Straighter Teeth With Personalized Clear Aligner Treatment

Clear aligners are a series of customized, removable trays that gradually move selected teeth into planned positions. Arguello Dentistry offers professionally supervised clear aligner evaluations and treatment for appropriate patients in Margate and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida.

Clear aligners provide a discreet way to improve crowded, crooked, rotated or unevenly spaced teeth without relying on traditional metal brackets and wires. Because the trays are removable, patients can take them out for meals and daily brushing and flossing.

However, clear aligner treatment involves more than making the front teeth look straighter. Moving teeth affects the bite, gums, supporting bone and long-term stability of the smile. Treatment should therefore begin with an examination, appropriate dental records and a plan created and monitored by a dental professional.

At Arguello Dentistry , we evaluate your oral health, tooth position, bite and treatment goals before recommending clear aligners. Our objective is to improve both the appearance and function of your smile while protecting the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

Clear aligners may be used to improve selected cases involving:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Spaces or gaps between teeth
• Rotated or crooked teeth
• Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
• Certain overbites, underbites, open bites or crossbites
• Uneven tooth position within the visible smile
• Alignment concerns before veneers, bonding or other cosmetic treatment

Clear aligners are not appropriate for every patient or every type of tooth movement. An examination is necessary to determine whether aligners, traditional braces, restorative treatment or another approach would provide the most predictable result.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are thin, transparent, plastic-like dental trays customized to fit over a patient’s teeth. Each set is designed to apply controlled pressure to selected teeth so they move gradually toward planned positions.

Rather than adjusting brackets and wires, clear aligner treatment progresses through a sequence of trays. Each aligner represents one stage of the treatment plan. As the patient advances through the series, the teeth move incrementally.

The aligners must be worn consistently for the treatment to work as planned. Patients are generally instructed to remove them only when eating, drinking beverages other than water, brushing or flossing. Your dentist will provide specific wear and tray change instructions for your individual treatment plan.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Orthodontic tooth movement occurs when controlled pressure is applied to a tooth over time. The supporting tissues respond gradually, allowing the tooth to move into a new position.

Clear aligner treatment commonly involves the following process:

1. Your teeth, gums, bite and supporting structures are evaluated.
2. Digital scans, photographs and other appropriate dental records are collected.
3. A customized treatment plan maps the proposed movement of individual teeth.
4. A sequence of aligners is created to guide the planned movement.
5. Each set of trays is worn according to the prescribed schedule.
6. Progress is monitored during scheduled dental visits.
7. Adjustments, additional aligners or refinements may be recommended when necessary.
8. Retainers are worn after active treatment to help maintain the new tooth positions.

Treatment time and the number of aligners vary considerably. They depend on the severity of the alignment problem, the movements required, biological response, patient cooperation and whether refinements are needed.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Clear Aligners?

Discreet Appearance

Clear aligners are less noticeable than traditional metal brackets and wires. This makes them appealing to many adults, teens and professionals who want a more subtle orthodontic option.

Removable for Meals

The trays can be removed when eating, so patients do not have the same food restrictions commonly associated with fixed braces. The aligners should be placed back over clean teeth promptly after the meal.

Easier Access for Oral Hygiene

Because the trays are removable, patients can brush and floss without working around brackets and wires. Good oral hygiene remains essential because aligners can trap plaque, food particles or acidic liquids against the teeth.

Customized Treatment Planning

Each series is created for the patient’s specific tooth positions and planned movements. Digital planning can help the dentist evaluate the sequence of treatment before active movement begins.

Fewer Visible Components

Although some patients need tooth-colored attachments, elastics or other supporting components, clear aligners generally contain fewer highly visible elements than traditional metal braces.

Compatibility With Selected Cosmetic Treatment Plans

Moving teeth before dental veneers , bonding or crowns may improve tooth position and reduce the amount of restorative alteration needed.

What Are the Limitations of Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are effective for many patients, but they are not automatically the best treatment for every orthodontic problem.

Important limitations include:

• Treatment depends heavily on wearing the trays consistently.
• Some complex tooth or jaw movements may be more predictable with traditional braces or another orthodontic approach.
• Tooth-colored attachments may be required to help the aligners grip and move selected teeth.
• Elastics or other accessories may be needed in some cases.
• Temporary pressure, tenderness or changes in speech may occur.
• Lost or damaged trays can delay treatment.
• Teeth may not track exactly as predicted, requiring refinements or additional aligners.
• Retainers are required after treatment to reduce unwanted tooth movement.

Honest treatment planning includes explaining what clear aligners can reasonably accomplish and when another approach may be safer or more predictable.

What Orthodontic Problems Can Clear Aligners Treat?

Crowded Teeth

Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space for the teeth to align normally. Clear aligners may gradually reposition selected teeth and improve spacing within the dental arch.

The treatment plan may involve expansion, controlled tooth movement, enamel reduction between selected teeth or other techniques. The appropriate approach depends on the amount and cause of the crowding.

Gaps and Spaces Between Teeth

Clear aligners may close selected spaces by gradually moving neighboring teeth. Before closing a gap, the dentist should determine why it developed. Causes may include tooth size, tooth position, missing teeth, gum-related conditions or oral habits.

Rotated or Crooked Teeth

Aligners may improve selected teeth that are turned or positioned outside the ideal arch. Tooth-colored attachments may be added to provide the aligners with additional control.

Overbite

An overbite describes the vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth. Certain overbite conditions may be improved with aligners, while more complex cases may require additional orthodontic techniques or another form of treatment.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. Some dental underbites may be managed with aligners, but underbites related to jaw position may require more comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Open Bite

An open bite is present when certain upper and lower teeth do not contact when the mouth is closed. Treatment depends on the cause, which may involve tooth position, jaw growth, tongue posture or oral habits.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Some crossbites can be corrected with aligners, while others require additional orthodontic procedures.

Teeth That Shifted After Orthodontic Treatment

Teeth may move after braces or previous aligner treatment, especially when retainers are not worn consistently. Clear aligners may help correct selected relapse cases, followed by a new retention plan.

Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces

Clear aligners and braces both move teeth, but they use different methods. The right treatment depends on the type of tooth movement required, the complexity of the bite and the patient’s ability to follow instructions.

A professional examination is necessary to determine which system can achieve the desired tooth movement most predictably.

Clear Aligners vs. Dental Veneers

Clear aligners and veneers may both make teeth appear straighter, but they accomplish that goal in completely different ways.

Clear aligners move the natural teeth. They may be appropriate when tooth position, crowding, rotation or spacing is the primary concern.

Dental veneers cover the front surfaces of selected teeth and change their visible color, shape, width or length. Veneers do not move teeth or correct the underlying bite.

For some patients, aligner treatment can improve tooth position before limited veneers or bonding are completed. This may allow a more conservative cosmetic result with less alteration of healthy enamel.

Who May Be a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

You may be a candidate when:

• You have crooked, crowded, rotated or unevenly spaced teeth
• Your orthodontic condition can be treated predictably with removable aligners
• Your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic movement
• You are willing to wear the trays consistently
• You can remove and replace the aligners responsibly
• You are willing to attend progress visits
• You understand that refinements may be required
• You are prepared to wear retainers after treatment

Clear aligners may be considered for both adults and appropriately selected younger patients. Age alone does not determine candidacy. Oral health, tooth development, treatment complexity and patient cooperation are more important factors.

When Might Clear Aligners Not Be Recommended?

Clear aligners may not be the best initial option when a patient has:

• Untreated cavities
• Active periodontal or gum disease
• Dental infections
• Severely compromised teeth
• Significant bone loss
• Certain complex bite or jaw discrepancies
• Tooth movements that are more predictable with fixed appliances
• Difficulty committing to the required wear schedule
• Unrealistic expectations about treatment time or results

These conditions do not necessarily rule out orthodontic care. They may require treatment before aligners, a modified approach or referral for additional orthodontic evaluation.

What Happens During a Clear Aligner Consultation?

1. We Discuss Your Concerns and Goals

You will have an opportunity to explain which teeth concern you, what type of result you want and whether you previously received orthodontic treatment.

2. We Evaluate Your Teeth, Gums and Bite

Your dentist examines the alignment of your teeth, the way the upper and lower teeth meet, the health of the gums and the condition of any existing restorations.

3. We Collect Appropriate Records

Records may include photographs, dental X-rays and digital scans. These help evaluate tooth position, supporting structures and the movements required.

4. We Determine Whether Aligners Are Appropriate

Your dentist considers the complexity of the case, the predictability of the planned movement and whether another treatment would provide a better result.

5. We Review the Proposed Treatment

You will receive an explanation of the estimated treatment sequence, responsibilities, limitations, fees and retention requirements before deciding whether to proceed.

What Happens During Clear Aligner Treatment?

Digital Records and Treatment Planning

Digital scans and other records are used to document your starting tooth positions. A treatment plan is then developed to map the proposed movement of the teeth.

Receiving Your Aligners

Once the trays are ready, the fit is evaluated and you receive instructions for insertion, removal, cleaning and wear.

Attachments When Needed

Small tooth-colored shapes known as attachments may be bonded to selected teeth. These provide additional grip and help the aligners create specific movements.

Wearing Each Set

You will wear each aligner according to the schedule provided by your dentist. Do not advance to the next tray early unless specifically instructed.

Progress Visits

Scheduled visits allow the dentist to confirm that the teeth are moving as planned, evaluate the fit of the trays and make changes when necessary.

Refinements

Teeth do not always move exactly as projected. Additional scans and refinement aligners may be needed to improve the result or complete remaining movements.

Retention

After active treatment, retainers are used to help preserve the new alignment. Teeth can shift throughout life, so long-term retainer use is a critical part of protecting the result.

How Many Hours a Day Should Clear Aligners Be Worn?

Clear aligners usually require extensive daily wear and are commonly prescribed for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day. Your exact instructions may differ based on your treatment plan.

The trays are generally removed only for:

• Eating meals and snacks
• Drinking beverages other than plain water
• Brushing and flossing
• Cleaning the aligners
• Activities specifically discussed with your dentist

Wearing the trays less than prescribed can slow treatment, prevent the aligners from fitting properly and increase the likelihood that additional treatment will be needed.

Can I Eat While Wearing Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners should generally be removed before eating. Chewing while wearing the trays may damage or distort them and can trap food against the teeth.

Plain water is usually acceptable while the aligners are in place. Hot liquids may distort the material, while sugary, acidic or dark-colored drinks can become trapped beneath the trays and increase the risk of staining or tooth damage.

After eating, brush and floss when possible before placing the aligners back over the teeth. At minimum, rinse the mouth and clean the trays before reinserting them.

How Should I Clean My Clear Aligners?

Cleaning the trays regularly helps reduce odor, discoloration and buildup.

• Rinse the aligners when they are removed
• Use cool or lukewarm water rather than hot water
• Brush the trays gently with a soft toothbrush when instructed
• Use only cleaning products recommended by your dentist
• Store the aligners in their protective case when they are not being worn
• Do not wrap them in tissues or napkins, where they may be discarded
• Keep them away from pets, which may chew or damage the trays

Toothpaste can be abrasive and may scratch certain aligner materials. Follow the cleaning instructions provided with your specific trays.

Are Clear Aligners Painful?

Mild pressure or tenderness is common when beginning a new set of aligners. This usually reflects the force being applied to move the teeth.

Discomfort is often most noticeable during the first part of a new tray cycle and should improve as the teeth adjust. The aligners should not cause severe, persistent pain or significant injury to the gums.

Contact the dental office if an aligner has a sharp edge, does not fit correctly, causes significant irritation or if pain becomes severe or progressively worse.

Will Clear Aligners Affect My Speech?

Some patients notice a temporary lisp or minor change in pronunciation when they begin wearing aligners. The tongue normally adapts as the patient becomes accustomed to the trays.

Speaking and reading aloud can help speed adaptation. Contact the office if the speech change is significant, persists or is associated with an aligner that does not fit properly.

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

Treatment time varies widely and cannot be determined from appearance alone. A limited correction may require considerably less time than treatment involving multiple teeth or significant bite changes.

Factors affecting the timeline include:

• The type and severity of the alignment problem
• The number and complexity of the required tooth movements
• The patient’s biological response
• Consistent daily wear
• Attendance at progress appointments
• Whether trays are lost or damaged
• Whether refinements are required

Your estimated timeline will be discussed after your examination and treatment records have been reviewed. Estimates are not guarantees because individual teeth may respond differently.

Will I Need Attachments or Space Between My Teeth?

Tooth-Colored Attachments

Some treatment plans require small tooth-colored attachments bonded to selected teeth. Their shapes and positions are chosen to help the aligners apply specific forces.

Attachments are less noticeable than metal brackets but are not completely invisible. They are usually removed after treatment.

Interproximal Reduction

In selected cases, a very small amount of enamel may be removed between certain teeth to create space for alignment. This procedure is known as interproximal reduction.

It is not necessary for every patient. Your dentist should explain why it is being recommended, where it will be performed and how it relates to the treatment plan.

Why Is Oral Health Important Before Clear Aligner Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment should begin with teeth and gums that are healthy enough to tolerate movement.

Before starting aligners, your dentist may need to address:

• Untreated cavities
• Broken or leaking restorations
• Active gum inflammation or periodontal disease
• Dental infections
• Teeth with questionable structural support
• Oral-hygiene concerns

Moving teeth in an unhealthy mouth can worsen existing problems. Maintaining professional cleanings and examinations during treatment is also important.

Clear Aligners as Part of a Cosmetic Dentistry Plan

Clear aligners may be used alone or as one part of a broader cosmetic dentistry plan.

A coordinated treatment sequence may include:

1. Clear aligners to improve tooth position
2. Professional teeth whitening to establish a brighter shade
3. Limited bonding, veneers or crowns to refine selected tooth shapes
4. Gingivoplasty when gum asymmetry affects smile proportions

Improving tooth position first may reduce the number or extent of restorations needed. The appropriate order depends on the patient’s oral health and cosmetic goals.

Will I Need Retainers After Clear Aligner Treatment?

Yes. Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment because the surrounding tissues need time to adapt and because tooth movement can occur throughout life.

Retainers help preserve the new tooth positions after active aligner treatment is complete. Your dentist will explain:

• Which type of retainer is recommended
• How many hours it should be worn
• How to clean and store it
• When it should be checked or replaced

Failing to wear retainers as directed can allow the teeth to shift, potentially requiring additional orthodontic treatment.

What Should I Do if I Lose or Damage an Aligner?

Contact the dental office promptly. Do not automatically skip ahead to the next tray or return to an earlier tray without instructions.

The appropriate response depends on how long you wore the lost aligner, how the next tray fits and where you are in the treatment sequence. You may be instructed to:

• Wear the previous aligner temporarily
• Move to the next aligner
• Order a replacement tray
• Schedule an evaluation

Keep your previous aligner until your dentist confirms that it is no longer needed.

How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?

The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the amount of treatment required.

Factors may include:

• The type and severity of the orthodontic problem
• The number of planned aligners
• The length of active treatment
• Whether attachments or additional techniques are required
• Whether refinement aligners are needed
• The type and number of retainers included
• Whether dental treatment is needed before orthodontic care begins

After your examination and records are completed, the office can provide a written treatment plan and estimated fees.

Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, while others exclude adult treatment or limit coverage. Benefits vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Visit our insurance, payment and financial options page for additional information.

Professionally Supervised Aligners vs. Mail-Order Treatment

Tooth movement is a biological dental procedure, not simply a cosmetic change. Before beginning orthodontic treatment, a dental professional should evaluate the teeth, gums, bite and supporting structures.

Professionally supervised treatment provides:

• An in-person oral-health evaluation
• Appropriate dental imaging and records when indicated
• A treatment plan based on the full bite rather than only the visible front teeth
• Monitoring of tooth movement and gum health
• Professional assistance when trays do not fit or teeth do not track as planned
• Access to refinements, attachments and other clinical techniques when necessary
• A coordinated retention plan after treatment

An online simulation alone cannot determine whether the teeth, roots, gums and bone are healthy enough for orthodontic movement.

Clear Aligners in Margate, Florida

Arguello Dentistry provides professionally supervised clear aligner evaluations and cosmetic dental care for patients in Margate and surrounding Broward County communities.

Our Margate dental office is convenient to patients from Margate, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, Tamarac and nearby communities.

Contact our Margate dental office

Clear Aligners in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Arguello Dentistry by the Sea offers clear aligner evaluations near Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and the surrounding coastal Broward County communities.

Our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea office serves patients from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes, Oakland Park and nearby communities.

Contact our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea dental office

Why Choose Arguello Dentistry for Clear Aligner Treatment?

Clear aligner treatment requires more than ordering a series of trays. A predictable result depends on accurate diagnosis, realistic planning, patient cooperation and professional monitoring.

Our approach includes:

• Evaluating the health of the teeth and gums before treatment
• Considering the complete bite rather than only the front teeth
• Explaining what clear aligners can and cannot predictably correct
• Discussing braces or other alternatives when appropriate
• Monitoring tooth movement throughout treatment
• Providing instructions for tray wear, oral hygiene and retainer use
• Coordinating aligners with whitening, veneers, crowns or gum treatment
• Offering care at two convenient Broward County locations

Our goal is to create an attractive result while protecting the health, function and long-term stability of your smile.

Schedule a Clear Aligner Consultation

You do not need to know whether clear aligners are the correct treatment before scheduling. Tell us what concerns you about your tooth alignment or bite, and we will evaluate your oral health and explain the available options.

Schedule a clear aligner consultation at Arguello Dentistry in Margate or Arguello Dentistry by the Sea in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Request a clear aligner consultation online

Call our Margate office: (954) 532-1274
Call our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea office: (954) 568-8928

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are customized, transparent trays that apply controlled pressure to gradually move selected teeth into planned positions. Patients progress through a sequence of trays during treatment.

How do clear aligners move teeth?

Each aligner is shaped to apply pressure to selected teeth. As the patient advances through the prescribed series, the teeth move incrementally according to the treatment plan.

How long should I wear my aligners each day?

Clear aligners commonly need to be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, although your dentist may provide different instructions based on your treatment. They are generally removed only for meals, beverages other than water, brushing, flossing and cleaning.

Can I eat while wearing clear aligners?

Clear aligners should normally be removed before eating. Chewing with them in place can damage the trays and trap food against the teeth.

Can I drink coffee while wearing aligners?

The trays should generally be removed before drinking coffee or other beverages besides plain water. Coffee can stain the aligners, and heat may distort the material. Brush or rinse before reinserting them.

Are clear aligners invisible?

Clear aligners are discreet but not completely invisible. The edge of the trays, tooth-colored attachments or elastics may be noticeable at close range.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Mild pressure or tenderness is common when beginning a new set of aligners. Severe or progressively worsening pain is not expected and should be reported to the dental office.

Will clear aligners affect my speech?

Some patients notice a temporary lisp or change in pronunciation when they begin treatment. Speech usually improves as the tongue adapts to the trays.

Can clear aligners fix crowded teeth?

Clear aligners may improve many cases of mild or moderate crowding. Severe crowding or complex bite conditions may require additional techniques, braces or another treatment approach.

Can clear aligners close gaps?

Yes, clear aligners may close selected spaces by moving adjacent teeth. The dentist should first determine why the gap developed and whether closing it will create a stable, healthy result.

Can clear aligners correct an overbite?

Certain overbite conditions can be improved with aligners. The appropriate treatment depends on whether the problem is primarily related to tooth position, jaw position or a combination of factors.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Neither option is best for every patient. Clear aligners are removable and discreet, but braces may provide more predictable control for certain complex movements. An examination is needed to compare the options.

Are clear aligners better than veneers for crooked teeth?

Clear aligners physically move the teeth, while veneers change their visible shape. Aligners may be more conservative when tooth position is the primary concern because they do not require covering the front surfaces of the teeth.

How often do I change aligners?

Tray-change schedules vary by treatment plan. Some aligners are changed weekly, while others are worn longer. Follow the schedule provided by your dentist and do not advance early without instructions.

What happens if I do not wear my aligners enough?

Insufficient wear may delay movement, prevent the next tray from fitting correctly and increase the likelihood of needing additional aligners or a revised treatment plan.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

Contact the office promptly. Depending on your stage of treatment, you may be told to wear the previous tray, move forward, order a replacement or schedule an evaluation.

Will I need tooth-colored attachments?

Some patients need small tooth-colored attachments bonded to selected teeth. These help the aligners grip the teeth and create specific movements. Not every patient requires the same number or type.

Will I need retainers after clear aligners?

Yes. Retainers help preserve the final tooth positions after active treatment. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth may gradually shift.

Can I whiten my teeth during clear aligner treatment?

Whitening should be coordinated with your dentist. It may be recommended during or after treatment depending on the aligner system, attachments, tooth sensitivity and final cosmetic plan.

Can I get veneers after clear aligners?

Yes. Moving the teeth first may improve their positions and reduce how much restorative alteration is needed. Final veneer planning should occur after tooth movement and bite stabilization.

Does dental insurance cover clear aligners?

Some plans provide orthodontic benefits, while others exclude adult treatment or limit the amount covered. Benefits vary by plan and cannot be guaranteed.

Do you offer clear aligners near Coral Springs?

Yes. Arguello Dentistry is located at 100 FL-7, Suite 300 in Margate, convenient to Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, North Lauderdale and Tamarac. Call (954) 532-1274 or request an appointment online .

Do you offer clear aligners near Fort Lauderdale?

Yes. Arguello Dentistry by the Sea is located at 236 Commercial Boulevard in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, near Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Oakland Park. Call (954) 568-8928 or request an appointment online .