What To Know
What to know aboutClear Aligners
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays to gradually straighten teeth. At Veda Dental Studio, clear aligners are designed using digital scans and 3D treatment planning, allowing us to map out every small tooth movement before the first tray is even worn. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next, slowly guiding teeth into the desired position over the course of treatment.
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. This makes oral hygiene significantly easier during treatment and means there are no dietary restrictions. The aligners themselves are nearly invisible, which makes them especially popular with adults and image-conscious teens who want to straighten their teeth without the visibility of brackets and wires.
Clear aligners can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and mild to moderate alignment problems. More complex cases involving significant bite correction or substantial tooth rotation may still benefit from traditional orthodontics, which is why every clear aligner journey at Veda Dental Studio starts with a thorough evaluation to determine if you're a good candidate. When you are, the result is a confident, healthier smile achieved through one of the most flexible and comfortable orthodontic options available today.
Questions
Frequently askedquestions
Answers to the questions patients ask us most, so you feel prepared before your visit.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Most clear aligner treatment plans take between 12 and 18 months to complete, though the exact timeline depends on the complexity of your case. Simple corrections may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases involving significant bite changes can take up to 24 months. Wearing your aligners consistently for 20 to 22 hours per day is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule.
Are clear aligners painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain, particularly during the first 1 to 3 days after switching to a new aligner tray. This pressure is the aligners actively moving your teeth, which is exactly what they're supposed to do. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold drinks can help during the adjustment period, and most discomfort fades within a few days.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours every day for the entire duration of treatment. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Wearing them less than the recommended amount slows treatment progress and can cause teeth to shift back, potentially extending your overall treatment time.
Can I eat with clear aligners in?
No, aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food particles can become trapped between the aligner and your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities, and chewing with aligners in place can crack or warp the plastic. Removing them takes seconds and is part of why aligners are easier to live with than traditional braces.
Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?
For mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners are highly effective and produce results comparable to traditional braces. They work well for crowding, spacing, mild overbites, underbites, and crossbites. More complex cases, particularly those involving significant bite correction, severe rotations, or major jaw alignment issues, may still be best treated with traditional orthodontics. A consultation will determine which approach is right for you.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner, contact us right away. Depending on how far along you are in that particular tray, we may have you go back to the previous aligner, move forward to the next one, or order a replacement. The earlier we know, the easier it is to keep your treatment on track.
Do I need to wear a retainer after clear aligner treatment?
Yes, retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. Without a retainer, teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions over time. Most patients wear retainers full-time for several months after treatment, then transition to nighttime-only wear, which is typically required indefinitely to maintain results.
Are clear aligners covered by insurance?
Coverage for clear aligners depends on whether your plan includes an orthodontic benefit at all, and many plans do not. Orthodontic coverage is often a separate rider or standalone policy rather than part of your general dental plan, with its own maximum and rules, so some patients have dental coverage without realizing orthodontics is not included. Plans also generally distinguish between comprehensive and limited treatment, and where aligners are used for minor cosmetic alignment rather than to correct a functional problem, some plans classify that as cosmetic and decline it. Give our office your plan information and we will verify what your plan includes before treatment begins.
Serving Savannah, Pooler
and Port Wentworth
Our studio is at 492 Jimmy DeLoach Pkwy, Suite 104, Savannah, GA 31407, in The Highlands, just off I-95. It is an easy drive from downtown Savannah, Pooler and Port Wentworth, with parking right outside.
New Patients Welcome