Invisalign® Clear Aligners in Raleigh, NC
 Straighter teeth can change the way you smile, speak, and feel about yourself — and with Invisalign® clear aligners at Stansell Dentistry Associates, you can get there without metal brackets, wires, or the self-consciousness that comes with traditional braces. Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible plastic trays to shift your teeth into alignment gradually, giving you the freedom to eat what you want, brush and floss normally, and smile confidently throughout treatment.
Our team provides Invisalign® treatment for adults and teens at all three of our Raleigh-area offices. Whether you’re dealing with crowding, spacing, an overbite, or a crossbite, this proven system offers a comfortable path to a healthier, more attractive smile. Explore our full range of dental services in Raleigh to see how Invisalign® fits into your overall care plan, or keep reading to learn exactly how the process works, what it costs, and whether you’re a candidate.
Our Invisalign® services are available at every location. Visit our Brier Creek Invisalign page, North Raleigh Invisalign page, or Knightdale Invisalign page for office-specific details.
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What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is an orthodontic system that uses a sequence of clear, removable plastic aligners to reposition your teeth over time. Each set of aligners is digitally designed to apply gentle, targeted pressure that moves specific teeth in specific directions. You wear each set for approximately two weeks before switching to the next in the series, and your smile improves incrementally with every change.
The system can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps and spacing issues, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Because the aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and molded precisely to your teeth, they fit comfortably and remain nearly invisible when worn. Most people around you will never notice them.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss your teeth. This means there are no food restrictions and no special tools needed to maintain your oral hygiene — two of the most common complaints patients have about conventional metal brackets. For optimal results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for meals and oral care.
Invisalign® is part of the broader cosmetic dentistry options available at our practice. Patients who want to enhance their smile even further often combine clear aligner treatment with professional whitening or other aesthetic services once their teeth are properly aligned.
Invisalign® for Adults & Teens
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether Invisalign® is right for their age group. The short answer is that this system works well for both adults and teenagers, though the approach differs slightly for each.
Invisalign® for Adults
Adults make up a significant portion of Invisalign® patients. Many adults avoided orthodontic treatment during their teenage years or experienced shifting after having braces removed long ago. Invisalign® gives these patients a discreet way to straighten their teeth without the visibility and lifestyle interruptions that come with metal brackets. Because adult jawbones are fully developed, treatment may take slightly longer than it would for a younger patient with the same degree of misalignment — but the results are every bit as effective.
The removable design is especially appealing to working professionals who interact with clients, attend meetings, or appear in public-facing roles. You can remove aligners for important events, presentations, or meals without affecting your overall treatment timeline as long as you maintain the recommended daily wear time.
Invisalign® for Teens
Teenagers are excellent candidates for Invisalign®, provided their permanent teeth have fully erupted. The Invisalign® system designed for teens includes features that account for the unique needs of younger patients, such as compliance indicators built into each aligner that fade with wear, giving parents and our dental team a simple way to confirm the aligners are being worn as directed.
Teens who play sports or musical instruments often find Invisalign® far more accommodating than braces. There are no sharp brackets to cause cuts during contact activities, and the aligners can be removed briefly for playing wind or brass instruments. For families seeking orthodontic care for younger children who aren’t yet ready for aligners, our children’s dentistry services include early evaluations that can identify developing alignment issues and plan for treatment at the right time.
Your Dental Team in Raleigh
The dental team at Stansell Dentistry Associates has helped patients across the Raleigh metro area achieve straighter smiles through Invisalign® treatment. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to confirm that clear aligners are the most effective option for your specific needs.
We use the iTero® digital scanner to capture a detailed 3D map of your teeth — no messy putty impressions required. This technology allows our team to show you a digital preview of your projected results before you commit to treatment, so you can see where your teeth will move and how your smile will look when treatment is complete. The same scan data is used to fabricate your custom aligner series with precision that manual impressions simply cannot match.
Throughout your treatment, our team monitors your progress at regular checkup appointments spaced every six to eight weeks. These visits are typically brief — your dentist verifies that your teeth are tracking according to plan, addresses any questions, and provides your next sets of aligners. If adjustments are needed, they’re made promptly to keep your treatment on schedule.
The Invisalign® Process
 Understanding what to expect at each stage makes the entire experience feel straightforward. Here is how Invisalign® treatment works at our practice:
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Initial Consultation — Your dentist examines your teeth, reviews your bite, and discusses your goals. If Invisalign® is a good fit, digital x-rays and an iTero® 3D scan of your teeth are captured during this appointment. These records form the foundation of your custom treatment plan.
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Custom Treatment Plan — Using the digital scan data, our team maps the precise movements each tooth needs to make from its current position to its ideal alignment. You’ll see a digital simulation of your projected smile before treatment begins, giving you a clear picture of the expected outcome and an estimated timeline.
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Aligner Fabrication — Your complete series of custom aligners is manufactured based on the approved treatment plan. Each tray is designed to make small, controlled adjustments to specific teeth. When your aligners arrive at our office, you’ll come in for a fitting to make sure the first set seats properly and feels comfortable.
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Wearing Your Aligners — You wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing. Each new tray picks up where the last one left off, applying the next stage of gentle pressure to guide your teeth into position.
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Progress Checkups — Every six to eight weeks, you visit our office for a brief checkup. Your dentist confirms your teeth are moving as planned and provides your next sets of aligners. These visits are typically quick and rarely require any additional procedures.
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Completion and Retention — Once you’ve worked through your full aligner series, your treatment is complete. A custom retainer is provided to maintain your results and prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions. Wearing your retainer as directed is essential for preserving your new smile long term. |
Benefits of Invisalign®
Invisalign® offers practical advantages that go well beyond aesthetics. Here are the reasons our Raleigh patients consistently choose clear aligners over traditional orthodontic options:
- Virtually Invisible — The clear, custom-molded trays are difficult to detect when worn. Most people around you will not notice you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, which makes Invisalign® especially popular with adults and image-conscious teens.
- Removable for Eating and Oral Care — Unlike braces, there are no food restrictions. Remove your aligners for meals, then brush and floss your teeth normally before putting them back in. This ease of hygiene reduces the risk of cavities and gum problems during treatment.
- Smooth and Comfortable — The aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic with no metal brackets or wires. There are no sharp edges to irritate your cheeks, lips, or tongue, and most patients adjust to the feel within a day or two of starting a new tray.
- Fewer Office Visits — Progress checkups are typically spaced six to eight weeks apart and take less time than traditional braces adjustments. You receive multiple sets of aligners at each visit, so there is less disruption to your schedule over the course of treatment.
- Predictable, Digital Planning — The iTero® scanner and digital treatment planning tools allow you to preview your projected results before you begin. Every movement is mapped in advance, which means fewer surprises and a more efficient path to your final smile.
- Effective for a Wide Range of Cases — Invisalign® can treat crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. While severe skeletal issues may require alternative approaches, the vast majority of mild to moderate orthodontic cases respond well to clear aligner therapy.
- Faster Results for Many Patients — Treatment timelines vary, but patients with mild to moderate misalignment often complete their Invisalign® journey in as few as six months. More complex cases may take 12 to 18 months, which is still comparable to or shorter than many traditional braces timelines.
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Why Choose Us for Invisalign®?
 Choosing where to get Invisalign® matters as much as choosing the treatment itself. At Stansell Dentistry Associates, your clear aligner experience is supported by advanced digital technology, a patient-centered approach, and the convenience of three office locations throughout the Raleigh metro area.
Our iTero® digital scanner eliminates the discomfort and imprecision of traditional putty impressions, producing highly accurate 3D models that translate directly into better-fitting aligners. Digital treatment planning means your care team can show you exactly how your teeth will move — and what your smile will look like when treatment is finished — before you even begin. That level of transparency helps you make a confident, informed decision.
Convenience is built into the experience. With offices in Brier Creek, North Raleigh, and Knightdale, you can schedule checkups at whichever location fits your day. Our team also ensures that Invisalign® integrates smoothly with any other dental care you may need, whether that’s a routine cleaning, a cosmetic procedure, or family dentistry appointments for the rest of your household. Every member of your family can receive care under one roof.
Invisalign® Cost & Insurance Information
The cost of Invisalign® treatment depends on the complexity of your case, the number of aligners required, and the estimated duration of treatment. Mild spacing or crowding issues typically cost less than complex bite corrections that require a longer aligner series. Our team provides a detailed cost estimate during your initial consultation so you can plan ahead with full clarity.
Most major dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that can be applied toward Invisalign® treatment. We accept MetLife, BCBS, Delta Dental, Ameritas, United Concordia, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna, and our team files claims on your behalf to help maximize your coverage. Medicaid is accepted at our Knightdale office only.
For patients paying out of pocket or covering the portion not covered by insurance, we offer flexible payment options to make treatment accessible. Sunbit pay-over-time financing allows you to spread the cost into manageable monthly payments, and CareCredit provides an additional financing path. Our in-house membership plans also include a $500 discount on Invisalign® for enrolled members — visit our membership plans page for details, or see our financial and insurance page for a complete overview of payment options. Call 984-477-0177 to request a personalized estimate.
Schedule Your Invisalign® Consultation
Taking the first step toward a straighter smile is simple. Contact any of our three Raleigh-area offices to schedule your Invisalign® consultation:
During your consultation, our team will evaluate your teeth and bite, capture digital scans, and walk you through a projected treatment plan so you can decide if Invisalign® is the right choice for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
What dental problems can Invisalign® treat?
Invisalign® is effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps and spacing problems, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. The system works best for mild to moderate cases, though advances in aligner technology have expanded its capabilities to address more complex situations as well. During your consultation, our team evaluates your specific alignment concerns and confirms whether Invisalign® is the most effective option or whether an alternative approach would serve you better.
Are there any food restrictions with Invisalign®?
No. One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign® over traditional braces is that you remove the aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water. This means you can enjoy all of your favorite foods — including hard, sticky, and crunchy items that are off-limits with metal brackets — without any risk of damaging your orthodontic appliance. Simply brush your teeth after eating, then put your aligners back in.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Treatment timelines vary based on the complexity of your case. Patients with mild to moderate misalignment often see their treatment completed in approximately six months. More complex cases involving significant bite correction or extensive tooth movement may take 12 to 18 months. Your dentist provides an estimated timeline during your initial consultation based on your digital treatment plan, so you have a clear expectation from the start.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
For optimal results, you should wear your Invisalign® aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing your teeth. Wearing them fewer hours than recommended can slow your progress and extend your overall treatment time. Consistency is the single most important factor in achieving the results shown in your digital treatment plan.
Is Invisalign® right for teenagers?
Yes, Invisalign® is an excellent option for teenagers whose permanent teeth have fully erupted. The system includes built-in compliance indicators on each aligner that fade with wear, which helps parents and our dental team confirm the aligners are being worn consistently. Teens who play sports or musical instruments often prefer Invisalign® because the aligners are smooth, removable, and far less likely to cause discomfort than traditional brackets and wires.
Who is not a good candidate for Invisalign®?
Patients with active cavities, untreated gum disease, or other unresolved dental conditions should address those issues before beginning Invisalign® treatment. The aligners also may not be the best choice for patients with certain dental restorations such as bridges, or for those with severe skeletal jaw discrepancies that require surgical correction. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation during your consultation and honestly recommends the approach that will produce the best outcome for your unique situation.
Does insurance cover Invisalign®?
Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits will cover a portion of Invisalign® treatment, just as they would for traditional braces. The amount of coverage varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins so you understand exactly what your insurance will contribute and what your out-of-pocket responsibility will be. We also offer Sunbit and CareCredit financing to help manage any remaining balance.
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