You don't have to sport bulky metal braces to get a straighter grin. Clear aligners can give you the smile of your dreams without anyone even noticing.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
They’re Removable
Easily take your aligners out to brush, floss, and eat your favorite foods.
Unparalleled Comfort
Clear aligners are made from a smooth, thin, and comfortable material that's gentle on your mouth.
Convenient Option
You can keep your normal routine, including your diet, without having to make any major changes.
The Clear Aligner Treatment Process
Initial Consultation & Exam
Before diving into treatment, you’ll have some time to discuss your smile goals with our our orthodontists. They’ll also take a detailed look at your bite and smile to see if clear aligners are the right choice for you. Feel free to ask any questions you have about your smile or other treatment options at this time.
Aligner Pick Up
After you’ve been approved to move forward with clear aligners, our orthodontists will take scans of your teeth to make sure your trays are a perfect fit. Once your aligners are ready to wear, you'll stop by our office, to bond on your attachments and begin treatment. As a part of your custom treatment plan, our orthodontists will add tooth-colored attachments to your teeth to aid in efficient movement of your teeth.
Check-ins
While every treatment timeline is unique, you’ll most likely stop by our office every eight to twelve weeks to pick up your next set of aligners. These check-ins are important — they ensure your treatment is on track and that your trays are fitting properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners may be the right solution for your smile, as long as you are free from severe oral health and orthodontic issues. If your orthodontist notices extensive orthodontic problems, metal or ceramic braces may be recommended. Want to find out which treatment option will best suit your needs? Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation today.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Clear aligners are known to be more comfortable than traditional braces, but you may experience some tenderness and soreness as your teeth begin to shift. The gentle pressure applied by the aligners prompts your tooth roots to shift, which then causes some minor inflammation and discomfort.
How do I wear my aligners?
Patients are asked to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, but this timeline may vary based on your specific treatment needs. You’ll most likely only need to remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Consistently wearing your aligners ensures you are getting the most out of your treatment and that your teeth are shifting as quickly as possible.
How do I care for my aligners?
Caring for aligners is simple and straightforward. Gently clean your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove any food particles or plaque. When you remove your aligners to eat, brush, or floss, store them in their case to keep them free from bacteria and damage.
What if I crack my aligners?
If you lose your aligners or notice any cracks, damage, or wear and tear, don’t hesitate to reach out right away. Avoiding help could prolong your treatment and reverse the progress you have made. We’ll make sure you get a fresh new set of trays as soon as possible so you can carry on with your treatment plan.
What are clear aligner attachments?
Clear aligner attachments, also known as buttons, are small, tooth-colored composite resin dots placed onto your teeth. When you slip your aligners over your teeth, they snap over the button. This provides an anchor for your aligners to keep them firmly in place. It also allows our orthodontists to adjust the position of your teeth more precisely and more effectively throughout your treatment.
Can you see clear aligners when you’re wearing them?
Clear aligners are made out of clear, thin plastic, making them less noticeable when worn. Each tray is custom-made to fit your gum line for a seamless finish.
How are clear aligners trays made?
The first step involves taking scans of your teeth to create a digital model of your mouth. This model is then sent to a lab, where the aligners are crafted using a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) process. These tools allow for a hyper-precise set of aligners to be made just for you. When the aligners are fully crafted, they are shipped to our orthodontists to be fitted and delivered to you.