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811 St. Andrews Blvd, Ste B Charleston, SC 29407

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Invisalign Charleston SC

Invisalign®An Overview

The development of invisible braces for orthodontic treatment has revolutionized the patient experience. Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn are Charleston Invisalign® providers, and they can help teen and adult patients achieve a beautiful, healthier smile. Invisalign treatment is discreet, comfortable, and effective.

Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn provide the best cosmetic dental care in Charleston, SC. We often recommend Invisalign to address misalignment and mild to moderate bite concerns, to improve dental health, and the esthetics of your smile. Invisible braces can be used to treat:

Invisalign® vs Metal Braces

Straightening your teeth will support your long-term dental health by avoiding gum disease, in addition to providing the smile you have always wanted. Metal braces are the conventional treatment, but there are many disadvantages to using them when compared to Invisalign. Invisible braces alleviate many of the hassles associated with traditional metal braces including:

  • The duration of treatment can be shorter
  • There are no dietary restrictions
  • They are more comfortable and removable
  • With clear braces, the treatment is discreet
  • There are no risks of tooth enamel staining from permanently attached brackets
  • Not worrying about food getting stuck in the metal brackets

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners offers several key benefits for teen and adult patients:

  • The invisible aligners are made of a smooth material that does not irritate the gums and soft tissues of the mouth.
  • The aligners are removable for daily oral hygiene and enjoying foods and beverages without restriction.
  • Treatment is generally completed in 12-15 months and maintained with a retainer.

Invisalign® What to Expect

Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will meet with you to evaluate your dental health and determine that you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If Invisalign is right for you, they will create a treatment plan and discuss the length and cost of your orthodontic care.

Treatment will begin with digital impressions that are used with the CAD/CAM software to design and order your custom clear aligners. With this specialized software, you can see each step of the treatment plan, tracking your teeth’s movements with each set of aligners. We will send the files to the Invisalign® laboratory that will then generate several sets of clear plastic aligners.

Once we receive your clear aligners, you will come back in to try them on. You will not need to visit the dentist every time you receive new aligners. Your dentist will thoroughly explain how to remove and place your aligners and provide a schedule for changing them out and visiting with us for checkups. The aligners are typically changed every two weeks and should be worn 20-22 hours per day for optimal results.

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Invisalign® FAQs

How quick is Invisalign treatment?

Treatment length will depend on how severe your malocclusion is and how well all instructions are followed. The number of aligners and length of treatment depends upon the severity of your dental concerns and cosmetic goals

Is Invisalign painful?

No. Invisalign gently repositions the teeth as the aligners are changed out, causing minimal to no discomfort as your new smile slowly emerges. You can remove them daily to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth, reducing the risk of decay and tooth staining that can occur when using traditional metal braces.

Is wearing a retainer necessary after Invisalign?

Yes. A retainer is the best way to keep your teeth straight after any orthodontics treatment. We will provide personalized oral hygiene advice during your treatment and always recommend using a retainer for the long term to keep your smile looking straight and functioning optimally.

Can I accelerate my Invisalign treatment?

No, don’t try to quicken your treatment on your own. You may think that when you’re no longer sore after changing to a new set of aligners, you’re good to change to a new set. This isn’t true. Your gum tissue and bones take time to adjust to the new positioning. Going too fast can make your teeth loosen and even fall out.

What happens if I don't wear my aligners for 20-22 hours a day?

If you don’t wear the aligners for the right amount of time, it lengthens the course of your treatment. There’s a reason why they need to be on your teeth for that long. Without it, the teeth won’t be in the correct position.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Patients that have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns are the ideal patients for Invisalign treatment. If you have some more severe orthodontic issues, you may require further intervention, like orthodontic appliances or metal braces. You also have to be responsible enough to wear the aligners for the proper amount of time, not damage them, and not lose them when you take them out to eat.

Can anyone get Invisalign?

Most people can get Invisalign, but it depends on your specific dental needs. Invisalign works best for those with mild to moderate teeth misalignments, such as crooked teeth, gaps, or bite issues. However, if you have more severe problems, traditional braces might be a better option.

We will evaluate your teeth and jaw to see if Invisalign is right for you. They will explain the best treatment options based on your situation, so you can have a healthy, beautiful smile.

Can I get Invisalign if I have orthodontic relapse?

Yes, you can get Invisalign if you have orthodontic relapse. This problem happens when your teeth shift back to their original positions after you’ve had braces or another treatment. Invisalign can help move your teeth back to where they should be.

We can create a custom treatment plan to help you get your smile back on track. Just remember to wear your aligners as directed for the best results.

Related Procedures

Cosmetic Dentistry Crooked Teeth Dental Concerns