer.

Potential patients often ask if the aligners will make it difficult to speak clearly. Most patients experience very little difficulty with speaking clearly while wearing their aligners, but there will likely be an adjustment period as you get used to having them in your mouth.

Caring for Your Invisalign Trays

To clean your aligners, brush and rinse them in lukewarm water and use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. Make sure you’re also brushing and flossing after each meal before you re-insert your aligners.

One of the best advantages of Invisalign over traditional wire braces is that there is no banned foods list! As long as you are brushing and flossing before putting your aligners back in, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without compromising your orthodontic treatment!

Gum can stick to your aligners, so it’s not a good idea to chew it while they’re in. Take your aligners out for all meals and snacks. We also discourage smoking during Invisalign treatment, as it can stain and discolor the aligners, as well as put you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Why Invisalign Over Other Products?

Invisalign is an excellent choice for your orthodontic treatment. It is a trusted brand in invisible aligners, and you’ll love the freedom of being able to take your aligners out to eat and brush your teeth. You get an idea of what the treatment process is like from testimonials written by our other patients.

Retainers After Treatment

Retainers are crucial at the end of any orthodontic treatment, whether you’re using clear aligners or traditional wire braces because it takes time for teeth to get used to their new positions. Make sure to wear your retainers as directed by the doctor.

How RockCenter Orthodontics Can Help

For those patients that do not want traditional braces, Dr. Hung recommends Invisalign. It doesn’t work for all types of orthodontic problems, but it’s an excellent solution for patients with dental crowding or other alignment problems if they would prefer not to get traditional braces.

This is a modern approach to teeth straightening without many of the drawbacks of braces. The clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to confidently show off your smile while straightening your teeth. We want to help determine whether or not this treatment option is right for you. Call us today or email us to set up a smile consultation. You can also learn more about us on our business page, and make sure to check the map for directions before you head our way.

For more information on Invisalign®, you can visit the Invisalign website or contact our Midtown Manhattan orthodontic office to set up your Invisalign consultation.