Clear aligners have revolutionized the way people think about orthodontic treatment. These corrective trays are discreet, removable, and designed to fit comfortably into your lifestyle, without the need for wires, brackets, or dietary restrictions. For many patients, however, the idea of starting orthodontic treatment with Clear Aligners® can still feel intimidating simply because they don’t know exactly what to expect.
At Shiflett Family Dental in Clintonville, Dr. Justin Shiflett and our excellent team believe that understanding the Clear Aligners treatment process is key to feeling confident in and committed to your care plan. When you know exactly how clear aligners work, you can approach treatment with excitement instead of uncertainty, looking forward to seeing your smile transform step by step!
Here’s a closer look at the full Clear Aligners process at Shiflett Family Dental, from your first consultation to your final retainer fitting.
1. Consultation and Smile Assessment
Every great smile transformation starts with a conversation. During your initial consultation, Dr. Shiflett and our team will take time to understand your goals, evaluate your oral health, and determine whether Clear Aligners are the right option for you.
We’ll begin with a comprehensive exam that includes:
- A full oral evaluation to check dental and bite alignment, and to assess gum health
- A discussion of your lifestyle, habits, and treatment goals
- A review of your dental history, particularly any previous orthodontic work
Unfortunately, not everyone is an ideal candidate for clear aligners, which work best for mild to moderate alignment issues, like crowding, gaps, overbites, and underbites. If we find that clear aligners are right for you, we’ll explain every step of the process, outline costs and timelines, and answer any questions so you can move forward with confidence.
2. Digital Scans and Treatment Planning
Once you’re ready to begin your treatment, we’ll capture a digital 3D scan of your teeth using state-of-the-art imaging technology (https://www.shiflettfamilydental.com/technology), without the need for messy impressions. This is one of the most exciting parts of the Clear Aligners process in Clintonville, as we are able to give you a sneak peek at your future smile before you’ve even started.
Using this precise scan, Dr. Shiflett will:
- Map out your teeth’s current positions.
- Create a digital model showing how each aligner will gradually move your teeth into alignment.
- Estimate how long your treatment will take and how many sets of aligners you’ll need.
This digital treatment plan ensures that every stage of the treatment is carefully designed to ensure accuracy and comfort at every stage. And since you’re able to see your projected results before treatment even begins, you start out your treatment knowing exactly what you’re working toward.
3. Custom Aligner Creation
After your treatment plan is approved, your custom Clear Aligners will be created using medical-grade, BPA-free clear plastic. Each set is uniquely designed to apply gentle, targeted pressure to specific teeth, guiding them into proper alignment over time. Every detail of your aligners, from shape to thickness, is customized based on your digital scan and precise treatment specifications. This precision ensures:
- A snug, comfortable fit
- Smooth edges that won’t irritate your gums and inner cheeks
- Gradual, consistent tooth movement without pain
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll return to the office for a quick fitting. During this visit, we’ll show you how to insert and remove your aligners properly, discuss wear time and guidelines, and provide cleaning and care instructions. You’ll leave with several sets of aligners, ready to begin your journey toward a straighter, more confident smile!
4. Wearing Your Aligners and Progress Checkups
Now comes the actual treatment. This is where the transformation happens. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day, for anywhere from 6 to 24 months (depending on the complexity of your case), removing them only to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush, and floss. Based on your progress, every couple of weeks you’ll switch to the next set in the series, with each new aligner moving your teeth slightly closer to their ideal position.
Here’s what to expect during this phase:
- Mild pressure or tightness for the first day or two with each new set (which is a normal sign that your aligners are working)
- Speech adjustment in the first week (most patients adapt quickly)
- Check-ins every 6–8 weeks at Shiflett Family Dental to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments
Our goal is to make sure you stay on track and comfortable throughout the process, and address issues as they arise. If you ever experience irritation or lose an aligner, our team is just a call away to help keep your treatment moving smoothly.
5. Completing Treatment and Wearing Retainers
By the time you reach your final set of aligners, you’ll be amazed at the transformation your smile has undergone. But your treatment journey isn’t quite over at this point. There is a vital final step: maintaining your results with a custom retainer. Retainers play a crucial role in keeping your teeth from shifting back into their old positions. At Shiflett Family Dental, we use clear, comfortable retainers designed for long-term wear and durability. Dr. Shiflett will guide you through your retainer schedule, which typically involves:
- Full-time wear (except for eating and brushing) for the first few months
- Nighttime wear once your teeth stabilize
- Regular checkups to ensure optimal long-term results
This all-important final step helps protect your investment and ensures your new smile lasts a lifetime.
How Long Does Clear Aligners Treatment Take?
The total length of clear aligner treatment depends on several factors, including your age, the complexity of your case, and how closely you follow your wear schedule. On average, most patients complete the clear aligner process in Clintonville in 6 to 18 months. Minor crowding or spacing issues can often be corrected in less than a year, while more complex cases may take a bit longer.
To keep your timeline on track, it’s essential to:
- Wear aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours daily
- Keep up with scheduled checkups
- Avoid skipping sets or adjusting wear time for a set of aligners without consulting your dentist
When you stay consistent, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your teeth move and how comfortable the process can be. Most patients notice visible improvement in just a few months.
Schedule Your Evaluation for Clear Aligners in Clintonville with Shiflett Family Dental!
If you’ve been curious about how clear aligners work or wondering whether they’re right for you, there’s no better time to find out. At Shiflett Family Dental in Clintonville, OH, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to make the aligner experience simple, predictable, and rewarding.
From your first consultation through your final retainer, Dr. Justin Shiflett and our friendly team are here to tailor a plan to your lifestyle and needs and ensure comfort and progress throughout your treatment. Contact Shiflett Family Dental today to schedule your Clear Aligners evaluation and confidently take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted!