Smile CSRA

What CAN Invisalign treat?

by Leave a Comment

This is a GREAT question I’m often asked. And it’s an important one. Teeth do not know what is ‘pushing’ on them. A fine example is the effect a child’s THUMB can do to teeth. Teeth simply respond to constant pressure over a period of time. So Invisalign aligners (clear plastic trays that are worn) have the same effect wires and braces have on teeth. If someone tells you otherwise, it’s simply untrue. At Carter Orthodontics, we treat spaced teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites (where the front teeth don’t touch), and even surgical cases! And I will be posting these treated cases on my blog and on our Facebook fan page over the coming year. You will see for yourself that just because someone who is not comfortable treating with Invisalign says “It can’t be done with Invisalign”, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Experience matters!

Invisalign treats Open Bites
Invisalign Treats Open Bites



Invisalign Treats Overbites
Invisalign Treats Overbites



Invisalign Treats Underbites
Invisalign Treats Underbites


Invisalign Teen Benefits

by 3 Comments

Invisalign Teen was created for a teenagerInvisalign Wear Indicator whose active lifestyle doesn’t work well with traditional braces. But even more than that, Invisalign had PARENTS in mind! That’s right. As a parent myself, I always had two concerns with teenagers wearing Invisalign: 1) They may lose or break them; 2) They’re so clear, how do I know they have them in? The answer to question #1 is that Invisalign Teen allows each patient to LOSE or BREAK up to 6 aligners (clear plastic trays that are worn), and there is NO CHARGE to replace them! And the answer to question #2 is that each aligner has a little blue dot that covers the last tooth (molar). This blue dot is actually a “wear indicator” that gradually turns clear over the course of two weeks (which is how long each aligner is worn in the series of aligners). So each week, have your Teen show you their aligner before they go to the next one. If there is still a blue dot, they haven’t worn it!!!

How Much Does Invisalign Teen Cost?

by Leave a Comment

At Carter Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen for the same fee as our braces! As a cost-conscious parent myself, I want the best for my kids as much as anyone. If I can get the highest quality and technology too, that’s a HUGE BONUS! So, we offer the choice of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen at the same fee as our Damon System braces (which are also super high tech). That way, the only REAL decision a parent or patient has to make is “Will my Teen wear the aligners for the entire treatment?” I can tell you from being one of the leading providers in the country, that most Teens who REALLY want them REALLY wear them! If you’d like to hear more about how Invisalign Teen could benefit your Teen, call us (706.650.0468) for a FREE consultation. See you soon!

Overbite: Correcting with Invisalign & Rubber Bands

by 16 Comments

Today I had an Invisalign Clincheck at Carter Orthodontics. I started my 9th set of trays which now include rubber bands. To correct my overbite, I need a rubber band on the left side to pull my lower jaw forward. Dr. Carter said I would only be wearing it for a few months. They added two attachments to my teeth, one on the top and one on the bottom. They are like small hooks for the rubber band to attach to. Placing the attachments on my teeth was a very simple process. It was not as involved as the first set of attachments I received. The Clinic Manager, Cheryl, did have to customize my aligners to fit around the attachments, but that only took a few minutes. Cheryl said that I should change my rubber band each time I remove and insert my aligners to make sure the rubber band strength is maintained.


After wearing the new set of Invisalign aligners with the rubber band for one day, I can definitely feel the movement of my jaw. Nothing a little Advil can’t handle. I get excited when I feel this soreness. I know that sounds crazy, but it means my teeth are moving to where they are supposed to be and my new smile is right around the corner.


Take a look at some photos I took of the rubber band in my mouth. (Click on the photos to enlarge them.) You can’t really see the rubber band when I’m talking. Maybe if I open my mouth real wide in surprise or something. Let me know what you think or if you have questions. ~ Melissa


Invisalign Pictures

by Leave a Comment

I had my first Invisalign appointment on February 23rd. It’s only been 4 months and my how my teeth have changed! I took a couple of pictures showing the Invisalign aligners in my mouth. You can kind of see where the Invisalign attachments are, but they are barely noticeable. I’ve only had one person notice that I’m wearing the Invisalign aligners, that’s how invisible they are. I’ve been really happy with the Invisalign process. I’ve gotten into a routine with cleaning and inserting/removing the aligners. It’s really a piece of cake! Click on the Invisalign pictures below to enlarge them. Let me know if you have any questions. ~ Melissa

Here are my Invisalign before photos:

Invisalign Before Photos
These Invisalign Before photos are not the most flattering but I look forward to the end result.

And here are my Invisalign “during” photos: