Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment system that gives you beautiful, straight teeth without traditional metal braces.
Instead of metal braces, we use clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct alignment gradually. Clear aligners can correct many of the same alignment problems as traditional braces, from crooked teeth to dental bite issues.
You should wear your aligners at night and throughout the day, removing them only for meals and brushing and flossing. They are virtually invisible, and most people will never know that you are wearing them.
Clear aligners are available for both teenagers and adults. Average treatment times are 12 to 18 months, but everyone starts with different needs, so your treatment time may be longer or shorter. Our dentist will work with you to create your customized plan and keep you informed of your progress.
Clear aligners have numerous advantages over traditional braces:
Hello, and welcome! I’m Dr. Jasmine Gear, and I’m thrilled to be your trusted dentist. My journey has taken me from Madison, Wisconsin, to Owings Mills, MD, and it has truly been an incredible adventure.
My passion for dentistry began in high school when I spent my summer vacations assisting in my aunt’s private dental practice. It was during those formative years that I discovered my true calling.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2013. The following year, I was accepted into the Howard University ...
Are you concerned about crooked teeth? Do you have a prominent overbite or underbite?
Clear aligners can treat these common problems and many others, including:
While metal braces have come a long way in comfort and appearance, adults and older teens have more aesthetic options that better suit their lifestyles. Clear aligners can fix many cosmetic dental problems and are virtually undetectable. Since the trays are removable, you can clean your teeth thoroughly and eat the foods you enjoy.
Your orthodontist specialist can tell you if you’d benefit from clear aligners. In general, you’re a good candidate for clear aligners if:
If you do have a severe misalignment issue, your dentist may be able to develop a treatment plan for you that includes both braces and clear aligners.
That doesn’t mean that less severe problems aren’t important enough to fix, however. Even slightly misaligned or overcrowded teeth can cause more serious problems if not treated. If you have any of these oral health issues, clear aligners might be perfect for you:
It is easy to practice good oral hygiene habits during clear aligner therapy. Remove the aligners and brush and floss your teeth as usual. Brush your aligners and rinse with warm water or use the clear aligner cleaning kit to keep your aligners in good shape and free from bacteria.
Never use hot water to rinse or clean your aligners, as it can warp the plastic. You should also call our office if you crack or damage your aligner in any other way. A cracked aligner will not correctly move your teeth and impede your progress.
You should always brush your teeth following a meal and before placing your aligners back in your mouth. If you don't brush, bacteria become trapped against your teeth, and your aligners can become stained or damaged.
Please contact our office to find out more information. We are happy to schedule a consultation appointment to find out whether clear aligners are a good option for you.
Individual x-rays are beneficial for identifying decay, infection, and many other dental conditions. Having a full-picture view is often helpful, and that’s where panoramic x-rays come in handy. Panoramic x-rays take a full-picture view of the teeth, bone, jaw joints, and other biological landmarks. These types of x-rays are helpful in planning oral surgeries, such as extractions and dental implant placement, as well as identifying tumors, cysts, and jaw joint problems.