Invisalign clear aligners in North Raleigh
A clearer path toward a straighter smile
Invisalign clear aligners offer many adults a discreet, removable way to improve crowding, spacing, and selected bite concerns. Dr. Abigail Scanlan plans treatment around your oral health, daily routine, and the movements your smile actually needs.
Request an Invisalign Consultation
What Invisalign Can Address
Invisalign uses a planned series of clear, removable aligners to guide selected tooth movements. It may be appropriate for many adults with crowding, spacing, or bite concerns, but suitability depends on the complexity of the case and the health of the teeth and gums.
A consultation and clinical examination are necessary before treatment. Dr. Scanlan evaluates your goals, bite, existing dental work, and oral health, then explains whether Invisalign is an appropriate option or whether specialist orthodontic care would better serve the case.
Why This Service Matters
Cosmetic care should begin with oral health, clear expectations, and a reasoned choice among appropriate options.
A Discreet Option
Clear aligners are less noticeable than metal braces and can be removed for meals and daily cleaning.
Treatment Planned Digitally
Digital records help Dr. Scanlan evaluate proposed movements and explain the expected sequence before treatment begins.
Guidance Throughout Care
Progress visits allow the plan, fit, wear, and refinements to be reviewed throughout active treatment.
How We Provide This Service
Planning comes before treatment so the purpose, limitations, and next steps remain understandable.
1) Consult and Exam
We discuss what you would like to change and evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work.
2) Digital Records
An iTero digital scan and other appropriate records create a detailed model for treatment planning without traditional putty impressions.
3) Review the Plan
Dr. Scanlan reviews the proposed movements, estimated sequence, responsibilities, and financial information before treatment begins.
4) Wear and Monitoring
You wear the aligners for the prescribed time each day, change them as directed, and return for progress checks and refinements when appropriate.
Digital Planning and Monitoring
The iTero digital scanner creates a detailed three-dimensional model of the teeth. It supports planning, progress comparisons, and clear conversations about treatment without traditional impression material.
Invisalign treatment depends on consistent aligner wear and scheduled monitoring. The number of aligners, overall treatment time, and need for refinements vary with the movements required and how closely the aligners are worn as directed.
See Potential Changes More Clearly
Digital visualization can support a more useful conversation about proposed tooth movement before treatment begins.
Protecting the Result
Maintenance should be practical, specific to the treatment, and explained before care begins.
Wear Aligners as Directed
Consistent daily wear is essential for the teeth to track with the planned sequence. You are responsible for following the wear and retention instructions that directly affect treatment success. Review the Invisalign Retention Guidelines.
Keep Aligners and Teeth Clean
Remove aligners for eating and clean both the aligners and teeth before replacing them.
Keep Progress Visits
Monitoring allows Dr. Scanlan to evaluate tracking, answer questions, and determine whether refinements are appropriate.
Related Care
Compare connected services and guidance before deciding which starting point fits your goals.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Explore Cosmetic Dentistry →Professional Teeth Whitening
Explore Professional Teeth Whitening →Free Invisalign Consultation
Ask About Free Invisalign Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Open any question for an answer from the current Scanlan Family Dentistry service page.
Does Invisalign work faster than braces?
Treatment time depends heavily on the complexity of the case and patient compliance. Some cases may progress quickly, while others require longer treatment regardless of appliance type.
What is the iTero scanner?
The iTero scanner is a digital scanning system used to create detailed 3D images of the teeth without traditional dental impression molds.
Can Invisalign fix severe orthodontic problems?
Some severe bite or orthodontic concerns may require traditional braces or specialist orthodontic treatment instead of clear aligners alone.
Will insurance help cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans may provide orthodontic benefits that help offset part of treatment costs. Coverage varies significantly depending on the individual plan.
Is Invisalign available for children at Scanlan Family Dentistry?
At this time, Invisalign treatment at Scanlan Family Dentistry is focused on adults with fully erupted adult teeth rather than pediatric or early teen orthodontic treatment.
Is Invisalign only for cosmetic improvements?
No. While many adults pursue Invisalign for cosmetic reasons, and despite us listing it under our cosmetic services area, treatment may also help improve spacing, crowding, bite alignment, and overall oral hygiene accessibility. Read how Invisalign for slightly crooked teeth can involve both appearance and functional considerations.
Are Invisalign aligners painful?
Patients commonly experience mild pressure or tightness when starting a new aligner tray, but this is generally temporary and often less irritating than traditional braces.
How often do aligners need to be worn?
Aligners generally need to be worn most of the day for treatment to progress predictably. Consistency is one of the most important parts of successful Invisalign treatment.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes. Because the aligners are removable, patients can remove them while eating and drinking.
Is Invisalign less noticeable than braces?
Many adults choose Invisalign because the clear aligners are typically much less visible than traditional metal braces.
A Clearer Cosmetic Plan
A thoughtful Invisalign plan begins with an accurate examination and a clear conversation about what treatment can reasonably accomplish.
Request an Invisalign ConsultationLet’s Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about the visit you need. Our care team will answer your questions and help you schedule with Dr. Scanlan. If a tooth is hurting or your concern is urgent, please call the office.