315-422-0894
This is a great place to go for your dental needs! Staff is friendly, its easy to schedule appointments and you dont have to wait too long. Dr. Mead was so friendly, and his assistant Mary was thorough in her work and very sweet. Thank you for making an uncomfortable experience easy as pie, you guys.
- Heather H
Straighten Your Dental Alignment Without Being Noticed
A confident, straight smile can improve your appearance, oral health, and overall well-being. At Downtown Dental Syracuse, we offer Invisalign in Syracuse, NY, a modern, discreet orthodontic solution that gently aligns teeth without the appearance or restrictions of traditional braces. Dr. Chris Zimmerman and Dr. Tyler Mead guide every patient through a personalized, comfortable treatment experience.
Whether you're dealing with mild crowding, gaps, or bite concerns, Invisalign provides a clear, removable option that fits seamlessly into your life. This advanced orthodontic system allows you to improve your smile discreetly while maintaining your daily routine.
What Invisalign Is and How It Works
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. Unlike metal braces, these aligners are virtually invisible and smooth, minimizing irritation and making oral hygiene simple.
The process begins with a digital scan of your teeth, creating a precise 3D model. This allows our team to map out each stage of treatment and predict how your smile will evolve. Each aligner set is worn for about 1–2 weeks, gently shifting your teeth until the desired result is achieved.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign
- Discreet Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without noticeable brackets or wires.
- Comfortable Fit: Smooth Aligners cause less discomfort to the gums and cheeks.
- Removable Convenience: Take them out to eat, brush, and floss, maintaining your usual oral hygiene and diet.
- Predictable Results: Advanced imaging allows precise planning for each stage of alignment.
- Reduced Treatment Interference: Continue with work, school, and social activities with minimal disruption.
For many adults and teens, these benefits make Invisalign a preferred choice over traditional braces.
Your Invisalign Journey at Downtown Dental Syracuse
Starting Invisalign is simple and structured for comfort and predictability:
- Initial Consultation: Our team evaluates your smile, captures photographs, and takes digital impressions. Dr. Zimmerman or Dr. Mead will determine if Invisalign is the best solution for you and outline your personalized treatment plan.
- Custom Aligners: Each set is crafted to fit snugly and move your teeth gradually.
- Wearing Aligners: For best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day. Consistent check-ins keep your progress aligned.
- Retainers: Once active treatment concludes, retainers maintain your new alignment. As noted by the American Dental Association, wearing retainers as directed is essential to preserving long-term orthodontic results. Our Syracuse dentist guides you through proper retainer use for lasting results.
Most patients complete Invisalign in 9–15 months, depending on their specific alignment needs.
Managing Treatment Comfort and Daily Life
Adapting to Invisalign is typically quick. Some patients notice minor pressure when switching aligners, but this is a sign your teeth are moving as planned. Because the aligners are removable, you won’t need to adjust your diet or oral care routine.
Speech adjustments are usually temporary, and most patients resume normal talking within a few days. The clear design allows you to smile confidently in social or professional settings throughout your treatment.
Financing, Insurance, and Special Savings
We understand that cost should never prevent you from improving your smile. Invisalign is often covered by insurance plans with orthodontic benefits, up to the plan’s maximum allowance.
For patients without insurance, DDS Cares membership and CareCredit financing allow manageable monthly payments. Additionally, Downtown Dental Syracuse offers a 10% courtesy on Orthodontics/Invisalign, making it easier to begin treatment while maintaining financial flexibility.
What to Expect During Your Invisalign Treatment
- Consultation and Evaluation: Comprehensive examination to determine suitability for Invisalign.
- Treatment Planning: 3D imaging maps your teeth’s movements and expected outcomes.
- Progression: Each aligner moves your teeth incrementally, with check-ins every 6–8 weeks.
- Completion: Retainers preserve alignment and long-term results.
This step-by-step process ensures clarity, comfort, and predictable outcomes for every patient.
Long-Term Results and Smile Maintenance
Invisalign not only improves the appearance of your smile but also supports long-term oral health. Proper alignment makes brushing and flossing more effective, reducing risks for cavities and gum disease. Even bite forces are distributed evenly, lowering wear on teeth and preventing jaw strain.
Investing in Invisalign is both an aesthetic and functional choice, promoting a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.
Why Downtown Dental Syracuse Is the Right Choice
Our practice has been serving the Syracuse community for over 65 years, combining advanced technology with patient-centered care. Dr. Chris Zimmerman and Dr. Tyler Mead use their expertise to guide each patient through a safe, effective, and comfortable treatment plan.
With in-house digital imaging, treatment planning, and aligner management, you receive a seamless Invisalign experience without the need for outside referrals. Our commitment to personalized care and predictable results sets us apart from other providers in Central New York.
Begin Your Invisalign Journey Today
A straighter, healthier smile is closer than you think. If you’ve been considering Invisalign in Syracuse, Downtown Dental Syracuse offers a seamless, discreet, and effective solution. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey towards a healthier, more beautiful, confident, and lasting smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1). What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a series of “invisible” aligners created through 3-D imaging technology that moves teeth in kindest, gentlest way until an ideal alignment as possible can be achieved.
2). How do I get started?
Getting started is as simple as making an appointment for a one-hour consultation with Dr. Zimmerman. Your first appointment entails having photographs taken, two molds of your teeth are taken, and a simple clinical exam is undertaken to determine if Invisalign® is right for you.
3). How long will I have to be in active treatment?
Most cases can be treated here at Downtown Dental Syracuse in 9 to 15 months with some severe cases taking up to two years. After active treatment, you will need to be in retainers for a 3 to 6 month period at all times then at nighttime for life.
4). Do I only have to wear Invisalign® at night?
Invisalign® must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Dr Zimmerman tells all of his patients that they need to wear the aligners 24/7.
5). I was told that my bite was so horrible that Invisalign® could not treat my problem, is this true?
Probably not. Over the last five years Invisalign® can treat almost any case that conventional ortho can treat.
6). What are the aligners made of?
The aligners are made of a thermal plastic material. They are approved by the FDA and do not contain bisphenol-A.
7). Is there any pain during treatment?
Invisalign® is virtually pain-free orthodontics. There is a possibility when changing aligners the first day or so you will feel some tightness but that dissipates and goes away, usually after 24 hours.
8). How do I take care of my aligners?
Each aligner is worn for two weeks at a time. During that time using a toothbrush and luke warm water will clean the aligners sufficiently inside and out. You also can purchase through Invisalign® or on the internet an ultrasonic system that will clean the aligners daily.
9). Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
When you are going to eat you remove the aligners and place them in your case and. When you are done eating rinse your mouth and place the aligners back in place if you cannot brush your teeth. Drinking is OK with but certain drinks may stain the aligners more readily.
10). What is the cost of Invisalign®, does insurance cover it?
Depending on the severity of the case Invisalign® can cost anywhere from $2500-$6500.
If you have dental insurance that has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® is usually covered, not in full, but to the maximum the insurance allows.
11). What types of tooth movements are most difficult for Invisalign to achieve?
Certain movements—such as significant rotations, vertical adjustments, or complex bite corrections—can be more challenging with aligners alone. In these cases, additional techniques like attachments may be used to help achieve more precise results.
12). Will Invisalign fit into my daily routine, including work and social life?
Yes. Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, making them easy to wear throughout your day. They’re discreet in professional and social settings, and you can remove them briefly for special occasions if needed.
13). How disciplined do I need to be for Invisalign to work effectively?
Consistency is key. Aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours per day to stay on track. Not wearing them as directed can delay progress and impact your final results.
14). Will Invisalign affect the way I speak?
Some patients notice a slight lisp when they first begin wearing aligners. This is temporary and typically improves within a few days as your mouth adjusts.
15). Can I eat and drink normally while using Invisalign?
Yes. Since the aligners are removable, you can continue to enjoy your normal diet. Just be sure to remove them when eating or drinking anything other than water.
16). How does Invisalign compare to braces in terms of comfort and convenience?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable because it uses smooth, custom-fit aligners instead of brackets and wires. It also allows for easier brushing and flossing, with fewer dietary restrictions.
17). Will I need attachments or additional components with Invisalign?
In some cases, small tooth-colored attachments may be placed to help guide tooth movement more precisely. These are subtle and play an important role in achieving optimal results.
18). How long does Invisalign treatment usually take?
Treatment time varies based on your specific needs, but many cases are completed within 6 to 18 months when aligners are worn consistently.
19). Will I need to wear a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment?
Yes. Wearing a retainer is essential to maintain your results and prevent teeth from gradually shifting back.
20). Can my teeth shift back if I don’t follow post-treatment instructions?
Yes. Without consistent retainer use, teeth can move back toward their original position over time. Following your dentist’s recommendations helps protect your investment and keep your smile aligned.