Invisalign® in Charlotte, NC

Understanding How Invisalign® Treatment Works

Invisalign® treatment uses a sequence of custom-made, removable plastic trays that apply gentle pressure to shift teeth gradually. Unlike conventional edgewise braces with metal brackets bonded to teeth, these advanced clear aligners snap over your teeth and can be easily removed for eating and cleaning. Each set of customized aligners moves your teeth slightly closer to their final positions before you switch to the next set in your treatment plan.

The Invisalign® system has demonstrated an 88-90% success rate in correcting various orthodontic issues. The treatment process addresses overcrowded teeth, spacing problems, rotated or misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Your Invisalign® doctor evaluates your specific situation to determine if this aligner therapy suits your needs and goals for straightening teeth.

What to Expect During Your Invisalign® Journey

Your Invisalign® journey begins with a thorough consultation where we assess your smile goals and determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. We discuss the treatment cost, dental insurance coverage options, and answer questions about the treatment process. Many patients wonder how Invisalign® treatment effectiveness compares to traditional orthodontics, and we provide honest guidance based on your unique situation.

Initial Assessment and Planning

During your first visit, we capture multiple digital X-ray images and photographs of your mouth, teeth, and jaw structure. Using our state-of-the-art iTero Lumina scanner, we take a 3D digital scan that serves as the model for your customized treatment plan. This advanced technology allows us to show you a preview of how your teeth will transform throughout the Invisalign® treatment, giving you a clear picture of your future new smile.

Tooth Preparation

Based on your unique dental structure, we typically place small composite resin attachments on certain teeth. These nearly invisible dots help the customized aligners fit correctly and grip the teeth to facilitate movement. We may also gently reshape the enamel in specific areas to allow teeth to move and rotate properly, ensuring optimal results from your aligner therapy.

Fitting Your Invisible Aligners

When your custom invisible aligners arrive, we place the attachments and fit your first set of trays to assess comfort and alignment. The aligners will feel snug initially as they begin working to straighten your teeth. Any discomfort typically subsides within a few days as your mouth adjusts. If you experience ongoing issues, we make necessary adjustments to ensure your treatment process continues smoothly.

Progressing Through Treatment

During the first few days with each new set of aligners, you may notice slight movement and sensitivity in your teeth. This sensation should diminish quickly as your teeth adjust. You’ll change to a new set of aligners every two weeks, with each set bringing your teeth closer to their ideal positions through predictable tooth movements. We schedule periodic check-ins to monitor progress and modify your timeline if needed.

Comparing Invisalign® Aligners to Traditional Braces

Many patients considering orthodontic treatment want to understand how Invisalign® treatment compares to conventional braces. Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires permanently attached to teeth throughout treatment, requiring frequent adjustments and dietary restrictions. Teens, unlike braces wearers of the past, can now choose Invisalign® treatment as an effective alternative for straightening teeth without the social concerns of visible metal hardware.

The ability to easily remove Invisalign® aligners makes daily life simpler. You can take out your trays before meals, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging brackets or getting food stuck in wires. The removable design also makes brushing and flossing more straightforward than navigating around conventional braces, supporting better oral health during treatment.

Clear aligners require fewer office visits than traditional orthodontics because you receive multiple sets of aligners at once and progress through them at home. Traditional braces need regular tightening appointments, whereas Invisalign® check-ins happen less frequently. This convenience appeals to busy adults and teens who want to minimize disruptions to their schedules while achieving a straighter smile.

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign® Treatment at Imagine Dentistry

Selecting Invisalign® in Charlotte means choosing a treatment that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle while delivering impressive results. The clear plastic material makes the aligners nearly invisible during wear, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. Most people won’t notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them, which provides confidence during social and professional interactions.

Beyond aesthetics, the removable nature of these advanced clear aligners supports better oral hygiene throughout your treatment journey. Unlike with conventional braces, you can brush and floss normally by simply removing your aligners, reducing your risk of cavities and gum problems. Straighter teeth also become easier to clean properly once treatment concludes, contributing to long-term dental health.

The smooth plastic used in Invisalign® provides greater comfort compared to metal braces. Without wires and brackets that can poke and irritate your gums and cheeks, you experience fewer sore spots and emergencies. The flexible treatment plan accommodates your schedule with fewer required appointments than traditional orthodontics demands.

Understanding Invisalign® Treatment Cost and Insurance

Invisalign® treatment cost varies based on the complexity of your case and the duration of treatment needed to achieve your goals. During your free consultation, we provide a detailed breakdown of expenses and discuss dental insurance coverage that may apply to orthodontic treatment. Many insurance plans cover Invisalign® similarly to how they cover traditional braces, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs significantly.

We work with you to explore flexible payment options that make your new smile affordable. Our team helps you navigate insurance claims and provides transparent information about all fees before you begin treatment. This upfront approach allows you to make informed decisions about choosing Invisalign® treatment with confidence in the investment you’re making in your oral health.

Maintaining Your Results After Treatment

Once you complete your Invisalign® journey, wearing a retainer becomes essential to preserve your newly straightened teeth. Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions without proper retention. We provide custom retainers and guidance on wearing them nightly to maintain the beautiful results you’ve worked to achieve.

Your healthy smile requires ongoing care through regular dental cleanings and exams. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits protects your investment in orthodontic treatment and keeps your teeth looking their best. We partner with you for long-term dental health, supporting you beyond the completion of your aligner therapy.

5 Benefits of Getting Invisalign® Clear Aligners

In addition to straightening your smile, Invisalign® can boost your confidence so that you Love.Your.Smile. in every photo and every social situation! Invisalign, combined with our high-quality care, offers the following benefits that make it such a popular solution:

• Discreet: Invisalign® aligners are made with clear plastic, making them ideal for people who don’t want the look of metal braces.
• Removable: Your aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods during your treatment.
• Improved oral health: Because Invisalign® is removable, you can take better care of your teeth during treatment, reducing your risk of cavities. Additionally, having straighter teeth makes it easier to clean your teeth and gums properly.
• Flexible: Invisalign® requires fewer follow-up appointments than traditional braces, so it’s easier to fit into your busy schedule.
• More comfortable: Without the metal wires and brackets that can poke and irritate your gums and other soft tissues, you can have a more comfortable experience with the smooth plastic used in Invisalign®.

At Imagine Dentistry, we use the latest technology and techniques to give you precise and customized Invisalign® system treatment tailored to your smile. With extensive experience, commitment to patient satisfaction, and flexible financial options, including guidance on dental insurance plans, you can rest assured your smile is in the right hands with us.

Begin Your Invisalign® Journey Today With Imagine Dentistry

If you’re considering Invisalign® in Charlotte, NC, you’re looking for an effective solution to straighten your teeth without the appearance of braces. At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings over 20 years of experience as an Invisalign® treatment doctor, earning recognition as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite from 2019 to 2024 and receiving the Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award for eight consecutive years. Our practice combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver customized treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and goals.

We guide you through every step of the treatment process, from your initial free consultation to the day you complete your transformation. Our team uses the latest techniques to ensure your customized aligners fit correctly and deliver the results you deserve.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out through our contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Why People Choose Invisalign®:

If you are looking to start Invisalign treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ann Coambs by calling us at 704-540-7600.