If you’ve been hesitant to straighten your teeth because of concerns about traditional metal braces, Invisalign offers an excellent alternative. At our Southern Pines dental practice, Dr. Conor Gessell provides Invisalign clear aligner therapy as a comfortable, discreet option for achieving the straight smile you’ve always wanted. This innovative orthodontic system has transformed millions of smiles worldwide, and Dr. Gessell’s expertise can help determine if it’s the right choice for your unique dental needs.
Understanding Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Unlike traditional braces with brackets and wires, these nearly invisible aligners are removable and made from smooth, comfortable plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums. The aligners are digitally designed specifically for your mouth using advanced 3D imaging technology, ensuring a precise fit and predictable results.
The Invisalign system can address many of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. For many patients, this treatment provides comparable results to conventional braces while offering significant lifestyle advantages. During your consultation, Dr. Gessell will evaluate your specific case to determine if Invisalign is suitable for your orthodontic needs.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Your Invisalign journey at our Southern Pines practice begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Gessell will examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and take digital impressions of your current tooth alignment. These impressions are used to create a 3D model of your mouth, which Dr. Gessell uses to map out a precise treatment plan showing the exact movements of your teeth and approximately how long your treatment will take.
Once your custom aligners are created, you’ll receive several sets at once with instructions to wear each set for about one to two weeks before progressing to the next. The aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours daily, removed only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and cleaning your teeth. This schedule ensures your teeth move at the appropriate pace for optimal results.
Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit Dr. Gessell approximately every six to eight weeks so he can monitor your progress and provide you with new sets of aligners. These check-ups are quick and comfortable, with no painful adjustments like those sometimes associated with traditional braces. Most Invisalign treatments for adults take between 12 and 18 months, though your specific timeline will depend on the complexity of your case and your compliance with wearing the aligners as directed.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign
The most obvious advantage of Invisalign is aesthetics; the clear aligners are barely noticeable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the self-consciousness that metal braces can cause. This makes Invisalign particularly popular among adults and professionals who want to maintain a polished appearance during treatment.
Beyond appearance, Invisalign offers significant practical benefits. The removable nature of the aligners means you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods without restrictions. You’ll also maintain your normal oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing as usual without navigating around brackets and wires. This often results in better overall dental health during treatment compared to traditional braces.
Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable than conventional orthodontics. The smooth plastic aligners don’t have sharp edges or protruding components that can irritate soft tissues in your mouth. While you may experience some pressure when you first switch to a new set of aligners, most patients find this discomfort mild and brief.
Treatment with Invisalign often requires fewer office visits than traditional braces, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. You can preview your expected results before committing to the treatment, since the entire treatment is planned digitally from the start.
Caring for Your Aligners and Post-Treatment
Proper care of your Invisalign aligners ensures the best treatment outcome. Dr. Gessell recommends rinsing your aligners whenever you remove them and brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush before reinserting. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic, and store aligners in their protective case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Dr. Gessell typically recommends wearing retainers full-time initially, then transitioning to nighttime wear. This crucial step prevents your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions, a natural tendency that can occur after any orthodontic treatment.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation
If you’re interested in discovering whether Invisalign could be the solution for your smile concerns, contact our Southern Pines dental office today at 910-390-1259 or fill out our form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Conor Gessell. During this appointment, Dr. Gessell will evaluate your specific needs, answer your questions about the process, and help you determine if Invisalign is the right choice for achieving your dream smile. Many patients are surprised to learn they’re excellent candidates for this innovative treatment option.