Clear aligners

Clear aligners offer a discreet and effective way to improve your smile. These custom-fitted, transparent trays gradually straighten teeth and help align your bite while remaining nearly invisible during everyday activities.

Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and are worn directly over the teeth. Because they are transparent, most people will hardly notice them when you smile or speak. As you progress through a series of aligner trays, your teeth gradually shift into their desired position.

How clear aligners work

Treatment begins with a detailed digital scan of your teeth using an intraoral scanner. This 3D image allows your dentist to plan your tooth movements and design a customized series of aligners.

The digital model is sent to a dental laboratory where technicians fabricate a sequence of trays. Each tray is designed to move your teeth slightly closer to their final position.

Wearing your aligners

Once your aligners are ready, your dentist will make sure the first tray fits securely and comfortably over your teeth. During treatment you will wear each aligner for a specific period of time before switching to the next one in the series.

As you change aligners, the trays apply gentle pressure that gradually moves your teeth into better alignment.

Attachments and tooth movement

In some cases, small tooth-colored attachments may be bonded to certain teeth. These attachments help guide more precise tooth movements, such as rotations or complex positioning changes.

These attachments are temporary and are removed once treatment is complete.

Results of clear aligner treatment

As treatment progresses, teeth gradually move into improved alignment. Once the series of aligners is completed, both the appearance of your smile and the function of your bite can be improved.

Clear aligners can be an excellent treatment option for many patients, though they may not be appropriate for every type of orthodontic concern. Your dentist can help determine whether clear aligner treatment is the right option for your specific needs.

BatesDDS provides dental and restorative dentistry services for patients in Deer Park, Spokane, and surrounding communities throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

If you have questions about this treatment, explore the dental services we offer at BatesDDS.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or speak with our team, please contact our office.