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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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Clear aligners, often referred to by the brand name, Invisalign, offer an exciting alternative to conventional metal braces. For professionals in a person-to-person business or students nervous about their physical appearance, clear aligners offer many of the same treatment benefits as braces without the visual impact. The ability to take out the aligner to eat or play sports is another convenient benefit over traditional treatments.

However, not all clear aligners are made equal. While Invisalign has been the primary name in clear aligners since inventing the treatment decades ago, other brands have cropped up offering similar devices at a fraction of the cost. Continue reading to learn about the differences between these clear aligners and why Invisalign remains the standard treatment method for anyone looking for an alternative to metal braces.

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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Invisalign

Invented in 1997 by a group of Stanford students, Invisalign has revolutionized advanced orthodontic care. Instead of long office visits involving applying or adjusting metal braces, repairing brackets and wires, and educating patients on all the things they cannot do while wearing their appliance, orthodontists that offer Invisalign have an opportunity to make their patients more comfortable than ever.

When properly applied, the results of Invisalign are similar to those of conventional braces. However, instead of a mounted archwire that applies gradual amounts of force to a patient’s teeth, Invisalign treatment consists of clear plastic aligners of various sizes. As treatment progresses, patients switch out their aligners for tighter ones until their smile has reached the desired position. Treatments can last anywhere from 6-18 months, with visits every 4-6 weeks to check progress and, if needed, replace the aligners.

Invisalign can treat many of the same malocclusions as braces, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, uneven spacing, crowding, or gaps. However, severe malocclusions may require additional dental appliances, tooth removal, or surgical intervention. Clear aligners cannot magically alter oral structures, though they can help coerce them into a healthier state when used as directed.

The cost of Invisalign tends to be roughly the same as braces, around $3,000 to $7,000. However, the amount you end up paying can change depending on your orthodontist’s payment plan options, your insurer’s policies, and the duration of treatment you need.

Despite its high cost, Invisalign remains the most trusted source for clear aligners.

SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub is a subscription service that offers clear plastic aligners through a mail-in service. They send you an impression kit so you can take a 3D mold of your teeth and send it to a licensed orthodontist for review. SmileDirectClub advertises an average treatment time of around 5 months and a price point much lower than Invisalign. They have two options: a one-time payment of $2,050 for the whole treatment or $89 per month for 26 months, plus a $250 deposit, totaling $2,564.

Unlike Invisalign prescribed by an orthodontist, SmileDirectClub does not have access to 3D scanning and molding techniques that have made these appliances far more comfortable and effective in recent years. SmileDirectClub hopes to take a shortcut through the normal process of examinations and prescriptions by relying on the patient’s ability to mold their teeth.

However, this increases the chance of human error, which increases the odds that your treatment will not be effective. Additionally, without a proper exam, you cannot know if a different appliance or procedure would benefit you more than a clear aligner.

Byte

Byte offers clear aligners for $1,999 to $2,399, depending on your payment plan. They also advertise a short treatment time with an average of 4 months. One benefit of using Byte is that they offer the ability to schedule exams with dental professionals, though their website mentions that this could increase the cost of treatment. The advertised savings are for their remote treatment option.

The fast treatment is due to a device known as the “HyperByte,” which uses vibrations to speed up the process. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on your smile, but you must purchase two yearly retainers. At $129 each, this can add up.

While they offer financial savings and could be a good option for those with very mild malocclusions, most patients would benefit in the long run from the treatment of a licensed orthodontist and the modern techniques that ensure safe and 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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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).