Orthodontics
Clear Aligners in Fullerton, CA
A discreet, removable way to straighten teeth, planned around your case from the first scan.
Whether your teeth are crowded, spaced or slightly out of line, clear aligners offer a discreet, removable way to work toward a straighter and easier-to-clean smile.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable, transparent trays that fit over your teeth and guide them gradually into better alignment. They are made from smooth medical-grade plastic and are far less noticeable than fixed braces. You wear each tray for the period your dentist sets, then move on to the next one in the series. Because they lift out, you can eat, brush and floss exactly as you normally would. We plan the full sequence of movement before treatment begins and review it as you go, so you always know what the next stage involves.
Clear Aligner Treatment
A discreet, removable way to straighten teeth, planned around your case from the first scan.
- Are They Right for You? Aligners suit many cases of crowding and spacing, but not every one. Some bites are better corrected another way, and we will tell you plainly if that applies to you.
- How Treatment Works We take digital scans and photographs, plan the sequence of movement from them, and check your progress at intervals through treatment.
- What to Expect Your dentist will talk you through wear time, how often trays change and what each stage involves, so you know what is coming before you start.
Why Patients Choose Aligners
Because the trays lift out, brushing and flossing stay straightforward and there is nothing you have to stop eating. They are discreet enough that most people will not notice you are wearing them, which is why they suit adults who would rather not have fixed braces. Straighter teeth are also easier to keep clean, and that supports gum and tooth health well beyond the end of treatment.
Looking After Your Aligners
- Rinse the trays whenever you take them out
- Clean them the way your dentist shows you
- Keep them in their case, not a napkin
- Wear them as directed: trays only move teeth while they are on
Other Ways to Straighten Teeth
If aligners are not the right fit, we will talk you through the alternatives. See retainers for keeping results in place, or the full list of services.
The short answer
Clear aligners are removable, transparent trays made from smooth medical-grade plastic that fit over your teeth and guide them gradually into better alignment. You wear each tray for the period your dentist sets, then move on to the next in the series, with progress checked at intervals. They suit many cases of crowding and spacing, though some bites are better corrected with fixed braces, and they only move teeth while worn.
Clear Aligner Questions
- How long does clear aligner treatment take?
- It depends entirely on how far your teeth need to move. Some cases are short and others run considerably longer, so a general figure would be misleading. We will give you a realistic estimate after your consultation and scan.
- Are clear aligners suitable for everyone?
- No. They work well for many cases of crowding and spacing, but some bites are better corrected with fixed braces. If aligners are not the right choice for you, we will say so and talk you through the alternatives.
- How many hours a day do I need to wear them?
- Your dentist will set a daily wear target and explain it at your first appointment. Aligners only move teeth while they are being worn. How consistently you wear them is the biggest factor in how treatment goes.
- Can I eat and drink with them in?
- Take them out to eat, and for anything other than water. Brush before you put them back in so nothing is left trapped against your teeth. Keep the trays in their case while they are out.
- Will they affect my speech?
- Some people notice a slight difference at first. It usually settles as you get used to wearing them. Your dentist can talk you through what to expect in the first days.
- What do clear aligners cost?
- Cost depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment runs, so we quote after seeing you rather than before. We accept most major PPO insurance plans and offer financing. Call (714) 525-2888 and we will talk it through.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.