How long do I need to wear my aligners each day?

For optimal results, you should wear your clear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing your teeth. Consistent wear is essential for staying on track with your treatment timeline.

Can clear aligners fix my orthodontic issues?

Clear aligners can effectively treat many common orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your specific situation and determine whether clear aligner treatment is right for you.

Will wearing aligners affect my speech?

Some patients experience a slight lisp when they first begin wearing aligners, but this typically resolves within a few days as you adjust to having the aligners in your mouth. Most people find that clear aligners have minimal impact on their speech.

Are clear aligners painful?

Clear aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort for a day or two when you switch to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that the treatment is working. This sensation usually subsides quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

How do I know if Invisalign or SureSmile is better for me?

Both Invisalign and SureSmile are excellent clear aligner systems that use advanced technology to straighten teeth effectively. During your consultation, we'll discuss your specific needs, preferences, and treatment goals to help you choose the option that's best for you.

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Invisalign® & Clear Aligners

Using clear aligners, patients can straighten their teeth without wires and brackets and without drawing attention to a smile they may already be self-conscious about by applying pressure to gradually move the teeth and reshape the surrounding bone. Clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces, making orthodontic treatment accessible for teens and adults alike.

The process is easy and affordable. The doctor creates a 3D impression, or scan, of the mouth, and a set of custom correcting aligners is created. The patient wears the aligners day and night, only removing them to brush and eat. The trays are changed at intervals as teeth move until treatment is complete. Most patients wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. Made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic, the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist plans out for you. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. Invisalign uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to map out your complete treatment plan from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position.

SureSmile Aligners

If you are considering clear aligners, we know that you want to be confident that you will achieve the results you want, in the time you expect, without aligners interfering with your daily routine.

SureSmile® Clear Aligners are an orthodontic treatment that works to gradually straighten your teeth with custom-fit, removable clear aligners. SureSmile technology uses precision planning and manufacturing to create aligners that fit comfortably and move your teeth efficiently.

Your doctor will digitally scan your teeth, then partner with the SureSmile® Digital Lab to create an individualized treatment plan that enables your aligners to move your teeth from your first aligner to your last. The digital planning process allows you to see a preview of your expected results before treatment even begins.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligner treatment offers numerous advantages over traditional metal braces. Because the aligners are removable, you can maintain your normal oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing without obstruction. You can also enjoy all your favorite foods without dietary restrictions.

Caring for Your Clear Aligners

Proper care of your aligners is simple and important for successful treatment. Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap or the cleaning system recommended by your dentist. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water—never hot water, which can warp the plastic. Always brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners to maintain good oral health throughout treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

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