Clear Aligners

Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment system that gives you beautiful, straight teeth without traditional metal braces. 

Instead of metal braces, we use clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct alignment gradually. Clear aligners can correct many of the same alignment problems as traditional braces, from crooked teeth to dental bite issues.

You should wear your aligners at night and throughout the day, removing them only for meals and brushing and flossing. They are virtually invisible, and most people will never know that you are wearing them.

Clear aligners are available for both teenagers and adults. Average treatment times are 12 to 18 months, but everyone starts with different needs, so your treatment time may be longer or shorter. Our dentist will work with you to create your customized plan and keep you informed of your progress.

Clear aligners have numerous advantages over traditional braces: 

• Traditional braces require appointments to tighten the wires and check the condition of the braces. With clear aligners, you just switch to the next set of aligners in the order of treatment laid out by your dentist.
• Braces can leave permanent marks on your teeth, and even with good oral hygiene, plaque can develop around brackets and damage tooth enamel.
• Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners allow you to eat any foods you want without restrictions.
• The wires of traditional braces can poke at your mouth and cause pain and even injury. A broken wire often means an additional visit to your dentist or orthodontist.

Who Is a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Are you concerned about crooked teeth? Do you have a prominent overbite or underbite?

Clear aligners can treat these common problems and many others, including:

• Protruding teeth
• Wide gaps
• Uneven spacing
• Crowding
• Overbite
• Crossbite

It is easy to practice good oral hygiene habits during clear aligner therapy. Remove the aligners and brush and floss your teeth as usual. Brush your aligners and rinse with warm water or use the clear aligner cleaning kit to keep your aligners in good shape and free from bacteria.

Never use hot water to rinse or clean your aligners, as it can warp the plastic. You should also call our office if you crack or damage your aligner in any other way. A cracked aligner will not correctly move your teeth and impede your progress.

You should always brush your teeth following a meal and before placing your aligners back in your mouth. If you don't brush, bacteria become trapped against your teeth, and your aligners can become stained or damaged.

Please contact our office to find out more information. We are happy to schedule a consultation appointment to find out whether clear aligners are a good option for you.