The Clear Alternative to Braces
These dental appliances work to correct orthodontic issues with the added benefit of being nearly invisible. Plus, you can view your expected results virtually before even starting treatment.
- Available for both teens and adults
- Clear and removable aligners to fit your lifestyle
- Fewer appointments may be required
What To Expect With Clear Aligners at My Tsawwassen Dentist
For more information, browse our clear aligner FAQs.
Initial Consultation
Request an appointment with one of our dentists to see if clear aligners are right for you.
Custom Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan will be customized to help you reach your smile goals.
Fewer Appointments
With clear aligners (vs. braces), you may spend less time in our office over the course of treatment.
Clear Aligner Treatment Process
Book Your First
Consultation
We will begin by checking your smile to find out if clear aligners are right for you. Next, we will use our iTero digital impression scanner to create a 3D image of your smile and what it could look like after treatment.
Develop a Custom
Treatment Plan
Based on the decisions made in your first appointment, we will map out a treatment plan with timelines. Your plan will include the exact movement of your teeth expected to occur with each set of aligners.
Start Your Clear Aligners
Treatment Journey
We will make a series of custom clear aligners just for you. You will wear them according to your treatment plan, removing them to eat, drink, brush and floss. As your treatment continues, your aligners will gradually begin to shift your teeth.
Switch Your Aligners
As Directed
After a certain number of days as directed by your dentist, you will switch to the next set of clear aligners. You will also have brief checkups with your dental team – every four to six weeks or so – to review your progress.
Maintain Your
Straighter Smile
It's an exciting day when you reach the end of your orthodontic treatment! At your final appointment, we will discuss the next steps and prescribe retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Ready For Your New Smile?
Contact My Tsawwassen Dentist today to request a consultation to see if clear aligners are right for you.
Get Started With a Complimentary Consultation
Tell us a bit about yourself and your smile, and our team will be in touch to book your consultation.
By submitting this form I agree to receive information about clear aligner treatment from this dental practice by email which may include scheduling an appointment, special offers, information and requests for feedback. I understand that I may unsubscribe at any time.
Clear Aligner FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
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What are clear aligners?
They are a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
Using advanced 3D computer imaging technology during the consultation process, we will create a treatment plan based on your unique smile.
A series of custom clear aligners will then be manufactured to fit your teeth precisely during each stage of the treatment process.
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How does the clear aligner process work?
Clear plastic aligners are designed to move your teeth in tiny increments as your treatment progresses. You will wear each aligner for a certain number of days before it is replaced by the next one in the series.
This process will continue until your teeth are in their desired positions. The duration of your treatment will be determined by your dentist based on your specific needs.
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How long does treatment take?
Your dentist will determine the duration of your treatment based on your specific needs.
Factors that may determine the duration of your treatment include the misalignment of your teeth or jaw, the shape of your bite, and the amount of movement required to correct the problem.
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How often do I have to visit the dentist?
Since clear aligners require no adjustments or tightening – you just switch to a new set of aligners as outlined by your dentist – your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you approximately every 4 to 6 weeks as needed.
During these appointments, your dentist will take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment as required.
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What are the primary features of clear aligners?
The features of clear aligners include:
- A discreet, low profile appearance
- Smooth construction for enhanced comfort
- Do not require adjustment appointments
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
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How will clear aligners fit my lifestyle?
You may find that clear aligners fit comfortably into your day-to-day life.
You will take your aligners out whenever you need to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means no additional dietary restrictions, and you'll be able to brush and floss thoroughly and consistently.
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Are there any food or drink restrictions?
Aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat. As a result, there are no additional dietary restrictions when it comes to Invisalign, so you can continue to eat all the foods you love!
To avoid staining your clear aligners and potentially damaging your teeth, we recommend removing the aligners when you consume any beverages other than regular water.
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How many sets of aligners will I need?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how many aligners you will need based on a careful evaluation of your tooth position during an initial consultation.
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Can adults use clear aligners?
Yes! Anyone who has healthy teeth and gums is a potential candidate for clear aligners.
More and more adults are deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment these days, in large part because options like Invisalign have become available.
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Can teenagers use clear aligners?
Yes! Teens can certainly be candidates for clear aligners.
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How often do I have to change my clear aligners?
Most patients change to their next set of aligners every two weeks or so. Your dentist will tell you exactly how often you should switch out your aligners.
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How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners each time you remove them to help wash away dry saliva and plaque that can contribute to dental decay and bad breath.
Soak your aligners as needed using denture cleaner or Retainer Brite.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put your aligners back in. Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and helping to avoid cavities/decay. Failing to brush and floss properly can trap food debris and bacteria between your teeth and the aligners, increasing your risk of dental problems and bad breath.
Clean your aligners with a clear anti-bacterial soap. Clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently so as not to scratch them, and then rinse off the soap. Then you're done!
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Can I play sports with clear aligners?
Clear aligners are removable so you can play sports without worrying about causing damage to your aligners.
However, keep in mind that aligners must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day, so plan your time carefully.
It is also recommended that you invest in a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, as orthodontic treatment can cause your teeth to loosen slightly as they shift into their new positions, and this can make them more susceptible to damage.
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Can I play my instrument with clear aligners?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners if required to practice playing your instrument, and pop them back in when you're done.
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How do I store my aligners?
Your aligners will come with a case, and this is where you should put your aligners whenever you take them out to help keep them safe. Since the aligners are made of plastic you should avoid leaving them in hot areas as they could deform/melt.