Crooked teeth do more than affect your appearance. They can make it harder to clean between your teeth, put uneven pressure on your jaw, and contribute to problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorders. Straightening your teeth is one of the best things you can do for your long-term oral health.
Dr. Greg Reece offers Invisalign in Charlotte, NC as a comfortable, discreet way to straighten teeth for teens and adults. He has completed advanced Invisalign coaching training focused on treating cases with predictability and on-time results. Combined with his Dawson Academy training in bite and jaw health, Dr. Reece brings a level of care to Invisalign treatment that goes well beyond simply straightening teeth.
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
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.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign addresses the root of these problems, not just the appearance. Dr. Reece’s training in bite health means he looks at all of these factors when planning your treatment.
Invisalign Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into the correct position. The aligners are nearly invisible when you wear them, and because they are removable, you can eat, brush, and floss without any restrictions.
Most Invisalign cases at Dentistry of the Queen City are complete in 12 months or less. Treatment time depends on how much movement your teeth need. Dr. Reece will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit.
How does Invisalign compare to metal braces?
Traditional braces use brackets and wires that are fixed to your teeth for the entire treatment period. Invisalign aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and do not require tightening appointments. Most patients find Invisalign more comfortable and much easier to fit into their daily routine.
The Invisalign Process
You can get clear Invisalign aligners in a few office visits.
Step 1: Your Consultation
Your first visit starts with a thorough exam. Dr. Reece will review your teeth, gums, and bite before recommending Invisalign. This is an important step that many providers skip. Because Dr. Reece is trained through the Dawson Academy in bite evaluation, he checks that Invisalign will improve not just how your teeth look but how your whole bite functions. If there are any underlying issues like gum disease or early decay, he will address those first.
Step 2: Digital Impressions and Treatment Planning
If Invisalign is the right fit, Dr. Reece takes a digital scan of your teeth. No messy impressions needed. The scan is used to map out the full movement of your teeth from start to finish, and you can see a preview of your expected results before treatment even begins.
Step 3: Receiving Your Aligners
Your first set of custom aligners is made in an Invisalign lab and ready within a few weeks. You will come in to pick up your first set and confirm the fit. After that, new aligner sets are mailed directly to you.
Step 4: Wearing Your Aligners
Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving to the next. You need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day for treatment to stay on track. Remove them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush or floss.
Step 5: Progress Checkups
Dr. Reece will schedule periodic checkups to monitor your progress and make sure your teeth are moving as planned. His advanced Invisalign training is specifically focused on keeping cases on time and on track.
Step 6: Retainers
Once your final aligner is complete, you will transition to wearing retainers to keep your teeth in their new position. Dr. Reece will provide custom retainers and walk you through how long to wear them.
Patient Review
Invisalign FAQs
Read answers to these common patient questions about Invisalign in our Charlotte, NC, dental office:
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?
Invisalign is not painful, but you may feel some pressure or mild soreness for a day or two each time you switch to a new set of aligners. This is a normal sign that the aligners are working. It fades quickly as your teeth adjust. There are no needles, drills, or sharp wires involved at any point in the process.
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. Without retainers, your teeth will gradually shift back toward their old positions. Dr. Reece will provide custom retainers and explain exactly how long to wear them. Most patients wear retainers full-time for about six months after completing treatment, removing them only to eat and brush. After that, wearing them only at night is usually enough to keep your results.
Is Invisalign Cheaper than Metal Braces?
The cost of Invisalign and metal braces is generally similar. What you pay depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. Dr. Reece will give you a clear cost estimate at your consultation. We also offer flexible payment plans to help make treatment fit your budget.
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Invisalign Treatments?
Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits will cover a portion of Invisalign costs. Coverage varies by plan, so our team will check your benefits and let you know what is included before you commit to treatment. We also offer flexible payment plans for any remaining balance.
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.
Are you a Costco member in Charlotte, NC? We have an Invisalign offer for you! Save $400 on your Invisalign treatment with Dr. Greg Reece. To learn more, visit Costco Invisalign Special.