Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, nearly invisible trays that gradually shift your teeth into a straighter, healthier position without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. As part of the orthodontic care we provide at Crosstown Dental Group, clear aligner therapy has become one of the most requested treatments among teenagers and adults who want straighter teeth without announcing it to everyone in the room.
Orthodontics / Clear Aligners
If you have been searching for a family dentistry practice in Concourse and Highland Row that treats crowding, gaps, bite misalignment, and relapse from old orthodontic work, you are in the right place. Our doctors plan every aligner case using digital scans and progress photography, so you always know what to expect before your first tray ever touches your teeth. Whether your goal is a confident smile for an upcoming event or correcting a bite problem that is affecting your jaw comfort, clear aligners give us a precise and predictable way to get there.
Unlike generic mail-order aligner kits, every plan we build is supervised in person by a licensed dentist who monitors your bite, your gum health, and your overall progress at each visit. That clinical oversight is what separates a safe, effective result from one that can go sideways without anyone noticing until it is too late.
Crowding and spacing issues rarely stay the same over time; they tend to shift gradually, sometimes worsening after wisdom teeth come in or after previous orthodontic work relapses. Many patients do not realize how much their bite has changed until they notice new wear patterns, difficulty cleaning between teeth, or a smile that no longer matches old photos. Below are the most common indicators we look for during a clear aligner consultation.
Visible crowding or overlapping teeth: Teeth that twist, stack, or overlap make it harder to brush and floss thoroughly, increasing your risk for decay between tight contact points.
Noticeable gaps between teeth: Spacing issues can trap food, cause gum irritation, and affect how confidently you speak or smile in photos.
Relapse after previous braces: Teeth naturally drift with age, and many adults who wore braces as teenagers need a refresher to correct minor shifting.
Mild to moderate bite misalignment: Overbites, underbites, or crossbites that are not severe can often be corrected with aligners rather than more invasive options.
Jaw tension or uneven wear on teeth: Misaligned bites often cause teeth to wear unevenly or create muscle fatigue around the jaw joint over time.
Self-consciousness about your smile: If you find yourself hiding your teeth in photos or conversations, that alone is reason enough to schedule an evaluation.
Clear aligners work well for a wide range of patients, but they are not automatically the right fit for every bite. During your consultation, our dentists examine your teeth, gums, and bite relationship, and review digital scans to determine whether aligner therapy will give you the outcome you want within a reasonable timeline. We are honest with every patient about whether aligners are appropriate, or whether a different orthodontic approach would serve you better.
Good candidacy is not only about the position of your teeth; it also depends on your commitment to wearing the trays as instructed and your overall oral health. Patients with active gum disease or untreated cavities typically need those issues resolved first so the aligners can move healthy, stable teeth.
Teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues: Most crowding, spacing, and minor bite concerns respond predictably to a well-planned aligner sequence.
Patients with healthy gums and stable teeth: A solid foundation of gum health gives aligners something stable to work with, which keeps treatment on schedule.
People who want a discreet treatment option: Professionals, parents, and anyone uncomfortable with visible metal brackets often prefer the near-invisible look of aligners.
Patients who can commit to consistent wear time: Aligners need roughly 20 to 22 hours of daily wear to work on schedule, so self-discipline matters more than with fixed braces.
Those seeking a more removable, flexible routine: Because trays come out for eating and cleaning, patients who travel often or have active social lives appreciate the added convenience.
Not every case calls for the same approach. Some patients need a short, cosmetic-focused refinement while others require a longer sequence that gradually corrects bite function alongside appearance. We tailor our clear aligner plans using digital 3D treatment mapping, which lets you preview your projected results before committing to treatment, and lets our team adjust the plan if your teeth respond differently than expected along the way.
Comprehensive full-arch correction: Designed for patients with more complex crowding, spacing, or bite misalignment that needs a longer, multi-stage tray sequence.
Express or cosmetic refinement plans: A shorter series of trays for patients with mild shifting who mainly want front-tooth alignment improved for a special occasion.
Teen-specific aligner programs: Built with compliance indicators and growth considerations in mind, helping parents track wear time and progress.
Post-braces retention and relapse correction: A targeted sequence for patients whose teeth have shifted since finishing traditional braces years earlier.
Combination treatment with restorative work: For patients also receiving veneers, crowns, or bonding, aligners can position teeth ideally before final cosmetic work begins.
Digital 3D treatment simulation: Every plan starts with a virtual preview of your projected smile, so you can see the anticipated outcome before the first tray is made.
Straightening your teeth is about far more than appearance, although a more confident smile is certainly one of the most rewarding results. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, less prone to abnormal wear, and often relieve jaw tension caused by an uneven bite. As a cosmetic dentist in Concourse and Highland Row families trust for both function and appearance, we design every clear aligner plan with your long-term oral health in mind, not just how your smile looks the day the trays come off.
Easier daily cleaning and lower cavity risk: Straighter teeth with even spacing make brushing and flossing far more effective, reducing plaque buildup between crowded contact points.
Reduced risk of uneven tooth wear: Correcting a misaligned bite spreads chewing forces evenly, which helps protect enamel from premature wear or chipping.
Relief from jaw strain and tension: A balanced bite can ease muscle fatigue and discomfort that often develops when teeth do not meet correctly.
A noticeably more confident smile: Many of our patients tell us the biggest change isn't just their teeth, it's how much more comfortable they feel smiling in photos and conversations.
No dietary restrictions during treatment: Since trays are removable, you can keep eating your favorite foods without worrying about brackets or wires getting damaged.
How you care for your aligners day to day has a direct impact on your final result and your treatment timeline. Trays that are left dirty, worn inconsistently, or stored improperly can slow progress or affect fit. Once your active treatment is complete, long-term retention is just as important as the treatment itself, since teeth can gradually drift back toward their original position without a retainer.
Wear trays 20 to 22 hours daily: Consistency is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule; remove aligners only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Clean trays with a soft brush daily: Rinse and gently brush your aligners each time you remove them to prevent buildup, odor, and discoloration.
Brush and floss before reinserting trays: Trapping food or plaque against your teeth under the tray increases your risk of decay during treatment.
Keep up with scheduled progress check-ins: Routine visits let us confirm your teeth are tracking correctly and catch any adjustments early.
Wear a retainer after treatment ends: A custom retainer, worn as instructed, is what keeps your newly straightened smile stable for years to come.
Store trays in their case when not worn: Leaving aligners loose in a pocket, napkin, or bag is one of the most common ways patients lose or damage them.
We keep the clear aligner process straightforward and well-communicated from your very first visit through your final retainer fitting. Here is what you can expect at each stage of treatment.
We examine your teeth and bite, take a digital 3D scan of your mouth, and discuss your goals to determine whether aligners are the right fit for your case.
Using your scan, we build a digital treatment plan that maps out each stage of movement and gives you a visual preview of your projected smile before any trays are made.
You receive your first series of custom trays along with clear instructions on wear time, cleaning routines, and when to switch to each new set.
You will return periodically so we can confirm your teeth are tracking with the plan, address any fit issues, and provide your next batch of trays.
Once your final aligner is complete, we fit you with a custom retainer to protect your new smile and schedule a follow-up to confirm everything has settled properly.
Choosing where to straighten your teeth matters as much as choosing to do it at all. As a family dentistry practice serving Concourse and Highland Row patients of all ages, we treat clear aligner cases with the same clinical attention we give any other dental procedure, backed by in-person supervision at every stage.
Dentist-supervised treatment plans: Every aligner case is reviewed and monitored in person by a licensed dentist, not managed remotely through a generic online service.
Digital 3D smile previews: You see your projected results before committing to treatment, so there are no surprises along the way.
Comprehensive orthodontic expertise: As part of our broader orthodontics program, we can pivot to traditional braces or other options if your bite calls for a different approach.
Flexible scheduling for busy households: We offer appointment times that work around school, work, and family schedules across the Concourse and Highland Row area.
Transparent pricing and financing options: We walk you through costs upfront and offer payment plans so an affordable dental clinic experience is never a trade-off for quality care.
One trusted team for every dental need: From cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, your entire family's dental history stays in one coordinated practice.
Most cases take between 6 and 18 months depending on how much correction is needed. Mild cosmetic adjustments may finish closer to the shorter end, while more complex bite corrections take longer. We will give you a personalized timeline estimate at your consultation.
Clear aligners are made from a thin, transparent plastic material that is difficult to notice in everyday conversation or photos. Most people will not realize you are wearing them unless you point it out.
Yes. Because trays are removable, you simply take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water, then brush before putting them back in. This is one of the biggest advantages over fixed braces, where food restrictions are much stricter.
Most patients experience mild pressure or tenderness for the first day or two after switching to a new tray, which is a normal sign that your teeth are moving. This discomfort is typically much milder than what patients report with traditional braces adjustments.
Pricing depends on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment, and in many cases, costs are comparable to traditional braces. We provide a detailed cost breakdown at your consultation along with financing options so you can plan with confidence.
Once your final tray is complete, we fit you with a custom retainer that you will wear as directed to keep your teeth stable. Skipping retainer wear is the most common reason teeth shift back toward their original position.
Crosstown Dental Group
Comprehensive, comfortable dental care for every member of your family — schedule your appointment at Crosstown Dental Group today.
