Clear Aligners South Pasadena, CA
Crooked, misaligned teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. If you are eager to achieve straighter teeth but reluctant to try traditional braces, you have options. Clear aligners are a discreet way to shift teeth into the correct position.
Clear aligners are available at Huntington Dental Excellence in South Pasadena and the surrounding area. Unlike clunky braces, aligners are almost invisible. Patients can remove their aligners for photos, sports, and special events. Call us today at (626) 657-6335 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Clear Aligners
Braces can correct a range of orthodontic problems, but they are not always comfortable. The sharp metal can irritate the mouth and gums. Clear aligners are different. These appliances are made of smooth, durable plastic.
Aligners gently guide and straighten teeth to provide a brighter smile. Unlike braces, aligners are discreet and fully removable. Patients can take their aligners out for special events like weddings, graduation, or proms.
“Unlike braces, aligners are discreet and fully removable.”
Candidates for Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are custom-made for a tight fit, making them a great fit for adults or teens. This is because children's mouths are still developing and, thus, require more complicated treatment. The ideal candidate for clear aligners has mild or moderately crowded teeth or minor spacing issues. Those with more severe orthodontic complications may require traditional braces for more extensive treatment.
There are many benefits to clear aligners over traditional braces. These include:
- Comfort: It is not uncommon to experience some initial discomfort after having braces placed or adjusted. Clear aligners do not have this problem, nor do they have any brackets and wires to irritate the mouth tissue.
- Diet: There are no dietary restrictions with clear aligners, as they can be removed for eating.
- Hygiene: Since clear aligners can also be removed for brushing and flossing the teeth, keeping up with dental hygiene is a breeze.
- Visibility: True to their name, clear aligners are virtually invisible — making them the least aesthetically obtrusive orthodontic option available.
“Clear aligners are custom-made for a tight fit, making them best fit for adults or teens.”
Required Wear Time for Clear Aligners
Though clear aligners are removable, patients should not take this as an excuse to neglect their treatment. In fact, patients must wear their aligners for at least 22 hours per day to see the best results. Otherwise, they run the risk of having their teeth relapse or return to their original position. It is essential to remember that clear aligners can only do their job when worn.
However, there are a few instances where removing the clear aligners is necessary. For instance, patients should remove their aligners whenever they are eating or drinking anything that is not cool water. They should brush their teeth before putting the aligners back on. Additionally, aligners should be off whenever it is time to brush or floss the teeth.
“Though clear aligners are removable, patients should not take this as an excuse to neglect their treatment.”
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How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are designed to move the teeth gradually, just as traditional braces are. Preceding treatment, Huntington Dental Excellence will conduct a thorough oral examination and take any necessary diagnostic records (such as X-rays, photographs, and impressions or digital scans of the teeth). Then, once Huntington Dental Excellence has made an official diagnosis, our team will begin working within the aligner software to plan the treatment process.
A series of clear aligners will then be custom-made using the patient's initial impressions or digital scans. By wearing them, the patient will gradually move their teeth to the proper bite. Aligners should be worn 22 hours per day or as prescribed by Huntington Dental Excellence. Patients should expect to wear each set of aligners for one or two weeks before moving on to the next set. However, the total number of aligners will vary according to each patient's unique needs.
“Clear aligners are designed to move the teeth gradually, just as traditional braces are.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How long will it take to see results?
Q. How do clear aligners compare to traditional braces?
Q. How often do I need to wear my clear aligners?
Q. What happens during the clear aligner treatment process?
People Also Ask
Q. How can I get a straighter looking smile?
Q. How can cosmetic dentistry restore teeth?
Q. What are in-home treatment for teeth whitening?
Q. Who can get a smile makeover?
Q. What is the difference between clear aligners and traditional braces?
Q. What types of restorative dental procedures are available?
Q. How does a dentist’s office whitening compare to an over-the-counter whitening?
Assessing Your Results
Treatment times can vary, and complex dental issues may take longer to treat. The average treatment time is less than two years. Teen patients may show results more quickly, as their teeth are still developing.
After patients complete their treatment plan, they should expect to continue wearing their aligners overnight. Our team might also suggest a permanent retainer. These devices are fixed in place to prevent the teeth from shifting.
This stage of treatment focuses on preserving the results. It is essential to follow up with the dentist's recommendations. If patients stop wearing the aligners too soon, the teeth may move back into their original position.
“The average treatment time is about 12-18 months.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do clear aligners hurt?
A. No. However, there may be brief periods of discomfort after switching to a new set of aligners. Your bite may also feel different during this time. These sensations are normal and will subside with time.
Q. Will clear aligners affect the way I talk?
A. It is possible to have a lisp when you initially become used to talking with the aligner on. However, for most people, the adjustment period is quite quick. It is very rare for speech to be impaired for an extended period.
Q. How should I clean my clear aligners?
A. Most clear aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush and cool water, along with a non-abrasive toothbrush or gentle soap. Ask Huntington Dental Excellence for more information about how to keep your aligners clean.
Q. What are attachments? Will I need them for my clear aligner treatment?
A. Attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes that attach to the teeth. They give the aligners something to push gently on and make it possible to receive the right amount of force. They make more complex tooth movements possible. Huntington Dental Excellence can determine whether they are necessary for your treatment.
Q. What should I do if I break or lose my clear aligners?
A. Call our office immediately. Depending on what stage of treatment you are in, we may advise you to wear your previous set of aligners or move onto the next set. We may also provide you with replacement aligners as soon as we can.
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Invisalign® Terminology
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Clear aligners are an option for most teens and adults seeking orthodontic treatment. With clear aligners, patients can reduce the amount of time they spend in the dentist's chair. Treatment generally takes place in the privacy and convenience of the patient's home.
However, aligners might not be right for everyone. Some dental issues may require traditional braces or other specialized care. A personalized consultation can determine whether clear aligners are right for you.
Let Huntington Dental Excellence in South Pasadena determine whether you're a candidate for clear aligners. Call us at 626-657-6335 to schedule a consultation.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Huntington Dental Excellence was established in 1987.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: South Pasadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Highland Park, San Gabriel, San Marino, Rosemead, Altadena, Temple City and Los Angeles
- CA (License #35999). View License Information and Specifics
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