Invisalign

Home » Invisalign

How clear aligners can realign the teeth without traditional braces

If you are looking for a way to straighten the teeth without dealing with the discomfort and inconvenience of metal braces, using clear aligners might be the best option. Dr. Philip Hahn of Family Dental Choice in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a cosmetic dentist who is excited to offer this alternative for teeth straightening. Instead of referring patients to a local orthodontist, patients can use the Invisalign aligners to achieve a beautiful smile and properly aligned bite.

Spring Invisalign event Charlotte NC

How do clear aligners such as Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners work by gradually moving your teeth into their proper positions over several months while being created from an invisible plastic material that is custom-made to fit snugly in your mouth. They are more discreet than traditional metal braces since they can easily be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. In addition, these invisible braces do not require metal brackets or wires. This means no irritation to the gums or lips that is common with conventional methods. Also, treatment is often comparable in cost with traditional braces, making Invisalign treatment the “clear” choice for most of our patients!

How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?

Clear aligners are removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. They are easy to keep clean, and you only use the trays for two weeks before moving on to the next clear aligner in the series. By the time you reach the final aligner, you will have achieved your dream smile!

How do I find out if Invisalign aligners are right for me?

An Invisalign consultation visit will need to be scheduled at Family Dental Choice to first determine candidacy for treatment. An evaluation is performed, and patients are educated on how to use Invisalign to achieve a straighter smile. Call (704) 741-1307 to request an initial visit with Dr. Philip Hahn and speak to the team about treatment. The office is located at 16049 Johnston Road, Suite I and is open to new patients from in and around the community, including the local cities of Marvin, Pineville, and Weddington in North Carolina and Indian Land and Fort Mill in South Carolina.

Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is the industry leader in clear aligner orthodontics. Popular as an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign can correct a wide range of malocclusion and alignment issues at a reasonable cost. While traditional orthodontics requires metal brackets and wires to shift teeth, Invisalign accomplishes this using a series of clear plastic aligners. These aligners are discreet (basically invisible), comfortable, and easy to remove.

Invisalign shifts teeth into the correct alignment and position using a series of clear plastic aligners. Once images of your teeth are taken by your Charlotte, North Carolina dentist, these will be sent to an Invisalign lab where your aligners will be created. Each set of aligners will be worn for a prescribed period, usually around two weeks, before you move to the next set of aligners. Each aligner set is designed to exert pressure on your teeth so that they are gradually, consistently shifted into their correct position. Once you complete the final set of aligners, your treatment will reach its completion. Our team will be with you every step of the way to guide and monitor your progress to ensure that your treatment stays on track and you get the expected results.

As with any orthodontic treatment that physically shifts your teeth, there is some discomfort with Invisalign. This period of discomfort is brief and occurs when you start wearing your new aligners, and they begin to exert pressure on your teeth. To minimize this initial discomfort, you can start wearing your new aligner sets before you go to bed at night. This allows your teeth several hours to adjust to the new pressure. Any discomfort felt will not be as bad as you would experience with traditional metal braces.

The benefit our patients love the most is the discreet nature of the treatment. Because Invisalign utilizes clear plastic aligners, they are virtually invisible when worn. They are also easy to remove, meaning there are no dietary restrictions while undergoing the Invisalign treatment. Simply remove your aligners when eating, then either brush or (at least) rinse your mouth before putting them back on. Additionally, Invisalign has designed its own patented SmartTrack material. This material results in the most comfortable and best-fitting aligners on the market.

Invisalign is the only clear aligner brand on the market that has its own patented clear aligner material. Invisalign’s SmartTrack proprietary material delivers more predictable teeth movement and unmatched comfort. Also, unlike many clear aligner competitors, Invisalign’s clear aligners (and retainers) are trimmed based on the individual’s gumline. This ensures optimal patient comfort and aesthetics.

Maintaining your Invisalign clear aligners could not be easier. To clean your aligners, use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled brush. Invisalign also offers its own cleaning solution. Never use over-the-counter cleaning products on your aligners without first consulting with Dr. Hahn, as harsh cleaners could damage your clear aligners.

Once your Invisalign clear aligner treatment is complete, it is often recommended that a retainer is worn. A retainer will prevent your teeth from shifting back to their misaligned position over time. Each case is different, so please consult with our team on what you can expect following your Invisalign treatment.