A Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile
Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic option for patients who want to straighten their teeth without brackets and wires. These removable trays are designed to fit over your teeth and gradually guide them into better alignment.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, provides clear aligners in Santa Monica, California, for teens and adults who want a more discreet and flexible approach to orthodontic treatment. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth, bite and goals to determine whether clear aligners are the right option for your smile.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment to schedule a clear aligner consultation at Santa Monica Orthodontics.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made orthodontic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. Each set of aligners applies gentle pressure to move the teeth step by step. As treatment progresses, you switch to the next aligner in the series until your teeth reach their planned positions.
Unlike braces, clear aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush and floss. This can make them a convenient option for patients who want orthodontic treatment with fewer changes to their daily routine.
Some patients use the term “clear braces” when searching for clear aligners, but they are not the same as ceramic braces. Clear aligners are removable trays, while ceramic braces use brackets and wires that are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Who Is a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners may be a good fit for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, as well as some more involved cases when treatment is planned carefully. The best way to know if you are a candidate is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
Clear aligners may help correct concerns such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Small gaps or spacing between teeth
- Teeth that shifted after past orthodontic treatment
- Some bite alignment concerns
- Smile concerns that affect confidence
Clear aligners are not the best fit for every case. Some patients need the added control of traditional braces, ceramic braces or lingual braces. Dr. Khan will explain your options clearly so you can make the right decision for your smile.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are designed to make orthodontic treatment more discreet and convenient. Since the trays are nearly clear, many patients feel more comfortable wearing them at work, school and social events.
Benefits of clear aligners may include:
- A less noticeable appearance than traditional braces
- Removable trays for eating, brushing and flossing
- No brackets or wires on the front of the teeth
- Fewer food restrictions than braces
- Digital treatment planning for more precise tooth movement
- A flexible option for many adult and teen patients
To work properly, clear aligners must be worn as directed. If aligners are not worn consistently, treatment can take longer or results may not track as planned.
Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign
Invisalign® treatment is one type of clear aligner system. While “clear aligners” is the broader treatment category, Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners used to straighten teeth with a series of custom trays.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Dr. Khan has significant Invisalign experience and has been recognized as a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider. If Invisalign is the best option for your case, she can use digital planning and iTero scanning to map out your treatment.
You can learn more about brand-specific treatment on our Invisalign clear aligners page.
Clear Aligners vs. Braces
Clear aligners and braces can both move teeth, but they work differently. Clear aligners are removable trays, while braces are fixed to the teeth with brackets and wires.
Clear aligners may be ideal for patients who want a removable, discreet treatment option and can wear their trays consistently. Braces may be recommended for patients who need more controlled tooth movement or who may not be the best fit for removable aligners.
Dr. Khan will evaluate your alignment, bite, oral hygiene and treatment goals before recommending clear aligners, braces or another orthodontic option.
What to Expect During Clear Aligner Treatment
Your clear aligner treatment begins with a consultation. Dr. Khan will examine your teeth and bite, discuss your goals and determine whether clear aligners can address your concerns predictably.
If clear aligners are recommended, our team may use iTero digital scanning to create a detailed model of your teeth. This allows Dr. Khan to plan tooth movement digitally and design a series of aligners for your treatment.
You will wear each set of aligners as instructed before moving to the next set. Throughout treatment, Dr. Khan will monitor your progress and make sure your teeth are moving as planned.
How Long Do Clear Aligners Take?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case, the amount of tooth movement needed and how consistently you wear your aligners. Some patients need minor movement, while others require more comprehensive orthodontic correction.
During your consultation, Dr. Khan can give you a more personalized estimate based on your teeth, bite and treatment plan.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Many adults choose clear aligners because they want orthodontic treatment that fits into a professional and social lifestyle. Aligners are removable and less noticeable, which makes them appealing for patients who do not want visible brackets.
Clear aligners may also help adults correct shifting after past orthodontic treatment. If your teeth have moved because you stopped wearing retainers or never had orthodontic care, Dr. Khan can determine whether aligners are a good option.
Learn more about adult orthodontics at Santa Monica Orthodontics.
Clear Aligners for Teens
Clear aligners may also be an option for responsible teens who can wear their trays as directed. Since aligners are removable, patient cooperation is very important. Teens need to keep track of their trays, wear them consistently and follow instructions carefully.
During the consultation, Dr. Khan can determine whether clear aligners, braces or another option will give your teen the best chance for a successful result.
Learn more about orthodontics for teens.
Why Choose an Orthodontist for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner treatment may look simple, but moving teeth safely and predictably requires careful orthodontic planning. An orthodontist is trained to evaluate tooth movement, bite function, jaw relationships and long-term stability.
Dr. Khan completed a three-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. She has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving braces and clear aligners.
Choosing an orthodontic specialist can be especially important if your case involves bite concerns, crowding, relapse after braces or more complex tooth movement.
Technology Used for Clear Aligner Planning
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, clear aligner planning may include iTero digital scanning, digital photography, digital treatment planning and CBCT/3D imaging when appropriate. These tools help Dr. Khan evaluate your teeth and bite with greater detail before treatment begins.
Digital scanning also allows our team to create a more comfortable and accurate model of your teeth without relying on traditional impressions in many cases.
How to Care for Clear Aligners
Clear aligners work best when they are kept clean and worn as directed. You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, then brush your teeth before putting them back in.
To care for your aligners:
- Wear them for the recommended amount of time each day
- Remove them before eating or drinking anything besides water
- Brush and floss before reinserting them
- Rinse and clean aligners as instructed
- Store aligners in their case when not in use
- Keep aligners away from heat, pets and napkins where they can be lost
If an aligner is lost, cracked or no longer fits properly, call our office so we can help you determine the next step.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on your case complexity, treatment length and the type of aligner system recommended. During your consultation, our team can review your estimated cost, insurance benefits and available payment options.
You can also visit our financial options page to learn more about making orthodontic treatment more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Are clear aligners the same as Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner brand. Clear aligners are the broader category of removable orthodontic trays used to straighten teeth. Dr. Khan can explain which option is right for your case.
Are clear aligners better than braces?
Clear aligners are better for some patients, while braces are better for others. The right choice depends on your tooth movement needs, bite alignment, lifestyle and ability to wear removable trays consistently.
How many hours a day do I need to wear clear aligners?
Most clear aligner treatments require consistent daily wear. Dr. Khan will give you specific instructions based on your treatment plan.
Can clear aligners fix crowded teeth?
Clear aligners can correct many cases of crowding, but severe crowding may require braces or another orthodontic approach. A consultation can determine what is realistic for your smile.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Clear aligners may cause pressure or soreness when you switch to a new set. This is normal and usually improves as your teeth adjust.
Will I need retainers after clear aligners?
Yes. Retainers help maintain your results after clear aligner treatment. Our team will explain your retention plan when active treatment is complete.
Schedule a Clear Aligner Consultation in Santa Monica
If you want a straighter smile with a discreet, removable orthodontic option, clear aligners may be right for you. Santa Monica Orthodontics can help you compare clear aligners, Invisalign treatment and braces so you can choose the best path forward.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment online to schedule your clear aligner consultation in Santa Monica, CA.