Get A Straight Smile Without Braces
Clear Aligners use a series of clear plastic trays to shift your teeth rather than braces. One of the biggest benefits is that your aligners are completely invisible when worn and do not affect your speech. This makes for a more subtle aesthetic, and nobody has to know you’re getting orthodontic treatment.
Clear Aligners are also more comfortable than braces since they tends to move teeth more gradually and do not involve any metal components that irritate your mouth. It’s also a very convenient and hygienic treatment because you can remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This means there are no dietary restrictions or difficulties cleaning your teeth. Get started by scheduling an appointment at Tuttle Family Dentistry today. We proudly serve the patrons of Colorado Springs!
To begin the process, you’ll need to come to Tuttle Family Dentistry for a consultation with Dr. Tuttle in Colorado Springs. Our team will take images of your mouth, perform an exam, take x-rays, and determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. If you’re approved, they will take impressions and digital scans of your mouth to develop your treatment plan and build your first few sets of aligners, which will take a few weeks.
After a few weeks you will return to our Colorado Springs office to get your custom clear aligners and instructions on how to wear them. Each set is worn for 20-22 hours per day and is swapped out every 2 weeks. You will return to the office periodically for a quick checkup and to get your next few sets of aligners. This basic process is repeated until your treatment is complete.
Treatment time varies for each patient, but most patients complete clear aligner therapy in about a year. This means that in many cases, clear aligners work faster than braces, which often require 12-18 months to move your teeth properly.
Of course, every case is unique, and there’s no way to estimate the length of your treatment without a consultation with your doctor. To find out if clear aligners are right for you and how long your orthodontic treatment may take, contact our Colorado Springs office for a complimentary consultation.
The biggest advantage of clear aligner therapy over other orthodontic treatments, such as braces, is its subtle, low-profile appearance. Clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn. The aligners are clear and thin, and fit perfectly over your teeth, so nobody has to know that you’re correcting your smile unless you want them to know.
Traditional metal braces, on the other hand, are more obvious, and may make you feel self-conscious about your orthodontic treatment. If you want a more subtle way to correct your smile, clear aligners may be the solution you've been searching for.
Clear aligner therapy is also more comfortable than wearing metal braces, as the aligners won't poke or irritate your mouth. You can take your aligners out to eat and drink, so there are no dietary restrictions. Because they're removable, clear aligners make it easier to brush and floss, so you can keep your teeth healthy during your orthodontic treatment.
In many cases, clear aligner therapy requires fewer trips to our office, which also saves you time. Most patients only need a quick checkup every 4-6 weeks, and these appointments are generally shorter than appointments to have your braces adjusted.
For many patients looking to straighten their smile, clear aligners are a fantastic option for orthodontic treatment. To learn more about clear aligner therapy, and to find out if you're a good candidate for treatment, contact Tuttle Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs today.
This depends on your oral health and the extent of your orthodontic issues. First and foremost, your mouth must be healthy and free of issues like gum disease, cavities, and infected teeth. You cannot receive orthodontic treatment with these chronic oral health issues.
Clear aligners are powerful, but not as versatile as traditional braces. If you have very serious issues with your teeth and jaw alignment, clear aligners may not work for your case. To find out if you’re a candidate, schedule an appointment with Dr. Tuttle today.
The average treatment time with clear aligners is about a year. This means you’ll usually wear somewhere between 22 to 26 different sets of aligners throughout your treatment if you’re switching them biweekly.
However, the treatment time is case-specific. Some patients with minor cosmetic orthodontic issues may only require 6 months to correct their teeth and improve their smile. On the other hand, if you have more serious issues with the alignment of your teeth and your bite, it could take 18 months or longer to correct your smile.
If you want to learn more about your expected treatment time with clear aligners, Dr. Brian Tuttle is here to help. Just get in touch with your dentist in Colorado Springs to schedule a consultation. After your oral exam and x-rays, Dr. Tuttle can help you learn more about what to expect from the clear aligner treatment process, and how long your treatment may take.
The answer is usually “yes,” but it depends on your case. Similarly to braces, clear aligner therapy doesn’t just change the position of your teeth. It can also correct issues with your jaw position. Overbites and underbites are examples of bite issues that can be corrected with clear aligners.
An overbite is when the upper arch of teeth "hangs over" the lower jaw more than is ideal. An underbite is the opposite, when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper arch of teeth. Both can impact your confidence in your smile, but clear aligners may be the solution for you.
The end result is a straight smile, aligned jaw, and healthy bite. This doesn’t just help improve your oral health, but also your appearance and your self-confidence.
The better option between clear aligners and braces depends on your individual orthodontic needs. That said, clear aligners offer several benefits that often make them a preferred choice—especially for those seeking a more discreet and comfortable treatment experience.
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is their appearance. Made from flexible, transparent plastic, they’re virtually invisible when worn—unlike traditional braces, which use noticeable metal wires and brackets. This makes clear aligners an appealing option for adults and teens who want a less obvious way to straighten their teeth.
Clear aligners also tend to be more comfortable. Without metal wires or brackets, there’s less risk of irritation to the cheeks and gums. Their custom-fit design helps reduce pressure and soreness, and because they’re removable, patients can take them out while eating or during short breaks. However, clear aligners may not be suitable for correcting more severe alignment issues, in which case braces might be necessary for the best results.