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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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3D printing has changed orthodontic care by providing offices with a way to customize appliances for each patient with state-of-the-art modeling techniques. Whether an orthodontist can spring for the equipment to print appliances in-office or send away for them from a dedicated printer, 3D-printed Invisalign aligners provide a new dimension of personalization and comfort to orthodontic treatment.

Continue reading to learn about Invisalign, including the steps it takes for offices to 3D-print a custom aligner and the benefits of using this trending technology to improve the patient experience.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner molded from a patient’s teeth. It works similarly to braces in that the aligner applies gradual pressure to move teeth to healthier positions over time. Like braces, Invisalign can treat many malocclusions, such as underbite, overbite, crossbite, crowding, and gaps, though severe conditions often still require conventional braces.

Every two weeks, the patient replaces their current aligner with a new one, often receiving several at a time from their provider so that treatment can be mostly self-directed. As treatment progresses, the aligners become straighter. So long as they are worn as directed, Invisalign aligners should have a similar treatment outlook as braces.

The treatment itself, however, is much different. The printed aligners are worn in succession and constantly refined using new 3D scanning technology. Rather than rely on one-time physical molds to gauge a patient’s treatment progress, 3D printing techniques allow providers to customize the sequential molds to the patient’s exact progress.

How does 3D Printing Help?

Printed molds are made from digital scans of the patient’s oral structures, which record everything in three dimensions. The accuracy of these scans makes the fit of the appliances made from the molds more accurate, which makes them more comfortable and effective.

3D printing can also be used for retainers, even if a patient received conventional braces as their main treatment. As soon as the braces come off, the orthodontist can have a printed retainer ready based on the newest scans. The convenience of the molding and printing process has reduced retainer costs for patients in addition to saving them time and money on unnecessary office visits.

How Digital Scanning Changes Invisalign

No matter how customized, conventional braces remain more generalized treatments than 3D-printed aligners. The first step to making them consists of a digital 3D scan that perfectly maps your oral structures. This allows the 3D printer to create appliances tailored to your mouth.

But digital scanning comes with other benefits besides accuracy. One is that traditional molding is uncomfortable for the patient, often provoking anxious feelings and sometimes activating a gag reflex. Digital scans get rid of the mess, the weird-tasting alginate that makes the mold, and the time commitment. Plus, a provider can reuse a digital scan indefinitely to create new appliances, eliminating the need for remolding in the event of a lost appliance.

Treatment Planning for the Digital Age

Efficient scanning isn’t the only way 3D printing uses digital methods to refine orthodontic treatment. With molds of the patient’s teeth scanned into computers, orthodontists can now utilize them in new and exciting ways.

Using these scans, providers can examine their patients more meticulously, sometimes planning the treatment down to the tooth to provide personalized care. Since every malocclusion is unique, customizable treatment options provide service on a whole new level.

The benefits of this advanced planning are numerous, including increased comfort for the patient during treatment and a more efficient treatment schedule, which in some cases could result in financial savings. Note, however that Invisalign can sometimes be expensive compared to traditional braces and cannot always treat the same conditions. Consider a consultation to review your options and learn whether Invisalign would be an effective treatment.

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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reese orthodontics west ashley sc

Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).