What Are ClearCorrect Braces?
ClearCorrect is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-fit aligners to straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. Each aligner is made of a thin, medical-grade plastic that fits snugly over your teeth and is virtually invisible when worn.
At Alameda Dental in Aurora, CO, we offer ClearCorrect as a discreet alternative for patients who want a straighter smile. This system is designed to be comfortable, removable, and convenient, fitting seamlessly into active lifestyles.
How ClearCorrect Aligners Move Teeth
ClearCorrect works by applying gentle, constant force to your teeth. A full treatment series includes multiple aligners, each slightly different from the last. As you switch from one aligner to the next, your teeth gradually shift into the planned positions.
The entire sequence is mapped out using digital treatment planning. Before you begin, you can often view a virtual simulation of your expected tooth movement. The aligners must be worn consistently—typically 20 to 22 hours per day—to achieve the desired result within the projected timeframe.
Who Is a Good Candidate for ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect can address a wide range of alignment and bite issues, including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. It is a popular choice for teenagers and adults who prefer a less noticeable treatment option.
Not every case is suitable for clear aligners. Severe misalignments or complex jaw discrepancies may require other orthodontic methods. The most reliable way to find out if ClearCorrect is right for you is to schedule a consultation. During your visit, we perform a thorough examination, take digital scans, and discuss your specific goals and concerns.
Your ClearCorrect Treatment Process
Getting started with ClearCorrect at Alameda Dental involves several key steps:
- Initial Consultation: We review your dental history, examine your teeth and bite, and capture digital scans or impressions. You’ll share what you want to achieve.
- Custom Treatment Plan: Using the scans, Dr. Barnes designs a personalized plan mapping the exact movements needed. You may see a digital preview of your final smile.
- Aligner Fabrication: A series of custom aligners is manufactured. You’ll receive several sets at a time, along with instructions for when to switch.
- Fitting and Instructions: At your delivery appointment, we ensure the aligners fit well, place any necessary attachments, and explain how to wear and care for them.
- Progress Check-ins: You return periodically—typically every six to eight weeks—so we can verify your teeth are moving as planned and provide the next sets of aligners.
- Refinements: If needed, additional aligners can be ordered to fine-tune certain areas.
- Retention: After your final aligner, we create a custom retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions.
Living with ClearCorrect Aligners
ClearCorrect aligners fit into daily life with minimal disruption. Because they are removable, you can eat all your favorite foods without restriction—simply take them out for meals and snacks, then brush your teeth before reinserting them. You should only drink plain water while wearing aligners to avoid staining or damage.
Oral hygiene is straightforward: you brush and floss normally, with no brackets or wires to navigate. Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
You may feel some pressure or mild soreness when you start a new aligner, which is a sign that teeth are moving. This sensation typically fades within a day or two. If you play sports or a musical instrument, you can remove your aligners temporarily—just remember to wear a mouthguard during athletic activities.
Consistency is the key to success. Wearing your aligners as prescribed (usually 22 hours a day) keeps your treatment on schedule. Missing too much wear time can delay progress.
After Treatment: Maintaining Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when the last aligner comes off. Teeth naturally tend to shift back over time, so retention is essential. Once your ClearCorrect series is complete, we take scans for a custom retainer.
You’ll wear your retainer according to the schedule we provide—often full-time initially, then transitioning to nights only. Long-term retainer use protects the results you’ve invested in. We’ll explain how to care for your retainer and how often to replace it.
Benefits and Considerations
ClearCorrect offers several advantages over traditional braces:
- Discreet appearance: The aligners are clear and blend with your teeth, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
- Removability: You can take them out for eating, brushing, and special occasions.
- Comfort: With no metal parts, there is less risk of mouth irritation or broken brackets.
- Easier cleaning: Your normal brushing and flossing routine remains unchanged.
- Fewer office visits: Since you receive multiple aligners at once, appointments are mainly for progress checks rather than wire adjustments.
There are also practical factors to consider:
- Commitment: Success depends on consistent wear. If aligners are left out too often, teeth may not move as planned.
- Speech adjustment: Some patients experience a slight lisp when first wearing aligners, which usually resolves within a few days.
- Attachments: Certain tooth movements require small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to the teeth. These are temporary and are removed at the end.
- Complexity limits: Very severe malocclusions or jaw alignment problems may require a different approach.
- Cost: Investment varies; we’ll review the details during your consultation.
Understanding the Cost and Insurance
The cost of ClearCorrect treatment depends on the complexity of your case, the length of treatment, and your dental insurance coverage. Alameda Dental provides a clear, written estimate after your consultation so you can make an informed decision with no surprises.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and will verify your orthodontic benefits before treatment starts. For any out-of-pocket expenses, we offer payment options to help fit care into your budget. Our team is happy to answer your financial questions and walk you through the process.
Start Your Journey at Alameda Dental
If you’re ready to explore ClearCorrect and see what it can do for your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Aurora office. During your visit, Dr. Casandra Barnes will listen to your goals, answer your questions, and recommend the best path forward.
Contact us at (303) 343-7072 or request an appointment online. Our practice is conveniently located at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile you feel great about.
Request Your Appointment
Alameda Dental is accepting new patients. Contact us today to request your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Dental Terminology
- Malocclusion
- A misalignment of the teeth or jaws that affects bite function and appearance.
- Overbite
- A condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.
- Underbite
- A condition where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting.
- Crossbite
- A misalignment where one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting.
- Aligner Tray
- A custom transparent plastic tray worn in a series to gradually move teeth into alignment.
- Attachment
- A small tooth-colored bump bonded to a tooth to give clear aligners a secure grip for specific movements.
- Retainer
- A removable or fixed appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to keep teeth in their new positions.
- iTero Scanner
- A digital intraoral scanner used to create precise 3D impressions of teeth for aligner fabrication and treatment planning.