Clear Aligner FAQ

Invisalign®, Spark™ Aligners, and other clear aligners come in a series of custom-made trays that exert controlled force on your teeth. Each aligner moves specific teeth based on the exact tooth movements Dr. Jeff prescribes at the start of treatment. The aligner needs to be able to grab your teeth effectively to move them, so we may add some attachments, or tooth-colored buttons, to the teeth to help. Every one to two weeks, you’ll use a new set of aligners, and as you make your way through the entire series, your teeth gradually shift into their ideal positions.

The aligners themselves are smooth and comfortable and won’t irritate the cheeks or lips like braces sometimes do. However, when you start a new set of aligners, your teeth might feel slightly sensitive for a day or two. This just means it’s working and your teeth are straightening.

Nope! Clear aligners are removable. Since you take them out to eat, you can chow down on whatever you want. Just brush your teeth after eating and before popping them back in.

It’s not recommended. If you smoke while wearing the aligners, the nicotine will stain them. When they’re discolored, they won’t be invisible anymore.

For the best results, wear your aligners at least 22 hours every day. Take them out to eat and brush and floss your teeth. Wearing them less, may allow your teeth to move back to where they were.

Most patients don’t notice any difference in their speech while some notice a slight lisp for a day or two until they get used to having the aligners in their mouth. Don’t worry. Your speech will go back to normal quickly.

The length of treatment varies by individual and depends on how complex your case is. Some lucky folks are done in six months while for others, particularly teens, it tends to be the same duration as traditional metal braces.

The main benefit of clear aligners is they are nearly invisible so most people won’t notice you have them in. The fact they’re removable is also a major bonus since there are no food restrictions and you can brush and floss normally. They’re also extremely comfortable and don’t involve potentially irritating brackets or wires.

Clear aligners don’t require a lot of TLC. Just brush them and rinse them in lukewarm water when you brush your teeth.

During your El Dorado Hills clear aligner treatment, you’ll visit our office approximately every eight weeks so Dr. Jeff can monitor your progress. These appointments are quick and easy.

Dr. Jeff can treat a variety of orthodontic cases with clear aligners, however, everyone is different. He will let you know if Invisalign, Spark Aligners, or another treatment will work for you during your complimentary consultation. Thanks to Dr. Jeff’s case experience and training, most adults and teens are candidates for clear aligners at our practice.

Believe it or not, the Invisalign or Spark Aligners cost is comparable to that of other treatment options. The final price is dependent on how complex your case is and the duration of treatment. At your complimentary consultation with our El Dorado Hills orthodontist, Dr. Jeff will be able to give you a set price. To ensure the clear aligner cost fits your budget, we offer flexible payment plans including interest-free financing.

If a few lower teeth are crooked, you might be wondering if you can just get clear aligners on your bottom teeth. Or maybe you have a tiny gap in your top teeth and would love to only address the upper arch.

While there are very specific cases where it is possible to get only top or bottom teeth clear aligners, in most cases, you’ll need to wear aligners on both the top and bottom. This is because shifting any teeth in your mouth will change your bite, or the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. However, Dr. Jeff will be able to determine the appropriate treatment plan once he’s evaluated your teeth and jaws.