Clear aligner therapy offers a modern, discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Perfect for busy professionals, Duke University students, and anyone who wants straight teeth without visible orthodontic appliances. Dr. Church uses advanced 3D treatment planning to create a series of custom aligners that gradually move your teeth into perfect alignment.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable, allowing you to eat whatever you want, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and attend important meetings or events without metal brackets and wires. Most treatments are completed in 12-18 months, with convenient appointment scheduling that fits around your Durham lifestyle.
Clear aligners are made from transparent, medical-grade plastic that's virtually invisible when worn. Most people won't even notice you're straightening your teeth, making them perfect for professional environments and social situations.
Remove your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This means no food restrictions, easier oral hygiene, and the flexibility to remove them for special occasions or important presentations.
Smooth plastic aligners eliminate the discomfort of metal brackets and wires. No sharp edges, no broken brackets, and no emergency orthodontic visits for repairs.
Advanced 3D imaging and treatment planning software show you exactly how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like before treatment begins.
Dr. Church evaluates your teeth and discusses your orthodontic goals. We use digital scanning and cone beam 3D imaging to create detailed treatment plans. You'll see a preview of your expected results before starting treatment.
Advanced software creates a series of custom aligners specifically designed for your teeth. Each aligner makes precise, controlled movements to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions over time.
Receive your first series of aligners with detailed instructions for wear and care. We'll ensure proper fit and teach you how to insert, remove, and maintain your aligners for optimal results.
Regular check-ups every 6-8 weeks allow Dr. Church to monitor your progress and provide new aligner sets. Most patients see noticeable improvements within the first few months of treatment.
After achieving your perfect smile, custom retainers maintain your results. We provide detailed retention instructions to ensure your straight teeth last a lifetime.
Working Professionals
Busy Durham professionals appreciate clear aligners’ discretion and convenience. No visible metal braces during client meetings, presentations, or networking events. Remove aligners for business lunches without food restrictions.
Duke University Students
College and graduate students love the flexibility of removable aligners. No interference with campus activities, dating, or job interviews. Perfect for students who want straight teeth without the stigma of metal braces.
Active Adults
Clear aligners work well for adults with active lifestyles. No risk of bracket damage during sports or exercise. Easy to maintain oral hygiene and continue normal activities throughout treatment.
Image-Conscious Individuals
Anyone who wants straight teeth without visible orthodontic appliances. Clear aligners provide the confidence to smile freely during treatment while working toward your perfect final result.
3D Digital Scanning
No messy impressions required. Our digital scanner creates precise 3D models of your teeth in minutes, providing accurate data for custom aligner fabrication and treatment planning.
Cone Beam 3D Imaging
When appropriate, our advanced cone beam technology provides detailed 3D images of tooth roots and surrounding structures, ensuring comprehensive treatment planning for complex cases.
Treatment Simulation Software
Advanced software simulates your entire treatment, showing you each stage of tooth movement and your predicted final results before you commit to treatment.
Custom Aligner Design
Each aligner is custom-designed using precise digital measurements and treatment algorithms to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and tooth movement efficiency.
Getting used to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily. Initial tooth movement begins. Some patients notice changes in their smile within the first month of consistent wear.
Noticeable improvements in tooth alignment. Friends and family may comment on your improving smile. Continued comfort as you adapt to the treatment routine.
Significant tooth movement and smile transformation. Increased confidence as your teeth approach their final positions. Regular progress check-ups ensure treatment stays on track.
Final tooth positioning and bite refinement. Transition to retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. Instructions for long-term retention and maintenance.
| Feature | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Virtually invisible, professional appearance maintained | Visible metal brackets and wires affect appearance |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no sharp edges or broken parts | Metal brackets can cause discomfort and mouth sores |
| Convenience | Removable for eating, cleaning, special events | Permanent attachment, food restrictions required |
| Oral Hygiene | Normal brushing and flossing routine maintained | Difficult cleaning around brackets and wires |
| Lifestyle Impact | Minimal disruption to professional and social activities | Visible impact on appearance and eating habits |
Comprehensive Treatment Investment
Clear aligner treatment is a valuable investment in your confidence and oral health. Treatment cost varies based on complexity and duration, with most cases ranging from simple to complex alignment needs.
Flexible Financing Available
Treatment Value
Consider the lifetime value of a straight, confident smile. Clear aligners often cost similar to traditional braces while providing superior comfort, convenience, and aesthetics throughout treatment.
Most clear aligner treatments are completed in 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of tooth movement required. Simple cases may finish sooner, while complex alignment needs may take slightly longer. Dr. Church provides accurate timeline estimates during your consultation.
Clear aligners cause minimal discomfort compared to traditional braces. You may experience mild pressure when starting new aligners, which indicates your teeth are moving as planned. This feeling typically subsides within a day or two.
Clear aligner check-ups occur every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and provide new aligner sets. These brief appointments fit easily into busy Durham schedules and require minimal time away from work or classes.
Remove aligners for all eating and drinking except plain water. This prevents damage to the aligners and allows you to enjoy any foods without restriction, unlike traditional braces with food limitations.
Clean aligners daily with lukewarm water and gentle soap or specialized aligner cleaning products. Avoid hot water which can warp the plastic. Regular cleaning prevents odors and maintains clarity.
Clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn properly. Most people won’t notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them, making them perfect for professional and social situations.
Your clear aligner consultation includes:
Ready for straight teeth without metal braces? Call 919-220-6553 to schedule your clear aligner consultation with Dr. Church. We’ll evaluate your teeth, show you what’s possible, and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your Durham lifestyle.
Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.
