Invisalign Washington, NJ
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to conventional metal braces. This orthodontic treatment straightens teeth without the use of brackets or wires. It is a great option for people who want straighter teeth without disrupting their appearance with a visible orthodontic appliance.
We provide Invisalign at Mansey Family Dentistry of Washington, LLC in Washington and the surrounding area. Our team can help you with your orthodontic needs. Call us today at (908) 320-8880 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
An Alternative to Traditional Braces
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
“Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth.”
Invisalign’s Three Steps
The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist. Our staff will look at overall oral health and take impressions of the mouth. Next, that impression is sent to Invisalign and used to make aligners unique to the patient's mouth for a custom fit.
Once the aligners have been made, our staff will make sure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups with Mansey Family Dentistry of Washington, LLC will make sure treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.
After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.
“The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist.”
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Invisalign is not without its pros and cons. Thanks to the fact that they are next-to-invisible, both teens and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness of traditional metal braces. Many patients also appreciate that they can take Invisalign aligners out to eat, brush and floss, or for social situations.
However, since they are removable, they are more likely to be lost or broken. Patients also need to be careful about what they drink when their aligners are in. Anything but water should be avoided. Liquids can seep into the plastic and stay there until the aligner is removed. This can lead to staining of the aligner and even tooth decay.
“Thanks to the fact that they are next-to-invisible, both teens and adults can avoid the discomfort and self-consciousness that comes with traditional metal braces.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Washington, NJ
Caring For Invisalign
Keeping aligners clean and caring for them properly is a vital part of Invisalign treatment. With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria. People with Invisalign should brush their trays every time they take them out or put them back in.
It is essential for people to not only keep their aligners clean but also their teeth. Use a clear, anti-bacterial soft soap or the Invisalign cleaning system to keep aligners free from plaque and bacteria. Avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain aligners and leave an unpleasant smell. It is best to take out aligners while eating or drinking anything.
“With the right care, patients can keep their aligners free from discoloration, smell, plaque, and bacteria.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What steps are involved with getting Invisalign?
Q. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?
Q. How should patients care for their Invisalign?
Q. What is the duration of Invisalign treatment?
People Also Ask
Q. What age groups use Invisalign?
Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?
Q. What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
Q. What are the types of dental cosmetic treatments?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
Treatment Length
The treatment length will depend on various factors, such as the case complexity and how often the patient wears their aligners. Our team will determine how long each patient's treatment will take based on their specific needs and goals. We will provide patients with a more precise duration estimate during their consultation.
The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months. However, people will be able to start seeing changes within a matter of weeks. An article in Progress in Orthodontics concluded that Invisalign might treat mild non-extraction cases more quickly but that more complicated cases require more time than fixed appliance treatment.
“The average length of Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Invisalign hurt?
A. Invisalign treatment is not painful, but it can cause teeth to feel sore. When patients switch out their trays, it is normal to experience some discomfort due to the pressure exerted on teeth. This is a sign that the treatment is progressing and teeth are moving into alignment.
Q. How often will I return for appointments during Invisalign treatment?
A. Invisalign treatment can save patients time coming to the office. While other orthodontic treatments typically require patients to return for adjustment appointments about every three or four weeks, Invisalign patients do not need checkups as often. Patients will need to visit our office about once every four to six weeks to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.
Q. What are Invisalign attachments?
A. Invisalign attachments are small button-like attachments that are temporarily attached to teeth. We place these attachments at specific locations to help the aligners grip teeth as they are moving them into alignment. Not every patient will need Invisalign attachments. Our team will determine whether they are necessary.
Q. Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose after removing my Invisalign aligners?
A. It is normal for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after removing aligners. This is because their teeth are shifting. As aligners gradually move teeth into their proper position, the gums are also re-forming around each tooth.
Q. Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
A. Any orthodontic appliance has the potential to affect a person's speech. Invisalign is not likely to cause any speech problems. Patients may notice a slight lisp when speaking, but it should disappear as the tongue gets used to the aligners.
Invisalign® Terminology
Learn More About Invisalign
For many patients, Invisalign is a practical alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in finding out whether this treatment is right for you, call Mansey Family Dentistry of Washington, LLC in Washington at 908-320-8880 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2025
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Mansey Family Dentistry of Washington, LLC was established in 2020.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Warren County, Hunterdon County, and Morris County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Washington, Washington Township, Franklin Township, Oxford, Mansfield Township, Belvidere, Hackettstown, Clinton, Glen Gardner, Hampton and Harmony
- National Provider Identifier Database (1831491505). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Back to top of Invisalign