Invisalign® Cary NC Dentist
Invisalign® in Cary NC
If you’d like a straighter smile without metal braces, Invisalign® clear aligners may be the answer. At Alliance Dentistry, our dentists provide Invisalign treatment for teens and adults in a comfortable, relaxed setting, with a personalized plan built around your goals and timeline.
Call 919-363-3100 to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners. Each set gently moves your teeth a little at a time, with no metal wires or brackets. You switch to a new set of aligners on a regular schedule until your teeth reach their planned position.
Benefits of Invisalign
- Nearly invisible. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing aligners, so you can smile confidently throughout treatment.
- More comfortable. Smooth plastic aligners have no brackets or wires to poke or irritate your mouth.
- Removable. Take your aligners out to eat, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
- Easy to keep clean. Remove your aligners to brush and floss normally, which is much easier than cleaning around braces.
- Better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Fewer emergency visits. With no brackets to break or wires to poke, there’s less that can go wrong between appointments.
- Built-in wear tracking. Some aligners include indicators that fade with wear, helping teens and parents track daily wear time.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can correct many common alignment problems, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Open bite
- Teeth that have shifted after braces
If your case would be better treated with traditional braces, we’ll tell you honestly and talk through your options. Learn the top signs you may need orthodontic treatment.
How Invisalign Treatment Works
- Consultation. We’ll examine your teeth, bite, and jaw, talk about your goals, and let you know whether Invisalign is a good fit. If you need any dental work first, such as a filling, we’ll build that into your plan.
- Digital scans and planning. Instead of messy impressions, we take digital scans to create a precise 3D model of your mouth. From it, we map out how your teeth will move and how long treatment will take.
- Wearing your aligners. You’ll wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. You’ll switch to a new set on a regular schedule.
- Progress checkups. We’ll see you periodically to make sure your teeth are moving as planned.
- Retainers. Once your teeth are in their new position, you’ll wear a retainer to keep them there. This step is essential, since teeth naturally try to shift back.
For a closer look, see a step-by-step look at the Invisalign treatment process.
Invisalign for Teens
Many teens prefer clear aligners to the look of metal braces. At your teen’s consultation, we’ll talk with them about their goals in a relaxed setting and encourage them to ask questions. After a detailed exam and digital scans, we’ll walk you and your teen through the treatment plan, including how long it will take, how many aligners are needed, and how to care for them.
Because aligners only work when they’re worn, success depends on your teen wearing them consistently. We’ll share tips to help them stay on track. Wondering about timing? Read about the best age for orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign for Adults
It’s never too late to straighten your teeth. Many of our Invisalign patients are adults who never had braces, or whose teeth shifted after braces years ago. Because the aligners are clear and removable, they fit easily into work and social life. Learn more about Invisalign for adults.
Common Myths About Invisalign
“Invisalign only treats minor problems.” Today’s Invisalign can correct many complex issues, including crowding, gaps, and many bite problems. Your consultation will show whether it’s right for your case.
“You only need to wear aligners part of the day.” For the best results, wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Wearing them less slows your progress.
“Invisalign always takes longer than braces.” Treatment time depends on your case. Many patients finish in about 12 to 18 months, and some mild cases take less.
“Mail-order aligners are the same thing.” Mail-order aligners aren’t planned or monitored in person by a dentist who has examined your teeth, gums, and bite. In-office treatment allows us to spot problems early and adjust your plan as needed.
“Invisalign is uncomfortable.” You may feel some pressure for a day or two when you switch to a new set of aligners. That’s a sign they’re working. Most patients find aligners much more comfortable than braces.
Invisalign FAQs
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. We’ll give you a clear breakdown of costs at your consultation, before you commit.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Many dental plans with orthodontic benefits cover part of the cost of Invisalign, just as they would for braces. We’ll check your benefits and help you get the most from your coverage. See our insurance information.
Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
Take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water. Brush your teeth before putting them back in, so food and sugar don’t get trapped against your teeth.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Some patients notice a slight lisp for the first few days while their tongue adjusts. It usually goes away quickly.
Do I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes. Wearing a retainer as directed keeps your teeth from drifting back and protects the results of your treatment.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Cary
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, a consultation is the first step. We’ll examine your smile, answer your questions, and explain your options, timeline, and costs. Call Alliance Dentistry at 919-363-3100 or request an appointment today.