Braces 101 · About Aligners
About Aligners.
How clear aligners work, who they're for, and how to get the best results.
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How clear aligners work
Clear aligners are a series of custom, nearly invisible plastic trays. Each tray moves your teeth a small amount over about a week or two of wear, and the series is designed to carry your teeth from their current position to your final alignment. Trays are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing — but they should be worn the rest of the time for treatment to work.
Spark™ at SmileHaus
Our preferred aligner system is Spark™, from Ormco. Spark aligners are known for being particularly clear and stain-resistant, with comfortable trim around the gumline and precise clinical controls.
Am I a candidate?
Aligners work well for many adults and mature teens with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns — crowding, spacing, and many common bite issues. Complex bites, significant skeletal imbalances, or cases requiring continuous tooth control are often better served by Pitts21 PRO braces. Dr. Thompson evaluates your case and recommends the system that will produce the best result.
Tips for aligner success
- Wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time per day — typically 20–22 hours.
- Only remove them for meals and oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles.
- Rinse aligners whenever you take them out; clean them nightly.
- Keep your case with you — never wrap an aligner in a napkin.
Ready when you are.
Your complimentary consultation with Dr. Karla Thompson is exactly that — complimentary. No commitment, no pressure, just clarity on what's possible.