How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?

Over 9 million people, including more than 4.3 million children, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles. So, how is Invisalign treatment different than other teeth straightening options?

Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation.

Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favorite foods.

And no other clear aligner is made from Invisalign’s SmartTrack material. This groundbreaking technology helps move your teeth more predictably and in many cases it can help you get the smile you want faster than traditional braces.

Do Invisalign clear aligners contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

All Invisalign aligner and retainer materials are made of medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers. These materials were selected for use in aligners and retainers based on their properties and safety classification, and have a long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body. Tests conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials show they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth.The aligners are free of any latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy or Bisphenol A (BPA).

How old is the company behind Invisalign clear aligners?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that makes Invisalign clear aligners, was founded in 1997.

Has the FDA approved Invisalign treatment?

Yes, Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Align Technology, Inc. received the necessary 510(k) clearance from the FDA to sell and market Invisalign treatment in 1998.

Why should I choose Cooney Orthodontics as my Invisalign Provider?

At Cooney Orthodontics we are proud to provide patients in the Capital Region with the highest level Invisalign clear aligner treatment. We have been embracing the smiles of children, teens, and adults for over 60 years. We pride ourselves on being the only VIP Diamond Plus Invisalign Providers in New York’s Capital Region. What this means is we have completed the most Invisalign cases to date in the area. Dr. Cooney has been working with Invisalign since it’s launch back in 1997. Dr. Tyner has completed extensive training and research on the use of clear aligner therapy in orthodontics. They are both very meticulous with each and every case, working together on every case and spending time digitally prescribing what movements need to be completed for the best outcomes possible. We use vast technologies and updated systems such as 3D digital imaging to provide ease of care for each patient.

Hack #1 – Your Invisalign Case

Your Invisalign Case IS YOUR FRIEND. Keep it in your bag, in your pocket, in your hand, anywhere and everywhere! There’s nothing worse than wrapping your aligners in a napkin when you’re eating and it being thrown in the garbage. Trust us, it happens ALL the time! Pets also love to use aligners as a chew toy, so keeping it safe in a case is important.

Hack #2 – A Good Nail File

Sometimes new aligners can come with unexpected rough edges since they are 3D printed in a lab. These areas could become irritating to your mouth. Smooth down that sharp spot with a new nail file and you’re good to go!

Hack #3 – Switch Before You Sleep

Switch to your new aligners before you go to sleep! It’s better having your new aligners in for 8 hours straight whilst you sleep vs. in and out throughout the day. This gives your teeth ample time to settle into their new aligner and position through the night which in turn decreases discomfort and allows for better tracking!

Hack #4 – Emergency Dental Travel Kit

Keep an emergency dental travel kit in your bag or car. It’s so important to put clean aligners on clean teeth. We want you to try to brush your teeth after each meal, but it is important too that you at least rinse thoroughly and remove any food that may be stuck in your teeth before putting your aligner’s in.

Hack #5 – Timing Is Key

We stress you wear your aligners all the time, only removing to eat and brush. The best way to continue tracking on time and get the best results is to shoot for 22 hours a day wearing your Invisalign. Try and batch snacks rather than eating throughout the day. Rather than taking aligners out to drink teas and sodas, switch to drinking plain water. You’ll be able to keep your aligners in AND stay hydrated!

Hack #6 – Soak and Brush

Soak your Invisalign in retainer cleaning crystals every few days to refresh your aligners. Brushing your aligners each night keeps them clean and removes bacteria.

Hack #7 – Chewies Are Your Friend

Chewies may seem a little weird, but they make a big difference in how your teeth track within your aligner. Be sure to chew on chewies for at least a minute each time you put a new aligner in, and for the first few days if it is still a bit tight. This allows the aligners to seat down fully and move the teeth most efficiently.

Hack #8 – Use Your Team

We are here for you every step of the way! Any questions or concerns just give us a call: Troy (518)274-4322 or Ballston Lake (518)400-1200.

An advanced treatment that can improve children’s smiles as they grow.

Invisalign First is designed specifically for little smiles.

If your child is in need of a 2-phase treatment as they grow, Invisalign is a great way to get results that work!

 Invisalign First aligners are:

• Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening and bite issues in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.
• Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.
• Designed for comfort – which means no pain from rubbing brackets or poking wires.

Who could be a candidate for Invisalign First clear aligners?

• As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as Phase 1 treatment.
• At this stage, orthodontists can see issues that may need early treatment to address a developing problem.
• Invisalign First clear aligner treatment is designed for predictable results and a positive experience while addressing the unique needs of growing children.

Reasons why your child’s classmate may already be in treatment

Problems that will eventually need orthodontic attention can become obvious long before a child has all of their permanent teeth. Depending on the type of problem a child has, an orthodontist may recommend two-phase treatment. This means that treatment is done at two different times, often to take advantage of predictable stages of dental development and physical growth. In most cases, working with a child’s natural growth and development at different stages will ensure positive outcomes.

Here are six things parents should know about two-phase orthodontic treatment:

1. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is for kids, but it’s not for all kids.

Most orthodontic problems can be treated in one phase of comprehensive treatment, however there are a few exceptions depending on the child’s bite, jaw growth, and alignment.

2. Two-phase orthodontic treatment can be used to:

• Help the jaws develop to ensure adequate space for all of the permanent teeth, especially the permanent canines.
• Reduce the need to pull permanent teeth in the future.
• Treat issues in a growing child that may require corrective surgery if treatment occurs after growth ends.
• Normalize the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw, especially in the case of an underbite.
• Intervene in a child’s prolonged sucking or abnormal swallowing habits.
• Correct damaging pressure can move teeth in the wrong directions and/or change the shape of the bone that supports teeth.
• Tuck in upper front teeth that stick out to reduce the risk of those teeth being broken or knocked out. 

3. Moving baby teeth is not done for the sake of their appearance.

While baby teeth can move during Phase One orthodontic treatment, their movement is part of the process to ensure sufficient space for permanent teeth. It is completely safe and effective to move baby teeth in many situations.

4. Phase One of a two-phase orthodontic treatment begins when a child still has some baby teeth.

If an appliance is used in Phase One care, it could be a form of braces, a fixed appliance, or a removable appliance. These appliances can be placed on baby teeth with no issues. The type of appliance used depends on the needs of the individual patient. Some children may need to have baby teeth removed to clear a path for the permanent teeth to erupt.

5. A resting period follows Phase One orthodontic treatment.

After the child completes their Phase One treatment, there is a waiting period that could last months to years for most patients as we watch their eruption and growth prior to them being ready for a second phase.

6. Phase Two of orthodontic treatment usually begins when most or all of permanent teeth are in.

The goal of Phase Two treatment is to make sure teeth are in their proper places for good function, a healthy bite, and a pleasing appearance. Give your child the best chance at a healthy, beautiful smile by following the American Association of recommendation that all children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. If an orthodontic problem is developing, the orthodontist will be able to monitor growth and development so that your child can have the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. At Cooney Orthodontics, we cherish your time and your child’s dental health. We will never suggest a two-phase treatment unless it is necessary and valuable.

Your initial appointment with us is meant to be a very pleasant and informative experience. You will meet with one of our friendly New Patient Coordinators who will actively listen you your concerns and hopes. They will then take of a full series of digital photographs and any digital x-rays as needed.

You will receive a thorough clinical examination by either of our highly qualified orthodontists, Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner. A full discussion and explanation of our findings, treatment options and alternatives will be presented. You can be confident we will be honest and understanding regarding your treatment recommendations, answering any questions you may have.

This appointment takes approximately one hour and is provided at no cost to you. During the initial examination for each patient we will cover the basics of orthodontic treatment, explaining your process step by step.  Members of our staff will be also able to discuss scheduling and financial arrangements with you.

Taking the choice to get the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve is a lifetime decision. Our practice believes that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining the highest quality orthodontic treatment.

This is why at your initial appointment, before beginning your treatment, we’ll discuss treatment fees, insurance coverage, and financial arrangements in detail. We utilize OrthoFi technology to offer customizable payment options that allow our patients to find a plan that works within their budget.

With OrthoFi you can:

• Choose the best treatment option for your family
• Design your own payment plan to fit your budget
• Adjust the down payment you are comfortable with
• View your payment plan details on your time

We are not a direct participator with insurance companies, though we do accept assignment of benefits if they are available through your plan. We offer many financial options in addition to any insurance assignment benefit, including lower down payments and flexible payment choices.

At Cooney Orthodontics, we are dedicated to offering our patients the best service and care to ensure they feel right at home starting with their first visit. We look forward to meeting you soon!

The most important thing to know about white marks on teeth is that they DO NOT occur with every orthodontic case and are easily preventable through proper oral hygiene.

Here are four simple steps for prevention:

1. Brush above and below your brackets or attachments 3-4 times a day, including after each meal or snack whether at school, work or home. Using a fluoride toothpaste helps to keep enamel strong.
2. Floss at least once a day.            
3. Avoid or limit acidic foods and drinks including soda, flavored waters with carbonation, sweet and iced tea, juices, sports drinks etc.  for the duration of your treatment.
4. See your dentist every 6 months for your check up, or more often if it’s recommended.

A White Mark Is Permanent

A white mark on a tooth – known as decalcification – is like a scar on the tooth surface and is the very beginning of a cavity. As plaque builds up in the mouth, calcium and other minerals leach out tooth enamel and leave a permanent white mark behind. If plaque is continually left behind, the area turns into a cavity. Plaque is made of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It feeds on sugars and then forms an acid that damages teeth. Poor brushing, frequent snacking and intake of sugary and/or acidic beverages contribute to white marks and decay. The reason some people get white squares on their teeth after braces is because the part of their tooth that is covered by the bracket is protected from plaque and acid. Though, the parts around the brace are susceptible to plaque buildup if not brushed properly leaving the white scaring around the outside of the bracket.

Decalcification Can Happen to Patients Using Invisalign

Patients who drink flavored waters, seltzers, sports drinks, soda, or anything besides plain water with their aligners in puts them at high risk for developing these scars. While the aligners are in, the sugars and acids are held against the tooth surface where the saliva cannot reach them to neutralize the acid and buffer the sugars. Decalcification can also happen if patients do not brush their teeth after meals or brush their aligners nightly, causing food and bacteria left in the aligners to sit on the teeth and break down the enamel.

Decalcification Can Happen Independent of Orthodontic Treatment

Some people get white marks on their teeth without ever having orthodontic treatment. The marks are caused by too much soda, Gatorade, or other acidic drinks, along with poor brushing habits.

For A Happy Ending

Patients who are conscientious about caring for their teeth and who limit sugary, acidic foods and drinks should not develop white marks. Keeping your teeth clean is not hard, it just may be a little time consuming. Your dental health takes a commitment to putting in a little extra time and using the right tools for the job. Our staff is always happy to demonstrate proper techniques or answer any questions regarding caring for your oral health.

Interested in orthodontic treatment? Schedule a consultation today!