How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign replaces fixed brackets and wires with custom clear aligners that fit closely over your teeth. Each stage of treatment is designed to move selected teeth gradually toward their planned positions.
Treatment begins with a detailed orthodontic evaluation and digital records. From there, Dr. Lien plans how your teeth should move and how your bite should develop throughout treatment.
You progress through your prescribed aligner sequence while returning for regular checks so we can monitor your response and make adjustments when necessary.
The aligners are removable, but they still require commitment. Most patients are instructed to wear them for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, taking them out primarily for meals and oral hygiene.
Who Can Get Invisalign?
Invisalign is no longer limited to very minor tooth movement, but that does not mean it is appropriate for every orthodontic problem.
Depending on your diagnosis, clear aligners may be considered for:
- crowded teeth
- gaps and unwanted spacing
- crooked or rotated teeth
- certain overbites
- certain underbites
- some open bites and crossbites
- teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Your candidacy depends on the movements required, your oral health, and your ability to wear the aligners consistently.
Older teens who want a removable orthodontic option can learn more about our teen orthodontic treatment, while adults balancing orthodontics with professional and family life can explore our adult treatment options.
Why Do Brooklyn Patients Choose Invisalign?
The biggest difference between Invisalign and fixed braces is removability.
Because the trays come out for meals, you do not have to navigate brackets when eating. You can also brush and floss without working around wires, which can make daily oral hygiene more straightforward.
Other practical advantages include:
- clear aligners that are less noticeable while worn
- no fixed metal brackets
- removable trays for meals
- easier access for brushing and flossing
- digitally planned treatment
- fewer concerns about broken brackets or wires
- an orthodontic option that can fit naturally around work, school, and social events
That flexibility comes with responsibility. Leaving aligners out too often can interfere with planned tooth movement.
Invisalign is also not automatically better than fixed treatment. Some patients may benefit more from one of our braces options, depending on the complexity and type of correction needed.
Why Choose House of Orthodontia for Invisalign?
The aligner itself is only a tool. The diagnosis, treatment plan, and monitoring behind it are what determine how that tool is used.
At House of Orthodontia, we do not approach every smile with the same appliance. Our treatment options include Invisalign, metal and ceramic braces, orthodontic appliances, accelerated orthodontic approaches, and treatment strategies for more complex cases when appropriate.
That range allows us to recommend Invisalign because it fits your orthodontic needs, not simply because clear aligners are the treatment you first asked about.
Our individualized approach to orthodontic care also emphasizes clear communication so you understand the reasoning behind your treatment plan.
What Sets Us Apart
What Should You Expect During Invisalign Treatment?
We keep the process organized so you understand where your treatment is going and what you need to do between visits.
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
Thomas Lien, DDS examines your teeth, bite, and overall orthodontic needs.
2. Digital Treatment Planning
Diagnostic records and digital imaging help us plan the tooth movements required for your case.
3. Your Custom Aligners
Your aligner sequence is created according to the treatment plan developed for your smile.
4. Daily Aligner Wear
You wear your trays as directed and move through the prescribed sequence.
5. Progress Appointments
Regular visits allow us to evaluate tooth movement and make sure treatment remains on track.
6. Retention
Once active treatment is complete, retainers help maintain the positions achieved with Invisalign. Our retainer instructions explain why this final stage matters.
Your first orthodontic visit is also your opportunity to ask questions about treatment length, daily wear, expected results, and alternatives before making a decision.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Brooklyn?
Invisalign cost varies according to the amount of tooth movement required, treatment complexity, and expected length of care.
We provide your personalized treatment fee after evaluating your smile rather than quoting one price for every patient. House of Orthodontia accepts most major insurance plans and can assist with orthodontic insurance paperwork when benefits are available. Flexible payment and financing options can also help make treatment easier to manage.
Meet Thomas Lien, DDS
Dr. Thomas Lien, DDS
Thomas Lien, DDS is a board-certified orthodontist who earned his dental degree and completed his specialty residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at NYU. During his residency, he served as a clinical instructor in Invisalign and later joined NYU’s postgraduate orthodontic program as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where his teaching includes Invisalign and traditional braces.
Learn more about Thomas Lien, DDSVisit Our Brooklyn Orthodontic Office
Our Brooklyn office is located at 122 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201 in the Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights area. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a useful nearby landmark, while patients coming from Downtown Brooklyn or Atlantic Terminal can travel west toward Atlantic Avenue. Our office also welcomes patients from Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Address: Phone:Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to some of the questions patients often ask before choosing clear aligners.
How many hours per day should I wear Invisalign?
Most Invisalign patients are instructed to wear their aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them mainly for meals, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Follow the specific wear instructions Dr. Lien provides for your treatment.
How long does Invisalign take?
There is no single treatment length for every patient. Your timeline depends on factors such as crowding, spacing, bite correction, and how many tooth movements are required. Dr. Lien can give you a more individualized estimate after evaluating your smile.
Is Invisalign suitable for teenagers?
Yes, Invisalign can be appropriate for many teens. Candidacy depends on the orthodontic problem and whether the teen is prepared to wear the aligners consistently.
Is Invisalign painful?
You may notice pressure or temporary tenderness when beginning treatment or changing to a new aligner. This usually reflects the forces being applied to move the teeth and often settles as your mouth adjusts.
Can I eat normally during Invisalign treatment?
Yes. You remove your aligners before eating, so Invisalign does not have the same food restrictions as fixed braces. The trays should be removed for meals and your teeth kept clean before the aligners are replaced.
Will Invisalign work for a complex bite?
Invisalign can address a range of alignment and bite concerns, but some complex cases may benefit from braces, additional orthodontic appliances, or another treatment strategy. A comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine what your case requires.
Find Out If Invisalign Fits Your Smile
Choosing Invisalign should begin with understanding your teeth and bite, not simply deciding that you prefer an invisible appliance.
If you are considering Brooklyn Invisalign, Thomas Lien, DDS can evaluate your smile, explain what clear aligners can realistically accomplish, and compare your options before treatment begins.