An image of a smiling woman holding up a clear, plastic dental retainer.

ClearCorrect®

ClearCorrect® aligners offer a discreet, modern approach to straightening teeth — designed to fit your life while improving the alignment and function of your smile.

Understanding ClearCorrect®: how clear aligners move teeth

ClearCorrect® is a series of custom-made, clear thermoplastic trays that gradually guide teeth into improved positions. Each aligner in the series is slightly different from the one before it, applying gentle, targeted pressure where your dentist plans movement. Because the system is digital from start to finish, treatment is planned precisely and tailored to the unique anatomy of your mouth.

The aligners are removable for short periods, which distinguishes them from fixed braces: you take them out to eat, brush, and floss, then wear them the rest of the day. That removability preserves routine oral hygiene and reduces the risk of the staining and plaque buildup sometimes associated with brackets and wires. For many people, the clear, snug-fitting trays are nearly invisible in everyday conversation.

Advances in materials and manufacturing also make modern aligners more comfortable than earlier iterations. Aligners are smoothed and trimmed to minimize soft-tissue irritation, and stepwise tooth movement helps distribute forces gradually to limit soreness. While no treatment is completely painless, most patients find the adjustment period brief and manageable.

Who is a good candidate for ClearCorrect®?

ClearCorrect® is best suited for people with mild to moderate alignment concerns: spacing and crowding issues, mild bite discrepancies, and certain tooth rotations. Teenagers and adults who want an aesthetic alternative to traditional braces often choose clear aligners because they can correct many common orthodontic issues without metal brackets.

Some complex skeletal problems or very severe bite issues may still require fixed appliances or surgical intervention. A clinical exam and digital records — including photographs and impressions or scans — allow the dentist to determine whether ClearCorrect® is an appropriate option. If a different approach is needed, your dentist will explain alternatives and the reasoning behind any recommendation.

Successful aligner therapy also depends on consistent wear. Most treatment plans require patients to wear aligners for the majority of each day, typically around 20–22 hours, and to follow the prescribed schedule for changing aligners. Commitment to those simple habits is a major factor in predictable outcomes.

What to expect during the ClearCorrect® treatment process

Treatment generally begins with a comprehensive consultation and oral exam. During this visit, your dentist evaluates tooth alignment, bite relationships, and overall oral health to make sure underlying issues are addressed before orthodontic movement begins. A digital scan or physical impressions are then taken to create an accurate 3D model of your teeth.

Using those records, a digital treatment plan maps the entire course of tooth movement and the number of aligners you’ll need. This plan is reviewed with you so expectations and timelines are clear. Once the aligners are manufactured and delivered, periodic check-ins let the dentist monitor progress, make small refinements if needed, and ensure that gum and tooth health remain optimal throughout treatment.

Most patients move through the series of aligners by switching to the next set every one to two weeks, per the plan. Regular in-office reviews are typically scheduled every four to eight weeks to confirm alignment progress and to address any concerns. At the end of active treatment, your dentist will discuss retention — often a removable retainer — to protect the new tooth positions long-term.

Living with ClearCorrect®: daily care and practical tips

One of the biggest conveniences of ClearCorrect® is how it fits into daily life. Because you remove aligners to eat, there are no dietary restrictions tied to wire breakage or sticky foods. After eating, simply brush and floss before returning the aligners to your mouth. This routine helps maintain healthy teeth and gums while you straighten your smile.

Cleaning the aligners themselves is straightforward: rinse them after removing, brush gently with a soft toothbrush (no abrasive toothpaste), and soak periodically as recommended by your dentist. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic, and store aligners in a protective case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.

Minor discomfort during the initial days with a new tray is normal as teeth adapt to new contacts, but it typically fades quickly. If an aligner feels unusually tight or causes persistent soreness, contact your dental team for guidance. For active lifestyles, aligners are compatible with most sports and musical activities, though you should follow any specific recommendations for protective gear.

Precision, technology, and the care behind your ClearCorrect® treatment

ClearCorrect® relies on digital planning and manufacturing processes that allow for predictable, measured tooth movement. In our practice we combine those technologies with careful clinical oversight to ensure safety and effectiveness. Digital impressions and treatment simulations improve accuracy and often reduce the need for physical retakes, making the experience more efficient for patients.

Clinical judgment remains essential: experienced hands guide the digital plan, monitor progress, and make adjustments when necessary to ensure healthy teeth and supporting tissues. Throughout treatment, attention to periodontal health, restorative work, and bite function helps produce results that are not only esthetic but also long-lasting and functional.

Together, advanced technology and thoughtful clinical care create a balanced approach to aligner therapy. Whether you’re considering minor alignment changes or a broader smile enhancement, ClearCorrect® can be an effective part of a comprehensive dental plan provided with skill and attention to detail at Tiger Family Dental.

Ready to learn whether ClearCorrect® is right for you? Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out how clear aligner therapy can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

The image shows a logo with the letters  A  and  T  in stylized font, set against a background that includes a splash of water droplets and a graphic element resembling a paint palette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ClearCorrect®?

+

ClearCorrect® is a system of custom-made, clear thermoplastic aligners designed to straighten teeth with a discreet, removable appliance. Each aligner applies gentle, targeted forces to guide teeth toward planned positions, and the trays are changed in a series to produce stepwise movement. Because the aligners are nearly invisible and removable for eating and hygiene, many patients prefer them to traditional brackets and wires.

The system is digitally planned from start to finish using scans or impressions, which helps create an individualized treatment map. Modern materials and refined trimming reduce soft-tissue irritation and improve comfort compared with earlier clear aligner designs. Clinical oversight ensures that the digital plan is adapted as needed for a safe, effective outcome.

How do ClearCorrect® aligners move teeth?

+

ClearCorrect® uses a sequence of slightly different aligners to apply controlled pressure to specific teeth, encouraging movement in predictable stages. Treatment begins with a digital model and a simulated plan that outlines each tooth's movement and the number of aligners required. Attachments or small composite bumps may be bonded to teeth in select cases to help the aligners grip and move teeth more efficiently.

Because forces are distributed over time, patients generally experience less sudden discomfort than with some fixed appliances. Regular clinical reviews let the dentist evaluate progress and make minor refinements or add auxiliaries like elastics when bite correction requires them. This combination of digital planning and hands-on judgment supports predictable, functional results.

Who is a good candidate for ClearCorrect®?

+

ClearCorrect® is well suited for teenagers and adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns such as spacing, crowding, and certain bite discrepancies. Patients with very complex skeletal problems or severe bite abnormalities may require conventional braces or combined surgical and orthodontic care, so a clinical exam is necessary to determine suitability. Good candidate selection also depends on oral health, so existing issues like active decay or gum disease should be addressed before beginning aligner therapy.

Successful treatment hinges on patient cooperation, including wearing aligners for the majority of each day and following change schedules provided by the dentist. Consistent hygiene and timely attendance at follow-up visits help keep the plan on track and protect periodontal health. If ClearCorrect® is not appropriate, your dentist will explain alternative options and the reasons behind those recommendations.

What happens during a ClearCorrect® consultation at Tiger Family Dental?

+

During a consultation at Tiger Family Dental you can expect a comprehensive oral evaluation that assesses tooth alignment, bite relationships, and overall dental health. The team will take digital scans or impressions and photographs to create an accurate 3D model that informs a personalized treatment plan. This visit is also an opportunity to review expectations, timelines, and any preparatory care needed before starting aligner therapy.

The dentist will discuss how ClearCorrect® fits with any restorative needs such as crowns, bridges, or implants and will prioritize health concerns like cavities or gum inflammation prior to movement. You will receive instructions on aligner wear time, cleaning, and what to expect during treatment so you can decide with informed confidence. Any questions about lifestyle compatibility or maintenance are addressed during this consult.

What does the ClearCorrect® treatment process and timeline look like?

+

Treatment typically begins with a digital scan and the creation of a stepwise digital plan that shows the proposed tooth movements and the number of aligners. Once aligners are manufactured, patients usually progress through the series by switching to the next tray according to the schedule prescribed by the dentist, with regular in-office reviews to monitor progress. Checkups are commonly spaced every four to eight weeks to confirm fit, oral health, and alignment progress.

The overall timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the degree of movement needed, so some patients complete treatment in months while others require a longer course. The final phase includes retention to preserve the new tooth positions, which often involves a removable retainer or nighttime appliance. Your dentist will explain the expected timeframe and milestones specific to your plan at the outset.

How should I care for my aligners and my teeth during ClearCorrect® treatment?

+

Good hygiene supports both oral health and treatment predictability, so remove aligners to eat and brush and floss before reinserting them each time. Rinse aligners when you take them out and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush using water or a nonabrasive cleaner; avoid hot water, which can distort the plastic. Store aligners in a protective case when not in use to prevent loss or damage and to keep them sanitary.

Maintain regular dental cleanings and exams so your dentist can monitor periodontal health and address any restorative needs that arise during treatment. If you notice persistent odor, staining, or a poor fit, contact the dental team for guidance rather than attempting to alter the tray yourself. Following these simple routines helps keep teeth healthy and treatment on schedule.

Will ClearCorrect® be uncomfortable and how can I manage soreness?

+

Mild discomfort is common when beginning a new aligner or switching to the next tray, as teeth adapt to new forces, but this soreness typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and short periods of rest can help manage any transient tenderness. Some patients find chewable aligner cushions or 'chewies' helpful to seat a tray fully and reduce pressure hotspots.

If you experience persistent or severe pain, a loose or broken tray, or signs of irritation that do not improve, contact the dental team promptly for evaluation. The dentist can assess fit, make adjustments, or provide solutions such as a modification to the tray or a brief pause in progression. Timely communication helps maintain comfort and keeps treatment predictable.

Are there activity restrictions with ClearCorrect® such as sports or playing wind instruments?

+

ClearCorrect® is compatible with most daily activities, but there are practical considerations for contact sports and wind instruments. For contact sports or activities with a risk of facial impact, removing aligners and wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is generally recommended; your dentist can advise whether a custom protective guard is needed. Musicians who play wind instruments can usually remove aligners for practice and performance, then return them afterward, but brief practice sessions may require planning to maintain wear time targets.

Because aligners are removable, patients can eat normally and maintain oral hygiene without special dietary restrictions tied to appliance breakage. Always follow the dentist's guidance about when to remove aligners for specific activities and how to protect both your teeth and appliances during sports or performances. Proper planning helps preserve treatment progress while allowing you to keep participating in the activities you enjoy.

How does ClearCorrect® work with other dental treatments like crowns, fillings, or implants?

+

ClearCorrect® treatment is often coordinated with restorative and periodontal care to ensure teeth move into positions that support long-term function and aesthetics. Existing restorations such as crowns and large fillings are evaluated before treatment because their shape and stability can affect how aligners fit and move teeth. In some cases, minor restorative adjustments or new restorations are completed either before or after orthodontic movement to optimize results.

If you have implants or planned implant treatment, those teeth are typically used as anchors and do not move with aligners, so treatment sequencing is important and will be customized by your dentist. Digital records and collaborative planning help integrate prosthetic needs with aligner therapy so that the final outcome is both functional and durable. Ongoing communication between your restorative dentist and the orthodontic team keeps the plan coordinated and predictable.

What should I expect after finishing ClearCorrect® treatment?

+

At the end of active alignment the dentist will discuss retention to maintain your new tooth positions, which commonly involves a removable retainer or a fixed retainer placed behind the front teeth. Retention protocols vary by case, but consistent use of the recommended retainer—especially at night—is the most reliable way to protect the outcome. Periodic recall visits allow the dentist to review retention, assess stability, and address any minor changes early.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending routine dental exams remain important after orthodontic treatment to preserve both health and appearance. If you have questions about sleep appliances, restorative follow-up, or cosmetic enhancements after alignment, the dental team can recommend evidence-based options tailored to your smile. Your dentist at Tiger Family Dental will provide specific guidance and follow-up to help you enjoy lasting results.

The image shows a building with a sign that reads  TIGER FAMILY DENTAL  in front of a clear sky background.

Get in Touch Today

Looking to schedule your next dental visit or learn more about our services?

Getting in touch with Tiger Family Dental is simple! Our friendly team is ready to help you book appointments, answer questions about treatments, and address any concerns. Whether you’d like to call, or use our convenient online form, we’re here to assist you. Take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile — contact us today and experience the difference personalized dental care can make.