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Woman holding invisalign brace

Invisalign® straightens your teeth discreetly
in St. Louis, MO

(314) 463-5655
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If you have always wanted straighter teeth but are hesitant to undergo years of treatment with traditional metal braces, you are not alone. At Crestwood Dental Group, patients in the St. Louis, MO area who are interested in teeth straightening but want alternatives to braces have an effective, discreet, convenient treatment option – Invisalign®.

What is Invisalign and what can it treat?

Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that has changed the smiles of millions of patients in the last two decades. It uses a series of invisible teeth aligners to gradually shift your teeth and jaw into their optimal positions, correcting a variety of issues such as:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Gap teeth
  • Bite problems such as overbite and underbite

The Invisalign process

Your Invisalign journey starts with an initial consultation at Crestwood Dental Group. Dr. Maxwell will talk with you about what you like and don’t like about your smile and examine your teeth and gums to make sure you are an ideal candidate. Then, using our iTero digital scanner, we take fast and comfortable digital impressions of your mouth to plan out your treatment. Your series of aligners is then created in the Invisalign laboratory using a BPA-free, comfortable plastic. Once they are ready, you come into our office and we will give you your aligners and instructions for wearing them. In general:

  • You wear each set for one to two weeks at a time and then switch them out for the next set.
  • The aligners are completely removable so you can eat and drink whatever you’d like without restrictions, and your ability to brush and floss your teeth fully is not compromised.
  • It is recommended that you wear them for a minimum of 22 hours per day
  • You will come in for quick and painless check-ups so we can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed
  • Most patients complete their treatment in one year or less
  • After your treatment is complete, we will provide you with a custom-fitted retainer to wear at night to maintain your terrific results

CDG aligners: in-house tooth straightening treatment

For patients seeking alternatives to Invisalign, we offer a customized tooth straightening option that consists of aligners that we make right here in our office. The process for this treatment is very similar to Invisalign but can be a more affordable option for patients. Using our advanced iTero digital scanner, we take precise digital impressions of your teeth to custom-design your aligners. Then, we use a 3D printer to create comfortable, clear aligners that we call “CDG aligners” (“Crestwood Dental Group” aligners). Like Invisalign treatment, these aligners are worn for the majority of the day and you can remove them for easy dental care and to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages.

To start your path toward a straighter smile, call Crestwood Dental Group in St. Louis today! You can reach us at (314) 463-5655.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


It is an effective and convenient method of straightening teeth. Compared to traditional metal braces with brackets and wire that look unsightly, Invisalign clear aligners are an invisible and therefore, discreet solution for crooked and misaligned teeth.



Crooked, overcrowded, and gapped teeth and bite problems like overbite and underbite are some of the issues that Invisalign can correct.



This orthodontic procedure involves clear aligner trays that gently move the teeth into their proper position. A patient wears one tray for two weeks and moves on to the next tray in the series. By the time he/she reaches the last tray, the teeth are in their correct position.



Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them off and enjoy any food and drinks that you like. You can also brush and floss your teeth in a normal fashion.



For best results, you should wear them for at least 22 hours per day. The entire procedure could take up to one year, which is still shorter than the time taken by normal braces.



If you fail to wear your Invisalign aligners as directed by Dr. Maxwell and our team, it could significantly impact the overall effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment. It is important to consistently wear your clear aligners as recommended in order to achieve the desired results within the estimated timeline. Failure to follow given instructions may prolong your treatment time or even adversely impact the final outcome. Irregular use can cause your teeth to shift back to their original position, reversing progress made. Additionally, not wearing aligners as prescribed increases the risk of discomfort when transitioning to the next set of aligners. Poor compliance might also lead to the development of oral health issues like gum disease or cavities due to misaligned teeth. To ensure successful treatment and optimal oral health, it's essential to persistently follow the instructions regarding wearing your Invisalign aligners.



Invisalign offers several unique benefits compared to traditional braces. Firstly, the aligners are virtually invisible, making them aesthetically appealing, particularly for adults and professionals. They are also removable, allowing for easier oral hygiene maintenance and the freedom to eat without restrictions. Additionally, Invisalign typically involves fewer visits to the dentist for adjustments compared to braces. The aligners are custom-made for each patient, ensuring a comfortable fit and minimizing discomfort. Invisalign treatment may be faster than traditional braces in some cases, although this varies depending on individual circumstances. Overall, Invisalign provides a convenient, discreet, and comfortable orthodontic solution for achieving a straighter smile.



In the event of emergencies or issues with your Invisalign aligners, it's essential to contact your orthodontist or dentist promptly. If an aligner becomes cracked, damaged, or lost, refrain from attempting to repair or adjust it yourself, as this could compromise the effectiveness of your treatment. Instead, notify our team immediately so we can assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. In the meantime, continue wearing your most recent aligner to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place. If you experience severe discomfort or pain, especially if it's accompanied by swelling or bleeding, seek immediate dental attention. Dr. Maxwell can guide you on addressing the issue and may need to provide a replacement aligner or make adjustments to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly. Regular communication with our team is key to addressing any emergencies or concerns promptly and effectively.



Dr. James Maxwell

Dr. James Maxwell graduated from Allegheny College with a B.S. Degree in Biology in 1995, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine with a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 2000. He stays abreast of developments in dentistry by following over 100 hours of continuing education courses each year, ex. Advanced Laser Dentistry courses and training at The Dawson Academy. He became the sole practitioner of Crestwood Dental Group in 2003.

Dr. Maxwell focuses on cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dentistry though he is skilled in all areas of general dentistry. A member of many professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and the Greater St. Louis Dental Society, he has been nominated as a top dentist in St. Louis for five consecutive years by his peers. The list appears in St. Louis Magazine.

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