Invisalign® Clear Aligners in Cary, NC
What Is Invisalign?
Looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth? Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses custom-made, BPA-free thermoplastic trays called SmartTrack material. Unlike traditional metal braces, these nearly invisible aligners fit over your teeth and gently guide them into proper position over time.
The system has treated millions of people worldwide and remains one of the most popular alternatives to brackets and wires for both teens and adults.
Here's how it works. At Foley Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. John Foley uses advanced digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D map of your mouth. From this scan, your entire treatment plan is designed before you even start. Each set of aligners applies targeted pressure to specific teeth, moving them gradually according to your custom plan. Because the aligners are made from a patented flexible material, they fit more comfortably and predictably than generic clear aligner brands you might see advertised online.
Both teens and adults at our Cary office get great results with Invisalign. While traditional braces use brackets and wires to shift teeth, Invisalign accomplishes similar results with smooth, removable trays. Many members of our Foley family prefer this approach because the aligners are discreet and don't interfere with their daily routines.
A busy professional heading into a client meeting and a high schooler walking into prom both get the same benefit: a straighter smile without anyone noticing the work happening behind it.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign in Cary, NC
Here's why so many of our Foley family members in Cary choose Invisalign over other options:
- Nearly invisible appearance. The clear plastic trays blend in with your natural smile. Most people won't notice you're wearing them during conversations, meetings, or photos.
- No food restrictions. Love popcorn? Can't give up corn on the cob? No problem. Just remove your aligners before meals and enjoy whatever you want. With traditional braces, you'd need to skip hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could damage brackets and wires. That alone is a dealbreaker for a lot of people.
- Brushing and flossing stay simple. Pop out your aligners, clean your teeth normally, and put them back in. No threading floss under wires or working around brackets with special tools.
No metal. No wires. Just smooth plastic against your gums and cheeks, which means you skip the irritation that braces can sometimes cause. And because you switch to new trays at home on your own schedule, you won't need adjustment visits as often as you would with braces. That means less time away from work or school.
- You'll have a clear timeline from day one. Your 3D treatment plan maps out every stage before you start, so you'll know roughly when to expect your final results. No surprises.
- See your results before you commit. During your free consultation at our Cary office, you'll view a digital preview of how your teeth will move throughout treatment. You'll know what to expect before saying yes to anything.
The Invisalign Process at Foley Orthodontics
Getting started with clear aligners at our family-owned practice in Cary, NC is simple. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. John Foley oversees every step. Here's what to expect:
- Free consultation with digital scan. Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation and digital scan of your teeth. No goopy impressions or uncomfortable trays. The scanner captures detailed images in minutes, and you can breathe normally throughout. Dr. Foley personally reviews every scan.
- Custom 3D treatment plan. Dr. Foley uses your scan to design a personalized plan showing exactly how your teeth will shift. You'll see a ClinCheck preview, which is a digital simulation of your smile from start to finish. This is where most members of our Foley family get excited, because you can actually watch your future smile take shape on screen.
- Receive your custom aligners. Once your plan is finalized, your aligners are fabricated specifically for you. You'll receive several sets at once, each designed for a different stage of your treatment. Wear each set for 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results.
- Switch trays every 1 to 2 weeks. Move to the next set of aligners in your series on the schedule Dr. Foley provides. Each new tray continues the movement where the last one left off.
- Periodic check-ins and retainer phase. You'll visit Foley Orthodontics periodically so Dr. Foley can monitor your progress, check that teeth are tracking correctly, and make any needed adjustments to your plan. These visits are typically quick, often 15 to 20 minutes. After your final aligner, you'll transition to a retainer to keep your new smile in place.
Your time is important, so we make it easy to start your smile on the same day as your free consultation. Many members of our Foley family walk out of their first visit with their treatment already underway.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Good candidates for Invisalign include most teens and adults in Cary, NC with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns like crowding, gaps, or bite misalignment, provided they can commit to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily.
Clear aligners can address many common concerns. Invisalign treats:
- Crowding: teeth that overlap or twist due to limited space
- Gaps: those spaces between teeth that trap food or make you self-conscious
- Overbite: when your upper teeth extend too far over the lower ones
- Underbite: lower teeth sitting in front of upper teeth when you bite down
- Crossbite: upper and lower teeth that don't line up properly when biting
- Open bite: your front teeth don't touch even when your back teeth are closed
Your aligners should only come out for eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing.
Not sure if Invisalign is right for you? Foley Orthodontics offers free consultations in Cary, NC to evaluate your specific situation. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Foley will assess your teeth and bite, then recommend the most effective approach for your goals.
Some cases may benefit from traditional braces, a combination of treatments, or one of our other orthodontic treatments. You'll know exactly what Dr. Foley recommends and why during your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Why Cary Families Choose Foley Orthodontics for Invisalign
When you're trusting someone with your smile, experience and expertise matter.
Board-certified orthodontist
Dr. John Foley is a board-certified orthodontist, a distinction that not all orthodontists achieve. He completed dental school followed by a specialized orthodontics residency, then went on to earn board certification on top of that. Dr. Foley has spent his entire career focused on tooth movement and bite correction. It's a level of specialization that gives our Foley family real confidence in their results.
Advanced digital technology
Our Cary office uses digital scans instead of messy impressions. This technology creates more accurate treatment plans and lets you see projected results before starting.
Treatment for all ages
Considering clear aligners for yourself or your teen? We create specific plans based on each person's unique needs. Teens and adults have different lifestyles, and their treatment should reflect that.
Convenient consultation options and same-day starts
Choose between an in-office visit or a virtual consultation, whatever works better for your schedule. Both are completely free with no obligation. And because we know you're busy, we make it possible to start your smile the same day as your consultation. No waiting weeks to get going.
You'll always see Dr. Foley
We're a family-owned practice, and you'll see Dr. Foley and the same team members every time you visit. You won't be passed between different providers or feel like just another number. That personal connection is something our Foley family tells us they value most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign in Cary, NC
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most people complete Invisalign in 6 to 18 months. Mild cases like minor crowding may finish faster, while more involved bite corrections take longer. During your free consultation, Dr. Foley will give you a personalized timeline based on your 3D treatment plan.
How much does Invisalign cost in Cary, NC?
Invisalign in Cary, NC typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on treatment complexity and individual needs. At Foley Orthodontics, your free consultation includes a detailed estimate with no surprises, and we'll create easy financing options that work for your family's budget.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. Coverage amounts vary by plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain what portion your plan may cover.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most people feel mild pressure when switching to a new set of aligners. This means the trays are working, and it typically fades within a day or two. Because there are no metal brackets or wires, you won't deal with the cheek irritation that sometimes accompanies traditional braces.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
Remove your aligners before eating any food. You can drink water while wearing them, but take them out for coffee, tea, soda, or anything besides plain water. After eating or drinking, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Contact Foley Orthodontics right away. Depending on where you are in your treatment, Dr. Foley may advise wearing your previous set or moving to your next set while a replacement is made. The important thing is not to go without aligners for extended periods, as your teeth can shift back.
Schedule Your Free Invisalign Consultation in Cary, NC
Ready to find out if clear aligners are right for you? Book your free consultation at Foley Orthodontics today. You'll meet with Dr. Foley, get a digital scan of your teeth, and see a preview of your potential results. The consultation is free and there's no obligation to move forward.
We can even start your smile the same day if you're ready to go.
Call us at 919-823-5576 or schedule online to reserve your visit. Our Cary office is located at 1505 SW Cary Pkwy., #207.
We Can't Wait to See You Smile.