Clear Aligner Therapy
A removable, nearly invisible way to straighten your smile. Here’s what each new tray feels like.
The Full Guide
A series of custom, clear plastic trays gradually and gently move your teeth into a new position. Each tray is one small "frame" closer to your final smile, worn about 1–2 weeks before moving to the next tray in the series. Small tooth-colored "attachments" are sometimes bonded to certain teeth to give the aligners extra grip for more complex movements.
Aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and let you keep brushing and flossing normally. A good fit for people who want a straighter smile without the visible hardware or food restrictions that come with braces. They work well for mild-to-moderate cases; more complex movements sometimes still call for braces instead.
Not sure if aligners will work for your case? Book a consultation and we'll take a look.
No special prep needed for the starting appointment.
No numbing needed for this procedure.
A digital scan maps your teeth and simulates the full treatment plan and final result. Your custom series of aligners is fabricated, attachments are bonded to specific teeth if needed, and you're given your first several trays and a wear schedule.
Mild pressure or soreness is completely normal. It's a sign the tray is actively moving your teeth, along with slight speech changes (usually resolving within days) and increased saliva at first. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed. Each new tray's soreness is typically a bit milder than the very first one.
Pressure fades until the next tray change, when the cycle repeats on a smaller scale.
Wear aligners 20–22 hours a day. Removed only for eating, drinking anything but water, and brushing or flossing. Clean trays daily with a soft brush and lukewarm water, and brush and floss before putting a tray back in, even after a small snack. Keep your previous tray as a backup in case a current one is lost or damaged.
We'll typically check progress every 6–12 weeks. Once your active trays are finished, a retainer (full-time at first, then nights only), holds the result. Case length varies widely, from about 6 months for mild cases to 18–24 months for more complex ones.
a tray cracks, doesn't seat properly after several days (may mean you're behind schedule and need a check-in), or you experience pain beyond mild pressure or soreness.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance. Your treating doctor's specific instructions for your individual case always take priority over anything written here. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out.
Orthodontic care
Questions about your recovery?
We're always happy to talk through anything that feels uncertain. Never hesitate to call.