If a person’s smile is one of their most important assets, Dr. Paul Gilreath IV of Gilreath Dental Associates creates better ones by using the orthodontic treatment Invisalign.

“Invisalign is comprehensive therapy that can be used to correct virtually any bite problems,” he said. The Marietta native opened his dentistry practice at 200 White St. in 1991.

Invisalign uses a series of clear trays instead of metal wires and brackets. The aligners, similar to clear trays used for professional teeth whitening, are worn at all times except when eating and brushing.

Gilreath said a common misconception is that Invisalign is like buying a car — that no matter who a patient chooses for treatment, he gets the same product. “Just like conventional orthodontics, the outcome is based on the practitioner’s knowledge and experience with Invisalign,” Gilreath said.

He provides expertise for optimum results. As a Premiere Invisalign Provider, he has performed a large number of cases and has advanced training in Invisalign. He said, “Currently, I am the No. 1 Invisalign provider in Cobb County and one of the top in the Southeast. I have advanced training in traditional orthodontics and Invisalign.”

Invisalign can be used for children and adults. “The quality we get from my treatment plans is really exceptional,” said Gilreath, whose youngest Invisalign patient was 10 years old and the oldest 76.

There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign over conventional orthodontics, according to Gilreath. “The aligners are virtually invisible, so for adults or teens who don’t want the stigma of wearing metal braces, it is a perfect fit,” he said.

Invisalign takes less time than conventional orthodontics with most plans around eight to 16 months. “Typically, the treatment time of Invisalign is less than that of metal braces. The number of visits to a dentist during the Invisalign treatment is about half as often as visits to a dentist for metal braces,” he said.

Invisalign is also more comfortable. “Because each aligner moves the teeth a slight amount, teeth are not sore as with metal braces,” said Gilreath who was invited to Invisalign’s “Treat Facility” in Costa Rica in April to present some of his advanced cases to other dentists and orthodontists. While there, Invisalign assigned him a private Invisalign technician who works on all of his cases. Less than 2 percent of all Invisalign Providers have this honor.

Invisalign provides an environment for a healthier mouth. “Because the aligners are removed when the teeth are cleaned, the patient can floss and brush like normal. This prevents the dreaded white/brown spot staining that happens when children don’t brush around their metal brackets well,” he said.

“(Invisalign) can produce beautiful archforms and unravel crowded teeth, which helps prevent periodontal disease, bone loss and associated heart and system problems,” Gilreath said.

Additionally, he utilizes an Itero Digital Scanner for Invisalign impressions as well as crown and bridge and implant impressions. The scanner uses a laser to scan the teeth and oral tissues and produce a digital “virtual” model of the patient’s teeth.

“The (Itero Digital) Scanner replaces old-fashioned putty impressions. It is the only scanner that can be used with the Invisalign procedure. It is much more comfortable for patients than impressions (especially if you are gag sensitive) and it is far more accurate,” he said.

For more information, call (770) 514-1224 or visit www.gilreathdental.com.