New Patients
(646) 222-6570
Existing Patients
(212) 283-0234
ClearCorrect® is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to guide teeth into improved positions. Each aligner is precisely fabricated from a smooth, nearly invisible thermoplastic material and designed to apply gentle, targeted pressure where it’s needed. Rather than fixed brackets and wires, movement is accomplished through a sequence of removable trays that are switched out as treatment progresses.
Digital imaging and computer-aided design play a central role in the process. A 3D scan or detailed impression captures the current arrangement of your teeth, and a digital treatment plan maps the incremental movements required to reach the intended outcome. This technology enables clinicians to preview tooth movement and tailor each aligner to the patient’s anatomy for more predictable results.
Because ClearCorrect® aligners are removable, they offer an orthodontic option that fits more naturally into a busy lifestyle. Patients can eat without appliance restrictions and perform normal oral hygiene routines without navigating around brackets or wires. The system is discreet enough that many people notice an improvement in their smile before they feel the need to explain how it was achieved.
ClearCorrect® is an excellent option for many adults and image-conscious teens who want orthodontic improvement without traditional braces. Ideal candidates typically have mild to moderate spacing issues, crowding, or certain bite irregularities that can be corrected through planned, staged movements. Treatment suitability is determined by a clinical exam and digital records rather than assumptions about age or lifestyle alone.
Not every case is best managed with clear aligners. Complex skeletal concerns, severe bite discrepancies, or situations that require extensive vertical changes may call for different orthodontic approaches or combined therapies. During an evaluation, the clinician will explain which movements are achievable with aligners and which might need alternative techniques.
Patient participation is also an important consideration. ClearCorrect® relies on consistent wear and routine follow-up visits. Individuals who are committed to following the prescribed wear schedule and maintaining good oral hygiene tend to see the best outcomes. The initial consultation is an opportunity to set realistic expectations and identify any adjunctive measures that could support treatment.
Treatment begins with a consultation and comprehensive records: a clinical exam, intraoral scans or impressions, and photos. These data are used to create a step-by-step digital treatment plan that outlines the anticipated tooth movements. Once the plan is approved, a series of aligners is fabricated to match each stage of that plan.
Patients typically wear each aligner for the prescribed number of hours each day, switching to the next in the series as directed. Periodic check-ins with the clinician allow progress to be monitored and refinements to be made if minor adjustments are needed. Because the approach is incremental, each aligner builds on the previous one, progressing the smile toward the final target.
Compliance and communication are central to predictable results. The practice will provide guidance on how to store and care for aligners, when to switch trays, and how to manage any initial soreness or speech adjustments. If mid-course corrections become necessary, additional aligners or refinement sequences can be ordered to fine-tune the outcome.
One of the most practical advantages of ClearCorrect® is its low impact on daily life. Because the trays are removable, patients can continue to eat their normal diet and participate in sports or social events without worrying about damage to fixed appliances. On the other hand, aligners must be worn consistently for the treatment to work—typically the vast majority of the day—so they become part of a patient’s daily routine.
Cleaning aligners is straightforward: rinse them regularly and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush (without toothpaste) or use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine—brushing and flossing after meals before reinserting aligners—helps prevent staining and keeps teeth healthy throughout treatment.
Some patients experience a brief adjustment period when they begin wearing a new aligner, characterized by mild pressure or minor changes in speech. These sensations usually subside within a few days. The practice will provide practical tips for wearing aligners comfortably, managing temporary sensitivity, and keeping aligners in good condition between appointments.
Beyond cosmetic improvement, properly aligned teeth are generally easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of gum disease and decay over time. ClearCorrect® can contribute to improved bite function and can also create a more harmonious foundation for restorative or cosmetic treatments when tooth position is a factor in comprehensive care planning.
Retention after active alignment is an important topic to plan for in advance. Once the desired tooth positions are achieved, retainers help maintain the result and protect the long-term investment in your smile. The practice will discuss retention strategies tailored to each patient’s needs as part of the final phases of care.
Because ClearCorrect® integrates well with other dental therapies, it can be coordinated with restorative work like crowns, implants, or veneers when appropriate. Treatment sequencing and interdisciplinary planning ensure that orthodontic movement supports, rather than compromises, overall oral health and aesthetic goals at the outset and conclusion of care.
Wrap-up: ClearCorrect® offers a discreet, removable, and digitally driven approach to orthodontics that suits many adults and qualified teens seeking a practical way to improve alignment. If you’d like to learn whether ClearCorrect® could be a suitable option for your smile, please contact us for more information.
ClearCorrect® is a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift teeth into planned positions using gentle, targeted pressure. Each aligner is fabricated from a smooth thermoplastic and is designed to move specific teeth a small amount, with the next aligner continuing the progression. Digital treatment planning maps every staged movement so clinicians can predict how the smile will change over time.
Instead of brackets and wires, the system relies on removable trays that patients switch according to the prescribed schedule. Regular monitoring allows the clinician to track progress and request refinements if the movement deviates from the plan. Because the trays are removable, they combine predictable biomechanics with practical lifestyle benefits for many patients.
ClearCorrect is well suited for many adults and responsible teens who need mild to moderate alignment corrections such as spacing, crowding, or certain bite irregularities. Candidacy is determined by a clinical exam and digital records rather than age alone, and the clinician will evaluate whether the planned tooth movements are achievable with aligners. Complex skeletal issues or severe vertical discrepancies may require alternative or adjunctive treatments.
Patient cooperation is an important factor in success because predictable results depend on consistent wear and adherence to instructions. The clinician will discuss oral health factors, restorative needs, and any behavior that could limit effectiveness before recommending ClearCorrect. This evaluation helps set realistic expectations and identifies if complementary procedures are necessary.
Treatment begins with a consultation and comprehensive records, including a clinical exam, intraoral scans or impressions, and diagnostic photos. Those records are used to create a step-by-step digital treatment plan that illustrates the intended movements and the number of aligners needed for each stage. Once the plan is approved, a sequence of custom aligners is manufactured to match each incremental position.
Patients typically wear each aligner for the prescribed hours daily and transition through the series as directed, with periodic check-ins to assess progress. If refinements are needed, additional aligners can be ordered to fine-tune tooth positions. Throughout the process, the clinician provides guidance on wear schedules, care, and strategies for managing minor discomfort or speech changes.
Caring for ClearCorrect aligners is straightforward: rinse them after removal and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush or use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products to prevent buildup and discoloration. Avoid hot water or abrasive cleaners that can warp or scratch the plastic, and store aligners in their case when not in use to reduce exposure to bacteria and loss. Removing aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water helps maintain their appearance and function.
Maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine is essential during treatment; brush and floss after meals before reinserting the aligners to minimize food particles and plaque. Regular professional cleanings and dental exams remain important to monitor gum health and tooth condition during orthodontic care. Good hygiene supports predictable movement and reduces the risk of complications while wearing aligners.
Most patients experience a short adjustment period when starting a new aligner, typically characterized by mild pressure or tenderness as teeth begin to move. This sensation usually subsides within a few days as the mouth adapts and the aligner becomes more comfortable. Properly trimmed and well-fitting aligners are designed to minimize soft-tissue irritation compared with traditional brackets and wires.
Some people notice temporary changes in speech, such as a slight lisp, when they first begin wearing aligners, but these effects commonly resolve within a few days of regular wear. Practicing speaking aloud and following the recommended wear schedule speeds adaptation. If persistent discomfort or fitting issues occur, the clinician can evaluate the aligners and make adjustments as needed.
Treatment length varies based on the complexity of the case, ranging from several months for minor corrections to a year or more for more involved movements. Key factors that influence the timeline include the severity of misalignment, the presence of restorative or periodontal needs, and how consistently the patient wears the aligners. Accurate digital planning and regular follow-up visits help keep the treatment on schedule.
Occasionally, refinements or mid-course corrections are needed, which can extend the overall timeline but improve the final outcome. The clinician will provide an estimated duration during the consultation and update the plan as treatment progresses. Staying engaged with appointments and following guidance are among the most important ways patients contribute to an efficient process.
ClearCorrect can correct a range of bite irregularities such as mild to moderate overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites when the necessary tooth movements fall within the aligner system’s capabilities. For complex skeletal discrepancies or cases that require significant vertical changes, interdisciplinary approaches or adjunctive therapies may be recommended. The clinician evaluates how orthodontic movement will interact with overall function and long-term oral health before proceeding.
The aligner process can be coordinated with restorative treatments like crowns, veneers, or implants when appropriate, ensuring tooth positions support the planned restorative outcome. Careful sequencing and communication between restorative and orthodontic planning help avoid conflicts and improve final esthetics and function. The treatment team will discuss timing and integration during the planning phase.
Digital scanning and computer-aided design are central to ClearCorrect because they create a precise 3D record of the dentition and allow clinicians to visualize staged tooth movements before treatment begins. These technologies improve the predictability of aligner fabrication and enable efficient communication with the lab that produces the trays. Accurate scans reduce the need for physical impressions and streamline the overall workflow.
Remote monitoring and periodic digital check-ins can supplement in-office visits by allowing clinicians to assess progress between appointments and identify when refinements are needed. This hybrid approach maintains clinical oversight while offering convenience for patients, particularly those with busy schedules. Consistent photo updates or periodic scans ensure the treatment remains aligned with the planned outcomes.
Retention is a critical phase after active alignment because teeth can naturally drift without support, so retainers are typically prescribed to maintain the new positions. The type and duration of retention vary by case; common options include removable retainers worn nightly or fixed retainers bonded behind the teeth. The clinician will recommend a retention plan tailored to the patient’s needs and risk factors for relapse.
Follow-up visits to evaluate retention and oral health are important, especially in the first months after treatment when settling can occur. Ongoing preventive care, consistent oral hygiene, and routine dental checkups help protect the investment in alignment and overall tooth health. The clinician will provide instructions on how to care for retainers and when to seek evaluation if unwanted movement is noticed.
To determine suitability, schedule a consultation that includes a clinical exam, intraoral scanning or impressions, and diagnostic photos so the clinician can assess alignment, bite, and oral health factors. During this visit the treatment goals are discussed and a digital plan is proposed that shows anticipated movements and whether ClearCorrect can achieve them. The clinician will explain alternatives and any adjunctive procedures that may be needed to support the orthodontic objectives.
If you are located in New York City, the office of GD Dentistry offers comprehensive evaluations that integrate digital records and restorative planning when appropriate to ensure orthodontic care fits into your broader dental needs. The consultation is an opportunity to ask questions about the process, expected timeline, and retention strategies so you can make an informed decision. From there, the practice will outline next steps for beginning treatment when both clinician and patient agree on the plan.
