STEP 01
Assessment
Dr. Compton examines your teeth and determines whether your alignment concern is suitable for Smart Move treatment.
Clear aligner treatment in Concord, NC
Invisible Braces in Concord, NC
A more discreet way to improve minor tooth alignment.
Clear removable aligners can provide an alternative to traditional braces for appropriate patients who want to improve selected alignment concerns.
Dr. Clifford Compton offers Smart Move clear aligners for suitable minor tooth movements, including selected spacing, rotation and tipping concerns.
The first step is simply finding out whether this type of treatment is right for you.
Understanding clear aligners
What are invisible braces?
Invisible braces use clear removable aligners rather than conventional brackets and wires.
A series of custom-made appliances gradually guides selected teeth toward a planned position.
Because the aligners are transparent and removable, many patients find them easier to incorporate into everyday life than traditional braces.
They are discreet — but they are still orthodontic appliances and need to be worn as directed for treatment to work.
Smart Move
What is Smart Move?
Smart Move is a clear aligner system designed for selected minor alignment concerns, particularly involving the front teeth.
It may be appropriate for certain cases involving:
- Minor tooth rotations
- Small gaps or spacing
- Selected tipping
- Limited torque correction
- Mild relapse following previous orthodontic treatment
The key is suitability.
If the tooth movement required is more complex, another orthodontic approach may be more appropriate.
Who may benefit?
Could clear aligners be right for me?
Smart Move may be worth considering if you:
- are concerned about minor misalignment of front teeth
- have small spaces between selected teeth
- have experienced mild movement after previous orthodontic treatment
- prefer a removable appliance
- would like a more discreet alternative to conventional braces
- have an alignment problem that falls within the capabilities of the system
The only way to know whether clear aligners are suitable is to assess the type and amount of tooth movement required.
What they can — and can’t — do
Clear aligners are not the right answer for every case
It is important to be realistic about what a limited clear aligner system can achieve.
Some alignment concerns require more comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Smart Move is intended primarily for selected minor cases.
Dr. Compton will assess your teeth and explain:
- whether clear aligners are appropriate
- what level of improvement may reasonably be expected
- whether another option would make more sense
- what the treatment process involves
The aim is not to fit everyone into the same treatment.
It is to choose the treatment that makes sense for the individual patient.
How treatment works
How Smart Move clear aligners work
STEP 02
Records & Impressions
Appropriate dental records and precise impressions are taken to help plan the required tooth movement.
STEP 03
Custom Aligners
A series of clear aligners is created specifically for your teeth and planned treatment.
STEP 04
Progress & Review
Your alignment is reviewed as treatment progresses and further stages may be considered where appropriate.
Why patients consider clear aligners
What are the benefits of invisible braces?
Discreet
Clear material makes the appliance less noticeable than conventional metal brackets and wires.
Removable
The aligners can be removed for appropriate activities such as eating and oral hygiene.
Custom Made
Each appliance is created specifically for the individual patient.
Focused Treatment
For suitable minor cases, treatment can concentrate on selected teeth that require alignment.
Wearing your aligners
What is everyday life with clear aligners like?
Clear aligners are removable, but successful treatment depends on wearing them consistently according to your prescribed instructions.
Patients should expect to:
- wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time
- remove them appropriately for meals and cleaning
- keep the aligners clean
- attend review appointments
- follow instructions when moving between stages
The appliance may be discreet, but consistency still matters.
A natural approach
Improve alignment without losing what makes your smile yours
The goal of clear aligner treatment is not to create an artificial or identical smile.
For suitable patients, it is about improving selected alignment concerns in a way that still feels natural.
That approach fits closely with Dr. Compton’s wider philosophy of dentistry: WIDIOM — “Would I Do It On Me?”
If clear aligners are appropriate, we’ll explain why. If another option makes more sense, we’ll tell you that too.
Treatment should enhance what is already yours.
After treatment
Keeping teeth in their new position
Teeth can naturally move over time.
After orthodontic alignment, retention is often an important part of helping maintain the result.
If treatment is appropriate for you, Dr. Compton can explain what retention may involve and what you need to do after active alignment finishes.
Related care
Other ways we can help improve your smile
Family Dentistry
Maintain the health of your teeth and gums before, during and after alignment treatment.
Learn moreDental Services
Explore the full range of preventive, restorative and advanced dental care available at the Concord practice.
Learn moreDental Implants
Explore options for replacing missing teeth where tooth replacement is part of a wider restorative plan.
Learn moreCommon questions
Invisible Braces FAQs
01Are clear aligners really invisible?
No orthodontic appliance is literally invisible, but clear aligners are designed to be significantly less noticeable than traditional metal brackets and wires.
02Can I take the aligners out?
Yes. Clear aligners are removable, although successful treatment depends on wearing them consistently according to the instructions provided.
03Can clear aligners correct every orthodontic problem?
No. Smart Move is intended for selected minor alignment concerns. More complex orthodontic problems may require a different treatment approach.
04Can clear aligners close gaps between teeth?
Some small spaces may be suitable for clear aligner treatment, depending on the location and amount of movement required.
05Can clear aligners help if my teeth moved after braces?
Selected cases of minor orthodontic relapse may be suitable for treatment. Dr. Compton will need to assess the current tooth positions before recommending an approach.
06How long does treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the type and amount of movement required. Dr. Compton can give you a clearer idea after assessing your teeth.
07Are clear aligners only for adults?
Suitability depends on the individual patient and the type of alignment problem rather than age alone. An assessment is required before treatment can be recommended.
08Will I need a retainer afterwards?
Retention is commonly an important part of maintaining tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment. Dr. Compton can explain what may be appropriate for your individual case.
Ready to explore your options?
Wondering whether clear aligners could work for you?
If you are concerned about minor tooth alignment and would prefer a discreet removable option, the first step is simply finding out whether Smart Move is suitable for your teeth.
Dr. Compton can assess your smile, explain the available options and help you decide what makes sense.