Invisalign® in Pineville, NC

A bright, confident smile is a key element in one’s appearance and personality. It influences how people perceive you. Feeling good about your smile not only makes you happier but also helps those around you feel more comfortable. On the other hand, if you are self-conscious about misaligned or crooked teeth, smiling openly is probably easier said than done. 

At Park Crossing Dentistry, we help our patients in Pineville, NC, achieve a straight, white smile they can be proud of. If you are looking for a local dentist who is dedicated to improving your oral health and infusing you with a good dose of self-confidence, you have come to the right place.

What Is Invisalign?

If your teeth are crooked or an overbite or underbite is visible, it’s a valid concern. Research shows that nearly one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile—36% believe they would have a better social life if they had better teeth, and 17% feel that their appearance negatively affects their professional success. But that’s not all. When you have crooked or crowded teeth, it is known as malocclusion, which may result in a number of oral health complications.

Invisalign was designed as the answer to all these problems: it uses a series of clear, removable aligners made from a flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. Unlike traditional metal braces that feel intrusive or conspicuous, these aligners are virtually invisible. They correct a variety of dental misalignments using gentle pressure while being minimally noticeable. Whether you are a teenager or a corporate employee in your 40s, Invisalign offers you a discreet way to transform your smile.

How Does the Treatment Work?

During your initial consultation at Park Crossing Dentistry, we will examine your teeth, take x-rays, discuss your dental history, and explain how Invisalign may help you achieve your goals for a confident smile.

If you decide to go ahead, our dedicated orthodontic practice team will take digital impressions of your teeth using a scanner. These images are used to create a 3D model of your teeth. You will see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move during the treatment process and what they will look like at the end. The custom data from your scans is sent to a lab where your entire series of Invisalign aligners is fabricated.

Once your aligners are ready, you will receive your first set along with instructions on how to wear and care for them. Most patients get a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. We will provide you with several sets at once so you can change them at home according to the schedule we provide. You will be scheduled for follow-ups every four to six weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned and to receive the next series of aligners. Each set is slightly different to move your teeth gradually towards their final position.

You must wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, and remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. Once your teeth are in the desired position, you will transition to wearing retainers to prevent your teeth from slowly shifting back to their original position.

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

At Park Crossing Dentistry, we usually recommend Invisalign to correct moderately rotated teeth (less than 20 degrees of rotation) or to achieve vertical movements of teeth. If you want to get other dental procedures such as veneers, crowns, or implants, then Invisalign may be suggested to align your teeth beforehand.

This is a versatile orthodontic treatment that can address many issues:

• Crowded teeth
• Overbite (“overjet”)
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gap teeth
• Open bite
• Mildly rotated teeth
• Deep bite (where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth excessively)
• Mixed dentition (a combination of primary/baby and permanent teeth in younger patients)
• General teeth straightening for aesthetic improvement
• Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment (where teeth have shifted back)

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign for Teeth Alignment

They are discreet and unobtrusive

Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, flexible plastic that is hard to see when worn. If you are at work or attending a social event, it’s unlikely anyone will notice you are undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you mention it.

They can be removed

Unlike the standard braces, you can remove the Invisalign aligners before eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Nothing is stopping you from enjoying a steak or corn on the cob. After your meal, simply brush and floss your teeth normally, and you are good to go.

They are gentler than metal braces

As Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic with no sharp edges, they are softer and more comfortable than wearing braces made of metal, which have brackets and wires that can irritate your cheeks and gums. If you are an athlete or physically active, Invisalign reduces the risk of mouth injuries during sports activities.

They have a more precise design

To start your Invisalign treatment, our Pineville cosmetic dentistry office takes a digital scan from which a 3D model of your teeth is created. Before you start wearing your first set of aligners, you can get motivated by seeing a digital preview of your finished healthy smile.

They have less impact on your speech

With metal braces, wearers may experience a temporary lisp or other minor speech impediments as the mouth adjusts to the brackets. Invisalign aligners are thin and fit snugly over your teeth, so they don’t have that much effect on your ability to speak or pronounce certain words.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

You know what conventional braces look like—metal brackets that are glued to each tooth and linked by a wire. These brackets and wires are periodically adjusted by our team to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. If you are not sure about whether to choose Invisalign or braces, consider the following:

• Appearance: If your braces have visible metal components, they are naturally going to be more perceptible. You can choose ceramic or colored metal braces, but they are always going to be far more conspicuous than Invisalign, which uses clear, indiscernible plastic aligners.
• Comfort: Metal brackets take some getting used to as they may irritate your soft oral tissues in the beginning. Invisalign aligners are smooth and custom-fitted, so there is little to no risk.
• Treatment Duration: Most patients who get standard, fixed braces have to wear them for at least two years or more, depending on how severe their bite issue is. The average treatment time for Invisalign is around 12 to 18 months.
• Dietary Restrictions: Hard, sticky, or chewy foods are off-limits when you are wearing metal braces as they can damage the brackets and wires. No such limitations with Invisalign since aligners are removed while eating.
• Maintenance: You need to be very careful when cleaning around the metal brackets and wires, which easily adds five to 10 more minutes to your daily oral hygiene routine. Invisalign aligners must be cleaned separately but allow for easier brushing and flossing of teeth.

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?

If you live in Pineville, North Carolina, your dental insurance plan likely covers Invisalign. We recommend checking your insurance documents and looking for terms like “orthodontic treatments,” “orthodontic benefits,” or “clear aligners”. Whether your insurance only covers a percentage of the cost or provides no coverage at all, Park Crossing Dentistry can help. 

We are in-network with almost all insurance providers in North Carolina and offer financing for those paying out-of-pocket. Our English and Spanish-speaking staff can file the insurance claim on your behalf.

Park Crossing Dentistry: Join Generations of Satisfied Patients from Pineville to Charlotte

Gone are the days when being a “metal mouth” was part of the journey to a brighter, straighter smile. At Park Crossing Dentistry, our orthodontists have decades of combined experience in creating radiant smiles and lasting confidence through the correction of misaligned teeth at an affordable price for patients in Pineville, NC.

A Dental Care Team That Feels Like Family

From the moment you step through our doors, you are more than just a patient. You have our undivided attention as we listen to your needs and smile aspirations. Our goal is to bring to life the smile that illuminates your features and lights up your entire face. With each aligner, watch as we start revealing how you see yourself and how the world sees you.

40+ Years of Experience You Can Trust

Over four decades in dentistry have equipped us with a profound understanding of the myriad ways teeth can misalign and the best methods to correct them. We have seen smiles hidden behind hands and mouths closed in laughter—all seeking change. Our experience with Invisalign invisible aligners is extensive. Trust in our history to help you leave our office with a smile that is both a work of art and a badge of courage.

A Treatment Experience You Will Appreciate

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through your Invisalign plan with the ease of chatting with an old friend. Forget the clinical feel and stiff conversations. We explain the hows and whys in plain English—or Spanish, or Laos—so you know precisely what to expect going into each appointment. 

Come visit our family-friendly dental clinic in Charlotte to see how our highest-quality care and advanced treatment options can brighten your smile and your facial appearance. To book your free consultation, call us at 980-201-7924 or send us a message here.