Clear Aligners

Removable

With aligners, one can simply remove the trays to enjoy their favorite foods.

Discreet

With aligners, one can simply remove the trays to enjoy their favorite foods.

Smooth and Nonabrasive

Unlike metal braces, clear aligners will not irritate sensitive mouth tissues.

CLEAR ALIGNER DENTIST

Clear Aligners Straightening Teeth

Crooked, misaligned teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. If you are eager to achieve straighter teeth but reluctant to try traditional braces, you have options. Clear aligners are a discreet way to shift teeth into the correct position.
Braces can correct a range of orthodontic problems, but they are not always comfortable. The sharp metal can irritate the mouth and gums. Clear aligners are different. These appliances are made of smooth, durable plastic. Aligners gently guide and straighten teeth to provide a brighter smile. Unlike braces, aligners are discreet and fully removable. Patients can take their aligners out for special events like weddings, graduations, or proms.
Clear aligners are available at Hatcher Dental Studio in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Unlike clunky braces, aligners are almost invisible. Patients can remove their aligners for photos, sports, and special events. Call us today at (602) 906-9868 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Clear Aligners Process

Patients must wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Patients who reach this target enjoy a faster treatment and more consistent results. Most providers recommend removing the aligners only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Patients can expect to wear their aligners overnight, too. Before investing in clear aligners, patients must be realistic about their limitations. This involves considering their lifestyle and personal habits. If they suspect that they may have trouble sticking to the treatment plan, braces might be a better choice.

Clear Aligners Getting Ready

Once a patient opts for clear aligners, our team begins by taking impressions of the mouth. We send the impressions to a dental lab that produces the aligners. The first set of aligners will be ready within a few weeks.

New Sets

Most patients can expect to switch out their aligners every one to two weeks. Each new set shifts the teeth a bit more. We provide a schedule that explains when it is time to switch to a new set of aligners. Patients can change out their aligners in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

Checkups

During treatment, patients may need to visit the office every six weeks. During these visits, we provide the next few sets of aligners. Our team also takes a look into the mouth to assess the treatment's progress. These checkups are generally brief.

A dentist holding a pair of clear aligners

CLEAR ALIGNERS NEAR ME

FAQ's About Clear Aligners

How do clear aligners work?
This alternative to traditional braces uses clear, removable trays to move teeth into their correct position. We will take a mold of the patient’s mouth and create custom-fitted trays according to their personalized treatment plan. Each tray will gradually shift the teeth into place.
How do I take care of my clear aligners?
While aligners are easy to take care of, they do require teens to be proactive about cleaning. Dirty aligners can accumulate bacteria, which can cause bad breath and harm oral health. Like teeth, teens should clean their clear aligners every day to keep the treatment process moving forward. Once they remove their aligners, patients should use warm water and a soft toothbrush to scrub the trays. Teens need to rinse their aligners with cold water every time they’re removed and never leave them out in the open.

Ideally, patients should only remove their aligners to eat or drink. Teeth should then be brushed and flossed before patients put back their aligners to prevent food particles from becoming trapped in the tray. Forgetting this step can lead to tooth decay and other concerns. When taken care of properly, clear aligners are less likely to cause cavities or tooth damage.
How comfortable are clear aligners?
Overall, clear aligners are very comfortable to wear. However, it is common to experience sensitivity once a patient moves onto the next aligner in the series. This discomfort signifies that the aligners are gently working to move teeth into the correct position. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they get.
Will my speech be affected?
It does take some time to adjust to wearing clear aligners. Speech may be temporarily affected as the patient gets used to the trays. Some people report having a slight lisp while the tongue gets used to the appliance.
How often do I clean my aligners?
Aligners should be cleaned daily and rinsed out every time the patient removes them. They can be soaked in warm water and scrubbed with a soft toothbrush. Failure to clean the trays can result in a buildup of bacteria that can negatively harm teeth.
Can I play sports while wearing my aligners?
Dental providers recommend removing your aligners during physical activity. If you are hit in the face while wearing your aligners, you might suffer a mouth injury. Our team can provide more advice about preventing sports-related dental injuries.
Can I eat or drink while wearing my aligners?
It is safe to sip room-temperature water while wearing clear aligners. Avoid hot or cold beverages when your aligners are in place. Extreme temperatures can warp or damage the material. Always make sure to take your aligners out before eating.
Are clear aligners painful to use?
Most orthodontic treatments involve a certain amount of discomfort. As your teeth shift into their new position, your mouth may feel sore. These side effects generally appear after inserting a new set of aligners. Any soreness or discomfort usually disappears after 24 hours.
Can you see clear aligners when they're in place?
Aligners are designed to be discreet. Unless you are looking closely, it is difficult to tell whether someone is wearing clear aligners. For added discretion, aligners can be removed during photos and special events.
How much do clear aligners cost?
Costs may vary depending on insurance plans and treatment duration. Your insurance provider can offer specific information about costs and coverage. Our office team can also help you compare treatment options to find one that meets your needs.