Invisalign® in Charlotte, NC
Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and bite issues are more common than most people realize, and for many adults and teens, the idea of wearing noticeable metal braces makes them put off treatment altogether. Invisalign offers a different path. Using a series of custom-made clear aligners, this system gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment without the brackets, wires, or dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. The result is effective orthodontic treatment you can fit quietly into your everyday life.
At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum in Charlotte, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings over 20 years of experience to Invisalign treatment. As a recognized Invisalign provider, she has helped patients across Charlotte achieve straighter smiles using personalized treatment plans and advanced digital scanning technology. Whether you are looking to close a gap, correct crowding, or address a bite problem, our team is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Learn more about the orthodontic services we offer to help you find the right fit for your smile goals.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a sequence of removable, BPA-free plastic trays that apply gentle, consistent pressure to shift your teeth gradually toward their ideal positions. Each set of aligners is custom-made from a precise 3D digital scan of your mouth, ensuring an accurate fit and predictable tooth movement. You wear each set for about two weeks before moving on to the next tray in your series, with each new set bringing your teeth a step closer to the final result.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, clear aligners are sets of clear, thin, plastic-like trays that are custom-formed to fit your mouth and sequentially apply the pressure required to move the teeth. Tooth-colored attachments are frequently placed on certain teeth to help guide movement and improve the precision of each tray. These small composite dots are nearly invisible and help the aligners grip specific teeth to achieve more complex movements.
What to Expect During Your Invisalign Treatment
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation where we evaluate your bite, review your smile goals, and determine whether Invisalign is the right approach for your situation. We use our iTero Lumina intraoral scanner to capture a detailed 3D model of your teeth, which serves as the foundation for your custom treatment plan. This digital technology also allows us to show you a simulated preview of how your smile will look at the end of treatment.
Once your aligners arrive, we fit the first set and make sure everything feels comfortable before you begin wearing them. You will switch to a new set of trays approximately every two weeks, and we schedule periodic check-ins to monitor your progress. Most patients find the initial adjustment period brief, with any mild pressure or sensitivity subsiding quickly as their teeth adapt.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
One of the most common questions we hear is how Invisalign compares to conventional braces. The clearest difference is appearance. Invisalign trays are nearly invisible during wear, which means most people will not notice you are undergoing orthodontic treatment at all. For adults and teens who feel self-conscious about the look of metal hardware, this distinction matters.
Beyond cosmetic concerns, the removable design of Invisalign makes daily life simpler in several practical ways. You take your trays out before meals, so there are no food restrictions to navigate. You also remove them to brush and floss, which means your oral hygiene routine stays largely the same throughout treatment. Conventional braces require more careful maneuvering around wires and brackets, which can make thorough cleaning more difficult. Invisalign also requires fewer office visits than traditional orthodontics, since you receive multiple sets of aligners at once and progress through them at home on a set schedule.
Conditions Invisalign Can Address
Invisalign is effective for a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including:
- Overcrowding
- Spacing and gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Open bites
- Mildly rotated or misaligned teeth
Not every case is suited for clear aligner therapy, and some more complex orthodontic problems may be treated more predictably with traditional braces or a combination of approaches. During your consultation, we will give you an honest assessment of whether Invisalign can achieve the results you are looking for, and we will never recommend treatment that is not right for your specific situation.
Maintaining Your Results After Invisalign
Once you complete treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions. Without proper retention, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back over time. We provide custom retainers and clear guidance on how often to wear them so your results stay intact for the long term.
Regular dental cleanings and exams also play an important role in preserving your investment in orthodontic treatment. Keeping your teeth healthy and clean after Invisalign ensures your smile continues to look and function at its best.
Begin Your Invisalign Journey at Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum is a trusted choice for Invisalign treatment in Charlotte, with a team that combines advanced technology with personalized, attentive care. Dr. Coambs has been recognized as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite from 2019 to 2024 and has received the Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award for eight consecutive years, a reflection of the consistent, high-quality care our patients receive. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and offer flexible financial options, including our dental membership plan for patients without traditional coverage.
Our team is ready to walk you through your options and build a treatment plan that fits your life. To take the first step toward a straighter smile, contact our office and schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth, nearly invisible plastic and are custom fitted to your teeth for comfort and discretion. Unlike traditional braces, they don’t use metal wires or brackets. Instead, the aligners—developed by Align Technology—gently guide your teeth through controlled tooth movement based on a personalized treatment plan designed by your Invisalign doctor.
Align Technology is the company behind Invisalign clear aligners and the advanced digital tools used during treatment. They’ve created systems like the iTero scanner and ClinCheck software, which allow your Invisalign doctor to build a precise 3D treatment plan and preview your expected progress at each stage of your clear aligner journey.
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners are custom made aligners designed specifically for your smile. After digital scans and assessments, your Invisalign doctor sends your information to Align Technology, where a series of aligners are fabricated to follow the exact tooth movement needed to reach your smile goals.
Your Invisalign doctor plays a key role throughout your treatment. They create your personalized treatment plan, monitor your progress during check-ins, and make adjustments if needed. Their experience and use of tools from Align Technology help ensure the most effective and accurate tooth movement with your clear aligners.
Yes, clear aligner treatment can address a range of dental problems—from mild crowding to more complex bite issues. Thanks to advancements from Align Technology, Invisalign clear aligners now offer predictable tooth movement and effective results for many cases that once required metal braces. Your Invisalign doctor will determine if you’re a good candidate based on your individual needs and goals.
Dr. Coambs designs every Invisalign plan with precision and intention — no one-size-fits-all trays, no corporate shortcuts.
Why People Choose Invisalign®:
It is clear and transparent.
They are removable! No food restrictions.
Flexible and Comfortable.
Fewer Appointments.
Better Oral hygiene.
Less painful than braces.
If you are looking to start Invisalign treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ann Coambs by calling us at 704-540-7600.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
Dental Membership Plan
We offer an excellent Membership Plan designed specifically for patients without traditional insurance coverage. Our “Love.Your.Smile.” plans provide access to preventive care, including regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, along with valuable discounts on additional treatments. If you’re looking for transparent pricing and quality dental care without the hassle of insurance claims, our membership plan may be the perfect solution for you and your family. Our team will be happy to discuss which plan best fits your needs during your visit!
