Invisalign

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, clear aligners—without the need for brackets or wires. At Delaire Dental in New York, NY, Dr. Michael Lee and Dr. Arielle Scherz offer Invisalign to patients seeking a discreet, effective way to correct misalignment, spacing, or bite issues. With extensive experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, our team takes a personalized, detail-oriented approach to treatment planning, ensuring your aligners deliver not just straighter teeth, but a balanced and functional bite. Whether you’re a teen or adult, Invisalign offers a more flexible, comfortable alternative to traditional braces.

The Broader Health Significance of Orthodontic Alignment

For healthcare providers, it’s important to view orthodontic treatment as more than cosmetic. Misaligned teeth and malocclusion can contribute to a range of health issues, including chronic jaw pain, sleep-disordered breathing, poor digestion due to inefficient chewing, and speech difficulties. Crowded or crooked teeth are also harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Invisalign helps address these concerns by improving spacing and bite, thus supporting better hygiene, airway function, and musculoskeletal balance. Especially for patients with systemic conditions like diabetes or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), correcting alignment can reduce inflammation and mechanical stress. Incorporating Invisalign into a multidisciplinary care plan can yield both dental and systemic benefits.

Signs You May Benefit from Invisalign Treatment

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Overbite (upper teeth overlap lower teeth)
• Underbite (lower teeth extend beyond upper teeth)
• Crossbite (teeth misaligned across the jaw)
• Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when back teeth do)
• Mild to moderate relapse from previous orthodontic treatment

Why Invisalign Is a Smart and Versatile Orthodontic Option

Invisalign is popular for a reason—it provides results comparable to braces while being far less noticeable and more convenient for everyday life. Each aligner is custom fabricated from smooth, medical-grade plastic that gently shifts your teeth into alignment without causing irritation. The aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene, enjoy a full range of foods, and participate in special occasions without the appearance of metal braces. Invisalign’s precision allows for targeted movement, which is ideal for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues or those correcting relapse from previous orthodontic work. The digital treatment planning process ensures a highly predictable outcome and allows you to preview your results in advance. Additionally, clear aligners can help reduce enamel wear, improve bite stability, and minimize the risk of long-term jaw dysfunction. For patients who value aesthetics and convenience, Invisalign represents an ideal intersection of technology and comfort.

A Clear Path to a Straighter Smile: Invisalign Treatment Steps

At Delaire Dental, your Invisalign experience is fully customized, combining advanced digital technology with attentive clinical oversight for optimal results.

• Initial Consultation and Digital Scan: We begin with a full exam and 3D digital scan of your teeth using advanced imaging technology. This allows us to map out a custom treatment plan and show you a simulation of your expected results.
• Customized Aligner Fabrication: Your aligners are crafted from a series of progressive stages, each designed to move your teeth incrementally over time. You’ll receive several sets at a time and switch to the next aligner every 1 to 2 weeks.
• Active Treatment Monitoring: You’ll visit our office approximately every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. We make adjustments to the treatment plan if needed and provide updated aligners as you progress.
• Wearing Your Aligners: For best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day and only removed for eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Consistency is key to staying on track with your timeline.
• Retention Phase: Once your alignment is complete, you’ll wear a retainer to maintain your results. This ensures your new smile stays in place for the long term.

Keeping Your Smile Aligned: Prevention and Aftercare

Preventing orthodontic relapse is an important part of Invisalign treatment. After completing the active phase, wearing a retainer is essential to preserve your alignment. Daily habits like consistent brushing and flossing protect your teeth from decay or gum inflammation, which could impact the results. Avoiding hard or sticky foods while wearing aligners prevents warping or damage. For patients who grind their teeth, using a nightguard or wearing retainers consistently can prevent shifting. It’s also important to attend all scheduled checkups so that any minor changes in bite or tooth position can be addressed early. Maintaining general health through balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress reduction supports bone health and muscular balance, which contribute to a stable bite. With the right post-treatment care, Invisalign results can last a lifetime.

Patients who complete Invisalign often describe the experience as life-changing. Beyond improved appearance, straight teeth function more efficiently, leading to better chewing, digestion, and speech. Many patients report feeling more confident in both personal and professional environments. The even spacing and alignment achieved through Invisalign also make daily oral hygiene more effective, reducing the likelihood of cavities and gum disease. With fewer areas for plaque to accumulate, patients enjoy fresher breath and healthier gums. Aligned teeth place less strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which may reduce symptoms of TMJ disorder over time. For patients who once felt self-conscious about their teeth, Invisalign offers a renewed sense of comfort and pride in their smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
Yes, for many mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign offers results comparable to traditional braces. More complex cases may still require conventional orthodontics.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment duration varies, but most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months. Minor corrections may take as little as 6 months.

Will people be able to see my aligners?
Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.

Can I eat whatever I want with Invisalign?
Yes, since you remove the aligners while eating, there are no dietary restrictions. Just be sure to brush before putting them back in.

Is Invisalign painful?
Some pressure or discomfort is normal when switching to a new set of aligners, but it typically subsides after a day or two. Overall, Invisalign is less irritating than traditional braces.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier, Straighter Smile

Invisalign offers a convenient, discreet way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted—without the challenges of metal braces. At Delaire Dental, we tailor your treatment to fit your goals, lifestyle, and health needs, using advanced technology and compassionate care every step of the way.

If you’re considering Invisalign in New York, NY, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Lee or Dr. Arielle Scherz today. We’ll evaluate your smile, explain your options, and guide you toward an orthodontic solution that delivers both beauty and lasting function.