Ready to Get a Straighter Smile Without Traditional Braces?
You may be a candidate for Invisalign® if you have crooked or crowded teeth, or a gap between your front teeth. Aligners only work on teeth that are healthy and free of decay.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Boris Zusin, DDS, FAGD, MBA, MS, Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) · Last reviewed July 31, 2026
Say Goodbye to Metal Wires and Brackets
Invisalign® works by applying gentle, continuous pressure that shifts your teeth over time. You'll receive a new set of clear aligners about once a week, each one gradually adjusting your teeth toward their final position. Near Lincoln Center or elsewhere on the Upper West Side? See our Invisalign Near the Upper West Side page for what regular check-ins look like locally.
Am I a Candidate?
Invisalign® is an option for most adults and teens with mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues. A consultation with digital scans and 3D imaging will confirm whether it's the right fit for your smile.
What Invisalign® Can Actually Treat
Invisalign works well for a range of bite problems — not just minor gaps. Here's what it handles well, case type by case type, and where its real limits are.
Crowding & Spacing
Crowding (teeth overlapping or rotated from lack of room) and spacing (gaps between teeth) are Invisalign's strongest use case. Mild-to-moderate crowding and spacing are considered ideal, non-extraction indications, where aligner results are most comparable to braces.
Overbite (Deep Bite)
Where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth, targeted attachments and bite ramps can intrude and reposition the front teeth. Left unaddressed for years, a severe deep bite can wear the lower teeth down significantly — see a real example in our FAQ below. Mild-to-moderate cases tend to respond reliably; severe or skeletal deep bites may need a combined or referred approach.
Open Bite
Where the front teeth don't touch when the back teeth are closed, aligners can extrude and reposition the front teeth to close the gap. This is one of the more studied uses of Invisalign — recent research puts closure success roughly in the 55–70% range, meaning most patients see real improvement, but a second round of aligners (a "refinement") to finish the correction is common and something we plan for from the start.
Crossbite & Narrow Arch
Aligners can gently widen a narrow upper arch and correct a crossbite (where upper teeth sit behind their lower counterparts) through controlled expansion. This tends to be most predictable in the lower arch and canine region; larger planned expansions and existing posterior crossbites are harder to predict precisely, which is why we track progress with scans along the way rather than assuming the initial plan will play out exactly as designed.
Where Invisalign has real limits: a true skeletal Class II ("overbite" from a small lower jaw) or Class III ("underbite") jaw relationship, very severe crowding, or corrections requiring precise rotation, torque, or extrusion of individual teeth are movements aligners handle less predictably than braces. More complex cases may need braces, a combined approach, or a referral to an orthodontist — we'll tell you plainly which category your bite falls into at your consultation. For the full breakdown of bite types and jaw relationships, see our Understanding Your Bite guide.
Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces
Both work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to move teeth. The real differences are in day-to-day experience and where each has the clinical edge.
| Invisalign® / Clear Aligners | Traditional Metal Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, barely noticeable | Visible metal (ceramic/clear brackets available at added cost) |
| Removable? | Yes — take out to eat, brush, and floss | No — fixed in place for the full treatment |
| Oral hygiene | Easier — brush and floss normally | Harder — extra care needed around wires and brackets |
| Diet restrictions | None — aligners come out to eat | Avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, less soft-tissue irritation | Wires and brackets can rub the cheeks and lips |
| Compliance required | High — needs 20–22 hours/day of wear to work | Low — works regardless of patient effort |
| Best suited for | Mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues | Mild through complex/severe cases, including larger jaw discrepancies |
| Precise movements (rotation, torque, extrusion) | Less predictable — achieved movement often falls short of the digital plan | More predictable — direct mechanical control over each tooth |
| Root resorption | Generally lower or comparable in current studies | Generally low, though slightly higher in some studies |
| Office visits | Fewer, shorter check-ins | More frequent adjustment visits |
| Mid-treatment plan changes | Refinement aligners (often 2–3 additional scans) are a normal part of many cases | Wire and bracket adjustments as needed |
| After treatment | Lifelong retainer wear needed, same as braces | Lifelong retainer wear needed |
| Typical cost in NYC | About $3,500–$8,000 | About $3,000–$7,000, up to $10,000 for complex cases |
The honest short version: for mild-to-moderate, non-extraction cases — the most common reason patients consider Invisalign — clinical outcomes between aligners and braces are broadly similar, and aligners tend to mean fewer visits and easier hygiene along the way. For more complex cases, extractions, or corrections needing significant rotation or tooth extrusion, braces still have the edge in achieving a precise final result. Both require a retainer indefinitely afterward — no orthodontic result, aligners or braces, is permanently stable without one. We'll tell you plainly at your consultation which category your case falls into, rather than assuming aligners are automatically the right fit.
Retainers: Not Just for After Orthodontic Treatment
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift over time — a retainer isn't only for holding a smile in place right after Invisalign or braces.
Vivera® Retainers
Made from the same durable, medical-grade material as Invisalign aligners, Vivera retainers are custom-fitted to hold your teeth in their current position. We recommend them after orthodontic treatment, but they're also a good option any time you want to protect your current alignment from natural drift — teeth continue to shift gradually throughout life, even without prior orthodontic work.
Vivera retainers can also be made with anterior stoppers for patients who clench their teeth, creating a small gap between the back teeth that helps reduce or eliminate the ability to clench down with full force.
Hawley Retainers
For patients who want a more durable, long-lasting option, we also offer Hawley retainers — a classic wire-and-acrylic design that can be adjusted over time and tends to hold up longer than clear plastic retainers with everyday wear.
“Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?” Quiz
Answer all 5 questions, then click “See My Result” below.
This quiz is an educational screening tool, not a diagnosis. A consultation with digital scans confirms candidacy for Invisalign®.
Care From a Team That Knows You
Dr. Boris Zusin is an expert in general, cosmetic, implant, and dental sleep medicine, with 30+ years of clinical experience and ongoing continuing education. Lena Zusin, RDH works alongside him to make every visit as warm and comfortable as possible.
“Drawing upon our combined skills refined through years of experience and continued education, Lena and I will do everything possible to ensure that your entire dental experience at our office is as good as possible.” — Dr. Boris Zusin
- Uncompromising clinical excellence
- Meticulous attention to detail
- A gentle approach to dentistry
FAQ: Invisalign® at Zusin Dental, NYC
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear, nearly invisible aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is typically worn for about a week before switching to the next one in the series. We use digital scans and 3D imaging to plan your treatment and predict results.
Most people see the results they want in 12–18 months; minor corrections can finish in about 6 months, more involved cases may take 24+ months. Aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours a day, removed only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign's clear, removable aligners are great for a discreet treatment with no dietary restrictions, but results depend on wearing them 20–22 hours a day. Traditional braces can handle more complex tooth movements since they're fixed and don't depend on patient compliance.
Many plans (Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and others) cover Invisalign similarly to traditional braces, often as a percentage of cost or a lifetime orthodontic maximum (commonly $1,000–$3,000). We'll check your coverage and give you a clear out-of-pocket estimate.
Yes — Invisalign can correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, spacing, and can move molars into proper alignment for mild to moderate cases. More complex corrections may need attachments or a more individualized approach.
It's worth correcting sooner rather than later: a severe, longstanding overbite can put the lower front teeth under constant abnormal pressure from the upper teeth, wearing them down and, in advanced cases, contributing to tooth loss like the example below. Addressing a significant bite misalignment isn't just cosmetic — it protects the teeth that are bearing the brunt of it.
Yes — for younger patients in particular, Invisalign can gently widen a narrow dental arch, creating more room for teeth to come in properly. Expanding the arch can also open up more space for the tongue and airway, which in many cases helps with nasal breathing. This is often best addressed early, as part of a growth-focused evaluation.
Remove your aligners before eating; water is fine to drink while wearing them, but other beverages (especially hot drinks like coffee and tea) can stain, crack, or warp the plastic.
Clean them twice a day with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water — avoid hot water (can warp the plastic) and toothpaste (can scratch and cloud the surface). Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a gentle antibacterial soap also work well.
Attachments are small tooth-colored bumps that guide tooth movement; buttons are used with elastics for bite correction; chewies are soft aids you bite on to help seat the aligner fully. We map out placement and supply what you need.
Mild pressure when starting a new set of aligners is normal and usually resolves within 24–72 hours — it's a sign the aligners are working. Switching aligners at night and using a bit of wax on rough edges can help.
Most cases need around 20–40 trays; minor fixes may need only 10–15. More complex movement may require additional refinement trays, which is common and usually included in the treatment plan.
A full comprehensive treatment typically runs about $3,500–$8,000 in New York City. Insurance often covers 25–50% depending on your orthodontic benefits, and we offer financing/payment plans.
Faint white patches where a bracket or aligner tray sat are a common finding after orthodontic treatment — they're the result of plaque demineralizing the enamel underneath during treatment. If this happens, Icon resin infiltration can treat it in a single visit, without drilling or anesthesia.
Call 212-877-7475 or text 917-693-8269 to book your first appointment, or schedule online. At your visit, Dr. Boris Zusin and his team will give you a thorough exam, formulate a custom plan, and verify your insurance coverage.
Learn More From Our Blog
Sources
- Clear Aligners in Orthodontic Treatment — Weir T, Australian Dental Journal (2017)
- Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technology in Customized Orthodontic Appliances — Grauer D, Wiechmann D, Heymann GC, Swift EJ, Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (2012)
- Enhancing the Predictability of Tooth Movements With Clear Aligners — Part 1: Biomechanical Considerations and Determinant Factors — Long H, Park JH, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2026)
- The Effectiveness of Aligners in the Treatment of Anterior Open Bite in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal — MDPI (2024)
- The Efficacy of Anterior Open Bite Closure When Using Invisalign's Optimized Extrusion Versus Conventional Attachments — Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists (2023)
- Is Maxillary Arch Expansion With Invisalign Efficient and Predictable? A Systematic Review — International Orthodontics (2023)
- Quality and Stability of Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes With Clear Aligners Versus Fixed Appliances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Alhafi ZM, Hajeer MY, Alam MK, Jaber ST, European Journal of Orthodontics (2025)
- Treatment Outcome With Orthodontic Aligners and Fixed Appliances: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses — Papageorgiou SN, Koletsi D, Iliadi A, Peltomaki T, Eliades T, European Journal of Orthodontics (2020)
- Clinical Effectiveness of Clear Aligner Treatment Compared to Fixed Appliance Treatment: An Overview of Systematic Reviews — Yassir YA, Nabbat SA, McIntyre GT, Bearn DR, Clinical Oral Investigations (2022)
- Comparison of Maxillary Anterior Tooth Movement Between Invisalign and Fixed Appliances — Murphy SJ, Lee S, Scharm JC, et al., American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2023)
- What Percentage of Patients Switch From Invisalign to Braces? A Retrospective Study Evaluating the Conversion Rate, Number of Refinement Scans, and Length of Treatment — Kravitz ND, Dalloul B, Zaid YA, Shah C, Vaid NR, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2023)
- Retention and Relapse in Clinical Practice — Littlewood SJ, Kandasamy S, Huang G, Australian Dental Journal (2017)
- Retention Procedures for Stabilising Tooth Position After Treatment With Orthodontic Braces — Martin C, Littlewood SJ, Millett DT, et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2023)
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