Orthodontics
Deciding to straighten your teeth as an adult — or helping your child get started on a healthy alignment path — is a meaningful investment in long-term oral health and confidence. The challenge for many people is that the image of orthodontics still conjures metal brackets and wires, visible evidence of
treatment that can feel out of place in professional or social settings. Clear aligner technology has changed that equation entirely, making orthodontic treatment a realistic, discreet option for a far broader range of patients than ever before. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 1 in 3 orthodontic patients is now an adult, reflecting a real shift in who is seeking treatment and why.
At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs is a recognized Invisalign provider with over 20 years of experience helping patients across Charlotte achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Our approach to orthodontics is personalized from the very first consultation, and every treatment plan is built around the individual — their age, their alignment concerns, their lifestyle, and their long-term dental goals. Whether you are a working adult who wants a subtle path to a straighter smile, a parent exploring options for your teenager, or a patient with specific airway or bite concerns, we offer the full range of orthodontic care to meet you where you are. Learn more about the full range of dental services we provide.
Invisalign at Imagine Dentistry
Invisalign is the only clear aligner system offered at Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum, and it is the most widely recognized clear aligner treatment in the world. Using a series of custom-made, BPA-free removable trays, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment without brackets or wires. Each tray is fabricated from a precise 3D digital scan of your mouth, ensuring a comfortable, accurate fit throughout treatment.
Because the aligners come out for meals and brushing, there are no food restrictions, and your oral hygiene routine stays straightforward from start to finish. Most patients wear each set of trays for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series, and progress check-ins allow Dr. Coambs to monitor your results at each stage. Typical treatment times range from 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases can be shorter. Dr. Coambs uses the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner for digital impressions, eliminating traditional putty molds and giving patients a simulated preview of their post-treatment smile before treatment even begins. Visit our dedicated Invisalign page for a complete overview of the process from consultation through completion.
Orthodontic Services We Offer
Orthodontic care at Imagine Dentistry extends well beyond a single treatment option. Dr. Coambs offers a comprehensive range of orthodontic services designed for different stages of life and different clinical situations.
Each service listed has its own dedicated page with more detail on what to expect, who is a good candidate, and how Dr. Coambs approaches that specific stage of care.
Clear, removable aligners for adults and teens. Nearly invisible, no dietary restrictions, fewer office visits.
Discreet alignment solutions for working adults who want results without disrupting their professional or personal routine.
Invisalign Teen features compliance indicators and replacement aligners designed for busy, active teenage schedules.
Integrates breathing and airway considerations into treatment planning, recognizing how breathing affects bite development.
Addresses bite and alignment issues in younger children before all permanent teeth arrive, when intervention has the greatest effect.
An essential final step. Custom retainers hold your results in place and prevent teeth from shifting back over time.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Most teens and adults are candidates for Invisalign, particularly those dealing with crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite concerns in the mild-to-moderate range. Patients with more complex bite or jaw relationships may benefit from a combination approach, and Dr. Coambs will be direct with you during your consultation if a different path would produce better results. Good candidates generally have healthy teeth and gums going into treatment — if decay or gum disease needs to be addressed first, our team will coordinate that care before orthodontics begin.
Children are typically evaluated for early intervention around age seven, when the jaw is still actively developing and certain patterns can be redirected most effectively. For adults, there is no upper age limit on orthodontic treatment, and many patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond have achieved significant improvements in alignment with Invisalign.
Orthodontic Care and Your Long-Term Oral Health
Straighter teeth are not just a cosmetic concern. Alignment problems can make it harder to clean certain tooth surfaces thoroughly, contributing to a higher risk of decay and gum disease over time. A bite that is off-balance can place uneven
stress on specific teeth, accelerating wear. Addressing these issues through orthodontic treatment can reduce those risks meaningfully, supporting better oral health alongside a more confident smile. For patients whose alignment concerns are connected to bite function, we also offer balancing your bite services that complement orthodontic treatment.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation at Imagine Dentistry
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum is a trusted choice for orthodontic care in Charlotte, combining advanced digital technology with personalized, attentive treatment planning. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has been named a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentist every year from 2016 through 2024 — nine consecutive years — and holds a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of general dentists nationwide. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options, including our Love Your Smile membership plan for patients without traditional coverage.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile, we invite you to contact our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Coambs today.
