Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues, whether you are a teenager or an adult. The biggest factor in success is discipline: aligners only work if you wear them consistently, so a good candidate is someone ready to commit to that routine. We see patients ages 12 and up, and a consultation is the best way to confirm whether clear aligners, rather than another form of treatment, are the right fit for your smile.
More complex bite or alignment issues may need traditional orthodontics instead. If that is the case for you, we will let you know at your consultation rather than start a treatment that will not get you the result you want.
The Clear Aligner Process
- Consultation and Assessment We evaluate your alignment and discuss your goals to confirm clear aligners are a good fit for you.
- Digital Impressions and Preview A digital scan of your teeth lets us show you a markup of how your smile is expected to look at the end of treatment, before you commit to anything.
- Custom Treatment Plan Based on your scan, we build a plan outlining the expected tooth movements and approximate treatment length.
- Receiving Your Aligners Your custom aligner series arrives with detailed instructions on wear and care.
- Regular Check-Ins Periodic visits let us track your progress and hand you the next sets of aligners in the series.
How Long Do You Wear Clear Aligners?
Each aligner in your series is typically worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next. For the best results, plan on wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, to drink anything besides water, and for brushing and flossing. If wearing them during the day is not realistic for you, ask about our Night Time Aligners, worn for about 9 to 12 hours overnight instead, a helpful option for patients who would rather not manage aligners at work or school.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
| Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Virtually invisible | Visible metal brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes, taken out to eat and clean | No, fixed in place |
| Diet | No restrictions, remove before eating | Some foods need to be avoided |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss as normal | Requires special tools around brackets |
| Office visits | Periodic check-ins | Regular adjustment appointments |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does clear aligner therapy take?
Treatment time varies by case, but typically ranges from 6 to 18 months, noticeably shorter than traditional braces in many cases.
We can give you a specific estimate once we have your scans and your digital treatment preview.
Are clear aligners painful?
Most patients feel mild pressure or discomfort when they first switch to a new aligner in the series.
This typically fades within a couple of days as your teeth adjust, and most people find it far more comfortable than metal braces.
How do I care for my clear aligners?
Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, rinsing thoroughly before putting them back in.
Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic, and always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.
What happens if I don’t wear my aligners as instructed?
Skipping wear time can slow your progress or keep your teeth from moving as planned, which may extend your treatment.
Consistency is what makes clear aligners work, so we will check in on your wear time at each visit.
Does insurance cover clear aligner therapy?
Many plans offer partial orthodontic coverage, so we recommend checking your insurance benefits before starting.
We also offer payment plans to help make treatment more manageable.
