Invisalign


Invisalign® | Invisalign Teen® | Invisalign® FAQ

We proudly offer Invisalign to all ages in Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville, and surrounding areas. Our office has almost 20 years of experience using Invisalign as an alternative to braces, and we are a Diamond-level provider, which means that we are in the Top 1% of Invisalign doctors in the world. Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth.

Clearly Different

The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with the extensive science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our Pikeville or Paintsville office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Our doctors partner with Invisalign and use advanced computer technology to translate in to a sequence of finely calibrated aligners. Each Invisalign aligner is worn for 3-7 days and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually - week-by-week until the final alignment is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!

If you want to learn more about the company behind the Invisalign product and how it works, visit the Invisalign Homepage.

To ensure the best possible results, only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Dr. Hartsock and Dr. Sword are both certified Invisalign providers and are very proficient with the Invisalign treatment technique.  Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, contact us by phone or email to schedule a FREE consultation or click on our request appointment page.

Invisalign Video


Now teens in Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville, and surrounding areas don't have to worry about embarrassing metal braces in their Snapchats or on their Instagram profiles – introducing Invisalign® Teen! Invisalign® Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

What is Invisalign Teen?

  • Invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
  • Series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners.
  • Uses no metal wires or brackets.
  • Custom-made for comfort.

How Does Invisalign Teen Work?

  • Wear each set of aligners for 3-7 days.
  • Remove only to eat, brush and floss.
  • Your teeth will move gradually each week.
  • Visit us every 8-10 weeks.
  • Total treatment time averages 12-18 months.
  • Average number of aligners is between 30 and 50.

What Conditions Does Invisalign Teen Treat?

By using its advanced technology, Invisalign Teen can treat a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions, which, in the past, were usually treated with traditional braces. These conditions include:

  • Overly crowded teeth
  • Widely spaced teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite

Invisalign Teen Video


Q. How often do I wear my Invisalign aligners?

A. You must wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.

Q. Are there restrictions to what I can eat during Invisalign treatment?

A. No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth or rinse with water after you eat.

Q. Will Invisalign affect my speech?

A. Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.

Q. Is there any discomfort with Invisalign® treatment?

A. There will be some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each initial insertion. This is a sign that your teeth are moving sequentially into their final position. Generally there is less discomfort and soreness with Invisalign compared to traditional braces because less activation is required with a weekly aligner change compared to a monthly adjustment required with metal or ceramic braces.

Q. Can I chew gum with Invisalign?

A. It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum as the gum will stick to the aligners. With traditional braces you must avoid chewing gum and eating anything that is sticky.

Q. Can I smoke with Invisalign?

A. We discourage smoking with aligners as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them and because smoking can decrease gum health and lead to periodontal disease or to slower tooth movement.

Q. How do I keep my Invisalign clean?

A. Brushing them with a toothbrush and water will keep them fresh and clean.  Since a new aligner is placed every 3-7 days, keeping the aligners clean should not be an issue as long as you have proper oral hygiene.

Q. How often do I see an orthodontist while wearing Invisalign®?

A. Regular office visits are every eight to ten weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned and that no negative side effects are occurring. We have two convenient locations in Pikeville and Paintsville to monitor your progress and to ensure that you are achieving the results you desire.

Q. Do I need retainers when I am done with Invisalign?

A. All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth. The retainers that our Pikeville and Paintsville offices provide are similar to the Invisalign aligners that are used during active treatment.

Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take?

A. Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can be shorter than traditional braces, between 12 and 18 months is the most common treatment duration.

Q. Does Invisalign work for kids?

A. Yes it does. Newer technological advancements in the Invisalign software and in materials now allows our orthodontists to treat patients as young as seven years old using the Invisalign treatment technique. Traditional appliances for kids that include headgear, herbst bite corrector, and palatal expander can often be avoided thanks to the latest incredible advancements in the Invisalign product. Schedule a free consultation in our Pikeville or Paintsville office to see how orthodontic treatment with Invisalign can benefit you!