A discreet way to straighten your teeth with a series of clear, removable aligners.
Clear aligner therapy is a modern alternative to braces that straightens teeth using a sequence of custom-made, clear plastic aligners. Each set gently shifts your teeth a little closer to their ideal position. Because the aligners are nearly invisible and removable, they may suit adults and teens who want a less visible treatment option and can follow the wearing schedule.
An examination and appropriate imaging help us assess suitability. Digital scans support a plan showing projected tooth movements.
Your treatment plan is crafted and your first sets of custom aligners arrive at our office within a few weeks.
Wear each set 20–22 hours a day, switching sets every 1–2 weeks. Brief check-ins at our office keep everything on track.
When your smile reaches its final position, retainers help maintain the result when worn as directed. We’ll explain your long-term retainer schedule.
Clear aligners excel at crowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and many bite problems. Tooth-colored attachment buttons let aligners handle more complex movements than they could a decade ago. Some cases benefit from assessment by an orthodontist. We’ll explain if a referral is appropriate. Active decay or gum disease gets treated first.
Cost depends on how much movement your teeth need — minor touch-up cases cost considerably less than comprehensive treatment. Some insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that may apply to clear aligners. Cherry financing is coming soon; ask about current payment options. We’ll provide a written estimate and explain what it includes at your consultation.
Remove them to eat and to drink anything but water. Brush before putting them back in. Clean the aligners daily with a soft brush and cool water (hot water warps them), and store them in their case — this helps prevent loss or damage. Don't smoke with them in.
Suitability. Both options can move teeth effectively in suitable cases. The movements needed, your bite, and your ability to follow instructions help determine the right approach.
Daily care. Aligners come out for brushing and cleaning between teeth, but they do not prevent plaque, white spots, or cavities. Clean teeth and trays as instructed, and keep your dental checkups during treatment.
Wearing schedule. Aligners need to be worn for the prescribed hours each day. Removing them too often or for too long can affect progress. Braces stay in place and may suit patients who find a removable appliance difficult to manage.
Comfort and adjustment. Both braces and aligners move teeth gradually and can cause temporary discomfort. Tell us about persistent pain, sharp edges, or a tray that does not fit so we can assess it.
Planning and refinements. A digital plan shows projected movements. Teeth do not always move exactly as planned, so adjustments or additional aligners may be needed. Retainers are part of maintaining the result afterward.
Clear aligner therapy is most effective at correcting the everyday orthodontic problems most adults and teens actually have:
For more stubborn movements, small tooth-colored attachment buttons give the aligners extra grip, helping apply the planned forces to specific teeth. Severe malocclusions may still do better with traditional braces from an orthodontist — and we’ll discuss referral when that is appropriate.