Note: The time frame of Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient—this is one example. Each program is customized on an individual basis. Depending on the complexity of your case, you could start seeing results in your treatment in as little as 6 months. Multiple studies have found that Invisalign treatment finished 5 months faster on average than treatment with braces.
Like many teenagers, I had braces around age 14. Back then, I remember the routine vividly: the orthodontist appointments, the colorful rubber bands, and the excitement of seeing a straight smile after years of treatment.
Fast forward a few years, though, and things started to change. I didn’t keep up with wearing my retainers consistently, especially after college. Life got busier and by my mid-to-late 20s, I noticed subtle shifts. Crowding returned in my lower teeth, and some of the alignment on top didn’t look the way it once had.
The thought of going through orthodontic treatment again (as a mom of 2 with a hectic schedule!) felt overwhelming. But when I started researching, Invisalign quickly stood out. The idea of going back to traditional braces as an adult wasn’t appealing. I wanted something discreet, effective, and easy to fit into my daily life. After meeting with the team at Raleigh Orthodontics, I knew I was in good hands. They walked me through the process step by step, answered all my questions, and made me feel completely at ease about the commitment.
And honestly? The entire experience has been seamless. Here’s what the process looked like for me:
- Consult: A thorough exam, photos, and a personalized plan from the Raleigh Orthodontics team
- Aligners in about 2 weeks: Quick turnaround from digital scan to trays in hand
- First Sets: I went home that same day with my first set of aligners, which made it easy to stay on track and move to the next pack every week
- Periodic Check-ins: Just a few quick appointments to make sure everything was progressing smoothly and looking good along the way
- Refinement trays: I’m finishing up a few final trays now—and then I’m done!
The aligners themselves are clear, comfortable, and so easy to live with. The flexibility has been invaluable. I have to give a huge shoutout to Tracy, Kristin, and Dr. Dan at Raleigh Orthodontics. They’ve been so supportive and encouraging throughout this process, making each step simple and stress-free.
Invisalign didn’t just straighten my teeth. It gave me a second chance at maintaining the smile I worked so hard for years ago, with a process that truly worked for my busy life. If you’ve been thinking about it, I can’t recommend Invisalign—and the team at Raleigh Orthodontics—enough.