919-322-0390
fallslakedental@gmail.com
Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC
Straighten your teeth without brackets or wires
A straighter smile does not have to mean metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners in Raleigh, NC use a series of custom, nearly invisible trays to gradually move your teeth into place, and you can take them out to eat, brush and floss.
Why Choose Falls Lake Dental for Clear Aligners in Raleigh
- Digital scans, no messy impressions. We use the 3Shape TRIOS digital scanner to capture detailed images of your teeth without traditional putty impressions.
- Dentist-led treatment planning. We take your digital records and scans, an outside treatment-planning service maps your tooth movement, and Dr. Patel reviews and approves every plan before an outside dental laboratory makes your aligners.
- Custom retainers made in-house. After clear aligner treatment, we use our in-office 3D printing technology to create custom retainers designed to help maintain your results.
- Convenient North Raleigh location. Our office on Falls of Neuse Road near I-540 makes progress visits convenient for patients in North Raleigh and Wake Forest.
- One dentist overseeing your care. Dr. Patel reviews your treatment plan, monitors your progress at every check-in and oversees your retention plan.
- Insurance and financing assistance. Our team can help review applicable orthodontic benefits and discuss available third-party financing options.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made plastic trays, each worn for one to two weeks before you move to the next tray. Each tray is slightly different from the last, applying gentle, controlled pressure that gradually moves your teeth toward the planned position.
Treatment length depends on your case. Mild crowding or spacing usually takes less time than more involved corrections, and Dr. Patel gives you an estimated timeline after reviewing your treatment plan. Timelines and results vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed.
Unlike braces, clear aligners are:
- Removable: taken out to eat, brush and floss
- Nearly invisible: the trays are transparent and hard to notice in conversation
- Comfortable: smooth plastic with no metal edges to irritate your cheeks or gums
- Planned in advance: digital treatment planning shows the projected tooth movement before you begin, though actual results vary
Are You a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners work well for a wide range of teeth straightening needs, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Mild to moderate overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
The Clear Aligner Process at Falls Lake Dental
Retainers After Clear Aligner Treatment
Teeth naturally try to shift back after they are straightened, so a retainer is part of every clear aligner plan. Most patients wear their retainer full time at first and then at night to protect their results long term.
We make custom retainers in our office using a digital scan and 3D printing, so a lost or worn retainer can be replaced quickly. If you live near North Raleigh and need a new retainer, call us to schedule a scan.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Falls Lake Dental offers removable clear aligners only. Here is how clear aligners compare with traditional braces:
| Feature | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes, for eating and brushing | No |
| Food restrictions | None while trays are out | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss normally | Special tools needed around brackets |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic trays | Wires and brackets can irritate |
| Best for | Mild to moderate corrections | Wide range, including complex cases |
| Treatment time | Varies by case | Varies by case |
If clear aligners are not the right fit for your case, Dr. Patel will explain why at your consultation and talk through your options.
Cost of Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC
Clear aligner cost depends on how much your teeth need to move and how long treatment takes. We give you a full cost breakdown at your consultation, before treatment begins.
Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits apply part of that coverage to clear aligners. We work with most major dental insurance providers, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife and UnitedHealthcare, and we verify your benefits before you start. For the remaining balance, we partner with third-party financing providers that offer monthly payment plans.
Clear Aligner FAQs
We will explain the details of your own treatment plan at your consultation. Here are answers to common starting questions.
Do you offer Invisalign?
No. Falls Lake Dental does not offer Invisalign. We offer removable clear aligners that straighten teeth the same basic way: a series of custom trays planned from digital scans. Dr. Patel reviews and oversees your treatment plan, and an outside dental laboratory makes your aligners.
Do you offer braces?
No. Falls Lake Dental offers removable clear aligners only. Your consultation will show whether aligners are a good fit for your teeth.
Who plans my clear aligner treatment?
We take your digital scans and records, and an outside treatment-planning service maps your tooth movement. Dr. Patel reviews and approves the plan, monitors your progress at check-ins and oversees your retention, so a dentist stays in charge of your care throughout.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
It depends on your case. Mild crowding or spacing usually takes less time than more involved corrections, and how consistently you wear your aligners also affects your timeline. Dr. Patel will give you an estimate after reviewing your treatment plan, but timelines and results are not guaranteed.
How many hours a day do I need to wear aligners?
20 to 22 hours a day for best results. The more consistently you wear them, the more predictably your treatment progresses.
Can I eat with my aligners in?
No. Remove them before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food and drinks, especially hot drinks, can damage the trays and raise your risk of cavities.
Will aligners affect my speech?
Most patients notice a slight adjustment in the first few days. Speech returns to normal quickly as your tongue adapts.
What happens if I lose or break a tray?
Call us right away at (919) 322-0390. In most cases you can move to the next tray in your series while a replacement is made. Avoid a long gap in treatment.
Do clear aligners hurt?
You may feel pressure or mild soreness for a day or two when you switch to a new tray. That means the aligners are working. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and the discomfort usually fades quickly.
Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. A retainer, usually worn at night after treatment is complete, keeps your teeth from shifting back. Retention is a permanent part of keeping your results.
Can teens use clear aligners?
Yes. Clear aligners work for most teens whose permanent teeth have fully come in. Wearing the trays for the required hours every day is key, so it is worth discussing with your teen before starting.
Can I get a replacement retainer if I had treatment elsewhere?
Yes! Falls Lake Dental offers custom replacement retainers in Raleigh, NC, even if you completed your clear aligner or braces treatment at another dental office. We use digital scanning and in-house 3D printing technology to create custom retainers designed to fit your teeth comfortably and securely.
Clear Aligners for Raleigh, North Raleigh and Wake Forest
Falls Lake Dental offers clear aligners for patients from North Raleigh, Falls River, Wakefield, North Hills, Millbrook and Wake Forest. Our office is at 8470 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27615, near I-540 and across from Lifetime Fitness.