Designed for Your Life
Invisalign® treatment or Clarity Aligners with Dr. Patel and the team at Orthodontic Associates can give you beautiful straight teeth without braces.
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional metal bracket braces and can give you stunning results.
The Invisalign system is made of clear, lightweight plastic aligners that fit over your teeth and are designed to straighten your smile. They’re removable, so it’s easier to eat, drink, brush and floss!
At your initial consultation at Orthodontic Associates, we'll take photos and X-rays to create a 3D image of your mouth. We make your first set of custom-fitted aligners from these images, and then you begin the process of straightening your teeth.
You’ll probably wear Invisalign aligners for 9–15 months, and will typically use 18–30 sets during your treatment.
You wear the trays for about 22 hours a day but can remove them for brushing your teeth and eating. Based on the treatment plan Dr. Patel creates for you, you’ll switch to the next tray in the series every one-two weeks. You’ll start to notice a change in just a few months!
A Modern Approach
Invisalign has played an important part in developing modern orthodontics. The system uses a series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth.
Wearing the aligners will gently move your teeth into place little by little, based on the exact movements Dr. Patel plans for you.
There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten with Invisalign treatment at Orthodontic Associates. You just pop in a new set of aligners about every one-two weeks, until your treatment is done.
At Orthodontic Associates, you’ll get a great smile, and your treatment won’t get in the way of your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth!
This nearly-invisible option to straighten your teeth is truly changing the way people see orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Patel has a lot of experience treating patients with Invisalign, and we’re excited to offer this technology to our Shelby braces patients!
Differences Between Invisalign & Braces
Unlike traditional braces, smooth plastic Invisalign aligners don't have any metal parts that might irritate your mouth.
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 popcorn and peanuts!
In fact, the aligners must be removed for eating and for drinking anything other than water. You need to make sure you’re willing to do that before you decide on Invisalign clear aligners.
You’ll need to clean your teeth before putting the aligners back on after each time you eat to prevent staining.
Of course, brushing and flossing are much easier than with traditional braces, since you don’t have to work around any brackets and wires.
Invisalign Responsibility
It’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day, as recommended by Dr. Patel, so they can keep working to straighten your teeth. You can remove your Invisalign aligners for special occasions.
Like with traditional braces, you’ll generally need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment to maintain your new alignment—and your confident new smile!
Your Teen Will Love Invisalign® Treatment
At Orthodontic Associates, we want our teen patients to be excited about starting their journey towards straighter teeth. Invisalign for Teens helps us do that! Invisalign doesn't use brackets, wires and bands like traditional braces.
Invisalign created a system that meets the unique needs of teens. At your first free consultation, Dr. Patel will be able to determine if Invisalign for Teens is the best option for your unique smile.
Benefits of Invisalign for Teens
Great for Active Teens
Invisalign for Teens effectively straightens teeth the same way metal braces do. The flexibility of a removable appliance makes Invisalign for Teens an ideal choice for teens in Shelby who play sports, play certain types of instruments, love crunchy foods, or are worried about how metal braces will look at homecoming or in the yearbook.
You should be able to participate in the activities you’re interested in while still having the confidence to attend social events and make lasting memories. That’s what being a teenager is about! You should also be able to get efficient orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth, uneven spacing, and bite issues.
Teens can keep being themselves and love their smiles even more with the clear, comfortable technology of Invisalign and Dr. Patel’s expert care.
Perfect for Busy Schedules
Invisalign for Teens treatment is ideal for busy parents in Shelby and surrounding areas because you don’t have to worry about emergency appointments since there aren’t any wires or brackets to break. Invisalign often requires fewer appointments in total than traditional metal braces because you get your Invisalign aligners in advance. Even better, each visit requires less "chair time."
The typical Invisalign for Teens patient sees Dr. Patel once every 8 weeks for a total average treatment time of 9 to 15 months.
Doesn't Cost More than Traditional Braces
At Orthodontic Associates, we understand that every patient's needs are different. We take many factors into consideration when we determine the cost of your Invisalign treatment. In most cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces and covered by most dental insurance plans.
Financing options are also available to make Invisalign more affordable for your family. The Orthodontic Associates team is here to answer any questions regarding financing, payment plans, and insurance claims.
Talk to Us About Invisalign
Dr. Patel may not recommend Invisalign or Clarity Aligners for some more complex alignment or bite issues, or for those who have bridgework; Dr. Patel can advise you about what options are best for you.
Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Patel at our office in Shelby or Gastonia to learn if Invisalign or Clarity Aligners are right for you.
