Clear aligners: The questions we hear most

If you've been thinking about clear aligners, chances are you already have a few questions. These are the ones we hear most often, straight from our front desk, answered honestly.

Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
Aligners work well for a wide range of issues, including crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite problems. Advances in aligner technology mean some more complex cases can be treated with aligners too, cases that used to require braces. The only way to know for sure what's right for your teeth is an actual exam, not a guess from a list of symptoms.

How are clear aligners different from braces, and how do I know which is right for me?
Aligners are clear, removable trays. Braces are fixed brackets and wires that stay on the whole time. Aligners tend to be less noticeable and easier to keep clean, but braces can handle a wider range of cases, including more complex ones. Which one fits you depends on what your teeth actually need, in addition to your personal preference.

Does it hurt, and will people be able to tell I'm wearing them?
Most people describe pressure rather than pain, especially for the first day or two on a new tray. There's no wire tightening or bracket adjustment. As for noticing them, they're clear plastic, and most people can't tell from a normal conversational distance.

What can I eat and drink while wearing them?
Anything, as long as you take the trays out first. Water is the only exception, you can drink that with them in. Eating or drinking anything else with the trays in can stain or warp them, so it becomes a habit quickly: trays out, eat or drink, brush or rinse, trays back in.

How do I clean them?
Rinse them with lukewarm water every time you take them out. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, water is fine, skip the toothpaste since it can scratch the plastic and dull the clear finish. Dr. Bates recommends OAP Cleaner, made specifically for oral appliances like aligners.

How long does treatment take, and how many hours a day do I need to wear them?
Most adult cases run 6 to 18 months, depending on how much movement is needed. The daily target is 20 to 22 hours. Treatment tends to stay on schedule when patients hit that number consistently, and runs longer when they don't.

How often do I need to come in for appointments?
Dr. Bates typically sees aligner patients every 6 to 8 weeks for check-ins. These appointments are usually shorter than a traditional orthodontic visit, since we're mainly checking progress and handing off the next set of trays.

How much do clear aligners cost, and does insurance cover any of it?
Clear aligner therapy is generally an investment of $3,500 to $5,500, depending on the complexity of your case. We'll go over the specifics, along with any insurance coverage, at your consultation, so you know what to expect before you commit.

Do my teeth stay straight on their own after, or do I need a retainer forever?
You'll need a retainer indefinitely. That's true after any orthodontic treatment, not just aligners. Teeth drift over time without something holding them in place. We'll go over retainer options once active treatment wraps up.

Getting started

The first step is a consultation. It includes a clinical exam, a conversation about your goals, and a written estimate. There is no obligation to proceed.

If you are in the Deer Park or broader Spokane area and want to find out whether clear aligners are a good fit for you, contact our office to schedule.

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BatesDDS is located in Deer Park, WA. Dr. Ryan L. Bates, DDS offers clear aligner therapy, dental implants, and comprehensive restorative dentistry.