Have you always dreamed of a perfect smile but were reluctant to wear metal braces? Thankfully, that dream can now be a reality because of clear aligners. These revolutionary orthodontic treatments offer a discreet way to fix most types of teeth alignment problems. Our dentists at Woodall & McNeill provide custom clear aligners, including Invisalign in Raleigh, NC, to help you achieve that brilliant, straighter smile.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are plastic shells that fit tightly over your teeth. Your teeth are gradually realigned as a result of the little pressure they exert when you wear them. Every few weeks, your dentist will give you a new set to wear until your teeth move to the desired position. Clear aligner treatments can be the orthodontic answer you’ve been searching for if you have mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Invisalign® and SureSmile® are the two most popular brands of clear aligners. These metal-free teeth aligners are nearly invisible, which helps align your teeth without anyone noticing. Clear aligners will help you correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, and other teeth alignment problems.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
The clear aligners are custom-made to apply pressure to your teeth. By wearing them at least 22 hours a day, your teeth will adjust slowly into position. After two weeks, your dentist will replace the plastic trays and will continue doing so until you achieve the ideal teeth alignment.
The number of clear aligners and treatment duration you need will vary depending on your individual orthodontic issue. It will take longer if your bite is more irregular or if your teeth are more crooked. Typically, a course of clear alignment treatment lasts 10 to 24 months. However, if you wore braces as a child and your teeth have moved a bit over time, you could only require clear aligners for 10 weeks.
When eating and brushing or flossing your teeth, you need to remove your clear aligners to avoid bacteria accumulation.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Woodall & McNeill offers clear aligners in Raleigh, NC, to patients with mild to moderate teeth alignment issues. They are great alternatives to traditional braces if you want to achieve a straighter smile. Here are the benefits of clear aligners like Invisalign® and SureSmile®:
- Barely noticeable – Clear aligners are nearly invisible and offer an aesthetic way to fix teeth alignment issues.
- Eat anything while on treatment – Because clear aligners are removable, you can eat anything unlike with traditional braces.
- Comfortable to wear – Clear aligners are more comfortable to wear than metal braces, which cause mouth sores and gum irritation in most patients.
- Shorter dental visits – Traditional braces take time to fit and adjust. Since the aligner trays are already customized to your teeth, you will have shorter dental appointments every few weeks.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene – Because you can take clear aligners out as needed, you can properly brush, floss, and clean your teeth, and maintain good oral health.
- Faster treatment – An Invisalign® or SureSmile® treatment is faster than orthodontic treatments with traditional braces.
If you’re ready for a straighter smile without traditional braces, SureSmile® or Invisalign® in Raleigh, NC, offers a discreet, comfortable path to get you there. Our doctors bring decades of combined experience to every case, including UNC School of Dentistry training and memberships in the American Dental Association and North Carolina Dental Society, so you can trust your smile to a team that stays current on the latest clear aligner techniques.
Straighten Your Smile with Comfort in Raleigh
Do you want to know if a clear aligner treatment is the best solution for your misaligned teeth? Our dentists at Woodall & McNeill will help you find out. Serving patients throughout Raleigh’s Five Points and Hayes Barton neighborhoods, our Fairview Road office makes it easy for residents near North Hills and Cary to fit orthodontic care into a busy schedule. Book an appointment today for a clear aligner consultation in Raleigh, NC.
FAQs About Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC
Should I get Invisalign or braces?
If you have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues, Invisalign is a good option because you can remove it, it’s almost invisible, and you don’t have to change your diet. Braces are usually better for more severe crowding, bigger bite problems, or when each tooth needs very precise movement. The best choice really depends on your unique situation. Dr. Dean Woodall, Dr. John McNeill, or Dr. Johnny McNeill can help you decide after an exam and scan at our Raleigh office at 2020 Fairview Rd.
What is the difference between Invisalign and SureSmile?
Both are clear aligner systems offered at our Raleigh practice, and both work by using a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to gradually shift teeth into place. The two systems differ in a few concrete ways:
- Material: Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack plastic. SureSmile aligners are made from Essix ACE plastic, a durable and stain-resistant material.
- Scanning technology: Invisalign treatment plans are built using iTero digital scanning. SureSmile treatment plans are built using 3D imaging, like the OraScanner.
- Aligner coverage: An Invisalign plan typically includes up to 5 years of unlimited aligners. A SureSmile plan typically includes up to 3 years of unlimited aligners.
- Cost: SureSmile treatment is generally less expensive than Invisalign treatment.
Both systems are worn 20–22 hours a day, are removed for eating and cleaning, and are effective for straightening teeth. Which one is the better fit depends on your specific bite and alignment needs, so Dr. Dean Woodall, Dr. John McNeill, or Dr. Johnny McNeill can walk you through which option makes sense after an exam and scan.
Can clear aligners fix an overbite?
Yes, clear aligners like Invisalign and SureSmile can fix many overbites, especially mild to moderate ones. Sometimes, attachments or elastics are used to help. For more severe overbites, you might need a combination of treatments or traditional braces. Your dentist can figure out the best approach after a scan and exam.
Can teenagers get Invisalign in Raleigh, NC?
Yes. Invisalign has a version made just for teens, with features for growing mouths. It includes blue dots that fade as the aligners are worn, so parents and dentists can see if they’re being used enough. There are also eruption tabs for teeth that are still coming in. Invisalign for teens is a trusted choice for adolescents in Raleigh.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost in Raleigh, NC?
Invisalign costs vary quite a bit from patient to patient, depending on the amount of correction needed, the length of treatment, and the number of aligners required. In general, treatment can range from $3,000 to $8,000, though simpler cases may fall below that range and more complex cases may fall above it. Insurance, HSA/FSA funds, and payment plans can also affect your out-of-pocket cost. The best way to get an accurate number for your situation is to schedule a consultation with our Raleigh dentist at 2020 Fairview Rd, where we can provide a personalized cost estimate after an exam and scan.
Where can I find an Invisalign provider in Raleigh, NC?
Woodall & McNeill is your expert Invisalign provider in Raleigh, NC, located at 2020 Fairview Rd. Dr. Dean Woodall, Dr. John McNeill, and Dr. Johnny McNeill all provide Invisalign treatment right here at the practice, so you don’t need to look elsewhere in the city.
Located in the heart of Five Points near downtown Raleigh, our Fairview Road office makes it easy for patients throughout the area to get started with Invisalign in Raleigh, NC.
How do I clean clear aligners?
Rinse them under lukewarm (never hot) water every time you take them out, since hot water can warp the plastic. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush — plain water or a small amount of clear, unscented antibacterial soap works better than toothpaste, which can be abrasive and cause micro-scratches where bacteria collect. For a deeper clean, soak them in a dedicated aligner/retainer cleaning solution (like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals) a few times a week, and avoid mouthwash soaks or colored/scented soaps, which can stain or leave residue.
Call us if you have any questions about clear aligners in Raleigh, NC.