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When people think of orthodontics, they immediately picture a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. Not so with Invisalign. Invisalign utilizes a modern orthodontics approach by using clear aligner trays to reposition crooked teeth into a straighter position. These FAQs from Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, Connecticut, provide answers to help you decide if Invisalign is the best orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign offers an alternative to traditional metal braces to straighten your smile. In place of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses custom-fitted aligner trays to realign crooked teeth and correct other orthodontic issues. When worn, these aligners apply pressure to your teeth to slowly shift them into a straighter position. Aligners make brushing and flossing much easier than traditional braces and there are improved esthetics.
Invisalign can correct mild to moderate problems with crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, malocclusion (bite problems), gapped teeth, and overcrowding. Most teens and adults fall into this category. If your orthodontic issues are severe, you may need traditional braces to resolve them. An evaluation by your Invisalign dentists, Drs. Gary and Scott Pearl can help determine if Invisalign is a good fit for you.
Our dentists will evaluate your smile, assess the problems that need fixing, and outline a treatment plan. Then, we’ll take photos of your teeth and create a series of aligner trays for your use. These trays will fit snugly yet comfortably over your teeth, putting just the right amount of pressure to push them into a straighter position slowly. For best results, you’ll need to wear your aligners 20–22 hours daily, removing them only for meals and brushing your teeth. Every two weeks, you’ll transition to a fresh set of aligners, advancing the straightening process until you reach your desired smile. For some patients there are nighttime only options as well.
When used appropriately, Invisalign aligners are not only safe but also produce marvelous results in improving your smile without compromising your oral health or the state of your pearly whites.
Invisalign aligners are practically invisible on your teeth, making your treatment less noticeable – an aspect young professionals and teens will appreciate.
Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth so they won’t interfere with your dining habits or oral hygiene.
Invisalign fits easily into your busy schedule as it doesn’t require frequent dental visits. We’ll schedule checkups every 4–6 weeks to monitor your progress and ensure all is going well with your treatment.
Invisalign isn’t a “one size fits all” procedure. Our treatment plans are tailored to meet our patient’s unique dental needs. As such, treatment times will vary depending on the problems that need to be fixed. Generally, however, treatments can take between 6 and 18 months to complete.
To start your journey to a beautiful new smile with Invisalign, contact Drs. Gary and Scott Pearl from Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, CT, at (203) 285-8245.
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.