Our Services / Clear Aligners

Would you love a straighter smile without having to spend years in traditional, metal braces? If so, clear aligners offer a solution and are among the cosmetic dentistry options available from Fred A Bubernak, DDS, at his Woodbridge, Virginia, dental practice. Schedule a personalized consultation online or by phone today to learn more about what clear aligners can do for your smile.

How can clear aligners help straighten my smile?

Clear aligners use a series of custom-fitted, clear plastic trays to place gentle pressure on your teeth, slowly shifting them into optimal alignment. Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces and offer the opportunity to straighten your smile without the challenges of metal braces. 

Once your aligners are in place, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. You can go through your normal daily routines without flashing a gleaming metallic grin, and there is none of the soft tissue discomfort that comes with sharp metal brackets and treatment wires. 

Clear aligners also allow you to more easily remove plaque and tartar. Metal brackets and wires create numerous places for food particles, plaque, and bacteria to hide. With aligner trays, you simply remove them to brush and floss normally, and you can easily see the surfaces of your teeth.

What kinds of issues can clear aligners treat?

Clear aligners can correct many of the same issues as traditional metal braces. Some examples of treatable cases include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Cross bite
• Gapped teeth
• Mix of baby and permanent teeth
• General misalignment

There are some cases for which traditional metal braces remain the best available treatment option. During your personalized consultation, you’ll learn if clear aligners are a good fit for your unique treatment needs. 

What is it like to wear clear aligners?

Wearing clear aligners is a simple and straightforward process. During the planning stage, digital imaging gathers information about the exact size, shape, and alignment of your teeth. Those specifics shape the course of your treatment, including the manufacture of your aligners trays. 

Once your first set of aligners arrives from the lab, you’ll learn how to snap them into place. Aligners are designed to fit snugly over the surface of your teeth. They’ll feel tight for a few days until your teeth begin to shift, and you’ll switch to a new set of trays every couple of weeks. 

You’ll wear your aligners around the clock, removing them only to brush and floss and to eat or drink. It’s essential to wear your aligners as prescribed, as the trays can only do their job while they are worn. Periodic visits with Dr. Bubernak ensure you remain on track with your alignment treatment. 

If you’d like to learn more, call or click to set up a one-on-one visit and see how clear aligners can move you closer to your ideal smile.