Smile CSRA

How DOES Invisalign Work?

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By Dr. David Carter

The Invisalign and Invisalign Teen process is possibly the highest form of orthodontic technology I have seen. The first step is we take a very EXACT model (impression) of your teeth. We then send these models to Invisalign, and they create a 3-D model that is then sent back to me over secure internet. I then take the 3-D model and actually TREAT the teeth in VIRTUAL REALITY (so to speak). Once I’ve completed the treatment, I send the treated 3-D models (called a “ClinCheck”) back to Invisalign. They have a patented process that creates a series of clear plastic trays (called “aligners”), that moves the teeth over a two week period of time. Each aligner slowly and comfortably moves the teeth just like braces. The obvious difference is that they are REMOVABLE so you can take them out to eat whatever you want! And they can be removed for easy brushing and flossing. And all YOU have to do is wear each aligner about 20 hours per day. They’re so comfortable you really won’t even notice that they are IN!

Invisalign Interproximal Reduction (IPR) – Teeth Shaving/Sanding/Filing

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Slow Speed Diamond Disk for Interproximal Reduction
Slow Speed Diamond Disk for Interproximal Reduction

I am now on my 16th set of Invisalign aligners out of 23 sets. At this ClinCheck, Dr. Carter of Carter Orthodontic Solutions used a Slow Speed Diamond Disk (shown at left) to polish or shave .20 mm on either side of my two middle bottom teeth. This polishing between the teeth allows the teeth to slide past each other during rotation correction. Dr. Carter said that nine months later the enamel will re-calcify and be stronger than before. This was totally pain free. I did get a little panicky at first because when they sanded down my attachments the first time, it hurt and it didn’t even touch my teeth. This was actually “sanding” my teeth. But it didn’t hurt at all so no worries if you need this done.


My two bottom teeth were so tight they were stuck in position. The polishing helped immediately. In a couple of days I could feel that the teeth had moved. My teeth feel and look much straighter now.


The rubber band has really worked wonders with my overbite. I don’t think I even realized how much of an overbite I had. I can’t believe these are actually my teeth! And the humongous space that was between my front teeth is almost gone! This has definitely been a positive experience and I would encourage anyone thinking about Invisalign to take the plunge!


Here is a video I found on YouTube showing how the disk is used:





Let me know if you have questions. ~ Melissa

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


Invisalign Pictures

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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: