If you’re self-conscious about the alignment of your teeth but don’t want to wear traditional braces, consider clear aligners. Clear aligners like Invisalign® and SureSmile® are safe, effective, and nearly invisible. At Torok Orthodontics, the caring team straightens patients’ teeth using clear aligners at two convenient locations in Santa Monica and the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. To schedule your appointment, call the office nearest you or book online today.

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What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are custom-crafted oral appliances that gradually straighten and align your teeth. Instead of relying on wires and brackets like traditional braces, clear aligners use FDA-approved thermoplastic. Thermoplastic is hard and durable, and free of allergens, making it an ideal treatment option for pregnant women and people who are sensitive to latex or metal. 

Clear aligners fit snugly over your teeth. They’re nearly invisible, allowing you to laugh, smile, and speak confidently. Additionally, there’s no risk of cutting yourself or encountering a broken wire or bracket. That means more comfort and fewer trips to the orthodontist for repairs.

Are there different types of aligners?

At Torok Orthodontics, the team offers all options of clear aligners currently available, including:

Invisalign®

Invisalign is one of the most popular clear aligner brands. It’s ideal for adults and teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and bite problems. To achieve the best possible results, you wear your aligners 20-22 hours each day. Every few weeks, you visit Dr. Torok for a new set of aligners. Over time, this process straightens and aligns your teeth.

SureSmile®

SureSmile treatment also uses a series of clear plastic aligners. Depending on your individual orthodontic needs, the team at Torok Orthodontics, might recommend aligner-only treatment, or they might combine SureSmile aligners with self-ligating or lingual braces. Like Invisalign, you regularly change to a new set of SureSmile aligners. This process slowly straightens your teeth and transforms your smile.

What type of clear aligner treatment is right for me?

Only a qualified orthodontist, like Dr. Torok, can determine the type of clear aligners that are right for you. Following an oral exam and a discussion of your goals for treatment, your orthodontist can develop a custom care plan that aligns with your individual needs and budget.

How long will I need to wear my clear aligners?

No two clear aligner treatments are exactly alike. However, most people complete their treatment regimen within 12-18 months. To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments as necessary. 

Once treatment finishes, you may need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving out of place.

To schedule an appointment to discuss clear aligners, call the Torok Orthodontics office nearest you or book online today.