We Help You Get That Perfect Smile
Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic dental concern! Many patients are unaware of the oral health concerns that crooked teeth cause, and usually ignore the issue. Straight and properly aligned teeth are important components to a beautiful and healthy smile. Improper alignment can lead to damaged teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, and TMJ disorders. Dr. Reece provides the Invisalign clear aligner system for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Invisalign has reinvented the orthodontic process as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth over time. The aligners gradually shift teeth into alignment without the discomfort or bulk of metal braces. Furthermore, the aligners are barely visible to other people. So adults can straighten their teeth without interfering with their professional or personal lives.
Do you want a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile? Are you looking for an experienced Invisalign dentist near you? Dr. Reece provides Invisalign in Charlotte, NC at his Mallard Creek dental practice. He can help you straighten your smile at any age using discreet clear aligners!
Patients may also benefit from dental treatments such as a dental crown or porcelain veneers if they only have one crooked tooth. For example, dental crowns and veneers can improve the look of your smile if misalignment does not affect the health or function of your bite. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign and other options.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Addressing crooked teeth can help improve your confidence and your oral health. What are the general benefits of straightening crooked teeth, and what unique benefits does Invisalign offer patients? One of the general benefits of straightening crooked teeth is that it makes them look straighter and more attractive. Patients undergoing Invisalign often report an improved self-image because they are now able to smile without a retainer or other appliance. Invisalign is also a cost-effective alternative for patients who want to straighten their teeth but who cannot afford braces.
Though many of us think that crooked teeth don’t have serious consequences, they can actually wreak havoc on your oral health. Crooked teeth can cause:
- Speech issues
- Uneven bite
- 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. Crooked teeth may make it difficult to clean areas between teeth. If these spaces are not cleaned properly, bacteria can form and plaque may build up, resulting in 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.
Invisalign Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Invisalign is a faster and more comfortable alternative to metal braces. Traditional metal braces can pinch the gum tissue surrounding teeth and often have an average treatment time that spans several years. The average time of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is twelve months or less.
Patients who use Invisalign can also take the clear aligners out to eat and brush their teeth. So there are no forbidden foods like popcorn or sticky candy. In addition, because the aligners used in Invisalign treatment are clear, they are less noticeable than traditional braces.
The Invisalign Process
Before we create an Invisalign treatment plan, Dr. Greg Reece will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you. He will help you decide if Invisalign is the right treatment for you and your needs. To begin the process, we will make a mold of your teeth for your first custom aligner trays. Then, we will send that mold to the Invisalign lab. 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 will change out the clear aligners every two weeks as your teeth shift. Treatment is highly custom, as each set of aligners conform to shifting teeth. Depending on your individual needs, treatment can last from six months to twelve or eighteen months.
Invisalign FAQs
How long should I wear the clear aligners each day?
You should wear your clear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours in a row per day. The only reason you should remove them is for food and drink breaks, and brushing and flossing. You should not remove aligners during the last month of treatment, as it may affect final alignment. It can take anywhere from six months to two years before you see the full results of treatment. Dr. Reece will go over your daily use of the aligners and how to care for them.
Is treatment with Invisalign painful?
The 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 fades as your teeth continue to adjust. There are no shots, drills or discomfort during your initial exam.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign typically does not require any dietary restrictions. However, you need to 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 to eat only soft foods while wearing the aligners or removing them before eating anything.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Invisalign Consultation
Are you looking for a faster way to straighten your smile? Your search to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth is over! Call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 or request an appointment to see if Invisalign is right for you. Dr. Reece will work with you to help you choose an effective treatment, whether it is Invisalign or other restorative option. We serve Mallard Creek, all of Charlotte and surrounding areas near you.