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Invisalign® Clear Aligners
A Straighter Smile without the Metal

With discreet Invisalign aligners, no one needs to know you're straightening your smile!

Invisalign® Clear Aligners | Dentist

Invisalign® Clear Aligners Erie

Invisalign® clear aligners offer a convenient way to straighten crooked or crowded teeth and correct bite issues without metal braces. At Carroll Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Tara Carroll helps older teens and adults in Erie and surrounding communities achieve straighter, healthier smiles with the help of Invisalign.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-fitted, removable, clear plastic trays to move teeth into better alignment gradually. Some reasons why our patients appreciate clear aligners are that they are:

  • Discreet — The clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn
  • Comfortable — The smooth plastic surface of aligners won’t irritate the mouth
  • Convenient — There’s no special care required beyond keeping the aligners clean
  • Removable — There are no food restrictions, and oral hygiene is easier because you can remove the aligners.

For more complex orthodontic issues, traditional braces may be more appropriate. Dr. Carroll will evaluate your teeth and be straightforward about which option is the better fit for your situation.

What Problems Can Invisalign Fix?

Clear aligners are perfect for addressing most mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
Crowded Teeth
When teeth overlap or are pushed out of position due to limited space, Invisalign clear aligners gradually create room and guide each tooth into proper alignment. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and less prone to uneven wear.
Gaps and Uneven Spacing
Gaps between teeth can affect appearance, trap food, change how you bite, and place extra pressure on the gums and bone. Invisalign closes these spaces evenly, improving both the look and function of your smile.
Mild to Moderate Bite Issues
Bite problems affect how the teeth meet when chewing and can cause jaw discomfort, uneven wear, and difficulty cleaning certain areas. Invisalign corrects mild to moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Invisalign® works by moving your teeth gradually through a series of custom-fitted clear trays. Each tray is slightly different from the last, applying gentle pressure to shift specific teeth in a planned sequence. You progress through the series on a schedule Dr. Carroll establishes based on your treatment plan.

Wearing Clear Aligners: What You Need to Know

Consistency is the most important factor in Invisalign success. Here is what wearing your aligners looks like day to day:

  • Wear each set for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss.
  • Move to the next tray in your series every one to two weeks, as directed.
  • Some mild pressure or discomfort for the first day or two after switching to a new tray is normal.

Dr. Carroll schedules periodic check-ins, typically every six to eight weeks, to confirm your teeth are tracking as planned and to give you your next set of aligners.

Caring for Clear Aligners

  • Rinse trays with cool water every time you remove them.
  • Clean gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
  • Store them in their case when not in use.
  • Always brush and floss before putting trays back in.

If you lose an aligner or one becomes damaged, call us as soon as possible. Do not go without a tray for an extended period, as teeth can shift back quickly.

To schedule an Invisalign consultation, call Carroll Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (303) 962-6400 or book online. We welcome patients from Erie, Broomfield, Lafayette, Westminster, Thornton, Brighton, Dacono, Frederick, Firestone, and surrounding communities.

Getting Started with Invsialign

The process begins with an evaluation. First, Dr. Carroll examines your teeth and bite, takes photos and digital scans, and uses Invisalign software to plan how your teeth will move. This technology also provides a preview of your expected results, so you can envision where your smile is headed.

Once your custom aligners are ready, Dr. Carroll walks you through how to wear them, care for them, and progress through your series. You wear each set of trays for one to two weeks, then move to the next. Periodic check-in appointments allow Dr. Carroll to confirm that your teeth are moving as planned and make any needed adjustments to your treatment.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some patients with minor alignment concerns complete treatment in as little as six months. Most cases take between 12 and 18 months. Dr. Carroll will give you a realistic estimate at your evaluation based on what your teeth need.

  • Dr. Tara Carroll

    Dr. Tara Carroll

    Dr. Carroll knows firsthand what a transformed smile can do. At just seven years old, she began orthodontic treatment and spent more than five years in braces. The confidence she gained inspired a career dedicated to helping others feel that same joy.

    Dr. Carroll completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2005, beginning her career in a corporate practice before founding her own practice in 2007. After a decade of growth ...

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Are You a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

If you feel like you've put off orthodontic treatment long enough and want to know if you're a good Invisalign candidate, we recommend calling Dr. Carroll to schedule an appointment. We're open five days a week with early hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays so that you can get in to see us before work or school. 

Carroll Family & Cosmetic Dentistry accepts most PPO insurance and offers an in-house membership with many benefits, including discounts on select services. Please call us at (303) 962-6400 to schedule or book online.

We welcome patients from Erie, Broomfield, Lafayette, Westminster, Thornton, Brighton, Dacono, Frederick, Firestone, and surrounding communities.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners Technology

Panoramic X-Rays

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic x-ray captures a single, wide-angle image of your entire mouth, including all teeth, both jaws, the temporomandibular joints, and surrounding bone. It gives Dr. Carroll a comprehensive view that standard x-rays cannot provide. We use panoramic x-rays in treatment planning for implants, Invisalign, extractions, and full smile makeovers, making it an important diagnostic tool for evaluating your overall oral health.