Clear aligners are a removable, virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, a series of custom-made plastic trays gently guides your teeth into position over time. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth a little further, so the changes add up gradually and comfortably.
How Clear Aligners Work
Your orthodontist starts by taking digital scans or impressions of your teeth to create a precise 3D model. From that model, a full series of aligners is made, each one shaped to move your teeth slightly closer to their final position. You wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks, then switch to the next set. Most people switch to a new aligner roughly every week or two and visit us every six to eight weeks for a progress check.
The Benefits
Because aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you like and brush and floss normally. There are no food restrictions and no special tools needed for cleaning. They’re also smooth and comfortable with no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks.
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment issues. For more complex cases, traditional braces may be more effective. We’ll give you an honest assessment at your consultation so you can make the right choice for your situation.
Wearing Your Aligners
For treatment to work as planned, aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Taking them out only to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush, and floss keeps treatment on schedule. Consistency is the key to great results.