PORTH Clear Aligners

Aligning crooked teeth is often more complicated than it may appear. Moving one crooked tooth might look simple, however it could create a fundamental problem in your bite, which requires lots of time and money to fix.

Orthodontists and general dentists both provide clear aligner therapy. Orthodontists have an extra two to three years of comprehensive training following dental school to ensure their specialty in moving teeth. Consulting with an orthodontist allows you to identify potential problems with your bite, which requires proper and deep understanding of orthodontic science.

Not a single day goes by that we don't get this question: do aligners really work? Clear aligners, similar to other orthodontic appliances, are tools that help an orthodontist to move teeth. The approach to moving teeth with aligners is different from metal braces. The skills of the orthodontist and patient compliance in full-time wear of these aligners are essential factors in the success clear aligners, or Invisalign.

Cost of treatment with aligners ranges from $1800 to $8000. Factors that determine this cost are the type of the provider (orthodontist vs. dentist), direct supervision as opposed to mail order aligners, the amount of time in treatment, and the complexity of the treatment.

Cost of clear aligner therapy at our clinic is often similar to treatment with conventional metal braces. Full details on financing can be found here.

Several types of clear aligners are available on the market. The Invisalign appliance has been around the longest. It is a well-developed appliance used by orthodontists and dentists to correct mild to severe malocclusions. The most essential factors in a successful treatment with Invisalign are compliance of the patient, as well as the knowledge of the provider on how to use the appliance.

The existing alternative clear aligner systems are Clear Correct, MTM® Clear Aligner, and this list is growing. Some of these appliances are proper choices to treat moderate to mild malocclusion.

Clear aligners are designed and built based on a digital simulation of teeth in their ideal positions. In order to fabricate clear aligners, a digital scan, or an impression of your teeth, is imported into software that allows an orthodontist or dentist to digitally move your teeth into their ideal positions. The software then generates several dental models in which your teeth gradual move into their ideal position. A commercial, or an in-house lab, will 3D print these models and manufacture the clear aligners by a thermo vacuum forming process.

At PORTH, we offer a range of treatment options, from addressing minor relapses to handling complex cases. If you've noticed some crowded teeth due to not wearing your retainers after traditional metal braces or Invisalign, you may be an ideal candidate for limited aligner treatment to restore your perfect smile.