Invisalign – Northampton, MA • East Longmeadow, MA

Fast, Discreet, & Comfortable

Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic aligners that can straighten the teeth over a period of time. Invisalign can correct a variety of existing malocclusions, including crooked or misaligned teeth, teeth that are spaced too far apart, cross bite, overbite, under bite, and it can also simply improve aesthetics. Patients are required to wear the aligners for 22 out of the 24 hours in a day. You will only remove the aligners to eat and clean the teeth. The aligners are very thin and comfortable and can be used as whitening trays as you straighten!

Why Choose EMA Dental for Invisalign?

  • Designed Using 100% Digital Impression
  • Preview Your Results Before Treatment Starts
  • Payment Options Suited for Every Budget

How Does Invisalign Work?

hand holding top invisalign tray

A consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign and a conversation defining your treatment goals will be needed. If you are indeed a good candidate, the Invisalign process is initialized with diagnostics.

Upper and lower impressions, photographs, existing current radiographs, and a C/R or bite registration along with an online script will be created by Dr. Emirzian. This information is then sent to an Invisalign lab, and they will then review the information and set up a Clincheck or three-dimensional movie showing how your teeth will move over time.

At this point, we will be able to answer questions like how many aligners will be needed, over what period of time will you be in treatment, and if any specific modifications will be made to your teeth. A patient can see the end result of their Invisalign treatment through the Clincheck. If both the doctor and patient agree that the end result looks good, we will accept treatment online, and the lab will begin manufacturing the actual aligners, which will be shipped within two weeks!

Benefits of Invisalign

woman putting in tray

A misalignment of the teeth can lead to serious periodontal (gum) problems if left untreated over a long period of time. It is more difficult to clean overlapped teeth and flossing can be very tight. This can create periodontal pockets, irritated, unhealthy tissue, and areas that bleed constantly. A person’s occlusion or bite can become uncomfortable as the teeth shift out of alignment, causing the eventual loss of teeth.

Having straight, properly aligned teeth will help to maintain a healthier oral environment. While Invisalign treats all sorts of malocclusions, the aesthetic benefits are the most rewarding.

The Potential Downsides of Invisalign

girl holding teeth with braces and an invisalign tray

When Invisalign is initially placed, things will feel different in the mouth as you will be wearing an aligner. Some patients’ speech is affected, but only during the first few hours of having the aligners in, as the mouth is a highly adaptable place. With every new aligner, there can be a “nagging” type of discomfort that goes away within an hour as each new tray will place pressure in different areas of the mouth, encouraging tooth movement.

What Else Should You Know About Invisalign?

fingers holding invisalign tray

There is absolutely no down time needed after getting Invisalign, as the majority of treatment is done on your own at home, switching aligners. You will be required to see Dr. Emirzian at least every 3-4 weeks as your changing teeth positions must be monitored closely. The length of each individual Invisalign treatment will be determined after viewing the Clincheck. Typical treatment times range from six months to one year for average cases, however, some cases can take up to two years.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Closeup of patient holding up Invisalign in East Longmeadow

The cost of Invisalign in East Longmeadow will be based on the length and complexity of your treatment and will be reviewed prior to your acceptance. Not everyone will have dental insurance for Invisalign; it requires a specific type of coverage. Our talented administrative insurance specialist will be able to determine if your insurance will cover part of your Invisalign treatment. Read on to learn more about the costs and prices associated with Invisalign.

Learn More

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

patient and dentist discussing the cost of Invisalign in East Longmeadow

While every Invisalign treatment is unique, there are three main factors that will influence the final cost:

  • Severity of issue: More complex orthodontic problems will cost more time and money to address than minor issues.
  • Length of treatment: The longer your treatment is, the more aligners you’ll need to pay for.
  • Patient compliance: Invisalign comes with many freedoms and responsibilities. It’s up to you to wear your aligners often enough and keep them in good condition. If you don’t, you could end up making your treatment longer or more expensive.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Woman wondering about mail-in aligners in East Longmeadow

Patients looking for a “quick fix” for their crooked teeth may be attracted to the idea of mail-in aligners like the Smile Direct Club™. However, while these DIY orthodontics may seem like a temptingly less expensive and more convenient option than Invisalign, they could potentially cost you much more in many ways.

Mail-in aligners have no direct oversight from a professional. From taking impressions to slightly incorrect aligners, there’s a lot that can go wrong! Your teeth could be moved into the wrong positions, leaving you with worse problems than you began with! Thankfully, when you come see us here at EMA Dental, we’ll be with you every step of the way during your Invisalign treatment to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Closeup of insurance paperwork for the cost of Invisalign in East Longmeadow

The answer to this question depends on the details of your unique dental insurance policy. Some offer orthodontic coverage and others do not, and even among those that do, not all include Invisalign coverage. Our knowledgeable front desk team will be happy to review your plan with you and ensure your benefits are being maximized.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Patient and receptionist discussing how to make Invisalign affordable in East Longmeadow

Dental insurance isn’t your only option for making Invisalign in East Longmeadow affordable. Uninsured patients or patients with inadequate insurance coverage may be interested in our financing options through CareCredit and Lending Club. These third party companies have low- to no-interest payment plans that can help you get started on your Invisalign treatment right away and then pay for it slowly over time in a way that works best for you.

Invisalign FAQs

Woman’s face in front of chalk board with question marks

Want to know more about Invisalign clear braces before scheduling an in-office consultation? Our whip-smart staff at EMA Dental has collected some of the most common questions about Invisalign and answered them below. We are confident you’ll find these Invisalign FAQs for East Longmeadow & Northampton helpful and informative.

Learn More

What Foods Can I Eat During My Invisalign Treatment?

One of the great things about Invisalign treatment is that you can continue to eat all your favorite foods! You will just need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything (besides water). Whenever you take your aligners out, you should keep them in their protective case. If you wrap them in your napkin, you could easily forget about them and leave them behind. When you are finished eating, be sure to brush your teeth to remove any tiny leftover bits of food before popping your aligners back in.

Is the Invisalign Plastic Safe to Wear?

Invisalign is a very safe and effective way to straighten teeth. In fact, more than 10 million people worldwide, including 2.6 million teenagers, have successfully undergone Invisalign treatment. The medical-grade polyurethane plastic used to craft custom Invisalign aligners has been approved by approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use in the body. In addition, the aligners do not contain any Bisphenol A (BPA), parabens, latex, phthalates, glutaraldehyde or epoxy, according to the manufacturer.

I Had Metal Braces in the Past. Can I Still Benefit from Invisalign?

Teeth can slowly shift over long periods of time, even if you have worn metal braces in the past. Are you no longer happy with the way your teeth line up? If so, you can likely benefit from Invisalign treatment! This time around, you won’t have to deal with any uncomfortable and unsightly metal brackets and wires. Instead, you can maintain your professional appearance while subtly straightening your smile. Your coworkers and friends will likely not even realize when you wearing your aligners!

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

It is very important to regularly clean your Invisalign aligners to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up inside them. Be sure to brush your teeth and your aligners after every meal or at least twice a day. To avoid scratching the aligner plastic, use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Before placing your aligners back in your mouth, rinse them with lukewarm water. Never wash your aligners with hot water, as this could warp the plastic and delay your treatment plan. 

Can I Smoke While Undergoing Invisalign Treatment?

Smoking while wearing Invisalign will quickly stain the plastic aligners and make them very noticeable. Basically, you would be taking the “invisible” out of Invisalign! Of course, another option would be to remove your aligners every time you step outside for a cigarette. However, frequently taking out your aligners can significantly delay completion of your treatment. So, although it is possible to continue smoking while straightening your teeth with Invisalign, a much better option would be to kick the bad habit. Quitting tobacco will not only boost your overall health but could help you achieve a straighter smile faster.