Invisalign Treatment at Tanzilli Orthodontics
Teeth straightening goes beyond aesthetics at Tanzilli Orthodontics; it also prioritizes enhancing function, health, and self-confidence. Situated in a calm, patient-oriented environment, our practice provides Invisalign, a highly effective orthodontic treatment method for adolescents and adults desiring to discreetly align their teeth. Invisalign may be the ideal solution for your situation, no matter what you need to correct, from crowding to spacing, overbite to underbite, crossbite, or anything in between. Dr. Michael Tanzilli combines decades of clinical experience with a rigorous treatment planning philosophy to guide patients to optimal results effortlessly and comfortably.
Why Choose Invisalign
Invisalign is made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and worn on the teeth to slowly shift them into position. The aligners are removable, and patients may eat, brush, and floss as they normally would without any limitation.
Advantages of Invisalign
- Subtle appearance: Aligners are invisible and transparent.
- Removable style: Eat whatever you want and enjoy clean and healthy teeth with no problem.
- Comfortable: Invisalign lowers irritation and discomfort because they have no metal wires or components.
- Predictable result: Our complete planning and imaging software, 3D, allows us to demonstrate the predictable result before your treatment.
- Fewer visits to the orthodontist: Since the aligners do not need adjustments, unlike traditional braces, you will not be in the orthodontist's chair nearly as much.
Who is a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for most orthodontic cases. We start each case with a thorough exam to see if and when Invisalign is your ideal treatment choice. Candidates are typically:
- Patients with overcrowding of the teeth
- Patients with spaces between the teeth
- Individuals with a mild or moderate overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teenagers and adults who want a less conspicuous and more convenient alternative to braces
- People who have previously been treated orthodontically and have relapsed
Even the most severe cases can often be treated with Invisalign, thanks to the advancement in the technology of the aligners and attachments for optimal control of tooth movement.
What to Expect During Treatment
Step 1: Consultation and Digital Scan
Your journey begins with a complimentary Invisalign consultation. Dr. Tanzilli will assess your bite, tooth alignment, and overall dental health during this visit. If Invisalign is right for you, we'll proceed with a digital scan using our advanced iTero scanner. This creates a 3D model of your mouth—no messy impressions required.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
With the virtual model, Dr. Tanzilli will develop a customized treatment plan outlining every step of your tooth movement. You will have a sneak peek at a simulation of your final result, providing you with a clear-as-glass impression of what to expect.
Step 3: Aligner Creation and Fitting
Your custom aligners will be fabricated based on your plan. You'll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Step 4: Monitoring Progress
You'll come to our office every 6–8 weeks to keep up with your treatment. At these appointments, we'll give you new aligners and make any necessary adjustments.
Step 5: Retention Phase
Once your treatment is finished, we'll give you a retainer to help you maintain your results. By wearing your retainer as directed, you'll be able to keep your teeth in their new position for years to come.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12 and 18 months, though some cases can be completed in as little as 6 months. Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case and your consistency in wearing the aligners. During your initial consultation, we'll provide a more accurate estimate based on your unique situation.
Cost and Financing
We feel that all patients should have great orthodontic treatment. Tanzilli Orthodontics has transparent fees and flexible financing options, so Invisalign will fit any budget.
Payment Options:
- Interest-free office payment plans
- Insurance coordination with all orthodontic insurance companies
- FSA and HSA coverage
- Low down payments and low monthly payments to suit your needs
Before treatment initiation, our staff will meet with you to introduce a total fee estimate of costs and outline your insurance coverage and benefits.
Why Tanzilli Orthodontics?
Choosing the right provider is crucial for successful Invisalign treatment. At Tanzilli Orthodontics, we always focus on personalized care and achieving lasting results. Here's what sets us apart:
- Specialized knowledge: Our orthodontist, Dr. Tanzilli, has the training and expertise to move and align teeth. We've had many years of experience doing just that.
- High-tech equipment: We employ digital scanning, treatment planning software, and quality materials to make the process a pleasant and precise experience.
- Patient-oriented care: We listen to what's bugging you, respond to your questions, and create a plan that fits your lifestyle.
- Friendly environment: From our warm and inviting staff to our state-of-the-art office, everything is designed to put you at ease.
Technology Spotlight: iTero Scanner
One of the most advanced technologies that improve Invisalign treatment at Tanzilli Orthodontics is more precise and comfortable, thanks to the iTero digital scanner. The intraoral scanner takes precise 3D impressions of your gums and teeth in minutes without a mess or an impression tray.
How the iTero Scanner Works
The iTero scanner uses a compact wand fitted with a tiny camera to take thousands of high-resolution images of your mouth. They are mixed in real-time to form a full 3D digital impression of your gums and teeth. That's the digital impression the Invisalign aligners are made from to make them more accurate than ever.
Advantages Over Traditional Impressions
Old-fashioned dental impressions involve biting down on putty-filled trays—a messy, painful, and error-filled procedure. iTero scanner eliminates these drawbacks by offering the following:
- Faster, cleaner procedure
- More precise digital model
- Fewer retakes
- Instant glimpse of your treatment result
Patient Comfort and Speed
The scan is painless and only takes a few minutes. You can swallow and breathe normally as Dr. Tanzilli or an assistant glides the wand across your teeth. There is no gagging or discomfort, so it is tolerable even for patients with a sensitive gag reflex.
Improved Treatment Accuracy
The iTero digital models are also fully compatible with Invisalign treatment planning software. That helps Dr. Tanzilli design aligners that promote the maximum possible tooth movement, fewer fit-related problems, and more accurate monitoring. Have your scan virtually simulated in real time to see your predicted outcome before initiating treatment.
In Short, the iTero scanner isn't just a comfort enhancement. Actually, it enhances the overall effectiveness and reliability of your Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign for Adults vs. Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign is a well-suited treatment for both teenagers and adults. Still, treatment planning, monitoring, and experience differences occur between ages.
Treatment Planning Differences
Although the core Invisalign system is unchanged, Invisalign Teen features other components designed specifically for teens. Perhaps most noticeably, eruption tabs allow teeth to expand. These features make Invisalign Teen an appropriate option even for those who have yet to develop all their permanent teeth.
Long-term correction and aesthetics are the primary focus in adults, particularly for patients who may have already had braces but have experienced orthodontic relapse. Adults may also require more complicated adjustments or combined therapies, such as restorations or bite corrections, which Dr. Tanzilli conveniently incorporates into the Invisalign plan.
Compliance Features for Teens
Teen patients are very responsive to blue compliance indicators—small dots on the aligners that become lighter with wear. These assist parents and orthodontists in tracking whether the aligners are worn 20–22 hours a day. This added responsibility keeps treatment on track.
Adults are more self-directed and do not need these compliance indicators, but consistently wearing the aligners is still necessary for the best results.
Motivations and Lifestyle Factors
Adults use Invisalign since it does not show. Whether for professional reasons, lifestyle status, or life achievements such as weddings, adults would want no openness to the public.
Teenagers, however, like the convenience of Invisalign so that they can still enjoy foods and sports activities they want without interference. The absence of brackets means there are fewer concerns about damage from playing sports or limitations while enjoying social events.
In both cases, Invisalign's removability offers advantages over braces, like easier cleaning, better oral hygiene, and more freedom. Dr. Tanzilli considers these lifestyle factors when creating a plan that accommodates each patient's daily lifestyle.
Life During Invisalign Treatment
It is easy to adapt to life with Invisalign, but it helps when you know what to do daily. Although the aligners are removable and inconspicuous, you must be conscious of your treatment schedule. Here are a few tips to make your Invisalign treatment as practical and comfortable as possible.
Tips for Cleaning Your Aligners
Clean aligners are essential to oral health and the prevention of clouding or odor. Rinse them in warm water when you take them out, and softly brush them with a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap at least once a day. Do not use hot water, as this distorts the plastic. You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets to get a cleaner finish. Don't use toothpaste, as this is abrasive and will scratch the aligners.
Traveling with Invisalign
Invisalign is ideal for people who travel frequently. Be sure to pack your current aligners, the next set if you're due for a change, and your aligner case to avoid misplacing them. Packaging a travel-size cleaning kit with a toothbrush, retainer cleaner, and travel soap is also a good idea to keep you in the routine while on the road.
What to Do if You Lose an Aligner
You can lose an aligner, but going ahead early avoids waiting. If you're close to switching to your next set, you may be able to move forward early—contact your orthodontist to confirm. Otherwise, you must go back to the old set to proceed until the replacement is received. Have your old set of aligners on hand as a backup.
Handling Discomfort or Pain
Soreness is anticipated, with some soreness being normal, particularly when changing to a new set of trays. Soreness is an indication that the aligners are working. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, eat soft foods for one day, and wear the new trays at all times to adjust quickly. Don't take the trays out frequently—daily wear accelerates adaptation and reduces irritation.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Richard Tanzilli is an experienced orthodontist with broad training and expertise. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Villanova University. He graduated from Temple University Dental School at the top of his class, receiving the International College of Dentists Award. He completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Maryland Hospital. He specialized in Orthodontics at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester. Dr. Tanzilli has published research on pediatric dentistry and TMJ disorders and has been recognized annually as a Top Orthodontist from 2008 to 2022 by Main Line Today Magazine.
Is Invisalign Right for You
Suppose you've considered improving your bite or alignment but want to avoid traditional braces. In that case, Invisalign might be your best option. It's an excellent solution for patients who want a flexible, discreet treatment that fits into their everyday routines.
At Tanzilli Orthodontics, we keep it easy. Our staff will guide you through each step, from the first appointment to the last set of aligners. We're dedicated to treating your needs and making your treatment comfortable and easy at every step.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Your path to straighter teeth starts with a simple step: schedule a complimentary consultation at Tanzilli Orthodontics. During this visit, we'll review your concerns, discuss your goals, and determine whether Invisalign is the right choice. There is no pressure or obligation—just honest guidance from a team that cares.
Call us or request an appointment online. We want to make you comfortable in your care every step of the way.
Tanzilli Orthodontics
1246 West Chester Pike # 306
West Chester, PA 19382
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