Clear Aligners in St. Paul
Clear aligners are one of the newest and most popular ways to straighten teeth. Nearly invisible and fully removable, they give teens and adults in St. Paul, MN a discreet alternative to braces. At Thayer Orthodontics, we use clear aligner systems such as ClearCorrect to gently move teeth into alignment with custom acrylic trays that are comfortable to wear and easy to fit into your daily routine.
request an appointmentHow Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth
Clear aligner treatment uses a series of custom-made, clear acrylic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set applies gentle pressure to gradually move teeth, just like braces. As you progress through each new set of aligners, your teeth shift step by step toward the final position planned by our orthodontist. Our practice offers ClearCorrect, which is designed using Dr. Thayer’s expertise and 3D computer imaging technology.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- Nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice you are in treatment
- Removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
- No metal brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums
- Smooth, comfortable plastic trays
- Fewer food restrictions than braces
Wearing and Caring for Your Aligners
For the best results, clear aligners need to be worn as much as possible and removed only to eat, drink, and clean your teeth. Aligners should be cleaned regularly, and you will visit our office every 4 to 6 weeks so we can check your progress and make sure treatment is on track.
Clear Aligners vs. Clear Braces
Clear aligners are not the same as clear braces. Aligners are removable plastic trays worn over the teeth, while clear braces are tooth-colored brackets bonded to the teeth. Some complex bite problems are better treated with clear braces or traditional braces, and our orthodontist will recommend the most effective option for you.
Who Can Benefit From Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a great option for many responsible teens and adults with crowding, spacing, or mild to moderate bite concerns. Learn more about adult orthodontic treatment and orthodontics for teens, or explore all of our orthodontic services. Your complimentary initial exam may include digital x-rays to confirm whether aligners are right for you.
Clear Aligners FAQs
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made, removable acrylic trays that gradually straighten teeth without brackets or wires.
How many hours a day do I need to wear clear aligners?
Aligners should be worn as much as possible, typically removed only to eat, drink, brush, and floss, to keep treatment on schedule.
Which clear aligner system do you offer?
Thayer Orthodontics offers ClearCorrect, a clear aligner system designed using Dr. Thayer’s expertise and 3D computer imaging technology.
Are clear aligners comfortable?
Yes. Aligners are made of smooth plastic with no metal parts. You may feel pressure when switching to a new set, which is a sign your teeth are moving.
Can clear aligners fix every orthodontic problem?
Clear aligners treat many cases of crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite issues. Some complex cases may be better treated with braces.
How do I clean my clear aligners?
Rinse and gently clean your aligners regularly, and brush your teeth before putting them back in to keep both your teeth and aligners fresh.
Are clear aligners right for teens?
Clear aligners can work well for teens who are committed to wearing them consistently as directed throughout treatment.
Straighten Your Teeth Without Braces
Find out if clear aligners are right for you. Call Thayer Orthodontics at (651) 488-5622 or request your complimentary initial exam online today.
