What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using custom, removable plastic trays instead of metal brackets and wires. You wear a series of trays that gently shift your teeth into their new position over time. It's a virtually invisible way to get a straighter smile, with no wires and no metal.
At Mack Orthodontics, families who come to us for Invisalign in Elon wear SmartTrack trays designed to move teeth comfortably at each stage. While our two offices are located in nearby Burlington and Hillsborough, we proudly serve Elon and the surrounding communities, so getting expert care is always close by.
Invisalign is one of the most widely used clear aligner brands, with millions of smiles treated worldwide. Each set of aligners is designed just for you based on a digital scan of your teeth, so there are no messy impressions to worry about.
Both teens and adults can be great candidates. If you want straighter teeth without the look of metal braces, clear aligners might be the perfect fit. Dr. Mack will walk you through the details at your free consult and help you decide if Invisalign is right for your smile.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners
Clear aligners come with a long list of perks that make treatment easier to fit into daily life. Here's what our Elon family loves most:
- Nearly invisible. Most people won't even notice you're straightening your teeth, which is a big win at work, school, or social events.
- Removable. Take them out to eat, brush, and floss. No food restrictions, no cleaning around brackets.
- More comfortable. Smooth plastic means no metal wires poking your cheeks or lips.
- Often faster. Many cases finish sooner than with metal braces, and digital planning gives you a preview of your new smile before you even start.
- Fewer office visits. Check-ins are spaced further apart, and virtual options are available when life gets busy.
- Easy to clean. Rinse your aligners, brush your teeth as usual, and you're set.
You'll also get a great smile without treatment that gets in the way of your daily life. That's why so many teens and adults choose clear aligners at Mack Orthodontics. Dr. Mack designs every plan around your goals, so you know what to expect from day one.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Here's how Invisalign works from start to finish: you get a digital scan, receive a custom set of aligners, wear each tray for one to two weeks, check in with Dr. Mack along the way, and finish with retainers. We break it down into 3 easy steps to your new smile, plus a couple of follow-ups to keep everything on track.
- Free consult and digital scan. You'll meet Dr. Mack, share your smile goals, and get a quick digital scan of your teeth. There are no messy impressions here.
- Custom treatment plan. We design your aligners and show you a 3D preview of how your teeth will move. You'll see your projected new smile before treatment even starts.
- Wear your aligners. Pop in each set for 20 to 22 hours a day, then swap to the next set every 1 to 2 weeks as directed. Take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush.
- Check-ins with Dr. Mack. Every few weeks, we'll make sure your teeth are tracking as planned. Many visits can be handled virtually if you prefer.
- Retainers. Once your teeth are in their new spot, retainers keep them there so you can start loving your smile long-term.
Most cases wrap up in 6 to 18 months, depending on how much movement your teeth need. Dr. Mack will give you a personal estimate at your first visit.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Clear aligners can correct many alignment issues, and most people in Elon looking into Invisalign will find they're a good fit. Common corrections include:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and spacing
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Mild relapse after previous braces
Most teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns are good candidates. If you have a more complex bite, Dr. Mack will take a closer look and let you know if Invisalign, LightForce clear braces, or metal braces will get you the best new smile.
The biggest factor for success is wear time. Aligners only work when they're in your mouth for 20 or more hours a day. If you know you'll forget or won't stick with the routine, fixed braces might be a better match.
The only way to know for sure is a free consult at Mack Orthodontics. Dr. Mack will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend the option that fits your life best.
Why Choose Mack Orthodontics for Invisalign in Elon
Choosing an experienced orthodontist matters. Here's what sets Mack Orthodontics apart for families in Elon:
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. Kervin Mack is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential that not every orthodontist pursues.
- Serious training. Dr. Mack completed dental school followed by a specialized orthodontic residency. Orthodontists are dentists first, and only a small portion of dental graduates go on to specialize.
- Digital-first office. Our digital scanning and 3D planning mean accurate, comfortable treatment from day one.
- Flexible payments. We offer free consults and monthly payment plans built around your family's budget, plus a pay-in-full discount.
- Same-day starts. Ready to go after your free consult? Many members of our family can start treatment the same day.
- Virtual options. Skip the drive when you can. Virtual check-ins keep treatment moving without disrupting your schedule.
You'll be treated like family from your first visit to your final aligner. That's the Mack Orthodontics difference.
Invisalign FAQs
How much does Invisalign cost in Elon?
Invisalign cost depends on how much movement your teeth need and how long treatment takes, so pricing varies by case. Mack Orthodontics offers monthly flexible payments built around your family's budget, plus a pay-in-full discount. We'll also file insurance on your behalf if your plan includes orthodontic benefits. You'll get an exact price at your free consult, and we'll walk you through every detail so it's clear and easy.
How long does Invisalign take?
Most Invisalign cases take between 6 and 18 months. Simple spacing or minor crowding can wrap up faster, while more involved bite corrections take longer. Dr. Mack will give you a personal timeline at your first visit based on your digital scan and treatment plan.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You'll feel mild pressure for a day or two each time you switch to a new aligner. That pressure is your teeth moving, and it usually fades quickly. Most people find clear aligners more comfortable than metal braces because there are no wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks.
Can I eat with Invisalign?
Yes, and there are no food restrictions. Just take your aligners out before you eat or drink anything other than water. Brush your teeth before putting them back in so nothing gets trapped against your smile.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to Invisalign, though coverage varies. Our team will review your plan, file the claim for you, and let you know exactly what's covered before you start treatment.
Invisalign vs. braces: which is right for me?
Here's a quick side-by-side to help you compare. And remember, Dr. Mack is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, so you're getting expert guidance either way:
| Feature | Invisalign | Metal Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes | No |
| Food restrictions | None | Some (hard, sticky foods) |
| Cleaning | Easy, normal routine | More detailed brushing needed |
| Best for | Mild to moderate cases, disciplined wear | All cases, including complex |
| Office visits | Fewer, virtual options | Regular in-office check-ins |
Dr. Mack will help you weigh the options at your free consult so you land on the choice that fits your smile and your life.
Start Your Invisalign Journey in Elon Today
Ready to start loving your smile? Schedule a free consultation at Mack Orthodontics and see if Invisalign is right for you. There's no obligation, just a friendly smile assessment with Dr. Mack and our team.
Our offices in Burlington and Hillsborough proudly serve Elon and the surrounding communities. Call us at (336) 227-5594, book online, or ask about a virtual consult if you'd rather start from home. Let's get started on your new smile today.