--- title: "Clear Aligners Wildwood, MO | Discreet Teeth Straightening" description: "Straighten your teeth with clear aligners in Wildwood, MO. A comfortable, nearly invisible alternative to braces. Book your consultation today!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![A hallway between treatment rooms at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/hallway.Dj84KXvm_1KPTgo.avif) # Clear Aligners Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that move teeth a little at a time. They suit many adults. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite first to see if aligners fit your goals. After treatment you still wear a retainer, or teeth can drift back. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Adults can use them The American Dental Association notes that many adults now seek treatment for long-standing tooth position problems. ## A check comes first Your dentist reviews your teeth, gums and bite before starting, then explains whether aligners fit your goals. ## Retainers are part of the plan Cleveland Clinic says you need to wear a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth straight. ## Trays only work when worn The trays do the moving. Your dentist will tell you how many hours a day to wear them. Crooked teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they can also be detrimental to your oral health. For instance, crowded teeth can be much more difficult to properly clean, leaving you at a greater risk for developing tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Luckily, people in need of orthodontic care have more options than ever before. At Town Center Dental, we specialize in clear aligner treatment. The clear aligner system is designed for patients who want a discrete and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. ## How Do Clear Aligners Work? Clear aligners straighten your teeth without the use of metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands. Instead, we begin treatment by taking an impression of your teeth and gums. This impression will be used to create a 3D model of your smile. We may also take photographs, x-rays, and CBCT scans to gather a more comprehensive overview. Once we decide how to correct your bite, we will develop an appropriate treatment plan for moving your teeth. All of this information will be sent to a dental laboratory, where they will use it to fabricate a series of aligner trays. Each tray in your series will gradually move your teeth to a more proper position. You will be asked to wear each tray close to full time for two weeks. Once your teeth have shifted, you can move on to the next tray. A tray should only be removed when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Your treatment period depends on the severity of your misalignment issues. The more misaligned your teeth and bite are, the longer it will take to fix these problems. On average, clear aligner treatment takes between ten and 24 months. ## Who Qualifies for Clear Aligners? Clear aligners are an excellent alternative to braces, especially for adults. The nature of the clear plastic makes them virtually invisible, which is ideal in the professional setting. However, they may not be appropriate for patients with severe orthodontic issues. We typically recommend clear aligners for patients with mild to moderate crooked or protruding teeth. In the right circumstances, clear aligners can also be used for more serious malocclusions, such as overbites or underbites. During your consultation appointment, our doctors will be able to determine if clear aligners are right for you! ## Clear Aligners Vs. Traditional Braces Traditional braces involve a series of brackets linked together by a metal wire. The wire is attached to the brackets with elastic bands. As your treatment progresses, the wire is periodically tightened until your teeth are in their proper position. Unfortunately, traditional braces come with a certain stigma, especially for adults. Braces can also be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient. Daily activities such as eating, brushing, and flossing can be much more difficult. Clear aligners help patients with mild to moderate issues avoid the disadvantages of traditional braces. Don’t let your orthodontic treatment affect your professional and personal life! ## Schedule an Appointment If you would like to learn more about clear aligner treatment, please call [636-273-5866](tel:6362735866), and schedule an appointment now! Clear aligners and traditional braces side by side Question Clear aligners Traditional braces What moves the teeth? A series of clear plastic trays Brackets joined by a wire that is tightened (American Dental Association) Can you take them out? Yes, for eating and cleaning No, they stay on until removed by the dentist Who controls wear time? You do, so daily habits matter The appliance works all day without you Retainer afterward? Yes Yes Upkeep Clean trays and brush teeth before putting trays back Brush around brackets and under the wire ## Are clear aligners only for younger people? No. The American Dental Association says that in the past straightening was linked with children and teens, but many adults now seek it to correct long-standing problems. Age alone does not decide it. What matters more is the health of your teeth, gums and bone, and what you want to change. Your dentist reviews these at the first visit and explains what aligners can and cannot do for your bite. If you are over 50, say so and mention any dental work you already have, such as crowns or a bridge. That helps your dentist plan around it. See the full comparison in our [clear aligners and braces guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/invisalign-vs-braces). Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts. ## What happens after the last tray? Your teeth can move again once active treatment ends. Cleveland Clinic says you need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight after braces come off. The same idea applies after aligners. Your dentist tells you which kind of [retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer) to use and when to wear it. Keep it in its case and bring it to checkups so it can be checked for fit. Skipping the retainer is the most common way to lose the work you put in. Ask about this at the start, not at the end. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday. Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. ## How do aligners compare with the other options? Braces use brackets and a wire to apply steady pressure. Aligners use trays you can take out. Both aim to fix [crowded teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/crowded-teeth) and other bite problems, called [malocclusion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion). Your dentist can tell you which fits your case. Some bites are a better match for one than the other. If you are also looking at the brand-name system the office offers, read about [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/invisalign). To see how straightening fits with whitening or veneers, visit [cosmetic dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/cosmetic-dentistry). The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. Keep your follow-up visits. They let your dentist check how things are going and answer new questions. You can also request an appointment online. Tell the team what you want to talk about so they can plan your visit. ## Questions about clear aligners [Read the guideInvisalign vs Braces: Which Is Faster, Easier, and Better for Your Bite?](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/invisalign-vs-braces) ### Can adults over 50 use clear aligners? Often yes. The American Dental Association says many adults seek straightening to correct long-standing problems. What matters is the health of your teeth, gums and bone, not your age. Your dentist checks these first and tells you whether aligners fit your goals. ### Do I need a retainer after clear aligners? Yes. Cleveland Clinic says you need a retainer to keep teeth straight after braces come off, and the same reasoning applies after aligners. Your dentist will explain which type to wear and how often. Your dentist can explain more at your visit. ### What is the difference between clear aligners and braces? Braces use brackets joined by a wire that is tightened over time. Aligners are removable clear trays. Both move teeth with steady pressure. Your dentist can explain which suits your bite and daily life. Ask your dentist what applies to you. ### What if I do not wear my trays enough? Teeth move only while the tray is in. Treatment may take longer or trays may stop fitting. Tell your dentist if wearing them is hard so the plan can change before problems add up. Call (636) 273-5866 with questions. ### How do I start? Call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment online. At the visit, your dentist reviews your teeth, gums and bite, explains your options and answers your questions. Bring your questions to your next visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. ## Related services - [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/invisalign) - [Teeth Straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening) - [Cosmetic Dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/cosmetic-dentistry) - [Smile Makeover](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/smile-makeover) - [Teeth Whitening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-whitening) ## Sources - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Orthodontics - Braces](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/orthodontics) - [Cleveland Clinic: What Is a Teeth Retainer?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer) - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Braces](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)