Clear Aligners in South Miami, Pinecrest & Kendall
Treatment That Fits Your Lifestyle
Clear aligner treatment at Orthodontics of South Miami can give you the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted—without braces.
It’s more comfortable than traditional metal bracket braces, and since Dr. Ross is an expert at treating patients with clear aligners, they can give you stunning results.
The Clear Aligner Process
Clear aligner systems are made of clear acrylic aligners that fit over your teeth and are designed to straighten your smile. They’re removable, making it easier to eat, drink, brush and floss.
First, our team will take photos and X-rays to create a 3D image of your mouth. We send these off to make your first set of custom-fitted aligners from these images, and then you begin the process of straightening your teeth. You will probably wear your aligners for 9–15 months and will typically use 18–30 sets during your treatment.
You wear the trays for about 22 hours a day but can remove them for brushing your teeth and eating. Based on your individual needs, you will wear several sets of trays throughout your orthodontic treatment, and will start to notice a change in just a few months.
Clear aligners take a modern approach to straightening teeth. It uses a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you.
These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth.
Wearing the aligners will gently move your teeth into place little by little, based on the exact movements your orthodontist plans for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners about every two weeks, until your treatment is complete.
You’ll get a great smile without a treatment that gets in the way of your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.
This nearly invisible option to straighten your teeth is truly changing the way people see orthodontic treatment. Dr. Ross has a lot of experience treating patients with clear aligners, and we’re excited to offer this technology to our Miami braces patients.
Differences Between Clear Aligners & Braces
Unlike traditional braces, smooth plastic clear aligners don't have metal components that can irritate your mouth. Because they’re removed when you eat, you won't have to watch what you eat like you would when wearing braces—bring on the popcorn and peanuts.
In fact, the aligners must be removed for eating and for drinking anything other than water. You need to make sure you’re willing to do that before you decide on clear aligners. To prevent staining, you’ll need to clean your teeth before putting the aligners back on after each time you eat.
Of course, brushing and flossing are much easier than with traditional braces, since you don’t have to work around any brackets and wires.
Responsibilities of Clear Aligners
It’s important to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day for them to do their job and straighten your teeth. But, with clear aligners, you can remove your aligners for special occasions.
Like with traditional braces, you will generally need to wear a retainer after treatment to maintain your new alignment—and your confident new smile.
Talk to Us About Clear Aligners
Dr. Ross may not recommend clear aligners for some complex alignment or bite issues or for those who have bridgework, but he can advise you about what options are best for you.
Schedule your free consultation at our Miami office to learn if clear aligners are right for you.