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


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:

Daring to be Different

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Dr. David Carter is a second-generation orthodontist who has managed to make room for a successful practice, lots of family time and giving back to the community. Dr. Ben Burris recently spoke with him about his early years inpractice, his dedication to a balanced life, and how he’s built his career on doing things differently. Read More…

Overbite: Correcting with Invisalign & Rubber Bands

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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