Invisalign: Modern Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners

At Dr. Armen Akopian's dental practice, we're proud to offer Invisalign® therapy as a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. This innovative clear aligner system allows you to achieve a beautifully straight smile without the lifestyle compromises associated with metal brackets and wires.

The Invisalign Advantage

Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by addressing many of the concerns patients have about traditional braces:

Aesthetic Benefits

   
• Nearly Invisible: The clear aligners are virtually undetectable during wear, allowing you to maintain a natural appearance throughout treatment.
   
• No Metal Components: Enjoy a metal-free smile during treatment without brackets, wires, or bands.
   
• Confidence While Smiling: Continue smiling, speaking, and interacting with confidence throughout your orthodontic journey.

Comfort and Convenience

   
• Smooth, Custom-Fitted Design: Each aligner is precision-crafted from smooth, BPA-free plastic for maximum comfort.
   
• Removable for Special Occasions: Briefly remove your aligners for important events, photos, or presentations.
   
• No Dietary Restrictions: Unlike traditional braces, you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods by simply removing your aligners during meals.
   
• Simplified Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral health by brushing and flossing normally without navigating around orthodontic hardware.
   
• Fewer Office Visits: Invisalign typically requires less frequent appointments than traditional braces, with check-ups approximately every 6-8 weeks.

Treatment Efficiency

   
• Predictable Results: Advanced planning technology allows us to visualize your entire treatment journey from start to finish.
   
• Comparable Treatment Time: For many cases, Invisalign achieves results in similar timeframes to traditional braces, with typical treatment lasting 12-18 months.
   
• Digital Precision: Computer-designed movements create efficient tooth alignment with each aligner stage.

Conditions Treatable with Invisalign

Invisalign can effectively address a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:

   
• Crowded Teeth: Creating proper spacing for overlapped or tightly positioned teeth.
   
• Gaps Between Teeth: Closing unwanted spaces between teeth for a more uniform smile.
   
• Overbite: Correcting upper teeth that extend too far over lower teeth.
   
• Underbite: Addressing lower teeth that protrude past upper teeth.
   
• Crossbite: Aligning teeth that are offset when upper and lower jaws are closed.
   
• Open Bite: Treating cases where upper and lower teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed.

While Invisalign is appropriate for most orthodontic cases, certain complex situations may require traditional orthodontics. Dr. Akopian will thoroughly evaluate your specific needs during your consultation.

Our Invisalign Process

When you choose Invisalign treatment with Dr. Akopian, you'll experience a streamlined, high-tech approach to achieving your ideal smile:

1. Comprehensive Consultation

Your journey begins with a detailed assessment of your orthodontic needs, facial structure, and smile goals. We use advanced 3D digital scanning to create precise images of your teeth without uncomfortable traditional impressions.

2. Customized Treatment Planning

Using Invisalign's proprietary ClinCheck® software, Dr. Akopian develops a detailed treatment plan that maps out the precise movement of each tooth. You'll be able to preview your projected results before treatment even begins.

3. Creation of Your Custom Aligners

Once your treatment plan is finalized, Invisalign manufactures your complete series of custom aligners using their patented SmartTrack® material, designed for optimal comfort and predictable tooth movement.

4. Beginning Your Treatment

You'll receive several sets of aligners with clear instructions for wear and progression:

   
• Each aligner is typically worn for 1-2 weeks, 20-22 hours per day
   
• You'll remove aligners only for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing
   
• As you progress through your series of aligners, your teeth gradually shift toward their ideal positions

5. Progress Monitoring

Throughout your treatment, you'll have regular check-ups with Dr. Akopian to:

   
• Ensure your treatment is progressing as planned
   
• Receive your next sets of aligners
   
• Make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan
   
• Address any questions or concerns

6. Completion and Retention

Once you've completed your series of aligners and achieved your desired results, Dr. Akopian will provide retainers to maintain your new smile. Consistent retainer use is essential for preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

The Science Behind Invisalign

Invisalign's effectiveness comes from its sophisticated approach to orthodontic movement:

   
• Controlled Force: Each aligner applies precisely calculated pressure to specific teeth at optimal times during treatment.
   
• Staged Movement: Your treatment plan sequences tooth movements in the most efficient order, with each aligner building on the progress of the previous one.
   
• SmartTrack® Material: Invisalign's patented aligner material provides consistent, gentle force while maintaining exceptional comfort and nearly invisible appearance.
   
• SmartForce® Attachments: In some cases, small tooth-colored attachments may be placed on certain teeth to facilitate more complex movements.

Invisalign for Different Age Groups

Dr. Akopian offers specialized Invisalign solutions for patients at different life stages:

   
• Invisalign Teen: Designed specifically for adolescents, with features like compliance indicators and allowances for erupting teeth.
   
• Invisalign for Adults: Treatment plans customized for adult patients, addressing both aesthetic concerns and functional issues.
   
• Invisalign for Seniors: Specialized approaches that consider pre-existing dental work and age-related dental concerns.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

While the cosmetic advantages of Invisalign are significant, the benefits extend to your overall oral health:

   
• Improved Oral Hygiene: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing risk of decay and gum disease.
   
• Better Chewing Function: Proper alignment improves chewing efficiency and reduces abnormal wear on teeth.
   
• Reduced TMJ Stress: Correcting bite issues may alleviate jaw pain and headaches associated with TMJ disorders.
   
• Speech Improvement: Addressing certain alignment issues can help resolve speech impediments.
   
• Long-Term Dental Health: Properly aligned teeth tend to require fewer restorative treatments over time.

Choosing Dr. Akopian for Your Invisalign Treatment

Dr. Armen Akopian brings exceptional qualifications to your Invisalign treatment:

   
• Advanced training and certification in Invisalign techniques
   
• Experience treating a wide range of orthodontic cases with clear aligners
   
• Meticulous attention to detail in treatment planning and monitoring
   
• Integration of Invisalign with other cosmetic and restorative treatments when needed
   
• Commitment to patient education and comfort throughout the process

Ready to transform your smile with the comfort and convenience of Invisalign? Contact our office at (212)-753-0464 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Armen Akopian and discover how clear aligner therapy can help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve.