Get A Straighter Smile With Clear Aligners

Your Clear Alternative To Traditional Orthodontics

If you’d like a straighter, healthier, and more confident smile without braces, Dr. Shane Harmon and Dr. Vivienne Zhang are here to help. We provide specialize in Clear Aligner treatment in La Porte, IN. With Clear Aligners from Dental Studio of Pine Lake, you can straighten your teeth while avoiding the inconvenience, obvious appearance, and discomfort of traditional metal braces.

What are Clear Aligners?

Clear Aligners are a method of straightening teeth using clear plastic “trays” or “aligners.” These move teeth similarly to braces. Each set of aligners is designed to place gentle pressure on specific teeth, encouraging them to move into a healthier position in the mouth.

By switching through a series of different carefully-designed aligners, you can eliminate crooked and crowded teeth, close gaps between teeth, and realign your bite. By the end of Clear Aligner treatment, you’ll have the straight, healthy, beautiful smile that you've always wanted.

Am I A Good Candidate For Clear Aligners?

Most patients with minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues qualify for treatment. They can be used to treat lots of orthodontic problems including:

-Crooked teeth
-Crowded teeth
-Uneven teeth
-Gaps between teeth
-Malocclusion (bite problems)

However, Clear Aligners are not appropriate for everyone. Some patients with severe orthodontic alignment issues may be better off with traditional braces, and may even need additional surgical treatments to straighten their teeth.

The Benefits Of Clear Aligner Treatment

Nearly invisible when worn

Clear Aligners are made of thin, transparent plastic, and your aligners are designed to fit perfectly over your teeth. This means they're nearly impossible for other people to see unless they look really closely. Nobody has to know about your treatment unless you want them to know! 

Super convenient

You’ll take your aligners out to eat and drink, so there are no dietary restrictions with Clear Aligners, unlike with braces. You can keep eating all of the foods you love! You’ll also take your trays out to brush and floss, which means it’s a lot easier to care for your smile, too.

Enhanced comfort

Clear Aligners move teeth a bit more gently than braces, which reduces the overall discomfort you’ll feel during the process. Also, unlike braces, Clear Aligners have no irritating metal components that could poke your tongue, cheeks, lips, or any other part of your mouth.

Faster treatment time

Overall, Clear Aligners has a faster treatment time than braces for most patients. This varies depending on the case, but Clear Aligners can often straighten smiles in just 12 months, while braces typically require a minimum of 18 months of treatment.

Fantastic results

Once you’re done with Clear Aligners, you’ll love your results. Not only will you feel more confident about showing off your smile, but you’ll also have an easier time brushing your teeth. This can help reduce your risk of common oral health issues like cavities and gum disease!

What To Expect From The Clear Aligner Process

Not sure what to expect if you choose to get Clear Aligners from Dental Studio of Pine Lake? 

Initial consultation – if you’re interested in orthodontic treatment in La Porte, IN, the first step is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Harmon orDr. Zhang. Your dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your smile goals, and help you decide if Clear Aligners are right for you. During your visit, you can also get answers to any questions you may have about the treatment process, costs, financing, and more.

Fitting and treatment planning – Once you’re approved, you’ll come back for another visit with your dentist at Dental Studio of Pine Lake. They will take a 3D scan of your teeth, then begin designing your treatment plan. Once Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang finalize your plan, your first few sets of aligners can be manufactured.

Picking up your first sets of aligners – After a few weeks, you’ll come to Dental Studio of Pine Lake to pick up your first several sets of aligners. We will give you instructions on how to wear them and care for them. You’ll start wearing your aligners for about 20-22 hours per day, and switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks depending on your dentist’s instructions.‍

Continued treatment and checkups – About every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come in for a checkup with Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang. During these visits, your dentist will make sure your treatment is on track, make any necessary adjustments, and give you a few more sets of aligners.‍

Final visit and retainers – Once your teeth have reached their final positions, you’ll come back to Dental Studio of Pine Lake for one final visit. We will give you a set of retainers to wear. You’ll need to wear your retainers as directed to make sure your teeth stay in place after your treatment is over.

Explore Your Alternatives To Braces At Our Office

Whether you’re interested in Clear Aligners for yourself or for your teenager, Dr. Shane Harmon or Dr. Vivienne Zhang are here to help. Clear Aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces. It offers similar orthodontic results while providing a much more convenient, comfortable, and subtle treatment experience.

So don’t wait. The smile of your dreams is closer than you think. You can turn it into a reality by giving us a call at (219) 380-0029 or booking your first visit online. We look forward to meeting you soon, exploring your orthodontic options, and helping you get the smile you deserve.