Straighten Just Your Front Teeth, Without Braces
If your back teeth are fine and it’s the front ones that bother you, a full course of aligners may be more than you need. The Inman Aligner is a removable appliance that moves only your front teeth, the ones people see when you smile. Because it focuses on those teeth, most cases finish in weeks to a few months. We plan and fit it right here in Spring Hope, an easy drive from Nashville, Rocky Mount and Wilson.
Reviewed by Dr. Elie Abboud, DDS.
How the Inman Aligner Works
The Inman Aligner has two bows: one that sits in front of your front teeth and one that sits behind them. Small coil springs power the bows, so they gently squeeze the front teeth into line from both sides at once. That steady pressure from both directions is what lets it move front teeth quickly.
It’s removable. You wear it 16 to 20 hours a day, take it out to eat and brush, and put it right back in. Most people feel some pressure for the first few days, and your speech may take a week or two to settle while your tongue gets used to it.
Who the Inman Aligner Is For
We use the Inman Aligner when the problem is in the front teeth, upper or lower:
- Crowded or overlapping front teeth
- One or two front teeth that are crooked or out of line
- Front teeth that shifted after braces, especially if the retainer got lost along the way
- Upper front teeth that sit too far back or tip inward
- Straightening before veneers or bonding, so less of your natural tooth needs to be shaped
When it’s not the right tool: the Inman Aligner only moves front teeth. It doesn’t change how your top and bottom teeth bite together, move back teeth, or close big spaces. If that’s what you need, clear aligners are usually the better fit, and we’ll tell you which one makes sense at your visit.
Not sure which one you need? A quick check and a 3D scan at your visit tells us whether the Inman Aligner or clear aligners fits your teeth. Reserve your visit, or call or text (252) 478-3422.
Inman Aligner vs. Invisalign and Other Clear Aligners
Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear aligners. We offer clear aligners too (we use CandidPro), so we’ll steer you toward whichever option fits your teeth and your goals.
| Inman Aligner | Clear aligners (CandidPro) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it moves | Front teeth only | Front and back teeth, and many bite problems |
| Typical time | Often 6 to 16 weeks | About 6 to 8 months for the everyday case |
| Daily wear | 16 to 20 hours | About 22 hours |
| How it looks | A thin bow across the front, visible up close | Clear trays that are hard to spot |
| Retainers | Priced separately | Included in our aligner price |
If you need both arches straightened, run the numbers with us. Our clear aligner price covers both arches and your retainers, so for some people it ends up the better value. Comparing aligner brands? Here’s how CandidPro compares with Invisalign.
How Much Does the Inman Aligner Cost?
The Inman Aligner is $2,000 per arch (upper or lower). VIP Plan members save 20%, so it’s $1,600 per arch.
Retainers aren’t included. We’ll give you that price in writing before you start, so there are no surprises at the end. Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, and we’ll check yours and apply anything it covers. You can also finance it through Cherry, Sunbit or CareCredit.
After It’s Done: Your Retainer
Straight teeth want to drift back, and front teeth that moved quickly are no exception. A retainer holds them where they belong. For most people we recommend a removable retainer worn at night, and some cases also get a thin bonded wire behind the front teeth. Our retainer guide walks through both. Either way, plan on wearing a retainer for the long haul, not just for a few months.
What to Expect With the Inman Aligner
- 1
A check and a 3D scan
We look at your teeth, gums and bite, take a digital scan, and tell you whether the Inman Aligner or clear aligners fits what you want.
- 2
Your aligner is custom-made
It’s built from your scan to fit your teeth.
- 3
Fitting day
We fit it, show you how to put it in and take it out, and go over how to keep it clean.
- 4
Short check-ins
You’ll come in every few weeks so we can check your progress and make adjustments.
- 5
Your retainer
Once your teeth are where they should be, a retainer keeps them there.
Dr. Abboud’s Take
“A lot of people come in bothered by just one or two front teeth. For them, months of aligners can be more than they need. The Inman Aligner lets us fix what they actually see in the mirror, and it’s a great first step before veneers or bonding, because straighter teeth need less shaping.”
Inman Aligner FAQs
How long does the Inman Aligner take?
Most cases take somewhere between 6 and 16 weeks. More crowding, or not wearing it enough, makes it take longer. You’ll get your own estimate at your visit.
How much does the Inman Aligner cost?
$2,000 per arch, or $1,600 per arch for VIP Plan members. Retainers are separate, and we’ll quote them in writing before you start. If your dental plan has an orthodontic benefit, we’ll check it and apply what it covers.
Is the Inman Aligner better than Invisalign?
For front teeth only, it’s often faster and usually costs less. Clear aligners like Invisalign, or the CandidPro aligners we use, are nearly invisible and can also move back teeth and fix many bite problems. We’ll tell you which one fits your teeth.
How many hours a day do I wear the Inman Aligner?
16 to 20 hours a day. Take it out to eat and to brush, then put it right back in.
Can people see the Inman Aligner?
The bow across the front is thin, but it is visible up close. Because it’s removable, you can take it out for a photo or a big meeting. If you’d rather have something nearly invisible, clear aligners are the better pick.
Does the Inman Aligner hurt?
You’ll feel pressure for the first few days, the same way you would with braces or aligners. Speech can feel a little different for a week or two while your tongue gets used to it.
Can the Inman Aligner straighten bottom teeth?
Yes. There’s a version for the lower front teeth, priced per arch the same way as the upper one.
Can the Inman Aligner close gaps?
Small gaps between the front teeth can often be closed with it. Bigger spaces usually need clear aligners, and we’ll tell you which fits at your visit.
Can the Inman Aligner fix an overbite?
No. It only straightens front teeth. Overbites, underbites, back teeth and big spaces need clear aligners or an orthodontist, and we’ll tell you which.
My teeth shifted after braces. Do I need braces again?
Usually not, if it’s your front teeth that moved. The Inman Aligner can often bring them back into line in weeks, and a retainer keeps them there. If your back teeth or bite shifted too, clear aligners are the better fix.
Will my teeth move back afterward?
Not if you wear your retainer. Teeth naturally drift over time, which is why a retainer is part of every plan.
Can I straighten my teeth before getting veneers?
Yes, and it’s one of the best reasons to use the Inman Aligner. Straighter teeth usually need less shaping for veneers or bonding, so you keep more of your natural tooth.
Inman Aligner for Spring Hope and Nearby Towns
Patients come to us from Spring Hope, Nashville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Zebulon, Bailey and Middlesex, Bunn, Louisburg, Castalia, Elm City and Lake Royale. Call or text (252) 478-3422 and we’ll find a time that works.
Ready for Straighter Front Teeth?
Reserve online in under a minute, and we’ll tell you at your visit whether the Inman Aligner is the right fit.