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Clear Aligners in Rhode Island

Dr. Lakhkar provides clear aligner treatment (including Invisalign® and SureSmile) at two locations in Rhode Island: Cranston Cosmetic Dentistry in Cranston, RI and Elite Dentistry of Rhode Island, in East Greenwich, RI.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our nearest location:

• Cranston Cosmetic Dentistry: 401-944-7556

• Elite Dentistry of Rhode Island: 401-885-6460

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign offers an alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces to correct orthodontic problems, such as misaligned teeth and malocclusion. Instead of bonding brackets to the surface of the teeth, and threading a wire through them, Invisalign uses a series of clear, smooth, BPA-free plastic alignment trays to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, and correct jaw problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.

Invisalign is a technologically advanced treatment. Dr. Lakhkar further leverages the power of SureSmile® software to design your custom Invisalign treatment plan. SureSmile software provides 3D imaging that allows Dr. Lakhkar to accurately analyze the position of your teeth and jaw to design your correctional treatment plan.

Once your custom alignment trays have arrived, you’ll begin wearing your trays at least 20 hours per day. You will typically graduate to the next set of trays after 2-3 weeks. If you only have a few teeth that need to be aligned, you may complete treatment in as few as six months. If most or all of your teeth need to be properly aligned, or you need to correct a bite issue, Invisalign may take 18+ months.

After you’ve completed your treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer most hours of the day. Invisible retainers are available to provide the same discretion as your Invisalign trays. Over time, you will be allowed to wear your retainer fewer hours of the day or only at night.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is an incredibly popular choice for adults wishing to align their teeth because treatment is discreet. Most people won’t know that you’re wearing Invisalign trays unless you tell them. They are rarely visible in photos. But Invisalign offers many additional benefits as well:

Enjoy your favorite foods
Removable trays allow you to eat whatever you want.
Allows for excellent oral hygiene
Removable trays promote better oral health as you can brush the entire surface of the teeth, and floss normally, without the need for special tools.
Expedited results
Invisalign delivers fast results. Most patients can see a difference in as few as six weeks.
Non-abrasive treatment
The clear smooth trays are far gentler on the soft tissues inside the mouth than metal brackets and wires
Fewer appointments during treatment
Patients who choose to correct their smiles with Invisalign will have fewer appointments during treatment. Since there are no wires to tighten, you’ll need to see your dentist less often.
Price is comparable to traditional braces
Although Invisalign used to be more expensive than traditional braces, the cost of treatment has become very comparable.

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is suitable for patients who need to correct minor to moderate problems with tooth alignment, and jaw alignment. Severe bite or alignment problems may require traditional braces. Candidates for Invisalign are those who need to correct:

Crooked teeth
Gapped teeth
Slanted teeth
Crowded teeth
Overlapping teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open bite

Why Choose Our Dental Practice?

As a technologically advanced dental practice, we specialize in cosmetic treatments such as Invisalign which improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Dr. Lakhkar has years of experience, and a track record of success in helping people to achieve a beautiful, straight, even smile with Invisalign. Once treatment is completed, you may also opt for additional, non-invasive treatments such as teeth whitening, to complete your smile makeover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Does Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign alignment trays are non-abrasive. You also won’t need to worry about a metal wire snapping and scraping or cutting your cheek, lips, or gum. Patients do not experience acute pain from Invisalign. However, you should expect pressure on your teeth as they are shifted into proper alignment.

Do I have to wear my Invisalign trays all the time?

You need to wear your Invisalign trays 20-22 hours per day to stay on target with your treatment plan. You may remove the trays when eating, drinking, or engaging in high-contact sports.

Does insurance pay for Invisalign?

If your dental insurance offers orthodontic coverage, they may cover some, part, or most of your treatment with Invisalign. Check with your insurance company for specific coverage allowances. If you do not have insurance, or if your insurance policy does not offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, Dr. Lakhkar accepts CareCredit financing.

How long will my Invisalign treatment take?

This depends on the alignment issues you have, including how many teeth need to be realigned. Some people will complete treatment in 6-9 months. Treatment for bite issues or severely misaligned teeth may take up to 2 years.

SureSmile® aligners

SureSmile® aligners are the ideal solution for all aligner tooth movements. By combining high-quality fabrication with powerful planning software, SureSmile® aligners provide clinically advanced aligner treatment options that enable optimal patient customization.

Using Suresmile® technology, an initial model of your teeth will be created to assist in analyzing every angle of your bite and creating the optimal treatment plan. Once your doctor identifies your individual treatment goals, customized clear aligners are designed for your treatment plan for the ideal smile design. With Suresmile® Aligners, patients see great results in a shorter treatment time than previously possible with conventional orthodontics.