Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners can be a good option for many adults and teens with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowding
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Certain overbites or other bite discrepancies
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Clear aligners are not appropriate for every orthodontic problem. More complex bite discrepancies, significant jaw misalignment, or certain types of tooth movement may require traditional braces, referral to an orthodontist, or other treatment.
We evaluate your teeth and bite before treatment to determine whether SureSmile aligners are an appropriate option for your case.
Starting Clear Aligner Treatment
We recommend beginning orthodontic treatment when your teeth and gums are healthy and your dental cleaning is up to date.
At your records appointment, we collect the information necessary to design your treatment plan.
Depending on your case, this may include:
- Digital scans of your teeth
- Photographs of your face and smile
- Detailed photographs of your teeth
- Dental X-rays when indicated
- Evaluation of your bite and jaw relationship
We will also discuss your main concerns and treatment goals so that your digital plan is designed around what you would like to improve.
Your case is then digitally planned before your aligners are fabricated.
Once your treatment plan has been finalized, it generally takes several weeks for your custom aligners to arrive.
See Your Planned Smile Before Starting
One of the advantages of a digital clear aligner workflow is the ability to visualize the planned tooth movement before treatment begins.
We can review your digital treatment simulation together so you can understand where your teeth are expected to move and what we are trying to accomplish before you start wearing your aligners.
The simulation represents the planned treatment rather than a guarantee of an exact final appearance, since biological tooth movement can vary from person to person.
Attachments
When you begin treatment, we may place small tooth-colored attachments on selected teeth.
Attachments give the aligners additional surfaces to grip and can help produce specific types of tooth movement.
They are designed to blend with the natural tooth color and are removed at the completion of treatment.
How Often Do I Change My Aligners?
Most SureSmile aligners are worn for approximately one to two weeks per set, depending on your individual treatment plan.
We generally schedule periodic progress visits—often approximately every six weeks—to make sure your teeth are tracking properly and your treatment is progressing as planned.
Your specific aligner-change schedule will be provided to you when treatment begins.
How Long Should I Wear My Aligners Every Day?
For predictable tooth movement, we generally recommend wearing your aligners for approximately 22 hours per day.
They should be removed for meals and when drinking beverages other than water.
After eating, brush or clean your teeth before placing the aligners back whenever possible. One advantage of removable aligners is that you can continue brushing and flossing normally without brackets or wires getting in the way.
Consistent wear is one of the most important factors in keeping clear aligner treatment on schedule.
What Is IPR?
Some patients need a small amount of additional space between their teeth to achieve proper alignment.
In those cases, we may perform interproximal reduction, or IPR.
This involves carefully removing a very small, precisely measured amount of enamel between selected teeth. The amount is typically only a fraction of a millimeter and is planned in advance as part of your orthodontic treatment.
IPR is not necessary for every patient.
What Can Clear Aligners Correct?
Depending on the individual case, clear aligners can be used to address concerns such as crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, and certain bite problems.
The amount and type of movement that can be achieved safely depends on factors including the position of the teeth, the bite, available space, bone support, and patient compliance.
Some complex orthodontic or skeletal problems are better treated with other orthodontic approaches. We will discuss any limitations we see before you begin treatment.
SureSmile VPro
Our comprehensive SureSmile treatment includes the SureSmile VPro™, a small high-frequency vibration device used for five minutes per day.
VPro is designed to help aligners seat properly and may help reduce minor discomfort associated with orthodontic tooth movement.
We will explain how and when to use the device as part of your treatment.
Refinements
Teeth do not always move exactly as predicted.
Toward the end of your initial series of aligners, we will evaluate your tooth positions and bite.
If additional movement is needed, we may take a new digital scan and order additional aligners, known as refinements, to fine-tune your result.
Refinements are included in our comprehensive SureSmile treatment plans.
Retainers After Clear Aligners
Finishing your last aligner does not mean orthodontic treatment is completely over.
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout life.
Once active treatment is complete, you will receive clear retainers to help maintain your new tooth positions.
Long-term nighttime retainer wear is important for protecting your result.
Retainers are included with our comprehensive clear aligner treatment.
Whitening After Clear Aligner Treatment
Our comprehensive SureSmile treatment also includes take-home whitening, allowing you to brighten your smile after your teeth have been aligned.
We will advise you on the appropriate timing and whitening protocol for your teeth.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time varies significantly depending on how much tooth movement is required and the complexity of your bite.
Many of our comprehensive cases take approximately 9–24 months, although simpler cases may take less time and more complex cases can take longer.
Your digital treatment plan will give us a better estimate before treatment begins.
Will I be able to see what my smile may look like before I start?
Yes.
Our digital workflow allows us to show you a simulation of the planned tooth movement from the beginning of treatment through the anticipated final position.
We will review this with you before moving forward with treatment.
Are clear aligners really invisible?
They are not completely invisible, but they are significantly less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
The trays are made from clear material and fit closely over the teeth.
Small tooth-colored attachments may be visible on certain teeth, particularly at close range.
Can I eat while wearing clear aligners?
We recommend removing your aligners before eating.
You should also remove them for beverages other than plain water.
This helps prevent staining of the aligners and reduces the amount of food, sugar, or acidic liquid trapped against the teeth.
How do I clean my clear aligners?
Rinse your aligners regularly and clean them gently according to the instructions we provide.
Avoid very hot water, which can distort the plastic.
You should also brush and floss your teeth before replacing the aligners whenever possible so that food and plaque are not trapped underneath them.
Will clear aligners hurt?
You may notice pressure or mild tenderness, particularly when you begin a new set of aligners.
This is generally temporary and is a normal part of orthodontic tooth movement.
Do I have to wear retainers forever?
Some form of long-term retention is recommended after orthodontic treatment because teeth can shift over time.
After the initial retention period, many patients transition to wearing their retainers primarily at night.
We will give you specific instructions based on your case.
