INVISALIGN
A straighter, more confident smile at any age
There's a good chance you've been thinking about this longer than you'd like to admit. A smile you hold back in photos, a bite that's never felt quite right, teeth that shifted after years of wearing a retainer you eventually stopped using. Whatever brought you here, Invisalign fits into real life – no food restrictions, virtually invisible, and far fewer office visits than traditional braces. At Dr. Lena Dentistry in Lower Manhattan, it's been transforming smiles for kids, teens, and adults who decided they were finally ready.
What can Invisalign fix?
Invisalign works for a wide range of concerns – cosmetic, functional, or both. Patients come to Dr. Lena with issues like:
- Teeth that are crooked or overlapping
- A gap between the front teeth
- Teeth that protrude or don't close together properly
- An uneven bite or jaw discomfort
- A smile that feels too narrow or crowded
- Teeth that have shifted after previous braces
- A child or teen whose jaw and teeth are still developing
What often surprises people is that a cosmetic concern, the way your smile looks, is frequently connected to a functional one. Teeth that are crowded or misaligned are harder to keep clean, can put uneven pressure on your jaw, and may contribute to discomfort over time. Getting both right, the look and the function, is what Dr. Lena's approach is built around. For some patients, Invisalign works best in combination with MARPE/MASPE palatal expansion, which creates the jaw space needed for truly stable, lasting results.
Watch Dr. Lena explain the benefits of Invisalign
How does Invisalign work?
You wear a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. Each set is worn for about a week, then swapped for the next in the series. The aligners are virtually invisible and most people around you won't notice them at all. You take them out to eat, drink, and brush, so there are no food restrictions and nothing changes about your daily routine. Most patients visit Dr. Lena every six to eight weeks to check progress, far less often than the frequent adjustments that come with traditional braces.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment length depends on what needs to move and how far. Many patients are done in 12 to 18 months; simpler cases can wrap up in as little as six months. Most people notice visible changes within the first few weeks, which makes it easier to stay motivated and consistent. Wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day is necessary to keep things on schedule.
What does Invisalign cost?
Cost is based on the complexity of your case. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of Invisalign treatment, and the practice offers flexible monthly payment options for the rest. The clearest answer comes from a consultation, where Dr. Lena can look at your specific situation and give you a real picture of what treatment involves and what it will cost. What's harder to put a number on is what you get in return – a healthier mouth, a smile you're proud of, and the quiet confidence that comes with both.
Why choose Dr. Lena?
Dr. Lena Sapozhnikoff trained at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and has spent years building expertise in orthodontics, airway health, and functional bite treatment through hundreds of hours of continuing education. She's known for taking on cases other providers won't, and for finding creative solutions that prioritize your long-term health, not just a quick cosmetic fix. Her patients, kids and adults both, consistently describe the care, attention, and results that speak for themselves.