Is Invisalign on Your New Year's Resolution List? What to Expect

January is filled with possibilities, and a time when many residents of the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City, turn their thoughts toward goals for the coming year. In some cases, improving the appearance of their smile sits high on that list. 

Traditional metal braces are one path toward a straighter smile, but you might also want to consider Invisalign®, an orthodontic system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gently shift teeth into optimal positioning. It’s one of many treatment options on offer from Leslie Azran, DDS, and the team at BH Dental NY.

If you’re considering Invisalign, here’s an idea of what to expect from the process. 

Learn if Invisalign is right for you at your consultation

 The first step is a personalized consultation to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for your needs. While this system has the ability to correct many of the same alignment issues as metal braces, like gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, cross bite, and general misalignment, there are cases when metal braces offer a better treatment path. 

You’ll sit down with one of our team members to discuss your treatment goals. A brief dental assessment and imaging gathers in-depth information about the precise size, shape, and alignment of your teeth. 

The Invisalign software can create your customized treatment plan in just minutes and can even give you an idea of what your smile will look like after treatment. You’ll have time to ask questions and discuss the treatment timeline as well as the expense of Invisalign. 

Your first set of aligners

Invisalign works by using clear plastic trays to create the gentle pressure needed to move your teeth into better alignment. With traditional metal braces, brackets affixed to the surface of each tooth and a treatment wire that connects those brackets creates that pressure. 

Invisalign trays are molded to fit the precise contours of your teeth. You simply pop the aligners in and wear them throughout the day and night. You only need to remove your aligners when you’re eating or drinking, and while brushing and flossing your teeth. 

Every couple of weeks or so you’ll switch to a new set of aligners. This set has minute differences in the shape, creating new pressure to keep your treatment on track. 

Periodic office visits keep things moving smoothly

From time to time you’ll return to BH Dental NY for office visits. These appointments allow our team to track your progress and make any adjustments that might be necessary. 

Office visits can be coordinated with your routine dental exams and cleanings to help save you some time. You’ll have a chance to ask questions or express any concerns you have about your orthodontic treatment, as well as your general dental health. 

Compliance is the key to success with Invisalign

Invisalign is a great option for many children and adults. But it’s important to note that the only way the Invisalign trays can do their job is while you’re wearing them. 

Compliance is absolutely necessary for success. Your aligner trays must be worn around the clock, and removed only for short periods of time during meals and dental hygiene. 

When you begin treatment or switch to a new set of aligners, a period of soreness is normal. It takes a few days for your teeth to begin to shift, at which point any soreness lessens. But if you take your trays out to avoid discomfort, your treatment cannot move forward. 

If you feel that compliance might be a problem for yourself or your child, metal braces might offer a better option. 

Making 2026 a New Year for a new smile

If you’re ready to learn more about how Invisalign works and how it might work for you, we’re happy to meet with you for a face-to-face consultation. You can reach BH Dental NY by phone at 607-600-6581, or visit our online booking page to look for an appointment time that fits your schedule.