While braces have been around for decades, Clear Aligners (more commonly known as Invisalign) are a newer technology that has become popular within the last 15 years. Braces are a proven way to straighten your teeth and improve your overall bite and oral health; however, these days many patients want more aesthetic treatment options with less of the restrictions and challenges that come with braces. This is where Clear Aligners come in.


Am I a Candidate for Clear Aligners?


When Clear Aligners first came out, they were extremely limited in what they could do and only very minor tooth movements could be performed. This meant that the majority of patients would not be a good candidate for Clear Aligners. Fast forward 20 years and the technology has improved significantly. Now most cases can be treated with aligners; however, there is a catch. In order for Clear Aligners to be effective in creating a beautiful smile, the patient must wear them around 20-22 hours a day.

If you don’t think you would be able to wear the aligners for a majority of the day, this may not be the best option for you. Luckily, at Happier Smiles Orthodontics we also offer traditional braces and invisible braces that are hidden behind your teeth. At your FREE consultation, Dr. Nee can discuss which option would work best for you.

Advantages to Clear Aligners over Braces


While braces are a great way to straighten your teeth and obtain the beautiful smile you have always wanted, Clear Aligners have some clear advantages:


• Clear and aesthetic
• More comfortable
• Less emergencies (no broken braces or pokey wires)
• No diet restrictions, meaning you can eat whatever you want! Just make sure to brush after of course :)
• Much easier to brush, floss, and keep teeth clean - leading to less gum inflammation and less cavities
• In some cases, they are faster than braces*

The one limitation to Clear Aligners is that if they aren't worn responsibly, then treatment will be delayed and may not be effective. But not to worry, at Happier Smiles Orthodontics if you sign up for Clear Aligners and then later find that it is not working for you, we will happily switch you into traditional braces at no extra cost.

Want to Learn More?

At Happier Smiles Orthodontics, we understand you are busy and don't want to take off work or school to see if Clear Aligners are right for you. We offer both FREE In-Person or Virtual Consultations through our website. Simply follow the link below, send in a couple photos, and Dr. Nee will let you know if Clear Aligners are right for you as well as give you an estimate.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions either via text through our website or by emailing contact@happiersmilesortho.com.