Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic dental issue! Many patients are unaware of the oral health concerns that crooked teeth cause, and usually ignore the issue. However, straight and properly aligned teeth are important components to a beautiful and healthy mouth. Improper alignment can lead to damaged teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, and TMJ disorders. Dr. Greg Reece provides the Invisalign clear aligner system in Charlotte, NC, for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Invisalign has reinvented the orthodontic process as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligner system is a cosmetic dental treatment that gradually straighten teeth over time.
A series of clear plastic aligners will gradually shift your teeth into alignment. You won’t need to hassle with the discomfort or bulk of metal brackets and wires. The aligners are barely visible to other people. So adults can straighten their teeth without interfering with their professional or personal lives.
You may also benefit from other dental treatments if you only have one crooked tooth. For example, dental crowns and porcelain veneers can improve your teeth if misalignment does not affect the health or function of your bite.
Dr. Reece provides Invisalign at his Mallard Creek dental practice. He can help you straighten teeth at any age using discreet clear aligners.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Correcting crooked teeth can help improve your confidence and your oral health. Straightening your crooked teeth will provide you with many benefits. One of the benefits of straightening crooked teeth is that it makes them look more attractive.
Our patients who undergo Invisalign treatment often feel better about themselves, too. They can now smile freely without needing a retainer or other appliance. Clear aligners are also a cost-effective alternative for patients who cannot afford braces.
Crooked teeth may not seem like a huge deal, but they can have significant consequences for your oral health. Crooked teeth can cause:
- Speech issues
- Uneven bite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Wear and tear
- Tooth decay
- Cracked teeth
- Jaw strain
- Dental Anxiety
Invisalign not only creates straighter teeth, but it also helps to improve your oral health. For example, crooked teeth may make it difficult to clean areas between teeth. If you do not properly clean these spaces, bacteria can form and plaque may build up, resulting in tooth decay.
Straight teeth not only look great but make it easier to clean teeth and gums more effectively. Let us help you fix your crooked teeth in Charlotte, NC with the Invisalign system.
Invisalign Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Invisalign is a faster and more comfortable alternative to metal braces for teens and adults. Traditional metal braces can pinch the gum tissue surrounding teeth. Their average treatment time is several years. However, the average orthodontic treatment time with Invisalign is twelve months or less.
Patients can also take the clear aligners out to eat and brush their teeth, so there are no forbidden foods, like popcorn or sticky candy. In addition, the aligners are less noticeable than traditional braces—the aligners we provide are virtually invisible!
The Invisalign Process
Before we create an Invisalign treatment plan, Dr. Greg Reece will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you. He will help you decide if this is the right treatment for you and your needs.
We will make a digital impression of your teeth for your first custom aligner trays to begin the process. Then, we will send that impression to the Invisalign lab, where they will create your aligners. Next, you will receive your second set of aligners after about two weeks. You will wear the aligner set and then switch to a slightly different aligner set after every two weeks.
You will change the clear aligners every two weeks as your teeth shift. Treatment is highly custom, as each set of aligners conforms to shifting teeth. Depending on your individual needs, treatment can last from six months to twelve or eighteen months.
Invisalign FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about Invisalign in Charlotte, NC, with answers to these common patient questions:
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign offers several benefits for people looking to straighten their teeth. One of the biggest advantages is that the aligners are clear, making them less noticeable than metal braces. This means you can smile confidently without feeling self-conscious about your treatment.
Another benefit is that the aligners are removable. This makes it easier to eat your favorite foods and maintain good oral hygiene. You can take them out when you brush and floss, which helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Invisalign also tends to be more comfortable than metal braces. It does not use wires or brackets that can poke or irritate the gums.
Many people find that they spend less time at the dentist because you can change the aligners at home instead of needing regular adjustments. Invisalign can be a convenient and less noticeable option for straightening teeth.
How long should I wear the clear aligners each day?
You should wear clear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours daily. The only times you should remove them are for food and drink breaks and brushing and flossing. Please do not remove the aligners during the last month of treatment, as it may affect the final alignment.
It can take anywhere from six months to two years to see the full treatment results. Dr. Reece will go over how to maintain the aligners and how to use them daily.
Is treatment with Invisalign painful?
The treatment with Invisalign is not painful but the process can sometimes be uncomfortable. You may feel some mild pressure or discomfort as you adjust to each new aligner every two weeks. But this will fade as your teeth continue to adjust. You will not get shots, drills or feel any pain during your initial exam.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign typically does not require any dietary restrictions. However, you must remove the clear aligners to eat and enjoy your favorite foods. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth before wearing the aligners again.
Sometimes, you can eat with them on, but we advise eating only soft foods while wearing the aligners. We recommend removing them before eating anything, just in case.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Gently brush your aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day. You may rinse them in cold or lukewarm water, but not hot water. Hot water will warp your plastic aligners.
Also rinse the aligners before putting them in your mouth and after taking them out every time. You will not need to use special products to keep them clean. When you are not wearing them, keep them in their case so they don’t get dusty.
Do I need to wear a retainer after the Invisalign treatment?
Yes, you need to wear retainers following treatment. A retainer will ensure that your teeth do not return to their previous crooked position. Our dentist will provide you with custom retainers. You will clean the retainer the same way you would clean your aligners.
Most patients must use a retainer for about twice as long as they had clear aligners. It takes additional time for the surrounding tissues and bone to stabilize and secure your teeth in their new positions.
We recommend wearing your retainers full-time for about six months after completing treatment. You should only remove them to eat or brush during this time. This initial phase helps your teeth settle into their straight positions. Afterward, you can usually transition to wearing your retainers only while you sleep.
Is Invisalign cheaper than metal braces?
Invisalign and metal braces are two popular ways to straighten teeth. The price of these treatments are comparable.
In most cases, the price of braces or aligners depends on how much work your teeth need and how long treatment takes. You must check with your dentist or orthodontist for a specific quote based on your needs.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign treatments?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans will not cover the cost of Invisalign. Insurance providers see this as an elective treatment that is not necessary. However, we offer flexible payment plans and will help you maximize your insurance benefits.
Contact us for Invisalign in Charlotte, NC
Are you looking for a faster way to straighten your smile? Your search to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth is over. Call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 or request an appointment to see if Invisalign is right for you.
In his Charlotte, NC, dental office, Dr. Reece will first determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Then, he will help you choose an effective treatment, whether Invisalign or another option. We serve Mallard Creek, Charlotte, and the surrounding areas.