Cumming has no shortage of offices that offer Invisalign, including general dentists, pediatric practices and orthodontic chains. The real question for a Cumming family is who will plan and supervise the treatment, and how. At Lanier Orthodontics, every Invisalign case is planned and managed by Dr. Wesley Gass, a board-certified orthodontist, in a one-doctor practice just north of Cumming on GA-400 in Dawsonville.
This page explains how Invisalign works at our office, who it suits, what treatment involves week to week, and how it compares with braces and with our in-house clear aligners, so you can come to a free consultation already knowing what to ask.
Why an Orthodontist Should Plan Your Aligners
Invisalign trays are made by Align Technology, but the plan behind them, meaning which teeth move, in what order and how far, comes from the provider. That plan decides whether a case finishes on time or needs rounds of refinements.
Dr. Gass completed a three-year orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he also earned a master’s degree in dental science. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Before specializing he also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, where he worked on complex interdisciplinary cases with other dental specialists. That experience helps when your orthodontic plan has to fit with the rest of your dental care. He has treated hundreds of Invisalign cases for kids, teens and adults. Because the practice has one doctor, the orthodontist who plans your case is the one you see at every visit.
How Invisalign Treatment Works at Lanier Orthodontics
1. Free consultation and digital records
Your first visit is free and includes a full orthodontic exam and diagnosis. We use 3D digital imaging of your teeth and bite instead of messy impression putty, and Dr. Gass reviews whether aligners, braces or either one will give you the best result.
2. Your custom treatment plan
Your digital records go into planning software, where Dr. Gass maps each stage of tooth movement and can make precise changes before any aligners are made.
3. Attachments and your first aligners
For many cases, Dr. Gass places small tooth-colored composite bumps, called attachments, on certain teeth. They give the aligners something to grip so the trays can push and rotate teeth more precisely. Then you receive your first set of aligners and learn how to wear and clean them.
4. Wear, switch and check in
Aligners work only while they are in your mouth. Plan on wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day and taking them out to eat, brush and clean them. You switch to the next aligner in the series on schedule, and that switch replaces the “tightening” visits of braces. You will still come in periodically so Dr. Gass can confirm your teeth are tracking.
5. Retainers
When the last aligner is done, retainers keep your teeth where they finished. Our retainers page covers the options.
Invisalign for Every Age
- Kids: Invisalign for kids can handle some early (Phase 1) treatment in growing smiles with a removable appliance.
- Teens: Invisalign for teens works around school photos, sports and band. It suits teens who will reliably keep their aligners in.
- Adults: Invisalign for adults straightens teeth without brackets showing at work, and many adults start years after they first thought about it.
Invisalign, Braces or In-House Aligners?
Lanier Orthodontics offers three ways to straighten teeth, and Dr. Gass will tell you honestly which one fits your case.
| Invisalign | Lanier in-house aligners | Braces | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, removable trays | Clear, removable trays | Metal, clear ceramic, gold or self-ligating brackets |
| Made by | Align Technology, planned by Dr. Gass | Designed in our office from your 3D scan | Bonded and adjusted in our office |
| Daily effort | Wear 20–22 hours; remove to eat | Same wear routine as Invisalign | Nothing to remember; avoid hard and sticky foods |
| Visits | Periodic check-ins | Periodic check-ins | Adjustments, on average every 4–10 weeks |
| Often a good fit for | Many teen and adult cases | Cases Dr. Gass can plan fully in-house | Complex bites and patients who prefer not to manage trays |
See our types of braces page if brackets might be the better route.
What Invisalign Can Treat
Clear aligners can correct many common problems, including crowding, gaps, crossbites, overbites and underbites. More complex bite problems may need braces, or aligners combined with other tools such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs). That decision belongs at the consultation, after Dr. Gass has seen your records, not on a website.
What Invisalign Costs for Cumming Patients
The cost depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment will take, so we don’t publish a single price. At your free consultation you get a clear estimate, and our team builds a payment plan around your budget. We also help you understand your orthodontic insurance benefits and file claims so you receive what you are eligible for. Try our payment calculator to get a sense of monthly payments before you visit.
Getting Here From Cumming
Lanier Orthodontics is at 477 Prominence Ct., Suite 200, in Dawsonville. From Cumming, head north on GA-400 past Coal Mountain into Dawson County. The office is easy to reach from GA-400, which helps if you are fitting an aligner check into a workday or school pickup. Families from Cumming, Coal Mountain and the rest of Forsyth County make the trip regularly. See our Cumming orthodontist page for everything else we offer Cumming patients.
Start With a Free Consultation
Meet Dr. Gass, get your 3D scan reviewed, and leave knowing whether Invisalign is right for you, with no obligation. Request your free consult or call or text (706) 525-7797.
Invisalign Questions From Cumming Patients
Is Lanier Orthodontics an Invisalign provider near Cumming, GA?
Yes. Dr. Gass offers Invisalign for kids, teens and adults at our Dawsonville office, a drive north on GA-400 from Cumming.
How many hours a day do I need to wear Invisalign?
Typically 20 to 22 hours a day. Take the aligners out to eat, to brush and floss, and to clean the trays, then put them right back in.
How long does Invisalign take?
It depends on the movement your teeth need. Dr. Gass gives you a realistic timeline at your consultation after reviewing your scan.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No. You can book a free consultation directly. Keep seeing your dentist for regular cleanings during treatment.
What happens if my case isn’t right for aligners?
Dr. Gass will tell you, explain why, and walk you through braces options such as clear ceramic or self-ligating brackets.