Clear aligners are custom-fabricated, transparent trays made from medical-grade plastic that fit precisely over your teeth. Each tray in the series applies gentle, controlled pressure to move specific teeth a small amount. You progress through the series — typically switching trays every one to two weeks — until your teeth have reached their target positions.

Unlike braces, aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss normally. This makes maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment significantly easier and reduces the cavity risk that can come with fixed braces.

What Clear Aligners Can Treat

• Nearly invisible during wear
• Removable for meals and oral hygiene
• No food restrictions
• Brush and floss normally
• Generally fewer office visits
• 6 to 18 months for most cases
• Success depends on consistent wear (22+ hrs/day)
• Best for mild to moderate cases

• Visible brackets and wires
• Fixed — cannot be removed
• Some foods restricted
• Requires special tools to clean around brackets
• Monthly adjustment visits
• 18 to 36 months for most cases
• Always working — no compliance required
• Can handle more complex cases

Screening at TFD

We assess your teeth, bite, and spacing at your routine exam and identify whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate.

Referral to Elate

We refer you directly to Elate Orthodontics next door. Your records come with you — no starting over.

Aligner Consultation

Elate’s specialists evaluate your case, map out your treatment digitally, and walk you through what your smile will look like at the end.

Treatment Begins

Your custom aligners are fabricated and delivered. You progress through the series at your own pace with regular check-ins at Elate.

Ongoing Dental Care

Routine cleanings and exams continue at TFD throughout treatment. We monitor your dental health and coordinate with Elate as needed.

Clear aligner treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on case complexity and treatment length. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment — including aligners — up to a lifetime maximum. Elate offers flexible financing options and will walk you through your coverage at the consultation.

Most clear aligner cases take 6 to 18 months. Minor corrections may finish faster. Complex cases may take longer or be better suited to traditional braces — Elate’s specialists will give you an honest timeline at your consultation.

Most patients feel mild pressure for the first day or two after switching to a new tray — which is the aligner doing its job. This is generally less uncomfortable than the soreness that follows braces adjustments and fades quickly.

You should remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with them in can crack the trays, and sugary or colored drinks can stain them and increase cavity risk. Aligners should be worn 22 or more hours per day for treatment to stay on track.

Yes — and it’s especially important. Aligners can trap plaque against teeth if not cleaned properly. We continue your routine cleanings and exams at TFD throughout treatment to keep your teeth and gums healthy from start to finish.

Start with a routine exam at Tribute Family Dentistry. We’ll screen your bite and teeth and refer you to Elate when the time is right. Or call us at (469) 598-1021 and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Preventive Care

Regular cleanings keep teeth and gums healthy throughout the full course of aligner treatment.

Teeth Whitening

Many patients whiten after completing aligner treatment for a brighter, more polished final result.

Dental Bonding

Bonding on peg laterals or small teeth after alignment is complete addresses shape and size concerns whitening can’t fix.

Orthodontics Overview

Learn more about all orthodontic options available through our partnership with Elate Orthodontics.