What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners use a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Clear aligners are made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. Trusting an orthodontist for your clear aligners treatment is the first step toward a beautiful smile.

Why would I want clear aligners?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. Clear aligners also allow you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How do clear aligners work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position we have prescribed. You’ll visit us about once every 10 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

What are the primary benefits of clear aligners?

Aesthetically pleasing: clear “aligners” are nearly undetectable to others.

More hygienic: “aligners” are removable for brushing and
flossing which helps promote healthy teeth and helps prevent
gum disease.

Comfortable and effective: unlike traditional braces, there are no wires, metal or brackets so there is less abrasion in the mouth. Additionally, the system works in approximately the same amount of time as traditional braces.

What do “aligners” look like?

Nearly invisible “aligners” look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

While orthodontists have been using removable appliances for very limited treatment (one or two teeth requiring movement) for years, it is the application of breakthrough technology that allows clear aligners to treat a much broader range of cases with greater precision.

Who uses clear aligners?

In its first year of introduction to the orthodontic community and consumer public, nearly half of the 8500 orthodontists in the U.S. have been trained to use clear aligners with a patient base of thousands.

Where are clear aligners available?

In the U.S., Canada and in many other countries around the world.

Are clear aligners FDA approved?

Yes, clear aligners have FDA clearance meeting all
medical device specifications.