Clear Aligners
You want a straighter smile but worry that traditional braces will disrupt your lifestyle. You’ve heard lots of good things about clear aligners, but are they right for you?
At Morris Family Dentistry, we enjoy helping our patients discover the benefits of a straight, even smile with clear aligners similar to Invisalign®. No brackets or wires, just a straightforward treatment method to give you your dream smile discreetly and comfortably.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Several sets of crystal clear aligners are custom-fitted to slip over your teeth like a snug nightguard. Each set is calibrated just for you to achieve the precise movement needed to shift your teeth into their proper positions. Since the aligners are made of a smooth, plastic material, there’s no metal to irritate the inside of your mouth.
Why Choose Clear Aligners for a Straight Smile?
Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment with adults and teens because they offer so many lifestyle-friendly benefits.
Discreet
Convenient
Comfortable
Testimonial
Good Atmosphere and Environment.
Had some crown work done and it was very thorough and work was done step by step as need until complete. Good atmosphere and environment provided by staff
- Michael
What's the Process for Getting Clear Aligners?
First, we'll schedule an appointment so you can have a conversation with Dr. Morris, so we can learn about your smile goals and expectations. Are you on a tight timeline for an upcoming event like a wedding or reunion? Can you be compliant with wearing your aligners as prescribed?
Next is a thorough evaluation to ensure you're a good candidate. Dr. Morris inspects your bite, takes photos, x-rays, and uses our digital scanner to obtain highly accurate and detailed impressions. The result is a virtual 3D image of your teeth used to plan tooth movements throughout treatment.
How to Wear Clear Aligners
We'll send your case to a lab that fabricates several sets of aligners that will take you through treatment. You'll return to our Zachary, LA, dental office, where we'll provide several sets you should wear as follows:
- Wear the aligner trays conscientiously for 20–22 hours daily
- Remove the aligners only for meals and oral hygiene
- Switch to the next set of aligner trays every 1–2 weeks
- Visit us every 6–8 weeks for check-ins and to receive your new aligners
- Treatment is finished when you wear your final set of aligners
Frequently Asked Questions
Proper care keeps your clear aligners clean, odor-free, and nearly invisible throughout treatment. With the right routine, your aligners will stay crystal clear and comfortable while effectively moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Remove Before Eating or Drinking — Always take out your aligners before consuming anything except plain water. Food particles and colored beverages can stain the plastic and create bacteria buildup that leads to bad breath and tooth decay.
- Rinse Immediately After Removal — Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water to prevent saliva and bacteria from drying on the surface. Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic and ruin the precise fit.
- Brush Your Aligners Gently — Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with antibacterial soap or a specialized cleaner designed for clear aligners. Avoid abrasive toothpaste that can scratch the plastic and make it more visible. Gently brush all surfaces, including the inside, where bacteria tend to accumulate.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene — Clean teeth are essential for aligner success. Brush and floss thoroughly before reinserting aligners to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria against your teeth.
Always keep your aligners in their case when not in your mouth. Handle aligners with clean hands and avoid bending or twisting them, which can crack the plastic.
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Taking excellent care of your aligners is crucial for your oral health and treatment success. Need more guidance? Call Morris Family Dentistry at (225) 654-3964 to speak with our team about maintaining your aligners throughout treatment.
OUR TEAM
See Progress Throughout Treatment
You'll stay motivated through treatment because you'll notice gradual progress every time you switch sets of aligners. Everyone starts with different needs, so treatment times vary. Some with minor alignment needs achieve desired results in as little as six months, but on average, it's 12–18 months. When treatment is complete, we'll fit you with a retainer, and it's crucial to wear it as instructed to prevent your teeth from reverting to their original positions.
Am I Too Old for Clear Aligners?
No! If you’re an older adult and wonder if it’s too late to straighten your teeth, the answer is that you’re never too old for a straighter, more appealing smile! While treatment may take a little longer, the fact is that our teeth move throughout our lives. Even patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond can enjoy a straighter smile thanks to clear aligners.
Ready to Get Started with Clear Aligners?
The team at Morris Family Dentistry would love to help you achieve your dream smile. Call our clear aligner dentist in Zachary at (225) 654-3964 to schedule an evaluation so we can get started. We welcome patients throughout Central, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, St. Francisville, and surrounding communities.
Clear Aligners Technology
Panoramic X-Rays
A panoramic x-ray captures your entire mouth—all teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures in one comprehensive image. Perfect for evaluating wisdom teeth, detecting jaw problems, planning orthodontic treatment, and getting a complete overview of your oral health, this technology provides valuable diagnostic information quickly and comfortably, helping Dr. Morris spot issues that might not show up on smaller x-rays.