Orthodontics
Clear Aligners in Gladstone
Straighten your teeth with removable, clear trays.
Clear aligners move teeth with a series of thin, transparent trays instead of brackets and wires. Treatment is planned from a detailed digital scan of your teeth, so you can talk through the plan before anything is made.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
How clear aligners straighten teeth
Clear aligners are custom trays made from a smooth, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. Each tray in the series is shaped slightly differently from the one before, so wearing them in order applies gentle, steady pressure that guides teeth toward a planned position. Clear aligner treatment here uses the Invisalign system, planned from a scan taken with the iTero scanner rather than a tray of impression putty. Because aligners are removable, you take them out to eat and to brush, then put them back in afterward. They work best when worn exactly as directed, since teeth only move while the trays are in place.
What they treat
Common reasons for clear aligners
Your dentist will tell you whether aligners suit your case after an exam.
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Crowded teeth
Teeth that overlap or twist can be guided into a more even row.
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Gaps and spacing
Spaces between teeth can be closed gradually.
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Bite concerns
Some overbite, underbite and crossbite issues can be addressed with aligners.
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Shifting after braces
Teeth that have moved since earlier orthodontic treatment can often be realigned.
Technology
Planned with a digital scan
Treatment starts with the iTero scanner, a small handheld wand that records a detailed three-dimensional model of your teeth and bite. That model is used to plan how each tooth should move and to design your series of aligners.
You can see your scan on screen and talk through the plan with your dentist before your aligners are ordered.
Step by step
What to expect during treatment
- An exam, X-rays and a digital scan to plan your treatment
- A fitting visit where you receive your first aligners and learn how to wear them
- Moving through your series of aligners as your dentist directs
- Regular check-ins so your dentist can follow your progress
- A retainer once your teeth reach their new position
Everyday life
Living with aligners
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Eating and drinking
Take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than water, then brush before putting them back.
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Cleaning your trays
Rinse aligners when you remove them and clean them gently so they stay clear.
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Wearing them consistently
Aligners only move teeth while they are in your mouth, so wear them as your dentist directs.
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A snug feeling
A new set often feels tight at first. That pressure is the trays doing their job.
Comparing options
Aligners or braces?
Clear aligners and braces can both straighten teeth. Aligners are removable and hard to notice, while braces stay on the teeth and may be recommended for some complex tooth movements. For more about the system used here, see our Invisalign page.
Orthodontic & Invisalign consultation
Free
Find out if Invisalign or braces are right for you
Our complimentary orthodontic consultation includes:
- Orthodontic exam
- Digital panoramic X-rays
- Digital profile view X-rays
- Orthodontic models & smile photographs
- A detailed, written treatment plan
Why choose Marx Family Dental for clear aligners?
Aligner treatment is planned with the iTero scanner and the Invisalign system, and it sits alongside the general dental care you already receive, so your cleanings and checkups continue while your teeth move.
Book your visit
Book an orthodontic consultation
We will scan your teeth, listen to your goals and explain whether clear aligners, braces or another approach fits your smile.
The short answer
Clear aligners are a series of custom, removable, transparent plastic trays that gradually move teeth into a planned position without brackets or wires. Treatment begins with an exam, X-rays and a scan from the iTero scanner, then you move through your series of Invisalign aligners, taking them out to eat and brush, with regular check-ins along the way. Aligners can address crowding, gaps, some bite concerns and shifting after earlier braces, and a retainer helps hold teeth in their new position once treatment ends.
Clear Aligners FAQ
- Are clear aligners the same as Invisalign?
- Not exactly, because Invisalign is one brand of clear aligner. Clear aligner treatment at this office uses the Invisalign system, planned from a scan taken with the iTero scanner. So if you are treated with clear aligners here, you will be wearing Invisalign trays.
- Can I take my aligners out?
- Yes, clear aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss, then put them back in afterward. Teeth only move while the trays are in place, so your dentist will tell you how much of each day to wear them.
- Do I need messy impressions?
- No, your teeth are recorded with the iTero digital scanner instead of a tray of impression material. The scanner is a small handheld wand that captures a detailed three-dimensional model of your teeth and bite. That model is used to plan how each tooth should move, and you can look at it on screen with your dentist before your aligners are ordered.
- Will people notice my aligners?
- Aligners are made from clear plastic, so they are hard to spot in everyday conversation. They fit snugly over your teeth without brackets or wires on the front. Rinsing and gently cleaning your trays helps them stay clear.
- What happens when treatment ends?
- When your teeth reach their new position, you will wear a retainer to help hold them there. Teeth can drift after orthodontic treatment, which is why this step matters even after the aligners are finished. Your dentist will explain how to wear and care for your retainer.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
