Dreaming of a straighter smile without the hassle and visibility of traditional metal braces? Experienced Newport Beach cosmetic dentist Dr. Sharbash offers premium clear aligner therapy—a modern, comfortable, and nearly invisible solution for teeth straightening. Our custom-designed clear aligners gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions, giving you the confidence to smile throughout your treatment.
Understanding Clear Aligners: The Modern Approach to Orthodontics
Clear aligners are transparent, removable orthodontic devices custom-made to fit your teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces with brackets and wires, clear aligners use a series of precisely crafted trays that apply gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth gradually into alignment.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligner therapy uses a sequence of custom-fitted clear plastic trays to progressively realign your teeth. Each set of aligners makes slight adjustments to tooth position, moving them horizontally, vertically, and even rotating them when needed. As you progress through your series of aligners, your teeth gradually shift toward their final, optimal positions.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
While traditional braces remain effective for certain orthodontic issues, clear aligners offer several distinct advantages:
Virtually invisible: The transparent material is barely noticeable, allowing you to smile confidently during treatment
Removable: Unlike fixed braces, you can remove aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and special occasions
More comfortable: No metal brackets or wires means no irritation to cheeks and gums
Easier oral hygiene: Simply remove aligners to brush and floss normally
Fewer dental visits: Typically requires fewer check-up appointments
No food restrictions: Enjoy all your favorite foods by removing aligners during meals
Clear Aligners vs. Brand-Name Alternatives
While Invisalign® is perhaps the most recognized name in clear aligner therapy, it’s important to understand that several high-quality aligner systems exist. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we offer premium clear aligners that provide comparable results to brand-name alternatives, often at a more accessible price point.Our clear aligners are:
Made from high-quality, medical-grade transparent thermoplastic
Custom-designed using advanced 3D imaging technology
Precisely trimmed and polished for maximum comfort
Highly effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues
Backed by our professional expertise and personalized care
The Clear Aligner Treatment Process at Newport Beach Dental Center
1. Comprehensive Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Laura Sharbash. During this initial visit, we’ll:
Discuss your smile goals and expectations
Examine your teeth and oral health
Determine if clear aligners are the right solution for your needs
Answer any questions you may have about the treatment process
2. Digital Impressions and Treatment Planning
If clear aligners are appropriate for your case, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth using advanced 3D imaging technology—no messy putty impressions required. This creates a precise digital model of your teeth that allows us to:
Visualize your current tooth positions
Design your custom treatment plan
Show you a preview of how your smile will transform
Determine the number of aligners needed and estimated treatment time
3. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Once your treatment plan is approved, we’ll fabricate your complete series of custom clear aligners. Each set is precisely designed to make specific, incremental changes to your tooth positions throughout treatment.
4. Beginning Your Clear Aligner Journey
When your aligners are ready, you’ll return to our office to receive your first sets along with detailed instructions:
How to properly insert and remove your aligners
How long to wear them each day (typically 20-22 hours)
When to switch to the next set (usually every 1-2 weeks)
How to clean and care for your aligners
5. Progress Check-ups
Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit us approximately every 6-8 weeks so we can:
Monitor your progress
Ensure your teeth are moving as planned
Provide your next series of aligners
Make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan
6. Completing Your Treatment
Once you’ve finished your final aligner set and achieved your desired results, we’ll provide you with custom retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile for years to come.
Ideal Candidates for Clear Aligner Therapy
Clear aligners can effectively treat many of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces. You may be an excellent candidate for clear aligners if you have:
Mild to moderate crowding: Overlapping or crooked teeth
Spacing issues: Gaps between teeth
Mild to moderate bite problems: Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
Good oral health: Free of untreated decay or gum disease
Commitment to treatment: Willing to wear aligners 20-22 hours daily
During your consultation, Dr. Sharbash will determine if clear aligners are the right solution for your specific needs or if another treatment might be more appropriate.
Caring for Your Clear Aligners
Proper care of your aligners is essential for successful treatment. We recommend:
Cleaning aligners daily: Rinse with lukewarm water (never hot) and clean with a soft toothbrush
Removing when eating or drinking: Always take aligners out except when drinking plain water
Storing properly: Keep in their case when not wearing them to prevent loss or damage
Maintaining oral hygiene: Brush and floss before reinserting aligners
Keeping up with changes: Switch to new aligners as directed by your treatment plan
Clear Aligner FAQs
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and your compliance with wearing your aligners. Typical treatment times range from 6-18 months, with simpler cases being on the shorter end of that spectrum.
How much do clear aligners cost?
The cost of clear aligner therapy at Newport Beach Dental Center depends on the complexity of your case and the number of aligners needed. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss payment options, including insurance coverage and financing plans.
Are clear aligners painful?
Most patients experience some mild discomfort or pressure for a few days when starting a new aligner set. This is normal and actually indicates that your aligners are working to move your teeth. Any discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For optimal results, you should wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink (except water), brush, and floss.
Will clear aligners affect my speech?
Some patients experience a slight lisp when first wearing aligners, but this typically resolves within a few days as you adjust to wearing them.
Can I get clear aligners if I’ve had braces before?
Yes! Clear aligners are an excellent option for people experiencing relapse after previous orthodontic treatment.
Transform Your Smile with Clear Aligners at Newport Beach Dental Center
A beautifully aligned smile can boost your confidence and improve your oral health. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we’re committed to providing exceptional clear aligner therapy tailored to your unique needs.Dr. Laura Sharbash and our experienced team combine advanced technology with personalized care to deliver outstanding results. We understand that a straighter smile is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about helping you feel your best every day. Ready to begin your journey toward a straighter, more confident smile? Contact Newport Beach Dental Center today at (949) 649-7564 or request an appointment online to schedule your clear aligner consultation.
