Invisalign – Hackettstown, NJ

The Convenient Way to Get a Straight, Beautiful Smile

After years of thinking about your smile, you’ve decided to take action and have your teeth straightened. Congratulations! To help you realize the smile of your dreams, our cosmetic dentists at Skylands Dental of New Jersey are proud to offer Invisalign. This orthodontic system is quite a bit different from traditional braces. With Invisalign, only you and your Hackettstown dentist may ever know that you’re wearing braces.

Why Choose Skylands Dental of New Jersey for Invisalign?

  • Digital Impressions Without the Goopy Mess
  • See Your Future Smile with Digital Imaging Technology
  • Dental Insurance Accepted & Flexible Financing Available

How Invisalign Works

Closeup of Invisalign clear braces tray

We work closely with technicians at Invisalign to customize your clear braces. After taking a collection of X-rays, photos, and impressions, your Invisalign dentist will develop a treatment plan that becomes the roadmap we follow to reach your straight smile. Using this plan, as well as a 3D representation of your teeth, the Invisalign lab creates your aligners. The complete series arrives in our dental office, and we dispense them to you at your periodic progress checks. All you have to do is wear each set for two weeks and then move on to the next set. Before you know it, you’ll have the straight smile you’ve always wanted!

Who Invisalign Can Help

Man smiling at reflection in handheld mirror

Invisalign clear aligners can correct several common orthodontic problems, including:

Crowded Teeth

Do your teeth overlap? If so, don’t just assume metal braces are your only option! During your consultation, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign and, if you are, use a custom series of trays to guide your teeth into their ideal positions.

Gaps Between Teeth

Gapped teeth can have a negative effect on everything from your self-esteem to your oral health. Fortunately, we can correct mild to moderate cases with Invisalign! That means no dietary restrictions, no complicated oral hygiene regimens, and, of course, no metal.

Bite Alignment

In addition to being able to improve the alignment of your teeth, Invisalign can improve the alignment of your bite. So, if you’re struggling with an overbite, underbite, or another common bite problem, schedule a consultation with us so we can determine if clear aligner treatment is an option.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Smiling woman holding an Invisalign tray

If wearing braces that are hardly noticeable isn’t advantageous enough, then consider these other benefits:

  • Invisalign braces are removable. This means that you’ll be able to eat all the foods you normally enjoy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Just do your best not to overindulge on cavity-causing foods, like ice cream and caramel-filled candies!
  • You can maintain your regular oral hygiene routine at home. Brushing and flossing are always important, but perhaps even more so when you’re wearing braces. Fortunately, you don’t need to completely alter your dental care regimen with Invisalign.
  • The average treatment timeline is shorter: While traditional braces often take 2-3 years to deliver results, the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months!

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Hand holding an Invisalign aligner tray

Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cost. Once we know if any preliminary treatments are needed, how many aligners need to be made, and if any additional orthodontic accessories need to be added to your treatment plan, like rubber bands, we can provide you with an estimate of the price. We will also share what to do to avoid added expenses as well as discuss the different financial solutions available, including dental insurance.

Invisalign FAQs

Does Invisalign Hurt?

One of the most-asked questions about Invisalign is whether or not the clear aligners hurt, especially among patients who have had metal braces in the past. The good news is that there aren’t any metal components, the aligners are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth, and there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments. So, while some soreness and pressure are to be expected as your teeth begin to move, Invisalign is considerably more comfortable.

Tip: Switch to each new set of aligners in the series right before bed. That way, you sleep through the period of time when your teeth are moving the most.

Can I Get Invisalign After Braces?

If your teeth have drifted out of alignment in the years following your time with braces, you might be wondering if you can straighten them again with Invisalign. Oftentimes, the answer is “yes.” So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our Hackettstown dental office. The sooner you do, the sooner we can complete a comprehensive oral exam, learn more about your day-to-day routine, and determine if you’re a good candidate for this smile-enhancing treatment.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is 12-18 months. However, the length of your teeth-straightening journey will depend on a few factors, starting with how severe your case of misalignment is. How well you follow the treatment guidelines we provide also matters. After all, if you don’t wear your aligners consistently, don’t switch to each new set on the correct day, or skip your progress visits, you’ll quickly fall off track.

What Happens After Invisalign?

Patients often assume that their Invisalign treatment ends when they’ve worked through the series of aligners. However, there is one final step: the retention phase. This is crucial because orthodontic relapse (the phenomenon when teeth move out of their ideal positions) happens to upwards of 50% of patients. To prevent that from happening, we will take impressions of your teeth so a custom retainer can be made. At your final visit, we will make sure it fits properly, instruct you when to wear it, and share how to take care of it so it lasts.

Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

No, you should not use toothpaste to clean your aligners. Instead, use a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing soap to gently scrub the surface. If you want to give them a deeper clean, don’t reach for mouthwash or bleach. Instead, soak them for about 15 minutes or so each day in a dentist-approved clear aligner solution.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

You can! There’s just one rule: you need to take your aligners out beforehand. Otherwise, the plastic will stain, drawing unwanted attention to your smile.