General Dentistry
Smile with Clear Aligners
Clear Aligner Therapy
Looking for a straighter smile without traditional metal braces? At Carabella Dental of Alexandria, we offer clear aligners — a modern, comfortable solution that gently straightens your teeth without the hassle of wires or brackets. Perfect for both teens and adults, clear aligners let you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with minimal disruption to your everyday routine.
Speak with a member of our team today
call: (202) 743-5303
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-designed, transparent trays that fit comfortably over your teeth to gently guide them into the proper position. Using light, consistent pressure, they gradually straighten your smile without the need for metal wires or brackets.
Because they’re removable and virtually invisible, clear aligners fit seamlessly into your lifestyle—letting you eat, brush, and smile with confidence. You’ll progress through a series of aligners, switching to a new set every one to two weeks as your teeth move closer to their ideal alignment. Made from smooth, comfortable plastic, clear aligners offer a modern, convenient alternative to traditional braces with fewer office visits and no irritation from metal components.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners straighten your teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure to specific areas, guiding them into their ideal positions step by step. Each aligner in your custom series is slightly adjusted from the last, following a precise treatment plan based on a digital 3D model of your mouth.
Your journey begins with a digital scan or impression of your teeth, which helps create a personalized plan that maps out every stage of your smile transformation. You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush or floss. Over time, your teeth move gradually and comfortably into alignment—revealing a straighter, more confident smile.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners provide a modern, convenient alternative to traditional braces, offering a range of benefits that make them a top choice for teens and adults alike:
- Virtually Invisible – The clear, discreet design allows you to straighten your teeth confidently without anyone noticing.
- Comfortable Fit – Crafted from smooth, BPA-free plastic, clear aligners are gentle on your gums and cheeks—no wires or brackets to cause irritation.
- Removable for Eating – Enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Simply take out your aligners during meals and snacks.
- Easy Oral Care – Brushing and flossing stay simple. Just remove your aligners to clean your teeth and keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.
- Fewer Office Visits – Since there are no wires to tighten or brackets to adjust, you’ll need fewer check-ins—saving time and hassle.
- Predictable Results – Advanced digital treatment planning lets you see your progress and even preview your new smile before you begin.
Step-by-Step Clear Aligner Process
Let's discuss the process that we follow at our dental office to restore your smile.
1
Consultation
We start with a comprehensive exam and a digital scan of your teeth to understand your goals and determine if clear aligners are right for you.
2
Custom Treatment Plan
Your dentist creates a step-by-step roadmap using advanced software to show how your teeth will move.
3
Aligner Fabrication
Your custom aligners are precisely crafted to fit your teeth at each stage of the treatment plan.
4
Wearing Your Aligners
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1–2 weeks, progressing to the next set as your teeth shift.
5
Regular Check-ins
Periodic visits allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments along the way.
6
Smile Reveal & Retainers
After treatment is complete, you’ll receive retainers to help maintain your beautifully aligned smile.
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
Clear aligners are an effective solution for many mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowded or spaced teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Minor tooth rotations
They’re especially well-suited for teens and adults seeking a discreet alternative to traditional braces. However, clear aligners may not be the best choice for more complex dental issues or for patients who cannot commit to wearing them as directed. During your consultation, we’ll carefully evaluate your smile and help determine whether clear aligners are the right solution for you.