Crooked teeth can cause more than just a cosmetic issues. Many don’t realize the impact that misaligned teeth can have on their oral health, and often overlook the problem. But having straight teeth is not just about looking good, it’s also important for a healthy mouth. If your teeth are not properly aligned, it can lead to dental problems like damaged teeth, gum disease, and TMJ disorders.
Dr. Greg Reece offers Invisalign in Charlotte, NC as a cosmetic dental treatment for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
This clear aligner system is a great alternative to traditional metal braces. The orthodontic process is much more comfortable and discreet. Invisalign uses a series of plastic trays to gradually move your teeth into place without metal brackets and wires. The aligners are nearly invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.
If you only have one crooked tooth, there are other dental treatments available that can help improve its appearance. Options like dental crowns and porcelain veneers can enhance the look of your tooth without affecting its health or function.
Dr. Reece provides Invisalign at his Mallard Creek dental practice. He can help you straighten teeth at any age using discreet clear aligners. You will be able to go about your daily life without any interruptions.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Fixing crooked teeth can boost your confidence and improve your overall oral health. Straightening your teeth has many perks, one of which is that it makes them look more attractive.
Patients who use Invisalign often feel more confident and can smile without any visible braces. Clear aligners are also a more affordable option for those unable to pay for traditional braces. While crooked teeth might not seem important, they can actually impact your oral health in a big way. 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 hard to clean areas between teeth. If you don’t properly clean these spaces, bacteria can form and plaque may build up and cause 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 using the Invisalign system.
Invisalign Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Invisalign is a quicker and more comfortable option than metal braces for teens and adults. Traditional metal braces can be annoying and can take years to fix teeth. With Invisalign, it’s usually done in 12 months or less.
You can take out the clear aligners to eat and brush your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods like popcorn or sticky candy. Plus, the aligners are barely noticeable, so you won’t have a mouth full of metal like with traditional braces.
The Invisalign Process
Before we build your Invisalign treatment plan, Dr. Greg Reece will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you. He will help you decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
We will make a digital impression of your teeth to begin the process. Then, we will send that impression to the Invisalign lab, where they will create your first custom aligner trays. 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’ll switch out the clear aligners every two weeks as your teeth move. Each set of aligners will fit your changing smile. How long treatment lasts varies depending on your teeth, anywhere from six to twelve or eighteen months.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about Invisalign 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 is that the aligners are clear so they’re 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 keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
Invisalign also tends to be more comfortable than metal braces. It doesn’t use wires or brackets that can poke or irritate your gums.
Many patients find that they spend less time at the dentist because you can change the aligners at home instead of visiting for 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 don’t remove the aligners during the last month of treatment because 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?
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 go away 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 doesn’t come with 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 soft 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 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
Your search to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth is over. For a faster way to straighten your teeth call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911. You can also request an appointment online to see if Invisalign is right for you.
Dr. Reece will first determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign in his Charlotte, NC dental office. Then, he will help you choose an effective treatment. We serve patients from Mallard Creek, Charlotte, and the surrounding Mecklenburg County areas.