1-800-SMILEGEN
FIND A DENTIST

clear aligners

Healthier, happier smile makeover: Now you see it, now you don’t.

 
OVERVIEW
BRACES
ALIGNERS/CLEAR ALIGNERS
RETAINERS
 

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are a discreet and modern approach to straightening teeth. Crafted from transparent, BPA-free plastic, each tray gently guides teeth into proper alignment without the need for traditional braces. Custom-made for each individual, these virtually invisible aligners are comfortable to wear and can be removed for eating, flossing and brushing.

Clear aligners under spotlight
 

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

 

Clear aligners offer a host of benefits. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are nearly invisible, custom-fitted, and removable by nature.

 

Removable

a smile with straight teeth

Clear Trays

clear aligners for the top teeth

Increased Comfort

hand icon showing a thumbs up
 
Woman laughing and holding onto clear aligners
 

How to Know If You Need Clear Aligners

 

If you’re wanting to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth, close gaps, or address bite issues, clear aligners might be just what you’re looking for. With their discreet appearance and convenience, they’re a popular choice for adults who want straighter teeth without the look of metal braces.

 
 

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligners are personal trainers for your teeth. They come in a series of customized, clear trays that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. You’ll switch to a new set of trays every few weeks, each one with a slightly different configuration than the last. During your in-person visits, your orthodontist closely monitors your progress to ensure everything is going as planned.

Customized Trays

Each set of aligners is personalized to fit your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.

Shorter Appointments

The Clear aligner appointments are typically shorter and less frequent compared to braces.

 
 

Types of Clear Aligners

When exploring clear aligners, there are two categories: treatments supervised by orthodontists and treatments managed at home. Clear aligners, like Invisalign and Spark, involve regular appointments for adjustments and progress tracking. Alternatively, at-home aligners offer a DIY approach. While some companies request progress photos, the self-management aspect may lower costs. It’s crucial to not that professional monitoring, as endorsed by the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists, is the preferred choice and ensure safe realignment.

Woman putting on clear aligners
 
 
Toothpaste

How can we help?

 
 
individual with beautiful teeth flossing in front of the mirror
 

Fina an Orthodontist Near You

 

Without question, the safest and most effective route for clear aligner treatment is with the help of an orthodontist. To locate a reliable orthodontist nearby, you can use the Smile Generation Find a Dentist tool.

 

 
MORE LOCATIONS
 
 
 

Caring for Clear Aligners

Caring for clear aligners is simple and important for the success of your treatment. Always remove aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage. Brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in to maintain oral hygiene. Clean the aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water to prevent buildup of bacteria and odors. Following these steps will ensure your aligners stay clear, comfortable, and effective throughout your treatment journey.

Hand holding clear aligners
 
 

Got questions?

 

From whether you can eat your favorite foods to tips on keeping your aligners spick and span, we have the answers.

 
SEE ALL FAQS
 

Clear aligners are a great choice if you want to make minor corrections to your smile.

Teeth aligners are another cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces. There are a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that fit on top of your teeth. You will wear each tray for around one to three weeks before moving on to the next tray. Over time, the trays gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions. There are many brands of teeth aligners on the market, including Invisalign.

 

In some cases, where there is severe misalignment, your Orthodontist may recommend traditional metal braces. It is always best to check with your provider to see what option works best for your teeth and the type of dental treatment needed

Clear aligners gradually shift teeth into the desired position through a series of customized trays, acting like personal trainers for teeth with periodic adjustments and progress monitoring.

Clear aligner treatments include orthodontist-supervised (e.g., Invisalign, Spark) and at-home options. The former involves regular professional monitoring for safe realignment, endorsed by dental associations.

 

Related Posts

EXPLORE OUR BLOG
Male drinking Coffee

Stained Teeth & Types of Tooth Discoloration
You can always find a reason to smile—it's a beautiful day, your child hugs you, or perhaps you get to leave work early on a Friday. But some folks could have an oral issue that will make them hesitan
Girl brushing teeth

Brushing Teeth: All You Need to Know
A daily oral hygiene routine can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Along with flossing, teeth brushing is a core component of a good oral hygiene routine. Why do we brush our teeth? Regular t
Types of Braces

Types of Braces: Clear vs. Metal vs. Ceramic & More
If you’re interested in upgrading your smile, you may be curious about options for straightening teeth or correcting tooth alignment problems. There are many types of braces that may help you reach yo
 
Sources

NewMouth. (n.d.). Clear Aligners: What You Need to Know. https://www.newmouth.com/orthodontics/treatment/clear-aligners/

SmileDirectClub. (n.d.). Clear Aligners: Teeth Straightening at Home. https://smiledirectclub.com/clear-aligners/

WebMD. (n.d.). Invisible Orthodontic Aligners: How They Work, Cost, and More. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/invisible-orthodontic-aligners

Colgate. (n.d.). Clear Aligners or Metal Braces: How to Choose? https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/clear-aligners-or-metal-braces-heres-how-to-choose