ORTHODONTICS IN LENOIR, NC
STRAIGHTEN TEETH DISCREETLY
Modern orthodontics gently aligns teeth to improve function, balance, and long-term oral health with subtle treatment.
At Cornerstone Dentistry, we use Invisalign®, a system of custom clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. It’s a comfortable, nearly invisible alternative to metal braces. Aligners are removable, easy to maintain, and customized for your smile goals and bite.
Patients love how discreet and convenient Invisalign treatment is compared to traditional orthodontics. Many find the flexibility of removing trays during meals and brushing to be a major advantage.
WHEN IT’S NEEDED
Orthodontic care helps treat crowding, spacing, bite misalignment, and other structural dental issues.
Without treatment, misaligned teeth may cause decay, gum problems, jaw strain, speech issues, and uneven tooth wear. Invisalign trays support improved oral health by correcting these concerns with minimal discomfort. Patients often report fewer complications and better hygiene when compared to brackets and wires.
It’s ideal for teens and adults wanting subtle, effective results. Many choose Invisalign to avoid visible braces and maintain comfort, confidence, and flexibility throughout daily routines like eating, working, and socializing.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We begin with a digital scan to map your smile and create a custom treatment plan.
Dr. Grimes and Dr. Khatri use advanced iTero® scanning to show how your smile will look after Invisalign treatment. Your aligners are then fabricated and worn daily for 22 hours per day. You’ll switch trays every couple of weeks and visit us periodically to track progress.
Many patients see results in just six months. We’ll review your progress regularly, provide care tips, and help you troubleshoot any discomfort, staining, or fit concerns that arise during treatment.
DAILY CARE
Invisalign aligners should be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Clean them daily with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Avoid staining foods, sugary drinks, and hot beverages while wearing aligners.
TRAY WEAR
Wear trays for 22 hours daily. Only remove them for meals and oral hygiene. Store them properly in a case, and always wear trays in the correct sequence.
Why Orthodontic Health Matters at Every Age
Choosing orthodontics in Lenoir, NC, is about more than a straighter smile. Well-aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease, and a balanced bite reduces strain on the jaw joints and uneven wear on tooth enamel. At Cornerstone Dentistry, orthodontic treatment works alongside your routine preventative exams to protect your long-term oral health, not just the way your teeth look in photos.
When Should You See an Orthodontist? The Age 7 Guideline
Many parents assume orthodontic care is something to think about only once a child is a teenager. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. By that age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives an orthodontist a clear picture of how the jaw and bite are developing.
Signs It May Be Time for an Evaluation
- Crowding, overlapping, or unusually spaced teeth.
- Teeth that do not meet evenly, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
- Difficulty chewing or frequent biting of the cheek or tongue.
- Thumb or finger sucking that continues past early childhood.
- Jaw clicking, popping, or shifting to one side.
- A retainer from past treatment that no longer fits or has been lost.
Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. Often, it simply means your dentist can monitor growth and step in at the right time, which tends to make later treatment shorter and simpler.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: What Sets Clear Aligners Apart
Patients considering orthodontics often want to understand how Invisalign compares with metal braces before committing to a treatment plan. According to the American Dental Association, braces and aligners are both appliances orthodontists use to guide teeth into their proper positions, and today, many adults seek treatment just as often as teens do.
The biggest difference patients notice is how each option fits into daily life:
- Aligners are removable, so you can eat, brush, and floss without wires or brackets in the way.
- Clear trays are far less noticeable in photos, meetings, and everyday conversations.
- There are no metal brackets to irritate the inside of your cheeks or lips.
- Office visits tend to be shorter, since there is no wire to adjust or tighten.
Traditional braces still play an important role in addressing certain bite problems. For many teens and adults in Lenoir, Invisalign offers a more comfortable and flexible path to the same healthy results.
Your Invisalign Journey: Timeline and Daily Habits
Most patients move through a new set of aligner trays roughly every 1 to 2 weeks, with periodic checkups to ensure their teeth are tracking as planned. Many people see noticeable movement within the first few months, and a full course of treatment often wraps up in about six months to a year, depending on the complexity of your case.
Sticking to the 22-hour daily wear schedule makes the biggest difference in staying on track. A few habits help:
- Pop trays back in immediately after eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Rinse trays with lukewarm water rather than hot, as hot water can warp the plastic.
- Keep a case with you so a removed tray never ends up wrapped in a napkin.
- Bring your current and next tray to appointments so your dentist can check the fit.
Life After Treatment: The Importance of Retainers
Finishing your last tray is not the final step. Teeth can gradually shift for the rest of your life as the surrounding tissue adjusts, which is why a retainer is essential to protect your results. Most patients wear a retainer nightly for the long term, and a retainer that suddenly feels tight is usually a sign to resume more consistent wear rather than a reason to stop using it altogether.
Orthodontics for Teens and Adults in Lenoir, NC
Orthodontics in Lenoir, NC, is not just for kids. Teens benefit from treatment while their permanent teeth are in place and growth can still be guided, often fitting aligners around sports, band, and busy school schedules with minimal disruption. Adults, meanwhile, frequently seek treatment for crowding or spacing that went untreated years ago, or for a bite that has shifted over time.
Dr. Khatri, a Silver Invisalign provider, works with patients of all ages to design a plan that fits their goals, whether that means correcting a lifelong concern or simply fine-tuning a smile before a big event. Straightening teeth as an adult can also simplify future dental work, since well-aligned teeth make it easier to plan crowns, bridges, or implants down the road.
Complete Your Smile Transformation
Many patients choose to pair their orthodontic results with professional teeth whitening once their aligner treatment is finished. Straight, bright teeth tend to go hand in hand, and finishing one treatment is often the perfect time to start thinking about the other.
Cost and Financing for Orthodontics in Lenoir, NC
The cost of orthodontics in Lenoir, NC, depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes to complete. Some insurance plans offer partial orthodontic coverage, so our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before you begin.
For patients without coverage or facing out-of-pocket costs, Cornerstone Dentistry also offers flexible financing options, including CareCredit® plans with no-interest options and quick approval. We never want cost to be the reason someone puts off a healthier smile.
Why Lenoir Families Trust Cornerstone Dentistry for Orthodontic Care
Dr. Eric Grimes has practiced dentistry for more than three decades and opened Cornerstone Dentistry's Lenoir location in 2008, bringing a calm, patient-first approach to every visit. Along with Dr. Khatri's specialized Invisalign training, the team combines experience with modern technology, including digital scanning that shows patients what their finished smile will look like before treatment even begins.
Orthodontics FAQ
Most patients complete treatment in about 6 months to 1 year, though timelines vary depending on how much movement your teeth need.
Some plans offer partial coverage for orthodontics. Our team can review your benefits and let you know what to expect before you start treatment.
Yes. Invisalign works well for teens with a full set of permanent teeth as well as adults looking to correct crowding, spacing, or a shifted bite.
Yes. Retainers protect your results by holding teeth in their new position while the surrounding tissue stabilizes, so most patients wear one nightly for the long term.
Invisalign trays are clear and fit closely over the teeth, which makes them far less noticeable than metal brackets and wires in everyday conversations or photos.
Contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in treatment, we may have you move to the next tray early or have a replacement made so your progress is not delayed.
Schedule Your Orthodontics Consultation in Lenoir, NC
A straighter, healthier smile starts with a single conversation. Our team at Cornerstone Dentistry is ready to walk you through your options for orthodontics in Lenoir, NC, from your first scan to your final retainer fitting.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a smile you will want to share.
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
