Clear Aligners: A Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile

Many adults would like straighter teeth but do not want brackets and wires. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer a nearly invisible way to straighten your smile that fits into busy work and family life.

How Clear Aligners Work

We take a digital scan of your teeth and plan each small movement. A series of custom trays is made from that plan. Each set gently shifts your teeth a little, and you move to the next set about every one to two weeks until your teeth reach their planned position.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

• Discreet: most people will not notice you are wearing them.
• Removable: take them out to eat, brush and floss, with no food restrictions.
• Comfortable: smooth plastic, with no wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks.
• Easier hygiene: brushing and flossing work just like normal.
• Fewer emergency visits: no broken brackets or poking wires.

Aligners vs. Braces

Both move teeth effectively. Aligners are ideal for many cases of crowding, gaps and mild to moderate bite issues, and they are the orthodontic option we offer in our offices. Braces may work better for some complex bite problems. If that is true for you, we will explain why and refer you to an orthodontist. See our guide to straightening crooked teeth for more.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Many patients finish in about 12 to 18 months, and minor cases can be shorter. Wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day keeps treatment on track.

Caring for Your Aligners

• Remove them to eat or drink anything other than water.
• Brush your teeth before putting them back in.
• Rinse and gently brush your aligners daily. Avoid hot water, which can warp them.
• Keep them in their case when they are out of your mouth.

Keeping Your Results

After treatment, a retainer holds your teeth in their new position. Wearing it as directed protects your investment.

Is It Too Late to Straighten My Teeth?

No. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and many of our aligner patients are adults, including people whose teeth shifted years after braces.

We have offices in Belterra, Crystal Falls (Leander), Georgetown, San Gabriel and Springfield, IL. To schedule, find your nearest Renken Dentistry location. Early and late appointments are available for busy work and school schedules.