Clear Aligners

Determining whether you are a good candidate for clear aligners involves several factors. Generally, clear aligners can effectively treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, overbites, and underbites. Most patients who are looking for a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces are potential candidates.

While clear aligners are typically more comfortable than metal braces, it’s normal to feel some tenderness when you first start wearing your aligners. This mild discomfort is a sign that your teeth are moving into place. For tooth soreness due to orthodontic treatment, we recommend taking Tylenol rather than ibuprofen, as ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory properties can slow tooth movement.

For best results, you must wear your clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day. You’ll remove them for meals, snacks, liquids other than water, and your dental hygiene routine. Being consistent with this schedule ensures that your treatment stays on track and you get the desired end result.

Keeping your aligners clean is straightforward. Simply brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and water to remove any buildup. Always store your aligners in their protective case when you’re eating or brushing to keep them safe from harm and germs.

Accidents happen- don’t stress! If your aligners break or you lose them, move to your next set of aligners and call our office to let us know. If you lose several aligners, we will order replacement aligners and have them ready for you to pick up within a few days.

Since clear aligners cover the chewing surfaces of your teeth, they can temporarily serve as a nightguard while you are in orthodontic treatment. If you suffer from TMJ dysfunction or clenching/grinding, you will benefit from a custom-made nightguard after you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment.

Attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes made of clear bonding material that are temporarily affixed to certain teeth during clear aligner treatment. Their primary purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of the aligners in moving teeth.

Aligners are designed to be clear and discreet, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They are virtually invisible from a distance, and most people may not even notice that you are wearing them.

Your clear aligner journey starts with detailed scans of your teeth, creating a digital model of your mouth. This model is sent to a specialized lab where your aligners are meticulously designed using advanced CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technologies. This process ensures each aligner is a perfect fit for your dental structure. Once crafted, the aligners are sent back to your orthodontist, who will try them on your teeth and get you started on your smile-enhancement journey!