Mechanism of Action
How Clear Aligners Work
Each aligner in the series is engineered to apply precise, graduated biomechanical force — moving teeth incrementally until the final planned position is achieved.
Digital Scan & Treatment Planning
Intraoral scans replace traditional impressions. A 3D digital model of your dentition is used to map out every planned tooth movement before a single tray is fabricated.
Sequential Aligner Fabrication
A full series of custom-thermoformed trays is produced — each one fractionally different from the last, encoding the cumulative movement required at each stage.
Controlled Pressure, Per Stage
Each tray is worn for approximately 1 week, applying gentle but continuous force — typically moving teeth fractions of a millimeter per stage — triggering biological remodeling of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
Attachments & Auxiliaries (When Needed)
Small composite attachments bonded to teeth act as anchor points, enabling complex movements such as rotation and extrusion that trays alone cannot achieve.
Retention Phase — The Most Critical Step
Completing active aligner therapy does not mean treatment is finished. Teeth have a strong biological tendency to relapse toward their original positions until the surrounding bone and periodontal fibers fully remodel — a process that takes months to years. A fixed lingual retainer, a full-time removable retainer, or a combination of both is prescribed immediately upon finishing active treatment. Long-term or lifelong retainer wear is now the standard of care. Without consistent retention, relapse is not a risk — it is a near-certainty.
22 hrs
Minimum Daily Wear
Wear time below this threshold compromises tooth movement and extends total treatment duration.
~1 wk
Per Aligner Stage
Each tray is worn approximately 7 days before advancing to the next stage in the sequence.
Tracking
The #1 Clinical Variable
Actual tooth movement per stage varies by tooth type, direction, and attachment design. Tracking checks at each visit confirm teeth are following the planned path.
Remove
Before Every Meal & Brushing
Aligners must be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and all oral hygiene routines.
Clinical Indications
Conditions Treated by Clear Aligners
Aligners are clinically effective for a defined range of malocclusion types. Severity and skeletal involvement determine whether aligners alone are sufficient or whether adjuncts are required.
Gapped Teeth (Diastema)
Spacing between teeth — including midline gaps — is one of the most predictably corrected presentations with aligner therapy.
Crowding
Mild to moderate arch-length discrepancies causing overlapping or displaced teeth. Severe crowding may require extraction planning.
Overbite
Vertical overlap of upper incisors over lower. Aligner intrusion mechanics have improved significantly, though deep bites can be challenging.
Underbite
Aligners can correct underbites with a dental origin. Cases with skeletal involvement require comprehensive cephalometric evaluation.
Crossbite
Lateral misalignment where upper teeth sit inside lower teeth. Posterior crossbites may require auxiliaries or expansion.
Open Bite
Aligner therapy can address anterior open bites through posterior intrusion mechanics — but predictability varies and relapse rates are higher.
Mild Rotations
Teeth rotated on their long axis. Composite attachments are routinely used to enable effective derotation.
Relapse After Prior Treatment
Patients whose teeth have shifted post-braces are excellent candidates for aligner retreatment — often requiring fewer stages.
Treatment Comparison
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Both modalities are clinically validated — the decision is driven by case complexity, patient lifestyle, and treatment goals. Here's a direct clinical comparison.
| Clinical Factor | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Virtually invisible Discreet | Visible (lingual option available) Noticeable |
| Removability | Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions | Fixed for entire treatment — no compliance variable |
| Case Complexity | Mild to moderate alignment issues Limited Range | Full spectrum — including severe malocclusion Comprehensive |
| Compliance Dependency | High — outcomes directly tied to patient wear discipline | Fixed appliance — compliance not a clinical variable |
| Oral Hygiene Access | Removable — brush and floss normally Easier Hygiene | Requires specialized cleaning tools around brackets and wires |
| Treatment Speed | Duration highly dependent on wear compliance; tracking issues can add months to the original plan | More predictable timeline — continuous force application not subject to patient wear variables Predictable |
Financial Options
Insurance & Payment Options
Most dental plans with orthodontic benefits cover clear aligners on equal terms with traditional braces. We offer multiple pathways to make treatment financially accessible.
01 — Insurance
Orthodontic Coverage Parity
Most plans with orthodontic benefits cover aligners and braces equally. Coverage amounts and lifetime maximums vary — verify your specific benefits before treatment.
02 — Financing
In-House Payment Plans
0% interest financing available. Spread treatment costs over monthly installments that fit your budget — with minimal to no interest charges.
03 — Tax Accounts
HSA / FSA / HRA
Orthodontic treatment qualifies as a medical expense. Pre-tax funds from Health Savings, Flexible Spending, or Health Reimbursement accounts can be applied directly.
04 — Discounts
Family & Full Payment
Discounts available for patients paying in full, or for families enrolling multiple members in treatment simultaneously.
05 — Medicaid
Medicaid (If Eligible)
Aligner therapy may be covered when deemed medically necessary. Coverage criteria and approved providers vary by state — verify eligibility with your local program.
06 — Consultation
Personalized Cost Assessment
The most accurate estimate requires a clinical evaluation. Contact Brentwood Smiles Orthodontics for a personalized consultation and treatment fee breakdown.
Care & Compliance
Maximizing Your Aligner Treatment
Aligner outcomes are directly proportional to patient discipline. These protocols are clinically non-negotiable for achieving the planned result on schedule.
22-Hour Wear Rule
Remove aligners only for eating, drinking (anything except plain water), and oral hygiene. Every hour under 22 risks behind-schedule tooth movement and extended treatment time.
Clean Before Reinserting
Always brush and floss before placing aligners back in. Trapping food debris and bacteria against enamel accelerates decay — a preventable complication of aligner therapy.
Tray Hygiene
Rinse aligners with cool water each time you remove them. Use a soft toothbrush with unscented soap (not toothpaste) to clean trays — avoiding discoloration and bacterial buildup.
Keep All Check-in Appointments
Periodic progress checks confirm teeth are tracking to plan. Skipping appointments delays the detection of tracking issues — and can derail your timeline significantly.
