Crooked Teeth
Straightens rotated or tipped teeth into proper alignment
Cosmetic Dentistry
Invisalign in East Ellijay, GA
Clear aligner orthodontic treatment for a straighter smile.
Treatment Length:6-18 months
Wear Time:20-22 hours daily
Visibility:Nearly invisible
FDA Cleared:Yes
When Crooked Teeth Call for Invisalign Treatment
Understanding Misalignment
Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can make you hesitant to smile in photos or speak openly in meetings. Misaligned teeth are also harder to clean, which raises your risk of cavities and gum disease over time. Many adults dismiss orthodontic care because they cannot picture themselves wearing metal brackets and wires through important career events or social occasions. Teens often feel the same way during high school. The result is years of self-consciousness about a smile you could be proud of.
Invisalign solves these problems with a series of clear, custom-fit aligner trays that gently shift your teeth into position. Because the trays are removable, you eat, brush, and floss normally throughout treatment. The SmartTrack material is designed for predictable movement, and most patients complete treatment in 6 to 18 months. At East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use 3D digital scanning to map every stage of your treatment before you start.
Treatment Timeline
First Signs
4-8 weeks of visible movement
Full Effect
6-18 months total treatment
Treatment Time
20-22 hours daily wear
Recovery
No downtime
What Is Invisalign?
The Science of Clear Aligners
Invisalign is an FDA-cleared clear aligner orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-fabricated, removable plastic trays to straighten teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next stage in the series. According to the American Dental Association, orthodontic alignment can improve both function and long-term oral health.
How Invisalign Works
Each aligner is engineered using SmartTrack thermoplastic material, which applies gentle, continuous force to move teeth approximately 0.25 millimeters per tray. The treatment plan is mapped digitally using 3D scans, so each tray is preprogrammed to move specific teeth in a specific direction. Small tooth-colored attachments are sometimes bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip and rotate them more precisely.
What Happens During Invisalign Treatment
You wear each set of trays 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only for meals, brushing, and flossing. Brief in-office check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks let your dentist verify progress and hand off the next batch of trays.
Invisalign Results and Duration
Most adult cases finish in 12 to 18 months, while simpler corrections can be completed in as little as 6 months. After active treatment, a retainer maintains the new position long term.
- 01
Nearly Invisible
Clear trays let you straighten teeth without obvious metal hardware
- 02
Removable Design
Take aligners out to eat, brush, and floss as you normally would
- 03
Predictable Planning
3D digital scanning maps every stage of tooth movement in advance
- 04
Comfortable Wear
SmartTrack plastic is smoother than brackets and wires on cheeks and gums
- 05
Fewer Office Visits
Check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks instead of monthly adjustments
- 06
Healthier Oral Hygiene
Standard brushing and flossing during treatment supports gum health
Invisalign vs. Other Cosmetic Options
Compare Your Options
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time per Visit | Results | Total Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invisalign | Clear removable aligners | 30-60 minutes | Straighter teeth | 6-18 months | None | Crooked, crowded, gapped teeth |
| 3D Digital Scanning | Digital impressions | 15-30 minutes | Precise treatment plan | Single visit | None | Invisalign planning, restorations |
| Teeth Whitening | Peroxide whitening agent | 60-90 minutes | Brighter shade | Single visit or take-home | None | Stained or yellowing teeth after Invisalign |
| Comprehensive Dental Exam | Clinical exam and X-rays | 45-60 minutes | Health baseline | Single visit | None | Pre-Invisalign candidacy screening |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Finding Your Best Smile
Invisalign is best suited for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns who can commit to wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours per day. For guidance on candidacy and clinical features, see the Invisalign clinical overview.
Ideal Candidates for Invisalign
- Adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or rotation
- Patients with mild overbite, underbite, or open bite
- People with healthy teeth and gums with no untreated gum disease
- Patients who can commit to 20 to 22 hours of daily wear
- Adults concerned about the visibility of traditional brackets and wires
Who May Need Traditional Braces or Other Treatment
- Severe skeletal malocclusion requiring jaw surgery
- Complex bite issues better treated with fixed braces or specialist orthodontics
- Patients with significant untreated tooth decay or active periodontal disease
- Children whose permanent teeth have not fully erupted
- Patients unable or unwilling to wear aligners as prescribed
Your dentist will evaluate your case during a consultation, capture 3D scans, and recommend Invisalign or refer you to an orthodontic specialist when a more complex approach is appropriate.
Consultation
Your dentist reviews your goals, examines your teeth, and confirms Invisalign candidacy.
3D Digital Scan
A wand-style intraoral scanner captures a precise digital model of your teeth in minutes.
Treatment Plan
Your dentist maps every stage of tooth movement and previews your projected final smile.
Aligner Wear
You wear each SmartTrack tray 20-22 hours daily, switching trays every 1-2 weeks at home.
Progress Visits
Brief check-ins every 6-10 weeks confirm progress and hand off the next aligner batch.
Risks and Side Effects
What to Know
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Common Invisalign Side Effects
Most patients experience mild tooth pressure or soreness for one to three days when starting a new tray, which typically resolves on its own. Temporary lisp or speech adjustment is common in the first one to two weeks. Some patients notice increased saliva production initially, and gum tenderness can occur where attachments are bonded.
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Rare Complications
Less common issues include minor root resorption (a slight shortening of tooth roots) in a small percentage of orthodontic cases, temporary jaw discomfort, or tracking issues where a tooth does not follow the plan and requires a refinement scan. Allergic reactions to the SmartTrack material are very rare.
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Safety and Regulatory Status
Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-cleared and have been used clinically for over two decades. According to peer-reviewed orthodontic research, clear aligners provide predictable outcomes for mild to moderate cases when worn as prescribed. Dr. Settel's certification as an Invisalign Provider, combined with 3D digital scanning, helps minimize tracking issues and ensures your plan reflects your unique anatomy.
Invisalign Cost in East Ellijay
Pricing and Payment Options
Invisalign treatment at East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 for a complete case, with most adult cases falling in the middle of that range. Final pricing depends on case complexity, total treatment length, the number of aligner trays needed, and whether refinements or retainers are included. Exact pricing will be discussed during your consultation based on your individual treatment plan and 3D scan results.
Dental Insurance and Orthodontic Coverage
East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is in-network with Delta Dental. If your dental plan includes an orthodontic rider, it may cover a portion of Invisalign treatment, typically up to a lifetime orthodontic maximum. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a written estimate before treatment begins.
Flexible Payment Options
We offer financing partners to help spread the investment over time:
- CareCredit - Healthcare credit card with promotional financing options for qualified patients
- Cherry - Buy-now, pay-later financing with monthly payment plans
- In-office plans - Ask our team about a split-payment schedule tied to treatment milestones
You can also pair Invisalign with a comprehensive dental exam to address candidacy and any preventive needs in one visit.
Why Choose East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Invisalign in East Ellijay, GA
Ellijay's Trusted Provider
Certified Invisalign Provider
Dr. Settel is a recognized Invisalign Provider trained in clear aligner cases
3D Digital Scanning
Precise scans replace messy impressions for accurate treatment planning
Multi-Dentist Team
Three dentists support hygiene, restorative, and cosmetic needs alongside Invisalign
Flexible Financing
Delta Dental in-network plus CareCredit and Cherry payment plans
Related Services
Complete your smile transformation with these complementary treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Your Questions Answered
01 How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most adult Invisalign cases take 12 to 18 months, while simpler corrections can finish in as little as 6 months. Your dentist will share an estimated timeline at your consultation based on your 3D scan.
02 How much does Invisalign cost in Ellijay?
Invisalign at East Ellijay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 per case. Delta Dental orthodontic riders may help, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available.
03 Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Most adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite concerns are good candidates. Severe skeletal cases may require traditional braces. A consultation and 3D scan will confirm.
04 How often do I have to wear my aligners?
You should wear each Invisalign tray 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in finishing on time.
05 Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients feel mild pressure or soreness for one to three days when starting a new tray. The discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and fades on its own.
06 Can I combine Invisalign with other cosmetic treatments?
Yes. Many patients pair Invisalign with teeth whitening after treatment, and we plan smile improvements alongside preventive care like dental exams and cleanings.
07 What happens after I finish Invisalign?
After your final tray, your dentist provides a retainer to maintain your new alignment. Long-term nightly retainer wear is typical to prevent teeth from shifting back.
Schedule Your Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Consultation
References
- PubMed (PMID: 29390993) - Systematic review assessing the efficacy of clear aligner therapy compared with fixed appliances for orthodontic treatment.
- PubMed (PMID: 28257558) - Clinical evaluation of clear aligners for treatment of mild to moderate malocclusion in adult patients.
- PubMed (PMID: 31405575) - Review of orthodontic tooth movement biomechanics using thermoplastic aligners and attachment systems.
- PubMed (PMID: 32391010) - Patient-reported outcomes and quality of life during clear aligner orthodontic treatment.
- PubMed (PMID: 34452796) - Comparison of treatment efficiency and predictability between clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances.
- American Dental Association - Oral Health Topics: Orthodontics overview and patient guidance on alignment treatment.