Invisalign in New York City, Manhattan

If you have mild to moderate crowding, gaps, or bite issues like an overbite or underbite, Invisalign® could be a great option. It's especially ideal if you're looking for something discreet and removable, and you're committed to wearing the aligners 20–22 hours a day.

However, if your case is more complex—like severe bite misalignment—or if you’re not likely to wear the aligners consistently, traditional orthodontics might be more effective.

The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. We’ll use a digital scan to assess your teeth and show you a simulation of your expected results. We also offer Invisalign as part of our Biomimetic Smile Makeover™, which focuses on preserving natural tooth structure using Bio-emulation for long-term function and aesthetics.

Yes, Invisalign® is absolutely suitable for teenagers—especially with the Invisalign Teen system, which is designed specifically for growing mouths.

It works well for most mild to moderate alignment issues like crowding, gaps, and bite problems. Plus, the aligners are clear, removable, and more comfortable than metal braces, which many teens appreciate for social and lifestyle reasons.

Invisalign Teen also includes:

• Eruption tabs to accommodate growing teeth

• Compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade with wear)

• Replacement aligners in case some get lost

As long as the teen is responsible enough to wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day and follow instructions, it can be just as effective as braces.

We often include Invisalign Teen as part of a Biomimetic Smile Makeover™, which helps ensure natural development and long-term oral health using Bio-emulation techniques.

Want to know if your teen is a candidate? A quick digital scan can give us the answer.

Invisalign® aligners are custom-made just for you using advanced 3D imaging and precision technology. Here's how it works:

1. Digital ScanWe start by taking a detailed 3D scan of your teeth—no messy impressions. This scan maps out your current bite and helps us design your entire tooth movement plan from start to finish.

2. Treatment PlanningUsing Invisalign’s software, we digitally simulate how your teeth will shift with each aligner. You’ll even get a preview of your future smile before treatment begins.

3. Custom FabricationEach aligner is then 3D printed using medical-grade, BPA-free plastic. They’re smooth, clear, and trimmed to fit your gumline for comfort.

4. Precision and Quality ControlBefore they reach you, the aligners go through a quality check to ensure accuracy and fit. You’ll receive a series of trays, each slightly different, to gradually guide your teeth into place.

We often incorporate this process into our Biomimetic Smile Makeover™, combining Invisalign with Bio-emulation to preserve your natural tooth structure and support long-term dental health.

Yes, but they’re typically mild and temporary. Some people experience slight pressure or soreness when starting a new set of aligners—that just means they’re working. You might also notice a small change in speech or extra saliva during the first few days.

Other possible effects include gum or cheek irritation, especially if the edges of the aligners feel sharp (we can adjust those if needed). Allergic reactions are extremely rare, since the aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic.

Overall, Invisalign is very well tolerated. If anything feels off or uncomfortable, just let us know so we can help make your treatment as smooth as possible.

It depends on your specific case, but most Invisalign® treatments take between 6 to 18 months. Simple alignment fixes may be done in just a few months, while more complex cases can take a bit longer.

Your dentist will give you a personalized timeline after reviewing your digital scan and treatment plan. You’ll also receive a series of aligners, each one designed to make small, controlled movements until your teeth reach their final position.

For the best results, it’s important to stay consistent with your wear schedule and follow-up appointments—your progress depends on it.

Most patients start noticing changes within a few weeks of starting treatment. Subtle shifts often happen early, especially in the front teeth, which can be really motivating.

That said, visible results depend on the complexity of your case. Some people see noticeable changes after just 4–6 weeks, while others might need a bit longer. Regular check-ins with your dentist will help track your progress and make any adjustments if needed.

Even though the aligners are clear, the movement is real—and you’ll feel it before you fully see it.

Aligners should be worn all day and night, except when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, or flossing. That’s about 20 to 22 hours per day.

Wearing them consistently is key to keeping your treatment on track. Skipping hours or leaving them out too long can delay progress and even cause your teeth to shift back.

Think of them like contact lenses for your smile—only effective when they’re in place.

Most patients switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan your dentist creates for you.

Each aligner is designed to make gradual adjustments, and moving to the next one too early—or too late—can affect your results. Your dentist will guide you on the exact timing and may adjust it based on how your teeth are responding.

Stick to the schedule, and you’ll stay right on track toward your new smile.

Check-up appointments are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits are quick and important—they allow your dentist to monitor your progress, ensure your aligners are working properly, and make any adjustments if needed.

In some cases, you may even qualify for remote monitoring using photos or scans, which can reduce the number of in-office visits while keeping your treatment closely supervised.

It depends on your dental insurance plan. Many plans that cover orthodontic treatment will also cover Invisalign—typically at the same percentage as traditional braces. Coverage often includes a lifetime orthodontic benefit, which can range from $1,000 to $3,000.

Here’s what to do:

• Check your policy or ask your provider if clear aligners are included

• Ask us—our team can help you verify your benefits and handle the paperwork

• Consider flexible spending (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) to reduce out-of-pocket costs

If insurance doesn’t cover it fully, we also offer payment plans to make treatment more accessible.

Invisalign® aligners are nearly invisible—most people won’t notice you’re wearing them unless they’re up close. They’re made from a smooth, clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth without any metal brackets or wires.

That said, they can sometimes catch the light or look slightly glossy, especially when new. And if attachments (small tooth-colored bumps) are part of your treatment, those may be slightly more visible—but still much less noticeable than braces.

In short: they’re designed to be discreet, so you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention.

Possibly—but only temporarily. Some people notice a slight lisp or change in speech during the first few days as their tongue adjusts to the aligners.

The good news? Your mouth adapts quickly. Most speech changes disappear within a week or so with regular talking. Reading aloud can help speed up the adjustment.

Once you’re used to them, most people speak clearly and confidently without any issues.

No major restrictions—you can eat whatever you like! Just remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Always take out your aligners before meals and snacks

• Avoid hot drinks (like coffee or tea) while wearing them—they can warp the plastic

• Brush or rinse before putting them back in to prevent staining and bacteria buildup

So yes, you can still enjoy your favorite foods—just with a little extra care around mealtimes.

It’s not recommended. Here’s why:

Alcohol:

• Colored drinks like red wine or dark cocktails can stain your aligners.

• Sugary or acidic beverages can get trapped and increase the risk of cavities.

• Best practice: remove aligners before drinking anything other than water, and rinse your mouth before putting them back in.

Smoking:

• Cigarettes and vaping can cause yellowing or clouding of the aligners.

• Smoke exposure may also lead to bad breath and gum irritation, making aligners less hygienic.

• For best results (and your overall health), it’s best to avoid smoking during treatment.

In short—remove aligners before drinking or smoking to keep your trays (and smile) looking their best.

Yes—you can absolutely play both sports and musical instruments while wearing Invisalign!

Sports:

• Non-contact sports: You can usually keep your aligners in.

• Contact sports: It’s best to remove them and use a custom mouthguard for protection. Invisalign is not a substitute for a sports guard.

Musical Instruments (wind/brass):

• You might notice a slight adjustment period when playing woodwind or brass instruments, but most musicians adapt quickly.

• If needed, you can remove your aligners during practice or performances, as long as you keep up with the daily wear time.

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Invisalign is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle—just with a little flexibility when needed.

Keeping your aligners clean is essential for both hygiene and clarity. Here’s how to do it right:

Daily Cleaning Routine:

• Rinse your aligners with lukewarm (not hot) water whenever you remove them

• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap—avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive

• Soak daily in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle retainer-cleaning solution to keep them fresh and clear

Avoid:

• Hot water (can warp the plastic)

• Colored or scented soaps (can stain or leave residue)

• Leaving aligners out in the open—store them in your case to prevent damage or loss

Clean aligners = a clean smile. Treat them like part of your oral care routine, and they’ll stay nearly invisible and odor-free.

Always store your aligners in their protective case when you're not wearing them—even if it's just for a meal.

Here’s why:

• It protects them from damage or getting lost (especially around napkins—big culprit!)

• It keeps them clean and sanitary

• It helps you stay consistent with your treatment by keeping them easy to find and ready to wear

Avoid leaving them in open air, hot environments, or napkins—they’re clear, easy to overlook, and costly to replace. Keep the case with you, and you’re good to go.

Mild discomfort is normal, especially when switching to a new set of aligners. It usually means they’re working! But if the pain feels sharp, persistent, or more than just pressure, here’s what to do:

Try This First:

• Use cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relief for the first day or two of a new tray

• Wear your aligners as much as possible—removing them too often can increase discomfort

• Check for rough edges—you can gently smooth them with an emery board or ask us to adjust them

Contact Us If:

• The aligners are causing sores or cuts

• There’s ongoing pain beyond 2–3 days

• A tray doesn’t seem to fit properly

Comfort matters. Let us know if something doesn’t feel right—we’ll make sure your treatment stays on track and as smooth as possible.

Yes—in many cases, Invisalign can now treat complex orthodontic issues that once required traditional braces. Advances in technology, attachments, and precision planning allow Invisalign to address:

• Severe crowding or spacing

• Bite issues (overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite)

• Midline shifts

• Certain cases involving tooth rotation or intrusion/extrusion

That said, not every complex case qualifies. It depends on your individual anatomy and goals. A digital consultation and scan will help us determine if Invisalign is the right fit—or if a different approach is better.

For more advanced cases, Invisalign can also be part of a comprehensive treatment strategy—especially when paired with cosmetic or restorative work like a Biomimetic Smile Makeover™, designed with Bio-emulation to restore both function and beauty.

Yes, in many cases you can switch from braces to Invisalign—but it depends on your treatment progress and what’s still needed to complete your smile correction.

Here’s how it works:

• If you're early in treatment, your orthodontist might recommend finishing with braces

• If you're nearing the end or have specific goals (like fine-tuning alignment), switching to Invisalign could be a great option

• A digital scan will help assess whether Invisalign can pick up where your braces left off

Many patients choose to switch for aesthetic or lifestyle reasons, and it can work beautifully—especially when combined with a tailored plan like our Biomimetic Smile Makeover™, which focuses on natural, long-lasting results.

Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment and your teeth are in their ideal position, the next step is retention—to keep your new smile stable and prevent shifting.

Here’s what to expect:

Retainers

You’ll be fitted with custom retainers (often clear, like Invisalign) to wear:

• Full time at first—typically for a few months

• Then nights only long-term, to maintain results

  
  

Final Check-Ups

We’ll schedule a follow-up to:

• Check bite alignment

• Ensure teeth are stable

• Review retainer fit

  
  

Optional Finishing Touches

Now’s the perfect time for extras like:

• Teeth whitening

• Bonding or reshaping

• Or even a full Biomimetic Smile Makeover™ to enhance aesthetics with Bio-emulation while preserving natural tooth structure

Your Invisalign journey doesn’t end with the last tray—it ends with a confident, lasting smile.

You’ll need to wear retainers for life—but don’t worry, it gets easier over time.

Here’s the typical timeline:

• First 3–6 months: Full-time wear (22+ hours/day), just like your aligners

• After that: Nighttime wear only, usually every night

• Long term: Most people continue wearing retainers a few nights a week to prevent teeth from shifting back

Teeth naturally want to move—especially after orthodontic treatment. Wearing your retainers as directed keeps your new smile stable, aligned, and long-lasting.

Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free thermoplastic, and allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, if you do have a sensitivity or concern, here’s what you should know:

What to Watch For:

• Redness, itching, or swelling in the gums, lips, or cheeks

• Ongoing irritation that doesn’t improve after a few days

• Unusual taste or burning sensation

  
  

What to Do:

• Stop wearing the aligners and contact your dentist right away

• We can evaluate your symptoms and, if needed, explore alternative materials or treatments

• In some cases, a different type of clear aligner or custom solution may be available

  
  

Your safety and comfort come first. If you have a history of material allergies, let us know during your consultation—we’ll make sure everything used is right for you.

Invisalign has a very high success rate—especially when patients follow their treatment plan closely. Studies and clinical data show success rates of over 90% for properly selected cases.

Key factors that influence success:

• Type of orthodontic issue: Mild to moderate cases respond best, but even complex issues can be successfully treated with expert planning.

• Patient compliance: Wearing aligners as directed is essential for predictable results.

• Doctor experience: Success is higher when your treatment is planned and monitored by a skilled provider with experience in Invisalign and advanced smile design.

  
  

When Invisalign is part of a comprehensive approach—like our Biomimetic Smile Makeover™—it delivers not just straight teeth, but stable, healthy, and natural-looking results grounded in Bio-emulation principles.