919-322-0390
fallslakedental@gmail.com
Invisible Braces & Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC
A straighter smile does not have to mean years of metal brackets and wires. Recieving Invisible braces and clear aligners in Raleigh, NC includes a series of custom-made, virtually invisible trays to gradually shift teeth into alignment — with no brackets, no wires, and no dietary restrictions.
Falls Lake Dental provides Invisalign and clear aligner treatment for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without the visibility and inconvenience of traditional braces.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners use a sequence of custom-fabricated plastic trays, each worn for one to two weeks before moving to the next tray in the series. Each tray is slightly different from the last, applying gentle, controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth toward the desired position.
Treatment length varies by case complexity. Minor crowding or spacing corrections may be completed in as few as 6 months. More involved corrections typically take 12 to 18 months.
Unlike braces, clear aligners are:
- Removable — taken out to eat, brush, and floss
- Nearly invisible — the trays are transparent and not noticeable in conversation
- Comfortable — smooth plastic with no metal edges that irritate cheeks or gums
- Predictable — digital treatment planning shows the projected outcome before you begin
Dr. Patel evaluates your bite, teeth spacing, and jaw alignment to determine whether clear aligners are the right approach and how long treatment is likely to take.
Are You a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners work well for a wide range of orthodontic issues including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Mild to moderate overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Clear aligners may not be the best option for severe skeletal misalignments or complex bite corrections that require more precision than removable trays can provide. We assess your case thoroughly at your consultation and give you an honest recommendation.
Schedule a consultation to find out whether clear aligners are right for you.
The Clear Aligner Process at Falls Lake Dental
Step 1: Consultation and exam We assess your teeth, bite, and jaw to determine whether clear aligners are suitable and estimate treatment duration.
Step 2: Digital impressions and treatment planning We take a precise digital scan of your teeth. Using treatment planning software, we map out each stage of tooth movement and show you a projected outcome before fabrication begins.
Step 3: Aligner fabrication Your full series of custom trays is fabricated based on the digital treatment plan.
Step 4: Wearing your aligners You wear each tray 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat and brush. You move to the next tray in the sequence every one to two weeks.
Step 5: Progress check-ins We schedule periodic check-in appointments to monitor tooth movement and ensure treatment is progressing as planned.
Step 6: Retention Once treatment is complete, a retainer maintains your results. Teeth naturally want to shift back without retention — wearing your retainer as directed protects your investment long-term.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
| Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Clearly visible metal brackets |
| Removability | Removable for eating and brushing | Fixed — cannot be removed |
| Dietary restrictions | None | Many (no hard, sticky, chewy foods) |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss normally | Requires special tools around brackets |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic trays | Metal wires and brackets can irritate |
| Best for | Mild to moderate corrections | Wide range including complex cases |
| Treatment time | Often faster for mild cases | May be faster for complex cases |
Cost of Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC
Clear aligner cost depends on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. We provide a full cost breakdown at your consultation. Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits apply a portion of that coverage to clear aligner treatment. We verify your benefits before you begin.
Financing options are available for qualified patients. Visit our new patient page if this is your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day do I need to wear aligners?
20 to 22 hours per day for best results. The more consistently you wear them, the more predictably treatment progresses.
Can I eat with my aligners in?
No. Remove them before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food particles and beverages (especially hot drinks) can damage the trays and increase cavity risk.
Will aligners affect my speech?
Most patients notice a slight adjustment period in the first few days. Speech returns to normal quickly for the majority of patients as the tongue adapts.
What happens if I lose or break a tray?
Contact us immediately at (919) 322-0390). In most cases, you can move to the next tray in the series while a replacement is ordered. Do not leave a long gap in treatment.
Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. A retainer worn at night after treatment is complete prevents teeth from gradually shifting back. Retention is a permanent part of the process, not optional.
Can teens use clear aligners?
Yes. Clear aligners are suitable for most teens whose permanent teeth have fully erupted. Compliance — consistently wearing the trays for the required hours — is key, which is worth discussing when choosing between clear aligners and braces for younger patients.
Serving Raleigh and Surrounding Areas
Falls Lake Dental serves patients from Raleigh, North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Neuse, Falls, Millbrook, and the greater Triangle area. Visit us at 8470 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27615.
Browse smile results in our smile gallery and read patient reviews in our testimonials.
Book Your Invisible Braces Consultation in Raleigh
Find out if clear aligners are right for your smile. We walk you through the full process, show you a projected outcome, and give you all the information you need to make a confident decision.
