Treatments
Straighter teeth, hiding in plain sight.
Clear aligners move your smile with a series of nearly invisible trays — no brackets, no wires, and no pause button on your life.
How it works
From scan to smile, one tray at a time.
No goopy impressions, no guesswork. Your whole treatment is planned digitally before the first tray ever goes in.
Start with a digital scan
At your free consult, we take photos and a quick, comfortable digital scan of your teeth. Dr. Glessener uses it to map exactly how your smile will move, start to finish.
Wear your trays
You'll receive a series of custom trays, each nudging your teeth a little closer to plan. Wear them 20–22 hours a day and switch to the next set as directed.
Cruise to the finish
Quick progress check-ins keep everything on course — usually fewer visits than braces. When treatment wraps, custom retainers protect your new smile.
Why people love them
Big change, low profile.
Aligners are the quiet achievers of orthodontics — made for teens and adults who want results without the announcement.
Nearly invisible
Thin, clear trays sit snugly over your teeth. Most people won't notice you're wearing them — even up close, even in photos.
Removable by design
Pop them out to eat, brush, and floss like normal. No food restrictions, no threading floss around wires — popcorn stays on the menu.
Fewer office visits
You change trays at home on a set schedule, so check-ins are quick and spaced further apart. Great for packed calendars and school days.
Comfortable to wear
Smooth plastic means no brackets or wires to rub your cheeks. You may feel gentle pressure with each new tray — that's your smile moving.
Straight talk
Aligners are great. They're not for everyone.
Here's the honest part most websites skip: clear aligners only work while they're on your teeth, and some bites simply respond better to braces.
Aligners depend on you. Wear them 20–22 hours a day and they do remarkable work; leave them in the case and nothing moves. Certain tooth movements and more complex bites also give braces the edge, because braces work around the clock without any willpower required.
Aligners tend to be a great fit if you:
- Want your treatment to stay under the radar at work or school
- Can commit to wearing trays all day and night, removing them only for meals and brushing
- Will keep track of your trays — and actually put them back in after lunch
- Like the idea of fewer appointments and zero food rules
Not sure which camp you're in? That's exactly what the free consult is for. Dr. Glessener will examine your bite and tell you straight — if braces are the better or faster route for your case, you'll hear it from us first.
Compare with bracesQuestions? We've got you
Clear aligner FAQs
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many cases, yes — aligners can handle a wide range of spacing, crowding, and bite issues beautifully. Some movements are still better managed with braces, though, which is why Dr. Glessener plans every case individually and recommends whichever tool will actually get you the best result.
How many hours a day do I need to wear them?
Aim for 20–22 hours a day — basically all the time except meals and brushing. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule, so the trays only come out when they have to.
Can I eat or drink with my aligners in?
Plain water is fine. For everything else — meals, snacks, coffee, sweet tea — take the trays out first. Hot drinks can warp them, and anything with color or sugar can stain the plastic or get trapped against your teeth. Rinse or brush before popping them back in.
What if I lose or crack a tray?
Don't panic, and don't wait — just call us. Depending on where you are in the series, we may have you move to the next tray, step back to the previous one, or order a replacement. The sooner we know, the easier it is to keep your progress on track.
Will aligners change how I talk?
Some people notice a slight lisp for the first day or two while their tongue adjusts. It typically fades quickly — reading aloud at home speeds things along. After that, most people forget the trays are even there.
Curious if aligners are right for you?
Free consultations · Plaza Midwood, Charlotte