Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic dental issue! Many patients are unaware of the oral health concerns that crooked teeth cause, and usually ignore the issue. However, 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 gradually straighten teeth over time.
A series of clear plastic aligners will gradually shift your teeth into alignment. You won’t need to hassle with the discomfort or bulk of metal brackets and wires! Furthermore, the aligners are barely visible to other people. So adults can straighten their teeth without interfering with their professional or personal lives.
You may also benefit from other dental treatments if you only have one crooked tooth. For example, dental crowns and porcelain veneers can improve your smile if misalignment does not affect the health or function of your bite. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign and other options.
Do you want a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile? Are you looking for an experienced Invisalign dentist? Dr. Reece provides Invisalign near you at his Mallard Creek dental practice. He can help you straighten your smile at any age using discreet clear aligners!
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Correcting crooked teeth can help improve your confidence and your oral health. Straightening your crooked teeth will provide you with many benefits. One of the benefits of straightening crooked teeth is that it makes them look more attractive.
Our patients who undergo Invisalign treatment often feel better about themselves too. They can now smile freely without needing a retainer or other appliance. Invisalign is also a cost-effective alternative for patients who cannot afford braces.
Crooked teeth may not seem like a huge deal, but they can actually have significant consequences for your oral health. 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 difficult to clean areas between teeth. If you do not properly clean these spaces, 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 in Charlotte, NC with the Invisalign system!
Invisalign Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Invisalign is a faster and more comfortable alternative to metal braces for both teens and adults. Traditional metal braces can pinch the gum tissue surrounding teeth. They often have an average treatment time that spans several years. However, 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, the aligners are less noticeable than traditional braces. The aligners we use for Invisalign treatment are virtually invisible!
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 digital impression of your teeth for your first custom aligner trays. Then, we will send that impression to the Invisalign lab where they will create your aligners. 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 twenty to twenty-two 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 will fade 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 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. We recommend removing them before eating anything, just in case.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Gently brush your aligners with a 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 won’t get dusty.
Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?
Yes, you need to wear retainers following treatment. A retainer will make sure that your teeth do not shift back into 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 have to use a retainer for about twice as long as they had Invisalign 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 Invisalign 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.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign treatments?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans will not help you with the cost of Invisalign. Insurance providers see this as an elective treatment that is not necessary. Fortunately, we offer flexible payment plans and will help you maximize your insurance benefits.
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 first check if you are a good candidate for Invisalign in Charlotte, NC. Then, he will help you choose an effective treatment, whether it is Invisalign or another option. We serve Mallard Creek, Charlotte and surrounding areas near you.