INVISALIGN

Invisalign® braces are the clear way to straighten teeth, featuring the use of a series of clear Invisalign aligners. These aligners are virtually invisible, which means you’ll straighten your teeth without obvious metal wires and brackets. Plus, you’re still able to brush and floss normally and eat and drink whatever you like without worrying about food getting stuck in your teeth. Invisalign clear aligners let you live life naturally while improving your smile.

As a General Dentist and an Invisalign® Gold Provider in Greensboro, NC - Dr. Kat can use Invisalign as well as other restorative and cosmetic procedures to give you a smile you are proud to have!

With our iTero Element® Scanner, we take a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth and map out a custom treatment plan just for you!

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What Can Invisalign Treat?

Below are some different examples of cases that can be corrected with Invisalign. While a beautiful smile is undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits, it is not the only one! Invisalign can improve your overall oral health by correcting any misalignments, making teeth easier to clean and preventing trauma and wear.

Crowding

Crowded and rotated teeth can be difficult to clean thoroughly which can lead gum issues

Spacing

Spaces between your teeth can trap food debris and create a perfect environment for bacteria

Deep Bite

A deep bite can cause unnecessary wear and trauma to your teeth and sometimes to your palate

Other Malocclusions

When your bite is misaligned it can cause wear, difficult cleaning conditions, and sometimes pain

The Invisalign Process

Invisalign uses a series of nearly invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to precisely move your teeth into a better alignment.

At your first appointment a 3D scan will be used to create a custom digital treatment plan. Once the plan is completed by Dr. Kat, it is shared with the patient, to ensure you have a say in the final outcome goal and that there are never any surprises!

Using this treatment plan aligners are custom made to fit your mouth out of BPA free plastic. Each tray is worn 1-2 weeks (determined by Dr. Kat), removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. to move, rotate, and correct your teeth.

It is important to wear the aligners as directed to get the best results!

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

The biggest difference is that the smooth plastic Invisalign Aligners don’t have metal components that can irritate your mouth like metal braces do.

Because they’re removed when you eat, you won't have to watch what you eat like you would when wearing braces—bring on the gum and popcorn. The aligners actually must be removed before eating and drinking anything other than water. Make sure you’re willing to commit to this before you decide on Invisalign clear aligners.

Brushing and flossing is much easier with aligners than traditional braces. You will take them out and brush your teeth just like normal!

Most of our patients' favorite difference is that Invisalign Aligners are nearly invisible compared to traditional braces- no metal brackets or wires! Although attachments are often needed with Invisalign, they are made out of composite material that matches your tooth color and are not as sharp or irritating to your lips.

The Invisalign aligners have the ability to move individual teeth in a specific order unlike traditional braces, which means treatment times are usually shorter and often less painful.

For the aligners to do their job, it’s important to wear them for at least 22 hours every day. Like with traditional braces, you will generally need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment to maintain your new alignment—and your confident new smile.

Invisalign FAQ

How long is treatment?

The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, including how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your doctor will determine exactly how long your treatment will take based on specific needs.

What is the process?

Invisalign® treatment starts with a consultation by our office. We will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile.

What are the benefits?

Invisalign treatment is more than a pretty smile. Crowded teeth are more difficult to clean, causing build-up of plaque that causes gingivitis and may lead to bone loss and periodontal disease. Invisalign aligns teeth, improve periodontal hygiene, and are non-evasive, resulting in easier teeth cleaning.

Who is a candidate?

Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Invisalign clear aligners make it possible to correct common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex.

How often do I wear the aligners?

Wear your Invisalign® aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve the best result. Invisalign clear aligners fit your life. You can remove your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, special occasions, and playing your favorite sport or instrument.

What are the aligners made of?

Invisalign clear aligners are made with a patented flexible plastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, PBS, latex, or gluten.

How much does treatment cost?

Depending on the complexity treatment can range from $3800-$5,000. However, there are lots of ways to make treatment affordable for you. You may be able to pay with tax-free dollars from your FSA or HSA. You can also arrange a monthly payment plan using a third-party financing option in our office.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

If you have Ortho coverage from your insurance company - then yes! Our office is more than happy to work with you to determine your insurance benefits - and help determine other payment options if needed!

InvisalignGo vs Comprehensive Invisalign

Dr. Kat offers both InvisalignGo and Comprehensive Invisalign Treatment options at our office to help each patient find a treatment that works best for them.

InvisalignGo :

Used to treat less complicated cases (ex: slight crowding, relapse from previous ortho)
Restrictions on movement: No movements of molars
Limited number of trays (20 max)
One set of additional aligners to help with refinements at the end of first round of treatment
Quicker treatment (~4-12 months)
Lower cost (less trays and time in treatment)

Comprehensive Invisalign:

Used to treat more complicated cases of crowding, spacing, and misalignment.
Less limitations on number of aligners given to complete movements
Multiple sets of additional aligners available (depending on patient compliance)
Longer treatment times due to complexity of movements (~12-24 months)
Higher cost (more trays and time in treatment)