Skip to content
Request a Consultation
Clear Aligners

A More Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile

Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually move your teeth. They're designed to fit closely over your teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional braces.

At Ignite Orthodontics, your clear aligner treatment is planned and monitored by a board-certified orthodontist based on your teeth, bite, and individual orthodontic needs.

Schedule a Consultation Call (947) 254-1718
  • Board-certified orthodontist
  • No-cost consultations
  • Flexible payment options
Patient putting in a clear aligner
The Basics

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic trays made to fit your teeth.

Instead of brackets and wires, you wear a series of aligners. Each set is designed to make specific adjustments to your teeth. As you move through the series, your teeth gradually shift toward their planned positions.

Because aligners are removable, you can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

They're also designed to be discreet, which makes them a popular option for adults and teens who prefer a less noticeable form of orthodontic treatment.

Smiling patient holding clear aligners
How It Works

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligner treatment typically follows several stages:

  1. 01

    Orthodontic Evaluation

    Your orthodontist examines your teeth and bite to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your needs.

  2. 02

    Treatment Planning

    Your orthodontist develops a treatment plan based on the movements needed to improve your alignment.

  3. 03

    Custom Aligners

    Your aligners are made specifically for your teeth.

  4. 04

    Wearing Your Aligners

    You'll wear each set according to your orthodontist's instructions before moving to the next set.

  5. 05

    Progress Checks

    Regular appointments allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make sure treatment is proceeding as planned.

  6. 06

    Retention

    After active treatment, you'll generally need retainers to help maintain your teeth in their new positions.

What They Treat

What Can Clear Aligners Treat?

Clear aligners can address many common orthodontic concerns, depending on the individual case.

These may include:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Some overbites
  • Some underbites
  • Some crossbites
  • Certain alignment problems

Not every orthodontic problem can be treated with clear aligners. The complexity of your case and the movements required will determine whether aligners are an appropriate option.

That's why an orthodontic evaluation matters.

Schedule a Consultation
Adults & Teens

Clear Aligners for Every Stage of Life

Adults

Clear Aligners for Adults

Clear aligners can be particularly appealing to adults who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment option.

You can remove them when eating and brush and floss normally without brackets and wires getting in the way.

They're also less noticeable during work meetings, social events, photographs, and everyday interactions.

However, clear aligners require responsibility. Because they're removable, you need to wear them as directed and keep track of them.

If you don't want to manage removable trays, traditional braces may be a better fit for your lifestyle.

Learn about traditional braces
Teens

Clear Aligners for Teens

Clear aligners can also be an option for some teenagers.

The important consideration is whether your teen's orthodontic needs can be appropriately treated with aligners and whether they're ready to follow the treatment instructions.

Your orthodontist will consider the alignment and bite concerns involved, as well as your teen's ability to wear and care for the aligners consistently.

Traditional braces remain another option for teens who need a fixed treatment approach.

Braces for teens
Benefits

Why Choose Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners offer several practical differences from traditional braces.

Removable

You can take your aligners out when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Discreet

The clear trays are designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal brackets and wires.

No Brackets or Wires

There are no traditional brackets attached to the front of your teeth.

Easier Oral Hygiene

Removing your aligners allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally.

Fits an Active Lifestyle

Aligners can be removed for meals and certain activities when instructed by your orthodontic team.

These benefits don't mean clear aligners are automatically better than braces. They're simply different. The right treatment depends on your orthodontic needs and circumstances.

Compare Your Options

Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces

Both options can straighten teeth, but they work differently.

Clear Aligners Traditional Braces
Removable trays Fixed brackets and wires
Less noticeable More visible
Removed for eating and oral hygiene Remain in place during treatment
Require consistent wear Don't depend on remembering to put them in
Appropriate for certain orthodontic cases Can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems

If both options are appropriate for your case, your orthodontist can help you compare them based on treatment needs, lifestyle, appearance, and other priorities.

Everyday Life

What Is Daily Life With Clear Aligners Like?

Clear aligners are designed to fit into your normal routine, but they do require consistency.

You'll need to:

  • Wear your aligners according to your orthodontist's instructions
  • Remove them when eating if instructed
  • Brush and floss your teeth regularly
  • Clean your aligners as directed
  • Keep your aligners safe when they're not in your mouth
  • Move through your aligners according to your treatment plan
  • Attend scheduled progress appointments

The convenience of removable aligners comes with a responsibility: you have to wear them consistently for treatment to stay on track.

Aligner Care

Caring for Your Clear Aligners

Your aligners need to stay clean while you're wearing them.

Follow your orthodontist's instructions for cleaning and storing them. When you remove your aligners, keep them in their case rather than placing them loosely on a table, napkin, or other surface where they can easily be misplaced.

Good oral hygiene is important throughout treatment. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and continue routine dental care with your general dentist.

Smiling patient holding a clear aligner
Cost

How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?

The cost of clear aligner treatment varies from patient to patient.

Factors can include:

  • Complexity of your orthodontic case
  • Treatment length
  • Number of aligners required
  • What is included in your treatment fee
  • Insurance benefits
  • Available payment options

An individualized treatment estimate is more useful than relying on a generic online price.

At Ignite Orthodontics, we'll explain your expected treatment costs and available payment options before you begin.

Paying for Treatment

Insurance and Payment Options

Insurance

Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, although coverage varies by plan. Your plan may have age restrictions, deductibles, waiting periods, or a lifetime orthodontic maximum. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain what your insurance may contribute toward treatment.

Flexible Payment Options

Ask about available payment plans that may allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time.

Schedule a Consultation
Meet Dr. Ali Zeitoun, DDS, MBA

Your Clear Aligner Treatment Starts With the Right Team

Dr. Ali Zeitoun, DDS, MBA

Board-Certified Orthodontist

Dr. Zeitoun provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults with an emphasis on individualized treatment planning.

Clear aligners aren't appropriate for every orthodontic problem. Dr. Zeitoun will evaluate your teeth and bite and determine whether aligners are a suitable option for your treatment.

Why Ignite

Why Choose Ignite Orthodontics for Clear Aligners?

Here's why you should choose Ignite Orthodontics for clear aligners:

Board-Certified Orthodontic Care

Your treatment is planned and monitored by a board-certified orthodontist.

Personalized Treatment

Your aligner treatment is based on your individual orthodontic needs and treatment goals.

Discreet Treatment Option

Clear aligners provide a less noticeable alternative to traditional braces for appropriate cases.

No-Cost Consultations

Find out whether clear aligners are appropriate for your smile before committing to treatment.

Flexible Payment Options

Ask about financing and other payment options that may make treatment more manageable.

Multiple Michigan Locations

Ignite Orthodontics has locations in Sterling Heights, Madison Heights, Farmington Hills, and Flint.

Patient Stories

What Our Patients Say

I wanted something that wouldn't be as noticeable at work, and the team helped me understand whether clear aligners were a good fit for my teeth. The process has been easy to follow.
Danielle R.
I liked being able to remove the aligners when I ate and brush my teeth normally. The team also made sure I understood how important it was to wear them consistently.
Marcus T.
I had a lot of questions before starting treatment, especially about how long it would take and what I would need to do each day. Everything was explained clearly.
Jasmine W.
The aligners have been much less noticeable than I expected. I appreciate that the team has been available whenever I've had a question.
Kevin M.
Schedule Your Clear Aligner Consultation

Find Out if Clear Aligners Are Right for You

Clear aligners can be a convenient and discreet way to straighten teeth, but they're not the right treatment for everyone.

A consultation gives you the opportunity to have your teeth and bite evaluated, discuss your goals, and find out whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case.

Schedule a No-Cost Consultation Call (947) 254-1718
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

Still have a question? Our team is happy to help.

Ask at a free consultation
What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic trays designed to gradually move your teeth into planned positions.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Not necessarily. Clear aligners and traditional braces have different advantages and limitations. The appropriate option depends on your orthodontic needs, the movements required, and your ability to follow treatment instructions.

Can adults get clear aligners?

Yes. Clear aligners can be an option for many adults, depending on their orthodontic needs.

Can teenagers use clear aligners?

Some teenagers may be suitable candidates for clear aligner treatment. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teen's teeth, bite, and ability to follow the treatment plan.

Do I have to wear clear aligners all day?

You'll need to follow your orthodontist's instructions about when and how long to wear your aligners. Consistent wear is important for treatment to progress as planned.

Can I eat while wearing clear aligners?

You'll generally remove clear aligners when eating unless your orthodontist gives you different instructions. Follow the specific guidance provided for your treatment.

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Treatment time varies. It depends on the complexity of your case, the amount of movement required, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan.

Are clear aligners painful?

You may experience temporary pressure or tenderness, particularly when starting a new set of aligners. Significant or persistent pain should be discussed with your orthodontic team.

What happens if I lose my clear aligner?

Contact your orthodontic office for instructions. Don't automatically move to the next aligner without guidance, as the appropriate next step depends on your treatment stage.

Do clear aligners work for overbites and underbites?

Clear aligners can treat some bite problems, but suitability depends on the specific type and severity of the problem. An orthodontic evaluation is needed to determine whether aligners are appropriate.

How much do clear aligners cost?

The cost varies based on treatment complexity, length, what's included in the treatment fee, insurance coverage, and payment options. An individualized treatment estimate will give you a more accurate picture of your expected cost.

Do I need retainers after clear aligner treatment?

Yes, retainers are generally needed after active orthodontic treatment to help maintain the position of your teeth. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions for retainer use.

Find Your Nearest Office

Find Ignite Orthodontics Near You.

Looking for an orthodontist close to home, work, or school? Find the Ignite Orthodontics location that’s most convenient for you.

Michigan — 7 Locations