4444 Davidson Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Straighten Your Smile, Without Anyone Noticing
If the idea of straightening your teeth appeals to you but traditional braces don't quite fit your lifestyle, clear aligners may be exactly what you've been looking for. At Spoonhower Orthodontics, we offer custom clear aligner treatment as a discreet, flexible, and highly effective alternative to conventional braces, for both teens and adults.
Clear aligners work through a series of precisely engineered, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of trays is custom-fabricated to fit your smile exactly, and you progress through the series at intervals directed by Dr. Spoonhower. The result is a beautifully aligned smile, achieved without a single bracket or wire.
We are proud to offer 3M Clarity Aligners at our Hilliard practice, a leading clear aligner system trusted by orthodontic specialists for its precision, comfort, and reliable clinical outcomes.
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What Can Clear Aligners Fix?
Clear aligners are an effective treatment option for a wide range of orthodontic conditions, from mild cosmetic concerns to more significant alignment issues. Common conditions that clear aligners can address include:
Crowded teeth
When there isn't enough space in the jaw for teeth to sit properly, they overlap and push against each other. Clear aligners gradually create space and guide teeth into a more organized, healthy alignment.
Gaps between teeth
Unwanted spacing between teeth can affect both the appearance of your smile and the health of your gums. Aligners work to close these gaps progressively over the course of treatment.
Deep bite
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Clear aligners apply targeted pressure to correct this relationship and reduce the overlap.
Crossbite
When one or more lower teeth sit outside the upper teeth when biting, a crossbite is present. Clear aligners can expand the palate and reposition affected teeth to restore a proper bite relationship.
Open bite
An open bite means the upper and lower teeth don't make contact in the front or back when the mouth is closed. Aligners apply precise, targeted pressure to bring the teeth into proper contact over time.
Not sure if clear aligners are right for your specific situation? Dr. Spoonhower will evaluate your teeth during your complimentary consultation and give you an honest, expert recommendation.
Your Clear Aligner Journey, Step by Step
Getting started with clear aligners is a straightforward process, and our team will guide you through every stage.
Digital Records and Treatment Planning
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and the gathering of digital impressions of your teeth. Using this precise data, Dr. Spoonhower maps out a detailed, customized treatment plan that charts the movement of your teeth from their current position to their final alignment.
Custom Aligner Fabrication
Based on your treatment plan, a full series of custom-fitted aligner trays is fabricated specifically for your smile. Each tray in the series represents a small, controlled step in your overall tooth movement.
Fitting Your First Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you'll come in for a fitting appointment. Dr. Spoonhower will ensure each tray fits properly and comfortably, and walk you through everything you need to know about wearing and caring for your aligners.
Wearing Your Aligners
For optimal results, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss. Consistency is the key to staying on track with your treatment timeline.
Progressing Through Your Series
You'll advance through your aligner series as directed by Dr. Spoonhower, with periodic check-in appointments to monitor your progress and ensure treatment is proceeding as planned.
Refinements and Completion
At the end of your series, Dr. Spoonhower will evaluate the final position of your teeth. In some cases, a small number of refinement aligners may be recommended to fine-tune your results before transitioning to retention.
Living With Clear Aligners is Easier Than You Think
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is how naturally they fit into your everyday routine. Here's what daily life looks like during treatment:
- No dietary restrictions - Unlike braces, clear aligners are fully removable, which means your diet doesn't need to change. Simply take your aligners out before meals, enjoy your food freely, and put them back in once you've brushed your teeth. There's nothing to avoid and no foods off the table.
- Oral hygiene stays simple - Because your aligners come out for brushing and flossing, maintaining your oral hygiene routine is exactly as it was before treatment. No threading floss through wires, no brackets to navigate around, just your regular brush and floss routine.
- A custom fit from the start - Every aligner tray is precision-fabricated for your unique smile, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit throughout your treatment. You'll notice some pressure when you first put in a new tray, that's your aligners doing their job.
- Track your progress with technology - As a 3M Clarity Aligners provider, our patients have access to the 3M Treatment Tracking App, a tool available for patients aged 13 and older that lets you snap and share progress photos, track your wear time, monitor your treatment progress in real time, and connect directly with our office through the app's Share With Doctor feature. It's a simple, convenient way to stay engaged and informed throughout your smile journey.
Why We Chose 3M Clarity Aligners for Our Patients
Not all clear aligner systems are created equal. At Spoonhower Orthodontics, we selected 3M Clarity Aligners because they consistently deliver the precision, comfort, and clinical reliability our patients deserve. Developed by one of the most trusted names in dental innovation, Clarity Aligners combine advanced materials with sophisticated treatment planning technology, giving Dr. Spoonhower the tools to achieve excellent, predictable outcomes across a wide range of cases.
Are Clear Aligners the Right Choice for Your Smile?
Clear aligners are an excellent option for many patients but they aren't the right fit for every case. They tend to work best for patients with mild to moderate alignment concerns, and for those who are committed to wearing their trays as directed throughout treatment. Success with clear aligners depends significantly on patient compliance, the more consistently you wear them, the better your results.
For patients with more complex bite issues or significant tooth movement needs, traditional braces may offer more precise control. Dr. Spoonhower will give you an honest assessment of whether clear aligners are the most effective path to your goals or whether another treatment option might serve you better.
The best way to find out is to come in for a complimentary consultation. It costs nothing and leaves you with everything you need to make an informed decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Let’s Build You a Smile
You’ll Be Proud Of.