What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign® is a system of clear, removable orthodontic aligners custom-made from smooth, BPA-free plastic. Each set of aligners is precisely engineered to apply gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth, gradually guiding them toward their ideal position.
Treatment works in stages: you wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, then move on to the next set in the series. With each new tray, your teeth shift a little closer to their final position. Regular checkups at our Queens office allow us to monitor your progress and ensure treatment is on track.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are:
- Removed for eating — no restrictions on what you can eat
- Removed for brushing and flossing — maintaining oral hygiene is straightforward
- Nearly invisible when worn — most people won't notice you're wearing them at all
- Custom-crafted from a digital scan of your exact teeth — no uncomfortable impressions required
Invisalign® is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign is effective for a wide range of orthodontic concerns. At our Queens dental office, we commonly use Invisalign to treat:
- Crowded teeth — when there isn't enough space in the jaw for teeth to sit properly
- Gaps between teeth — spaces caused by missing teeth, jaw size discrepancies, or natural spacing
- Crooked or rotated teeth — individual teeth that are out of alignment with the rest of the smile
- Overbite — upper teeth that overlap the lower teeth excessively
- Underbite — lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth when biting
- Crossbite — upper and lower teeth that don't align properly on one or both sides
- Open bite — upper and lower teeth that don't meet when the mouth is closed
During your consultation, our Queens Invisalign team will evaluate your bite, spacing, and alignment, and let you know whether clear aligners are the right fit for your specific case. For more complex cases, we also offer traditional orthodontic options.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces — Which Is Right for You?
InvisalignTraditional BracesAppearanceNearly invisibleVisible metal brackets & wiresRemovabilityFully removableFixed in placeDiet restrictionsNoneMany (no hard/sticky foods)Oral hygieneBrush & floss normallyRequires special toolsComfortSmooth plastic, no wiresCan cause irritationOffice visitsLess frequentMore frequent adjustmentsBest forMild to moderate cases, adults, image-conscious teensSevere cases, all ages
For most adult patients and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign delivers comparable results to braces with significantly greater convenience and discretion. Our Queens dentists will give you an honest recommendation based on your specific clinical needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Invisalign Treatment Process at Our Queens Office
Getting started with Invisalign at Kew Gardens Dental Arts is straightforward:
Step 1 — Consultation & Smile EvaluationYour journey begins with a comprehensive dental exam and smile assessment. We review your bite, spacing, and alignment concerns, discuss your goals, and confirm whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you. We'll also walk you through the cost and financing options at this visit.
Step 2 — Digital Scanning & Treatment PlanningUsing advanced digital imaging, we take precise 3D scans of your teeth — no messy impressions. These scans are used to create a custom series of aligners and generate a digital preview of your projected tooth movement, so you can see what your smile will look like before treatment even begins.
Step 3 — Receiving Your AlignersYour custom aligners arrive at our Queens office and we'll show you exactly how to insert, remove, and care for them. Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for best results, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth.
Step 4 — Progress CheckupsYou'll visit our Kew Gardens office periodically — typically every six to eight weeks — so we can check your progress, provide your next sets of aligners, and make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan.
Step 5 — Retainers & CompletionOnce your teeth have reached their final position, you'll transition to retainers to keep your results stable. Wearing your retainer as directed is the most important step in making sure your straight smile lasts.
Invisalign for Teens in Queens, NY
Invisalign isn't just for adults. Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for younger patients and includes features that accommodate a teen lifestyle:
- Compliance indicators — small blue dots on the aligners that fade with wear, helping parents and dentists confirm the aligners are being worn as directed
- Eruption tabs — space built into the aligners to accommodate teeth that are still coming in
- Replacement aligners — a set of replacement trays included in case any are lost or damaged
For Queens teens who play sports, play instruments, or simply don't want the social impact of metal braces, Invisalign Teen offers a practical, effective alternative. Many of our teen patients combine Invisalign with a smile makeover plan that includes whitening after treatment for a final confidence boost.
Invisalign & Your Overall Oral Health
Properly aligned teeth don't just look better — they function better and are easier to keep clean. Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where plaque accumulates, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can make your daily brushing and flossing more effective, supporting better long-term oral health.
We also recommend scheduling a professional teeth cleaning before starting Invisalign treatment to ensure your gums and teeth are in the best condition for orthodontic care.
After completing Invisalign, some patients choose to enhance their results further with professional teeth whitening — since the aligners can double as whitening trays with the appropriate gel — or tooth-colored fillings to address any decay that may have developed in hard-to-reach areas before treatment.
