Clear Aligner Therapy

Get A Straighter Smile, No Braces Required

With modern orthodontic technology, traditional braces aren’t your only option for a straighter, healthier, and more confident smile. With clear aligners, Dr. Timothy Edwards and our team offer a more subtle way to straighten your teeth. No need for pointy wires, bulky brackets, or unsightly rubber bands!

How Does Clear Aligner Therapy Work?

As the name implies, clear aligner therapy uses transparent “aligners” made from plastic. These aligners are designed to be very thin but are still strong enough to exert gentle pressure on your teeth. By switching through multiple sets of aligners, you can slowly move your teeth into the proper position and correct issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Thanks to advances in dental technology and 3D treatment planning, clear aligner therapy is more versatile than ever. Most patients with minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues can qualify for clear aligner treatment at Edwards Family Dental. However, if you have severe bite or tooth alignment issues, traditional braces may still be a better option.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Invisible when worn

Since they're made from thin, clear plastic and are designed to fit perfectly over your teeth, clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn. This allows you to keep smiling with confidence throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Removable for eating and hygiene

You can take your aligners out to eat and drink, so you don’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions. You’ll also take them out to brush and floss, which means you can maintain the same oral hygiene routine.

More comfortable

Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic, so there are no sharp or bulky metal components that can irritate your lips, cheeks, or tongue. They also tend to move teeth a bit more gently than braces, which makes your treatment more comfortable.

Fewer, shorter dental visits

Clear aligner therapy requires fewer visits to the dentist compared to braces. These visits are shorter, too, since there’s no need to manually adjust your braces. Dr. Edwards will simply check on your progress every 6-8 weeks, make sure everything’s on track, and send you home with your next several sets of clear aligners.

Excellent results

After your clear aligner treatment is over, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of a straighter smile. You’ll feel proud of your smile, have an easier time taking care of your teeth, and reduce your risk of premature tooth wear or damage.

What To Expect from Clear Aligner Treatment

• Orthodontic consultation – First, you’ll meet with Dr. Edwards for an orthodontic consultation. He will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners.

• 3D scans and treatment planning – Once you’re approved, Dr. Edwards will take 3D scans of your mouth. He will use these scans and special software to begin planning your clear aligner treatment. Once your plan is ready, he will order your first few sets of clear aligners.

• Picking up your aligners – In a couple of weeks, you’ll come back to our office to pick up your first several sets of clear aligners. You’ll wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, and switch to a new set about every two weeks, or as directed by Dr. Edwards.

• Continued treatment and checkups – You’ll continue wearing your clear aligners, and you’ll come in for a visit with Dr. Edwards every 6-8 weeks or so. During each visit, he will make sure your treatment is progressing properly and give you a few more sets of clear aligners.

• Final visit – It typically takes 12-18 months to fully straighten your smile with clear aligners. At your last visit, Dr. Edwards will provide you with a permanent or removable retainer. You’ll need to wear this as directed to make sure your teeth stay in the proper positions.