Wish your teeth were straighter without brackets and wires? Clear aligners use a series of removable trays to gently move teeth into more ideal positions. Because they’re discreet and convenient, adults and teens alike often prefer them to braces. Here’s what to know before you begin.
How Clear Aligners Move Teeth
Each set of aligners applies light, targeted forces to specific teeth. You’ll wear trays for 20–22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything but water, and brush or floss. Then, every one to two weeks—depending on your plan—you’ll switch to the next set. The sequence of trays gradually guides your teeth toward your ideal alignment.
Conditions Clear Aligners Can Treat
Clear aligners can address crowding, spacing, minor rotations, overbites, underbites, and crossbites in mild to moderate cases. Complex movements may still be better served with traditional orthodontics, but many smiles can be transformed with aligners alone.
Your Fanwood Treatment Timeline
- Consult & Digital Scan
We begin with a scan or impressions to create a 3D model of your teeth. You’ll review your smile goals and see a projection of your likely results. - Custom Plan
Your dentist designs a tooth-by-tooth roadmap. You’ll receive your first sets of trays along with instructions for wear, cleaning, and storage. - Active Treatment
You’ll wear trays daily and visit the office periodically for check-ins. Appointments are typically quick and focused on tracking progress. - Refinements (If Needed)
Near the end, a short “refinement” series may be added to perfect minor details. - Retention
After treatment, retainers keep your teeth stable in their new positions. Wearing retainers as directed is essential for lasting results.
Eating, Speaking, and Everyday Life
Because aligners are removable, you can enjoy your favorite foods without bending wires or breaking brackets. You’ll brush and floss normally, which helps keep gums healthy throughout treatment. Most patients adapt to speaking with aligners within a day or two.
Clear Aligners vs. Braces
- Aesthetics: Nearly invisible trays vs. visible brackets
- Comfort: Smooth plastic vs. potential cheek irritation
- Convenience: Remove to eat and brush vs. modify diet and cleaning tools
- Compliance: Aligners require consistent wear; braces work 24/7 without cooperation
Caring for Your Trays
Rinse your aligners with cool water, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush (no abrasive toothpaste), and store them in their case during meals. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. If you lose a tray, contact the office promptly for guidance.
Why Choose a Fanwood Provider?
Local care means quick visits, flexible scheduling, and a team that coordinates with your preventive and restorative needs under one roof.
Dreaming of a straighter smile without braces? Contact Dental Sanctuary of Fanwood at (908) 490-6614 to Book an Appointment and get your personalized aligner plan.