Smile CSRA

Invisalign Refinements

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After finishing up 23 sets of Invisalign trays, I am now in the Invisalign refinement process. Dr. Carter had estimated 20-24 months for the whole process from the beginning. So it will probably be March/April 2012 before the Invisalign process is complete. At my last appointment they removed the attachments from my teeth as well as the rubber band attachment. That small taste of freedom was nice! They also took new impressions of my teeth. Below are photos of the impressions they took along with the “caulk gun” of the material they use for the impressions. I waited about 4 weeks to receive my new Invisalign trays. During that time I wore my last set of aligners. They did fit more loosely than before because the attachments were gone. I still had to wear them full time as well. When my new trays came in, I was fitted with more attachments. This process was much less nerve-wracking than the first time. I knew what to expect and my teeth are not as sensitive as they used to be. I attribute this to straighter teeth. The attachments are not on the same teeth as before. And no more rubber band!


Dr. Carter said he is moving my front teeth up into my gums which involves moving bone and tissue as well. This is one reason for the process taking a little longer for me. The clinic manager, Cheryl, showed me the computerized movement of my teeth from start to finish. I’ve come along way, baby! I have included photos from the very beginning that were taken in Dr. Carter’s office as well as the new ones that were taken when they did the impressions. I am really happy with the progress!


Have you gone through the Invisalign refinement process? I would love to hear from you!


What CAN Invisalign treat?

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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

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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?

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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!

What Exactly IS Invisalign Teen?

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When Invisalign was first introduced, it was created with only adults in mind. That was because teens and pre-teens were still growing, and there were concerns the aligners (clear plastic trays that are worn) would not keep up with the final growing stages of childhood. After many years of orthodontists telling teens they “weren’t candidates” for treatment with Invisalign, the company made tremendous efforts to allow for teeth that were not fully erupted (grown into place), as well as allowing for slight underbite or overbite corrections. That’s how Invisalign Teen came into being almost two years ago. It allows for 12 year old molars to be aligned, eye-teeth to drop into place, and overbites and underbites to be corrected. So if you were told you “weren’t a candidate” for Invisalign because you were a Teen, come see us! We have a wonderful treatment option for you!!! View our commercial below to learn more: