Medically Reviewed by Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD on August 17, 2026
Invisalign’s biggest benefits are straightforward: aligners that are difficult to notice in everyday conversation, a removable design that lets you eat and clean your teeth without restriction, and a smoother, more comfortable path toward straighter teeth than metal brackets and wires typically require. For patients in Unionville, NC, comparing their orthodontic options, these advantages are why clear aligners have become one of the most requested treatments in modern general and cosmetic dentistry.
At Charlotte Dental Arts, Dr. Edwin Porter provides Invisalign treatment for patients throughout Unionville and the surrounding Charlotte area, guiding each case from the initial evaluation through the final retainer fitting. Here is how the treatment works, who tends to be a good candidate, what daily care involves, and what to budget for treatment in Unionville.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their proper positions. Each aligner is made from a flexible, BPA-free plastic material and is designed to fit snugly over your teeth. Most patients wear each set for about one to two weeks before switching to the next tray in the series, and over time this progression shifts teeth into alignment without metal brackets or wires.
Because the aligners are clear, they are difficult for most people to notice in daily interactions, which makes Invisalign a popular option for adults and teens who want a more discreet treatment. Clear aligners can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps, mild overbites and underbites, and certain crossbites, often with results comparable to braces but with more flexibility to remove the aligners for eating, brushing, and special occasions.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: How They Compare
Patients often ask how clear aligners compare to traditional metal braces before choosing between the two. The table below summarizes the differences our Unionville patients weigh most often when making that decision.
| Factor | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, difficult to notice | Metal brackets and wires are visible |
| Removability | Removable for eating and brushing | Fixed to the teeth for the full treatment |
| Diet | No food restrictions once aligners are removed | Sticky, hard, and chewy foods are typically restricted |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss normally, then reinsert aligners | Requires extra tools to clean around brackets and wires |
| Office Visits | Periodic check-ins, generally every 6 to 8 weeks | Adjustment visits, generally every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Typical Timeline | About 12 to 18 months for most adult cases | Often 18 to 24 months or more, depending on the case |
Every case is different, and the right option depends on the complexity of the bite being corrected. Dr. Porter reviews both possibilities during your consultation so you can choose the approach that fits your smile goals and lifestyle.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Clear aligners work well for many orthodontic concerns, but they are not the right fit for every case. Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite irregularities generally respond well to aligner therapy, while cases involving significant jaw misalignment, severe rotation, or teeth that need extraction may call for a different orthodontic approach. A 2025 international consensus review of clear aligner therapy found that aligners perform comparably to fixed braces for non-extraction cases with mild to moderate crowding, while noting that more complex tooth movements can be harder to predict with aligners alone.
Your overall oral health also factors into candidacy. Active gum disease, untreated cavities, or insufficient bone support can interfere with tooth movement, so a comprehensive evaluation typically comes first. Previous dental work matters too: patients who already have crowns, bridges, or dental implants can often still pursue clear aligner treatment, though the plan may need to account for how those restorations respond to the aligner’s applied pressure. Dr. Porter reviews your dental history and current oral health during your consultation to confirm whether Invisalign is the right solution for your smile.
The Invisalign Treatment Process in Unionville, NC
Treatment begins with a consultation with Dr. Porter, who evaluates your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign is a good fit. Using digital 3D imaging, he creates a virtual model of your mouth and maps out a personalized treatment plan that shows the projected movement of your teeth from start to finish, giving you a rough preview of how your smile may progress before treatment even begins.
Once your custom aligners arrive, most patients wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, switching to a new set approximately every one to two weeks. Periodic check-ins with Dr. Porter allow him to monitor progress and adjust the plan if needed. Treatment for most adult cases takes about 12 to 18 months, though timelines vary based on the complexity of the case and how consistently the aligners are worn. Once active treatment ends, most patients receive retainers to help hold their results in place.
Caring for Your Aligners Between Visits
Good aligner hygiene protects both your treatment timeline and your oral health. Rinse each aligner when you take it out, and clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and a clear, unscented soap or a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution rather than toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic and dull its clarity.
- Brush and floss before reinserting: Food particles trapped under an aligner can contribute to decay, so clean your teeth after meals before putting the tray back in.
- Remove aligners for anything besides water: Eating or drinking colored beverages with aligners in can stain or warp the plastic.
- Store trays in their case: A dedicated case protects aligners from being lost, bent, or contaminated when they are out of your mouth.
- Track your wear time: Aim for 20 to 22 hours a day so your treatment plan stays on schedule.
Following this routine helps keep your aligners clear and comfortable throughout treatment. Adults balancing busy schedules often find that planning aligner removal around meals and coffee breaks makes the daily routine easier to maintain.
Cost and Affordability of Invisalign in Unionville, NC
The cost of Invisalign in Unionville, NC, varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment, but it is generally comparable to the cost of traditional braces, with prices commonly ranging from about $3,000 to $8,000. Many dental offices, including Charlotte Dental Arts, offer flexible payment plans to help make treatment more manageable.
Dental insurance may cover a portion of treatment if your plan includes orthodontic benefits, and our team can help you review your insurance and financing options to understand what your plan covers and what payment plans might be available. At Charlotte Dental Arts, we believe a confident smile should be accessible, and we work with patients throughout Unionville to find a payment approach that fits their budget.
Why Unionville Patients Choose Dr. Porter for Invisalign
Dr. Porter has provided Invisalign treatment for patients throughout Unionville for years, combining advanced clear aligner training with digital imaging technology to plan each case with precision. His approach starts with a full evaluation of your bite and oral health, followed by a treatment plan built around your specific goals rather than a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Beyond straightening teeth, Dr. Porter and the Charlotte Dental Arts team also support patients pursuing a broader complete smile makeover that pairs orthodontic treatment with cosmetic dentistry for a fuller result, along with our full range of cosmetic dentistry services. Whether your goals are focused on alignment alone or part of a larger cosmetic plan, Dr. Porter works with you to design a treatment path that fits your smile and your schedule.
Dr. Porter is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has been recognized as a Top Dentist in Charlotte for more than 20 years, bringing that same level of training and attention to detail to every Invisalign case at Charlotte Dental Arts.
Ready to take the first step toward a straighter smile? Schedule your Invisalign consultation with Dr. Porter at Charlotte Dental Arts in Unionville, NC, and find out whether clear aligners are the right fit for your smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Unionville, NC
How is Invisalign different from traditional braces?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners instead of the metal brackets and wires used in traditional braces. Because the aligners can be taken out, patients can eat without food restrictions and clean their teeth normally during treatment, and the clear plastic is far less noticeable than metal hardware in everyday situations.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Most people with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite irregularities are good candidates for clear aligner treatment. Cases involving significant jaw misalignment or teeth that need extraction may require a different orthodontic approach. A full evaluation of your bite, teeth, and oral health helps determine whether Invisalign is the right option for your smile.
How long does Invisalign treatment usually take?
Most adult cases take about 12 to 18 months of active treatment, though the exact timeline depends on the complexity of the case and how consistently the aligners are worn. Wearing each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day helps keep treatment on schedule.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Rinse aligners when you remove them and clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and a clear, unscented soap or an approved cleaning solution rather than toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic. Brushing and flossing your teeth before reinserting the aligners also helps prevent decay and keeps the trays clear.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for Invisalign, particularly if the plan includes orthodontic benefits, though coverage varies between policies. Our team can review your specific plan and discuss payment options to help make treatment more affordable.
About the Author
Dr. Edwin Porter, DDS, DICOI, FAGD
Charlotte Dental Arts
Dr. Edwin Porter is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has been recognized as a Top Dentist in Charlotte for over 20 years, placing and restoring dental implants entirely in-house for patients throughout the Charlotte, NC area.
