Invisalign Provider in Durham NC | Dr. James Furgurson

Many orthodontic treatments are available today to straighten teeth and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. The Invisalign clear aligner system is a discreet way to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. You will wear these invisible braces for 22 hours a day. Invisalign aligners gently move your teeth into the proper position without metal braces. Invisalign is one of the dental services we offer to new and existing patients in Durham, NC. Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is led by local dentist Dr. James Furgurson. Our cosmetic dentistry office is an Invisalign provider to patients from Durham, NC. Unlike metal braces, custom clear aligners will not disrupt your life. While you should wear the aligners most of the time, you can remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss. Invisalign offers a simpler way to treat crooked teeth.

Will Invisalign Work for Me?

There is a good chance that you will qualify for Invisalign. Essentially, only children, people in poor oral health, and people with complex orthodontic issues cannot use Invisalign. You will need to speak with our dentist to determine if it’s the right orthodontic treatment for you. Good candidates for Invisalign are:

Patients with mild to moderate misalignment: Invisalign effectively treats crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. More complex cases may need other orthodontic treatments.
Adults and Teenagers: This clear aligner system is not meant for children since they are not done growing yet. Invisalign benefits adults and older teenagers with most or all permanent teeth.
Patients who can comply with the treatment: Since the aligners are removable, you may want to take them out whenever you like. However, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. You must also switch them out every one to two weeks.
Patients with good oral health: If you can maintain good oral health, you should have no problem with Invisalign treatment. You can’t get Invisalign if you have cavities or gum disease. They will only get worse and need treatment before you start wearing the aligners.

Please contact us if you want to treat mild or moderately crooked teeth. Invisalign can treat overbite, underbite, crossbite, and tooth gaps.

What Are Invisible Aligners?

Many types of clear braces are available, but many patients prefer the Invisalign® system. It straightens teeth using a set of clear, ultra-thin aligners. Invisalign aligners use SmartTrack® material, a layered polymer material patented for Invisalign. The Invisalign lab uses this material to make each aligner fit perfectly over your teeth. The aligners are also strong. Over time, they gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. The patient will wear their custom aligners for one to two weeks and then switch to the next set.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Our Durham, North Carolina area dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth at your first visit. We will use the images to design your series of clear braces to gently shift your teeth into proper alignment. You will even see the progression of your tooth movement throughout the treatment. Our staff will send these images to an Invisalign lab. There, technicians will create the aligners from the high-quality SmartTrack® material. You will wear each set for about one to two weeks before you move on to the next pair. The total number of aligners you will need depends on the end results of your treatment plan. Our dentists at Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will monitor your progress throughout the process. While you do not need as many visits as you would with braces, we recommend visits to track progress. On average, it takes 12 months to complete the Invisalign treatment. Some patients may need more or less time.

Invisalign® vs Braces

Invisalign invisible braces offer many benefits compared to metal braces. This series of aligners is clear, so no one will notice you wearing them. Metal braces are obvious. Many adult patients choose Invisalign to avoid the stigma of braces. Invisalign is discreet. Traditional braces consist of brackets that dentists bond to the teeth and connect with metal wires. These will remain there until the end of your treatment. You can remove Invisalign throughout the day during your treatment. With Invisalign, you can clean and floss your teeth every day. You can also remove the aligners to eat. Removable aligners mean you no longer have to worry about food restrictions. You can eat hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. Then, you can clean your teeth and gums before you put the aligners back on your teeth. Metal braces can cause discomfort and may even cut or scratch the inside of your lips. The brackets can also stain your teeth. Invisalign is made of a comfortable and smooth material. The aligners will sit comfortably on your teeth.

Caring for Your Smile After Invisalign Treatment

After you complete your Invisalign treatment, you must maintain your results. First, brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly. Basic oral care is essential for keeping your teeth, gums, and aligners clean. Gum or tooth infections can affect your results, so you should do everything possible to maintain your health.

What are Retainers?

Wearing a retainer is also essential. At the end of your treatment, we will create a custom retainer for you to maintain your Invisalign results. You will wear your custom retainer at night while you sleep. When you wear your retainer nightly, you prevent the teeth from returning to their original position. Keeping your orthodontic retainers clean can prevent bacterial buildup. After you remove your retainer, rinse it with warm water to remove saliva and food particles. Don’t use hot water, because it can damage the retainer. Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush your retainer. Some people prefer using a mild dish soap instead of toothpaste. You can also buy special retainer cleaning tablets or solutions from your dentist or pharmacy. Soak your retainer in the solution for the recommended time to help kill bacteria and remove buildup. When you’re not wearing your retainer, store it in a clean and dry case. This helps prevent it from getting lost or damaged.

Patient Review

I highly recommend Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for Invisalign and other dental services. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who were not only friendly but also highly professional. What struck me the most was the upbeat atmosphere that permeated throughout the office.The level of care and attention to detail provided by the dental team was impressive. They took the time to explain each step of the Invisalign process, ensuring that I was fully informed and comfortable with the treatment plan. Not only did Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry meet my expectations, but they exceeded them. Without hesitation, I highly recommend this practice to anyone in need of dental care.

Invisalign FAQs

Read answers to common patient questions about Invisalign in Durham, NC:

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

In the beginning, Invisalign might slightly affect your speech. Some people notice a small lisp or may find it hard to speak clearly when they first start wearing the aligners. This will get better after a few days as you get used to wearing them. We recommend that you practice speaking with your aligners, and your speech will return to normal over time.

Can Invisalign treat all orthodontic issues?

Invisalign can treat many orthodontic issues, but it may not be the best option for everyone. It works well for problems like crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and mild to moderate bite issues. Traditional braces may be a better choice for more serious problems, like large overbites, underbites, or very crowded teeth. We will assess your teeth and let you know if Invisalign is right for you.

Are there any restrictions on what foods I can eat while using Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign does not have food restrictions because you remove it before you eat or drink anything other than water. Invisalign aligners should be taken out to avoid damaging them or getting food stuck in them. If you don’t remove your aligners, food and drinks like coffee or juice can cause stains or cavities. After you eat, brush your teeth and clean your aligners before you put them back in.

Can I remove my Invisalign aligners for events?

You can remove your Invisalign aligners for special events, but you must wear them as much as possible. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day to work effectively. Remember to put them back in soon after the event and clean them if needed. The more you wear your aligners, the faster you’ll see results.

What do I do if my Invisalign aligner breaks or gets lost?

If your Invisalign aligner breaks or gets lost, don’t panic. First, wear your previous aligner if you still have one, so your teeth don’t shift. Then, contact our dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. He can provide a replacement aligner and help you stay on track with your treatment.

What are the best ages for Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign in our Durham, NC office works well for teens and adults of almost any age. The best time to start treatment depends on your unique situation. For teens, Invisalign can be a great choice after most of their permanent teeth have come in around ages 12 to 14. Invisalign’s clear aligners are especially popular with teens because they are nearly invisible and can fit into an active lifestyle. For adults, there is no upper age limit for Invisalign. Many adults choose it to fix long-standing issues with their teeth or to improve their smiles. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, we will evaluate your teeth and bite to see if Invisalign is right for you.

How long does it take to complete Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment can take 6 months to 2 years, depending on how much your teeth need to move. We will give an estimate of your treatment time based on your cosmetic problems. On average, many people complete Invisalign treatment in about 12 to 18 months. The more consistently you wear your aligners, the quicker you will see results.

Does Invisalign hurt more than braces?

Invisalign is usually less painful than braces. Both treatments work by slowly moving your teeth, so it’s normal to feel some pressure or discomfort, especially when you start a new set of Invisalign aligners or get your braces adjusted. Braces can cause more soreness because the brackets and wires irritate the inside of your cheeks or lips. Invisalign aligners are smooth and made of plastic, so they’re less likely to cause irritation. But everyone’s pain tolerance is different, and the level of discomfort can vary from person to person.

Get a Straight Smile

Are you looking for a new way to straighten your teeth? Do you want an alternative to braces? Dr. James Furgurson provides the Invisalign clear aligner system in Durham, NC. Call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-736-6175. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. Please let us know if you have questions about Invisalign. We’re here to help you find the best way to straighten your smile.

Invisalign® Dentist Durham, NC