Invisalign

With digital scanning, modern imaging, and personalized treatment planning, our team makes the Invisalign process clear from the beginning.

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made clear aligners to gradually shift teeth over time. The aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for meals, brushing, and flossing.

At Schenk Family Dentistry, treatment begins with a digital scan using our iTero Digital Scanner. This creates a detailed image of your teeth and can help you visualize expected changes before treatment begins.

From there, Dr. Schenk develops a treatment plan and orders a series of custom aligners designed to fit your mouth. Most patients change to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks and return to our office periodically so we can monitor progress.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Many teens and adults may qualify for Invisalign, including patients who want a less noticeable alternative to traditional braces.

During your evaluation, Dr. Schenk examines your tooth alignment, bite, and overall oral health. Digital X-rays are used to evaluate your teeth and supporting structures, and a Planmeca CBCT scan may be recommended when a more detailed 3D view of the bone and tooth roots is helpful for treatment planning.

Good Invisalign candidates should also be willing to:

• Wear their aligners approximately 20–22 hours per day
• Remove them for eating and drinking when appropriate
• Maintain good brushing and flossing habits
• Keep up with recommended progress visits

Some orthodontic concerns may require a different approach. If you grind your teeth, have more complex alignment needs, or require significant changes to your jaw or bite, Dr. Schenk will explain your options and recommend a treatment plan focused on your long-term oral health.

What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment typically includes several stages, beginning with your digital scan and treatment plan.

Once your first aligners arrive, our team will explain how to wear, remove, and care for them. You will then return for regular check-ins with Dr. Schenk so we can track tooth movement, evaluate your fit, and answer questions as treatment progresses.

Treatment length varies depending on the amount and complexity of tooth movement needed. If adjustments are necessary during treatment, we can coordinate refinements to help your aligners continue fitting properly and keep your treatment on track.

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can brush and floss without having to work around brackets and wires. Our team will also show you how to clean your aligners, manage minor discomfort, and respond if an aligner is lost or damaged.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign can offer several practical advantages for patients who want to straighten their teeth while maintaining their normal routine.

Benefits may include:

• Clear aligners that are less noticeable than traditional braces
• Removable trays for meals, brushing, and flossing
• No brackets or wires that can break
• Easier access to teeth and gums during daily oral hygiene
• A treatment option that fits comfortably into many school, work, and social routines

Improving tooth alignment can also make some areas easier to brush and floss and may support better bite function, depending on your individual needs.

Technology Used for Invisalign Treatment

Digital technology helps us plan and monitor Invisalign treatment more precisely.

Our iTero Digital Scanner creates detailed digital impressions without traditional impression material. It also allows patients to see a visual preview of how their smile may change with treatment.

Digital X-rays help Dr. Schenk evaluate your teeth, roots, and surrounding bone. For more complex cases, our Planmeca CBCT scanner provides a detailed 3D view that can support treatment planning.

We take time to explain what we see in your images and how that information affects your Invisalign plan. Our goal is to make each step understandable so you know what to expect before treatment begins and as it progresses.

Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean only takes a few minutes each day.

Rinse them regularly, brush them gently, and soak them when recommended. Wearing your aligners as prescribed helps treatment stay on track and gives your teeth the consistent pressure needed to move as planned.

After active Invisalign treatment is complete, retainers are typically used to help maintain your results. Teeth can shift over time if retainers are not worn as recommended, so Dr. Schenk will explain your long-term retention plan and provide clear instructions for keeping your teeth stable.

Invisalign FAQs

How many hours a day should I wear Invisalign?

Most patients are instructed to wear their aligners for approximately 20–22 hours per day. They are generally removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.

How often do you change Invisalign aligners?

Many patients move to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on their individual treatment plan.

Can I eat while wearing Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out for meals and continue eating your normal foods unless Dr. Schenk gives you different instructions.

Is Invisalign available for teenagers?

Yes. Many teenagers may be candidates for Invisalign. Dr. Schenk will evaluate their tooth alignment, bite, oral health, and ability to wear the aligners consistently before recommending treatment.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case and the amount of tooth movement required. Dr. Schenk will provide a more personalized timeline after evaluating your teeth and bite.

Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?

Retainers are typically recommended after active treatment to help keep teeth in their new positions. Dr. Schenk will explain how often your retainer should be worn based on your individual needs.

Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Mount Airy, NC

If you are considering Invisalign in Mount Airy, NC, Schenk Family Dentistry can help you determine whether clear aligners are a good fit for your smile and oral health.

During your consultation with Dr. Sydney Schenk, we can evaluate your teeth and bite, complete a digital scan, discuss your goals, and explain what your treatment timeline may look like.

Call Schenk Family Dentistry today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.