Clear Aligners

A smiling woman wearing clear braces

Clear braces, sometimes called clear aligners, are the discreet way to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces. To discuss clear braces in the Latham New York area, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.

What are Clear Aligners?

Clear braces are a series of clear, removable aligner trays that fit snugly over the teeth to guide them into proper alignment gradually. Each tray in the series moves the teeth incrementally closer to their final positions. The beauty of clear braces is that they are made of a clear plastic that is nearly invisible when worn, making them a discreet alternative to conventional brackets and wires. Clear aligners are also more comfortable than metal braces, with no sharp edges or wires to irritate delicate mouth tissues.

How Clear Aligners Work

The aligners are made through a combination of Drs. Bajwa, Maloney or Tameta‘s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology based on digital photographs of your teeth and gums. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move week by week until they attain their final position.

Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your clear aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. However, for your clear braces to be effective, you should wear them 20-22 hours daily. You’ll visit Drs. Bajwa, Maloney or Tameta about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time is typically 9–18 months, and the average number of aligners worn ranges from 18 to 30, but both vary depending on the degree of correction needed.

What Can Clear Aligners Correct?

Clear braces can correct most mild to moderate orthodontic conditions that metal braces can, including underbites, overbites, crossbites, tooth crowding, gaps between teeth, and tooth misalignment. For more severe issues, Drs. Bajwa, Maloney or Tameta may refer you to an orthodontist if they believe clear aligners will not be effective.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

  • Nearly invisible
  • Removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Can be removed for special events
  • More comfortable than conventional braces
  • Less prone to breakage or damage than brackets and wires
  • Fewer dental office visits
  • Treatment is often quicker and less expensive

SureSmile® Clear Aligners

SureSmile® clear aligners provide a comfortable, discreet, and effective way to achieve a straighter smile without the appearance of traditional braces. Using advanced digital treatment planning technology, SureSmile® creates a customized series of clear aligners designed specifically for your teeth and smile goals. Each aligner gradually applies gentle, precise pressure to guide your teeth into their ideal positions over time.

With a focus on accuracy, comfort, and predictable results, SureSmile® helps patients improve alignment, spacing, and bite concerns while allowing them to maintain their everyday routines. The removable aligners make it easy to eat, brush, and floss normally throughout treatment, making SureSmile® a convenient orthodontic solution for patients looking for a more subtle way to transform their smile.

CandidPro™ Clear Aligners

CandidPro™ clear aligners combine the convenience of modern orthodontic technology with professional dental oversight to help patients achieve a healthier, more confident smile. CandidPro™ uses advanced digital planning and custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into proper alignment while providing a clear alternative to traditional braces.

What sets CandidPro™ apart is its focus on doctor-guided treatment and a streamlined patient experience. Your customized treatment plan is designed around your specific smile needs, with ongoing professional support throughout your alignment journey. The clear, removable aligners allow you to continue enjoying your favorite foods and maintain your normal oral hygiene routine while working toward a straighter smile.