Straighten Your Teeth with Clear Aligners
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners is slightly different, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position over time.
We use ClearCorrect aligners, which offer the same effective tooth movement as other clear aligner systems but often at a more affordable price point.
What Can Clear Aligners Fix?
Clear aligners work well for:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Mild to moderate overbites
- Mild to moderate underbites
- Some crossbites
- Minor tooth rotations
Important to note: Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment issues. Severe cases might still require traditional orthodontics, which we can refer you to a specialist for.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Clear aligners work well for people who:
- Have mild to moderate alignment issues
- Are committed to wearing them as directed
- Have good oral hygiene habits
- Are past their major growth years (typically age 16+)
They might not be the best choice if you:
- Have severe alignment problems
- Aren’t disciplined about wearing them consistently
- Have certain bite issues that need more complex correction
- Frequently lose or forget things
The Clear Aligner Process
Getting started is straightforward:
Consultation:
We’ll examine your teeth and determine if you’re a good candidate for clear aligner treatment. We’ll discuss your goals and explain what to expect.
Treatment Planning:
We take impressions of your teeth and work with the lab to create your custom treatment plan.
Receiving Your Aligners:
You’ll receive several sets of aligners at once, along with detailed instructions on how to use them.
Progress Check-ups:
We’ll see you periodically to monitor your progress and give you your next sets of aligners.
Retention:
After treatment, you’ll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions.
What to Expect During Treatment
Wearing your aligners:
- Wear them 20-22 hours per day for best results
- Remove them only for eating, drinking (except water), and cleaning
- Switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks as directed
Adjustment period:
- Your teeth may feel slightly sore for a day or two with each new set
- Your speech might be slightly affected at first, but most people adjust quickly
- You might notice increased salivation initially
Timeline: Most clear aligner treatments take 6-18 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Nearly invisible: Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Removable: You can eat all your favorite foods and maintain normal oral hygiene.
Comfortable: No metal brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and lips.
Predictable: You’ll know approximately how long treatment will take from the beginning.
Convenient: Fewer office visits compared to traditional braces.
Caring for Your Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean is important:
- Rinse them every time you remove them
- Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush
- Soak them in denture cleaner or special aligner cleaning solution
- Never use hot water (it can warp the plastic)
Oral hygiene is crucial:
- Brush and floss before putting aligners back in
- Your teeth are more prone to cavities if food gets trapped under the aligners
What Happens After Treatment?
Retainers are crucial for maintaining your results. Your teeth will want to move back to their original positions, so you’ll need to wear retainers as directed.
Initially: You might wear retainers full-time for a few months
Long-term: Most people wear them at night indefinitely
The good news: Many people find retainer wear becomes such a habit they don’t even think about it
Cost and Payment Options
Clear aligner treatment typically costs $3,000-$5,000, which is often less expensive than traditional braces.
Many insurance plans now cover orthodontic treatment for adults, though coverage varies widely.
We offer several payment options:
- CareCredit financing
- Monthly payment plans
- FSA/HSA eligible
Common Questions About Clear Aligners
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
The best way to know if clear aligners can help you achieve the smile you want is to come in for a consultation. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and let you know if you’re a good candidate.
Not everyone is a candidate for clear aligners, and we’ll be honest if we think traditional orthodontics would give you better results.