9 Outstanding Benefits of Clear Aligners for Adults

Hey adults, think it’s too late to start orthodontic treatment? Think again! At Foundations Orthodontics, we don’t just treat kids and teens. In fact, many of the patients at our Denver, Granby, and Winter Park orthodontic offices are adults who are getting a healthier smile with clear aligners. That’s because orthodontic treatments like 3M Clarity aligners or Invisalign are a discreet, convenient way to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. Instead of chunky brackets and wires, these treatments use clear plastic trays that are virtually invisible.


As a board-certified orthodontist in Denver, Dr. Renee Moran has extensive experience in treating patients of all ages with clear aligners, helping them achieve their holistic smile goals. If you’ve ever considered starting orthodontic treatment, read on to learn about the many benefits of clear aligners for adults.


1. They’re (Almost) Invisible


This is one of the main reasons our adult orthodontic patients choose clear aligners over braces. While modern braces are much smaller and more esthetically pleasing than the braces of the past, they still are front and center on your teeth. We get it — you want straighter teeth but you don’t need your treatment to be on full display. That’s the beauty of clear aligner systems like 3M Clarity or Invisalign: no brackets, no wires, no problems.


Invisalign or 3M Clarity aligners are made from a thin, smooth, food-grade plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. They’re custom-made for your teeth to ensure the most accurate — and discreet — results possible. As many of our patients report, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them!


2. The Invisalign Process is Super Easy


The process of getting clear aligners can seem high-tech and complicated, but it’s actually very simple. First, Dr. Moran will perform a thorough exam of your teeth, jaw, and bite to determine which type of clear aligners is right for you. Then, she’ll create a digital 3D model of your mouth to help her map out each individual tooth’s movement. Next up, you’ll come in for your pre-treatment consultation where we’ll talk about your treatment plan and review finances. We’ll then send your treatment plan directly to Invisalign or 3M Clarity, where your unique aligners will be created.


Once your aligners arrive at our Denver, Granby, or Winter Park orthodontics office, you’ll come by to pick them up and you’ll be ready to start treatment. Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks as you make your way towards your new smile. Dr. Moran will check in on your progress every eight to ten weeks to make sure everything is on track.



3. They Cost About the Same as Braces


Many people think that clear aligners are more expensive than braces. In reality, the cost of Invisalign is pretty on par with braces, depending on the complexity of your case. At Foundations Orthodontics, we believe that everyone should have access to a healthier smile, regardless of finances. We pride ourselves on providing the best value to our patients by offering in-depth, quality orthodontic care at a fair price with financial plans that fit your needs.


At your pre-treatment consultation, we’ll explain the exact cost of your 3M Clarity or Invisalign aligners. Our cost is all-inclusive, meaning every step of your treatment is included and there won’t be any surprises. We also accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing options for any budget. We’re also happy to work with your HSA or FSA to reduce the amount you pay out of pocket.


4. Clear Aligners Don’t Hurt


Worries about pain from orthodontic treatment are common and expected. But here’s the good news: Invisalign or 3M Clarity aligners don’t hurt! The clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth to guide them into their new positions, so you may experience some soreness but the process should never be painful. Since they’re custom-made to fit your teeth, clear aligners are specially designed to be super comfortable all throughout your treatment.


5. Invisalign is Convenient


When it comes to convenience, you really can’t beat clear aligners. If you have an event to attend or a big presentation to give, you can simply take them out. Of course, to keep your treatment on track and to achieve the best results, you should wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, every day. But removing them for special occasions is perfectly fine.


The fact that clear aligners are removable also means you can eat and drink just like you normally would. You just need to be sure to brush and floss your teeth before popping your aligners back in to avoid harmful plaque buildup. On that note, easy oral hygiene is just another perk of clear aligners! No tricky hardware to navigate around — just brush and floss as usual.


6. They Can Treat Most Orthodontic Concerns


When clear aligners first came on the market, they weren’t equipped to handle complex orthodontic issues. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. Advancements in orthodontic technology have made it possible for clear aligners like 3M Clarity and Invisalign to treat a wide range of mild to complicated orthodontic concerns, including:


  • Overjet teeth correction

  • Crowding

  • Spacing

  • Overbite (deep bite)

  • Crossbite

  • Underbite

  • Open bite


In some cases, like open bites, clear aligners are actually more effective than braces. So no matter what your orthodontic goals are, we can help you achieve a holistic smile using clear aligners.


7. Clear Aligners are Easy to Care For


Braces are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Brushing and flossing in between brackets and wires is a tricky business, often requiring special flossers or floss threaders. With Invisalign, keeping your aligners clean is a breeze. All you have to do is brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse with lukewarm water. Just be mindful not to use hot water, which can melt the plastic. We recommend keeping an Invisalign to-go kit with you at all times so that you always have everything you need to keep your aligners clean!


8. 3M Clarity Aligners and Invisalign are Highly Effective Orthodontic Treatments


Clear aligners are popular for more than their discretion — they’re also highly effective at creating beautiful smiles. At Foundations Orthodontics, we take a holistic approach to perfecting smiles, which means we take the entire face into account when planning your treatment. That’s why we love Invisalign and 3M Clarity aligners: these treatments give us the precision we need to create facial harmony for our patients. Whether you’re looking to correct spacing or crowding or have a more complicated bite issue, treatment with 3M Clarity or Invisalign can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted without compromise. 


9. Clear Aligners are Safe … When Supervised by an Orthodontist


You’ve probably seen the ads for DIY orthodontics brands that promise a straighter smile from the comfort of your home. These at-home aligner systems might look like they’re the same as the ones you get from an orthodontist, but we urge you to take caution. Not only are mail-order aligners not backed by orthodontists — they can be very dangerous and cause lasting damage to your teeth. When undergoing orthodontic treatment of any kind, including clear aligners, you should always be under the care and supervision of a certified orthodontist.


When prescribed and monitored by an orthodontist, clear aligners are an incredibly safe way to straighten your teeth. That makes clear aligners the triple threat of orthodontic treatment: they’re super easy to use, they’re safe when used under orthodontic supervision, and they lead to beautiful, lasting results.


If you’ve been thinking about getting clear aligners or have more questions about how the process works, contact Foundations Orthodontics to book a complimentary consultation today.

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Renee Moran