Invisalign FAQ

A:Experts recommend that children visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by a parents, dentist, or physician. Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. However, research suggests that early treatment often helps patients avoid surgery or more serious complications.

A:Orthodontics are a branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tooth, jawbone, and facial irregularities. If patients have issues with the alignment of their teeth or their jaw, serious consequences can occur. If left untreated, patients can suffer from pain, digestive problems, an increased risk of tooth decay, and possible tooth loss.

A:Once you choose Invisalign clear braces to straighten your teeth, Dr. Ekstein and the friendly staff at The Smile Design Specialist will schedule you for a consultation. During this initial appointment, your teeth will be examined and impressions will be taken. These impressions will then be used to craft a series of clear plastic aligners that will gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Each aligner will be worn for about two weeks before you move to the next aligner in your treatment plan.

A:Patients typically change their Invisalign aligner every two weeks and only need to visit Dr. Ekstein every 4 weeks. Total treatment time for most patients averages between 8 and 15 months. More complicated cases may take longer. A comprehensive examination with Dr. Ekstein can allow us to give you a more accurate estimate of how long your treatment will take.

A:At the Smile Design Specialists, we believe in helping our valued patients straighten their teeth regardless of their budget. This is why we offer many great payment options and receive benefits from most dental insurance plans. For more financial details, call our office today to learn about our many payment options or how you can finance your treatment.

A:No, it is never too late to fix and improve your smile. In fact, we see patients of all ages in our office who are seeking to get a better smile with Invisalign clear braces. If you would like to find out what clear braces can do for you, give us a call today for a no-obligation consultation. You can also check out our results page to see what we have done for other patients.

A:A prosthodontist is a specialist that restores and replaces teeth. These well-trained providers help develop the best solutions for your dental needs. And, with an extensive amount of expertise, prosthodontists make smiles look amazing and function properly. To specialize in prosthodontics, dentists must complete four years of dental school, plus three additional years of specialized training from an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate studies program.

A:Invisalign is wonderful tooth straightening option because it can be removed to play sports, take pictures, attend special events, or play a musical instrument. Patients will need to be sure that they wear their aligners approximately 22 hours a day. Anything less could interfere with your specific orthodontic plan and prolong your treatment.