Clear Aligner Therapy

If you’ve ever wanted a straighter smile but didn’t like the idea of traditional metal braces, clear aligner therapy may be the perfect solution. At Bridge Street Family Dental, Dr. Blessing provides modern orthodontic treatment using clear aligners (commonly known as Invisalign®) — a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

Clear aligners use a series of transparent, medical-grade plastic trays that gently shift your teeth over time. Unlike braces, they are virtually invisible, removable, and designed with your lifestyle in mind.

Why Patients Choose Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are one of the fastest-growing orthodontic options in the U.S., and for good reason. Patients love that they:

• Look Invisible – The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic, making them nearly undetectable when worn.
• Feel Comfortable – No sharp wires or brackets that cause irritation.
• Offer Convenience – Simply remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• Have Fewer Food Restrictions – Unlike braces, you can still enjoy crunchy snacks or chewy foods — just remove your trays before eating.
• Promote Better Oral Hygiene – Because you can brush and floss normally, it’s easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
• Deliver Reliable Results – With consistent wear, clear aligners can correct mild to moderate orthodontic issues as effectively as braces.

What Clear Aligners Can Fix

Many patients are surprised by how versatile clear aligners are. Dr. Blessing uses them to treat:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps and spaces between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Open bite
• Relapse from previous orthodontic treatment (when teeth shift back after braces)

If your case is more complex, Dr. Blessing will review options with you and determine whether clear aligners alone, or in combination with another treatment, will give you the best result.

The Clear Aligner Treatment Process

Getting started with clear aligners is simple and personalized to your smile. Here’s what to expect at Bridge Street Family Dental:

1. Consultation

Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Blessing. We’ll discuss your smile goals, answer your questions, and determine if clear aligners are the right treatment for you. Digital x-rays, photos, and a 3D scan of your teeth and bite are taken to create a complete picture of your oral health.

2. Treatment Planning

Using advanced software, Dr. Blessing creates a digital treatment plan that maps out each step of your tooth movement. You’ll even be able to preview how your smile will look at the end of treatment.

3. Fabrication of Aligners

Once approved, your series of aligners are custom-fabricated from smooth, durable, medical-grade plastic. Each set is carefully designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to specific teeth.

4. Wearing Your Aligners

You’ll wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink (other than water), brush, and floss. Each set is worn for about one to two weeks before progressing to the next aligner in the series.

5. Follow-Up Appointments

You’ll visit our office every few weeks so Dr. Blessing can monitor your progress, ensure your aligners fit properly, and provide the next sets. These checkups are quick and easy compared to traditional braces adjustments.

6. Completion & Retainers

Once your teeth reach their final position, you’ll receive a custom retainer to help maintain your new smile. Wearing your retainer as directed is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting back.

Who Is a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are ideal for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic needs who want a straighter smile without the hassle of braces. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Want to straighten teeth discreetly
• Have good overall oral health (no untreated gum disease or cavities)
• Are committed to wearing aligners as directed (20–22 hours daily)
• Prefer fewer food restrictions during treatment

During your consultation, Dr. Blessing will carefully evaluate your teeth and bite to confirm whether clear aligners are the best choice for your needs.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Wondering whether braces or clear aligners are right for you? Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)	Traditional Braces
Appearance	Nearly invisible	Metal brackets and wires
Comfort	Smooth plastic, no sharp edges	Can cause mouth irritation
Eating	Remove to eat anything you like	Many food restrictions
Oral Hygiene	Brush and floss normally	More difficult to clean around brackets
Office Visits	Quick progress checks	Longer adjustment appointments
Best For	Mild to moderate issues	Complex bite or severe alignment cases

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case. On average, most patients complete treatment in 6 to 18 months. You’ll start noticing changes within just a few weeks of wearing your aligners consistently.

Cost of Clear Aligners in Grand Rapids

The cost of clear aligner therapy depends on your specific treatment plan, but in general, it is comparable to the cost of braces. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, and our office offers flexible payment and financing options to make treatment affordable.

During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate and review all payment options so you can make an informed decision.

FAQs About Clear Aligners

Q: Are clear aligners painful?
Most patients feel only mild pressure when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal and a sign your teeth are moving as planned.

Q: Can I take my aligners out whenever I want?
You should wear them 20–22 hours per day for best results. Leaving them out too often will slow or stop progress.

Q: Can teenagers use clear aligners?
Yes! Clear aligners are a great choice for responsible teens who want a more discreet treatment option.

Q: Will aligners affect my speech?
You may have a slight adjustment period, but most patients speak normally within a few days.

Q: Do teeth shift back after treatment?
Without a retainer, yes. That’s why we provide custom retainers to maintain your new smile.

Start Your Smile Transformation Today

At Bridge Street Family Dental, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. Clear aligners make it possible to straighten your teeth discreetly, comfortably, and effectively — all under the guidance of Dr. Blessing, right here in Grand Rapids.

Call us today at (616) 453-5448 to schedule your consultation, or request an appointment online to find out if clear aligners are right for you.