Clear Aligners

Teeth work best when they are aligned together. When teeth do not fit together properly, it can be harder to chew, wear down your enamel, and accelerate tooth decay. Straightening your teeth carries a real aesthetic and physical benefit.

After we assess your current alignment, Dr. Ahmadi will determine the best possible treatment plan for your specific case. Our team will work with your insurance company to help you pay as little out of pocket as possible. Before we finalize your plan, we explain every detail of your case, including the expected timeline and cost, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Then, if you decide aligners are right for you, we 3D print all the trays necessary for your entire treatment.

You have likely heard about clear aligners, but how does the process actually work? Clear aligners are designed to gently move your teeth over time using a series of invisible trays, which are changed out every few weeks depending on your case.

The first step is designing your personalized treatment plan. We use x-rays, photos, and a 3-D digital scan of your teeth, and sometimes physical impressions, to map your smile. After Dr. Ahmadi reviews your scans and x-rays, we discuss your specific needs and your vision for your smile before designing a plan unique to you.

Once we agree on your plan, creating your trays is quick and simple thanks to the digital scans. Each tray is customized to push your teeth into a new position, building a beautiful smile over time. Trays can be picked up in our Turlock office or, if necessary, mailed to you. As you progress, it is important to change your trays as often as your plan requires, each new tray gives your teeth a fresh push in the right direction. The final step is one last check with Dr. Ahmadi to confirm your treatment was a success.

Regardless of age, the ClearCorrect alignment system works for virtually all orthodontic patients. It is a great option for both teens and adults, using the latest technology to make treatment smoother and more comfortable. During your consultation, Dr. Ahmadi will confirm whether you are a good candidate, patients with more severe orthodontic issues may be better suited to alternative treatments.

Aligning your teeth is about more than cosmetics, it changes the position of your entire mouth, including the jaw and tongue. Adjusting where your tongue rests and how your jaw sits can open your airway and help alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.

Straightening your teeth can also support your overall oral health. Crowded and misaligned teeth are harder to brush and floss properly. By straightening them, you can clean more effectively, which is why patients with straighter teeth are less likely to develop gum disease or tooth decay.

Are mail-order aligners the same thing as professional ClearCorrect treatment? The short answer is no. Both the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists advise against mail-order companies, reminding patients that realigning teeth is a medical procedure that needs close supervision by a qualified professional. Improper treatment can result in side effects such as tooth loss and other complications.

With in-office treatment, the scans and examinations needed to evaluate your smile are included in your plan. With mail-order aligners, you are never examined by a dentist, so you cannot know whether you are truly a good candidate until it may be too late. At-home impression kits can produce faulty molds, and therefore faulty aligners, that risk damaging your teeth and jaw. Mail-order trays are also made all at once with no ongoing checkups, so if they drift off track there is no dentist to adjust them. Choosing supervised care protects both your smile and your investment.