Invisalign^®

Invisalign^® is a virtually clear orthodontic system that uses a custom series of removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth for healthier gums, a more comfortable bite, and the smile you have always wanted. It is rare that anyone will know you are undergoing treatment unless you tell them, and since the aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods as well as brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Invisalign is able to resolve a broad range of cases: crowded or crooked teeth, diastemas or spaces and gaps, overbite, and deep bite. In addition—and more importantly—Invisalign helps treat gum disease and TMJ dysfunction by aligning teeth into their ideal position, therefore eliminating “food traps” that cause gum inflammation while also achieving optimal dental occlusion (contact of opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaws). With a combination of teeth whitening, Invisalign can also be used as an economical alternative to porcelain veneers: not only will your teeth be straight, but the aligners can be used as bleaching trays to whiten your teeth during and after treatment!

At Greenwich Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, George Tsangaroulis, DDS offers a unique and comprehensive approach to Invisalign that includes joint vibration analysis (JVA) with BioJVA™, 3D CBCT intraoral scanning, iTero Element 5D imaging, and the Propel Orthodontics’ VPro+™ high-frequency vibration device—all of which combine to enhance the planning, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of treatment. As one of the first dentists to complete training and earn certification in Invisalign while he was at NYU in 2003, Dr. Tsangaroulis is highly experienced and regarded as a top provider of this popular and effective orthodontic system.

To learn more about Invisalign and how our practice’s advanced technologies can optimize your care, please explore the various sections provided below, or simply contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Tsangaroulis would be thrilled to help you achieve a smile that is beautiful and healthy alike.

• Benefits of Invisalign
• View Your Potential Results
• Why Choose Dr. Tsangaroulis?
• Invisalign Process
• How Long Invisalign Takes
• Invisalign vs. Braces
• Does Invisalign Hurt?
• Invisalign Cleaning
• Invisalign Cost

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

The most common misconception about Invisalign is that it is a purely cosmetic procedure. In truth, aesthetics and a beautiful smile are actually wonderful secondary benefits.

The primary benefit of Invisalign treatment is improved gum health. When teeth are crowded and are overlapping one another, it is extremely difficult to remove the food particles and bacteria that get lodged in the nooks and crannies. Plaque with harmful bacteria accumulates and attaches to the tooth surface down to the bottom of the pocket. Over time, bacteria can cause gum tissue surrounding the tooth to degrade, and if not treated, result in bone loss around the root and potential loosening of teeth. Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss, and they help gum tissue to fit more tightly around them. This leads to better periodontal health, dramatically increasing the longevity of your teeth.

Teeth that are not aligned properly can also lead to TMJ pain and malocclusion. Back teeth that are collapsing or leaning inward touch prematurely when biting and chewing. These interferences create unnatural stress and pressure on teeth and jaws. Left untreated, teeth that are subject to constant excessive pressure over time can develop premature wear, chipping and notches at the gumline (abfractions), receding gums, TMJ or jaw pain, and bone loss.

Invisalign therapy is able to treat many cases of TMJ or jaw pain by aligning, derotating, and uprighting crowded or collapsed teeth. This eliminates interferences, prevents enamel/tooth wear, and allows teeth to come together naturally—achieving a more comfortable and stable bite.

So as you can see, straightening your teeth with Invisalign clear braces is not just to improve your teeth’s appearance, but more importantly to improve their health and longevity.

View Your Potential Invisalign Results with SmileView™

Want to get an idea of what Invisalign can do for your smile before even scheduling an appointment with Dr. Tsangaroulis? Simply scan the QR code to visit the Invisalign mobile app and follow the prompts to take a picture of your smile. Once captured, your smile will be digitally transformed in a matter of seconds via powerful SmileView™ technology, effectively simulating the type of results you may be able to achieve with this clear orthodontic system.

Why Choose Dr. Tsangaroulis for Invisalign?

Dr. Tsangaroulis is a top Invisalign dentist and a Preferred Provider for clear, removable braces in Greenwich. Unlike most dentists who have only recently acquired proficiency to deliver Invisalign, he trained extensively in Invisalign treatment and became certified during his education at New York University College of Dentistry. In fact, he was one of the first Invisalign providers to receive this training and certification while he was an NYU student in 2003—and he has been treating patients ever since!

As an active member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, Dr. Tsangaroulis continues to complete hundreds of hours of continuing education annually to stay up-to-date with always-evolving enhancements and techniques. Due to his comprehensive knowledge and experience with a wide range of cases, he has been granted Invisalign Preferred Provider status.

Along with the expertise he offers, Dr. Tsangaroulis has the unique ability to enhance Invisalign planning and treatment with the following:

• BioJVA™ and 3D CBCT Scanning – Using advanced BioJVA™ joint vibration analysis and 3D CBCT scanning, Dr. Tsangaroulis can evaluate jaw joints, bones, and other oral structures with exceptional precision, enabling him to ensure that no jaw or TMJ issues will be created or exacerbated by shifting teeth with Invisalign. He likens this to assessing the foundation before building a house, as failing to do so can potentially create future problems that negatively impact smile aesthetics, joint and jaw function, and overall oral wellness.
• iTero Element 5D Imaging – With the iTero Element 5D imaging system, Dr. Tsangaroulis can precisely map out tooth movement progression for optimal treatment planning, as well as instantly create a digital simulation of the proposed final outcome. This not only gives patients the opportunity to be interactive with their Invisalign planning, but the chance to truly visualize their potential new smile before committing to treatment.
• VPro+™ High-Frequency Vibration Device – Developed by Propel Orthodontics, VPro+™ is a high-frequency vibration device that can be worn over one’s Invisalign aligners for just five minutes a day to predictably accelerate tooth movement and potentially significantly reduce total Invisalign treatment time. In fact, when worn as instructed, some patients have achieved their final results up to 64% faster than would be possible without VPro+™.

Ultimately, Dr. Tsangaroulis takes an incredibly thorough approach to Invisalign that encompasses comprehensive wellness of the teeth, gums, bones/joint, jaw, and bite—not simply smile aesthetics. As a result, when you choose him for Invisalign, you can rest assured that in addition to the appearance of your smile, your overall health is top-of-mind.

What Is the Invisalign Process Like?

To begin the Invisalign process, Dr. Tsangaroulis will utilize BioJVA™ joint vibration analysis and 3D CBCT scanning to perform an extensive assessment of all your oral structures, including teeth, bones, jaw joints, gum tissue, and more. This enables him to determine if you have any pre-existing issues—such as TMJ disorder—that may be worsened by moving teeth with Invisalign, or if the possibility exists for new problems to be created as a result of tooth realignment. If no issues are detected, Dr. Tsangaroulis will move forward with treatment planning. In the event any problems are identified, however, he will likely recommend postponing Invisalign until it is certain that shifting teeth will not have any negative long-term effects on your jaw joints, bones, and/or other oral structures.

To custom-design your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Tsangaroulis will use state-of-the-art iTero Element 5D imaging to formulate an ideal plan, digitally simulate the progression of tooth movement, and produce a virtual display of your projected final outcome for you to view right here in our office. iTero Element 5D imaging not only allows you to be interactive with the planning of your own treatment, but it can give you confidence and peace of mind knowing the results you can achieve before even starting Invisalign.

Once a plan is in place and you are ready to move forward with treatment, Dr. Tsangaroulis will have your customized Invisalign aligners fabricated and delivered to our practice. Upon arrival, he will ask you to return to our office to collect them, at which time he will offer detailed instructions on how long to wear each tray. Depending on your unique case, he may also provide you with a VPro+™ high-frequency vibration device to help promote more predictable, accelerated tooth movement. In most cases, each aligner will need to be worn approximately 20–22 hours per day for a specific period of time before moving to the next tray in your set(s), and the VPro+™ device should be worn for five minutes daily.

Throughout the course of treatment, you will need to re-visit our practice occasionally for Dr. Tsangaroulis to assess your progress and provide you with any additional sets of aligners needed. The total number of return appointments and aligner sets will depend on your unique case, but most people find these mid-treatment visits to be far less frequent and time-consuming than is typical with traditional orthodontic care.

Once you have finished wearing your last aligner, Dr. Tsangaroulis will meet with you to perform one final evaluation and determine whether or not any further adjustments are necessary. He is extremely meticulous and will not settle for anything other than perfection and your complete satisfaction.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Traditionally, the average time to straighten and align one’s teeth with Invisalign is approximately 10–14 months. That said, with the aid of VPro+™, treatment time can potentially be reduced by up to 64%! VPro+™ is a high-frequency vibration device that produces gentle pulses proven to safely and gently speed up tooth movement. To wear the device, you simply need to position the mouthpiece overtop of your aligners and bite down gently, only with enough force to keep the device in place. VPro+™ is to be worn for five minutes per day, and in doing so can help make Invisalign treatment more comfortable while producing results ahead of schedule.

Invisalign vs. Braces

For those who are ideal candidates for Invisalign, the treatment can offer a multitude of advantages over traditional braces. In fact, Invisalign can provide many of the same benefits of traditional braces while producing a more discreet (and often more comfortable) treatment process. With that in mind, it is important to note that braces are generally recommended for more severe orthodontic concerns; however, Invisalign can be a more desirable option for mild to moderate misalignment issues and bite irregularities, allowing patients to avoid the placement of metal brackets and wires on their teeth. Invisalign is also easier to clean, and the aligners are removable for eating and drinking. This means that patients are not required to restrict their diet during the treatment process. Additionally, Invisalign typically requires fewer trips back to the office for maintenance when compared to braces.

While Invisalign can be a remarkably effective way to improve common orthodontic concerns for many patients, some individuals may have conditions that require traditional braces for the best possible results. Our dentist can discuss the most ideal options for your needs once your teeth have been examined during the consultation.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

With the elimination of wires and metal brackets, Invisalign is known to produce less discomfort than traditional braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment. Still, there is typically a bit of an adjustment period in the beginning stages. As the mouth gets used to the aligners, there can be a temporary sensation of soreness or pressure at first. This should fade within a few days and, if necessary, over-the-counter pain medication can often provide relief during this time.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, cleaning and maintaining them is an easy process. A thorough scrub with a toothbrush and warm (but not hot) water is often sufficient, and the addition of antibacterial soap can give them a more comprehensive cleaning. Just be sure to completely rinse off the soap before placing them back on the teeth.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign can significantly differ among patients depending on the severity of the orthodontic concerns being addressed, the projected length of the Invisalign treatment, and other factors. During the initial consultation, our dentist will formulate a personalized treatment plan that takes these components into account. Once the treatment plan has been developed, a member of our team can calculate a total cost estimate and go over it with you. Our practice accepts a number of convenient payment methods, including third-party financing options for qualified applicants. It is also important to note that many dental insurance policies offering coverage for orthodontics include Invisalign as part of that coverage. If you have any questions about our payment options, we encourage to reach out to our team.

Contact Greenwich Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

For more information about Invisalign, please schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Tsangaroulis. He will gladly answer all of your questions and help you decide if this treatment is right for your specific needs and smile goals.