Crooked or crowded teeth are one of the most common things patients want to change about their smile, and Invisalign has become one of the most requested ways to do it. Clear aligners straighten teeth gradually, without the brackets and wires of traditional braces, which is why so many adults and teens prefer them for smile makeovers and everyday orthodontic correction alike.
Dr. Gurjinder Singh, D.M.D., is a certified Silver Tier Invisalign provider at Colonia Dental Associates, and both he and Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim, D.M.D., are Associate Fellows of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) who completed the Rutgers University AAID MaxiCourse. Not every dentist in the area offers Invisalign as a certified provider, and that certification means your treatment plan is built and monitored by someone with specific training in clear aligner therapy.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gradually move your teeth into their correct position. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on case complexity, and aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for effective results.
Because the aligners are removable, eating, brushing, and flossing stay easy throughout treatment, which is one of the biggest reasons patients prefer Invisalign over traditional braces.
Invisalign is designed to address mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite misalignments. Not every patient is an ideal candidate, which is why a consultation with our dentists is the essential first step. Our office currently does not offer traditional braces, so if your case is more complex, we will let you know and can refer you to an orthodontist.
Straight teeth are not only about appearance. Properly aligned teeth are also easier to clean and can reduce the risk of gum recession and uneven wear over time.
After your consultation, if you are a good candidate, your treatment plan is reviewed with you and your aligners are custom-fabricated. Your first appointment runs a bit longer to deliver your aligners and review all instructions. You will need occasional check-ins roughly every 6 to 8 weeks so your dentist can confirm your teeth are moving as planned.
After treatment, a retainer is worn to maintain the final position, since teeth can shift back toward their original position without one.
Dr. Gurjinder Singh, D.M.D.
Certified Silver Tier Invisalign Provider · Associate Fellow, AAID · Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse
Dr. Singh earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from UMDNJ and completed a one-year residency at Monmouth Medical Center across all dental disciplines. He is a certified Silver Tier Invisalign provider and member of the Smile USA Study Club.
Dr. Ashlee N. Apratim, D.M.D.
Associate Fellow, AAID · Rutgers AAID MaxiCourse · Honors in Prosthodontics, UMDNJ
Dr. Apratim graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with honors in prosthodontics, giving her a close understanding of how alignment and restorative work fit together in a smile makeover plan.
Invisalign cost depends on the length and complexity of your treatment plan. As a fee-for-service practice, we file insurance claims on your behalf to help maximize your out-of-network PPO benefits, and we offer flexible payment options through CareCredit and Cherry, including 24-month 0% financing for qualified patients.
Learn more about our insurance and financing options.
We serve residents of Colonia, NJ, as well as the surrounding areas of Woodbridge Township, Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Edison, Fords, Iselin, Linden, Piscataway, Port Reading, Metuchen, Rahway, Sewaren, and South Plainfield.
CareCredit and Cherry financing are available, and we file insurance claims on your behalf. To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call 732-381-7171 today.
Invisalign is a transparent aligner system that gradually straightens teeth using custom-made, removable trays. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series.
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces, offering a nearly invisible, comfortable, and removable option. However, braces may be better for more complex cases.
For optimal results, aligners should be kept on for 20-22 hours every day, only removing them for eating, drinking (except water), and oral hygiene.
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than braces, but mild discomfort or pressure may be felt when switching to a new set of aligners. This usually subsides within a few days.
No, you should remove your aligners prior to eating and drinking anything except water to prevent staining and damage.
Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Try not to use hot water, as it can distort or warp the plastic.
Some patients experience a slight lisp at the beginning, but this usually disappears as they get used to wearing the aligners.
You’ll need to visit the dentist approximately every 6-8 weeks for progress check-ups and to receive new aligners.
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to upkeep your new smile and stop your teeth from shifting back.
Invisalign can correct mild to moderate alignment issues, including crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Severe cases may require traditional braces or additional treatments.