Orthodontic Services

Clear Aligners in Bel Air, MD: Straighten Your Teeth Without the Metal

Clear aligner therapy has changed the way adults and teenagers approach orthodontic treatment. Instead of metal brackets and wires, a series of custom-made, nearly invisible plastic trays progressively moves teeth into alignment. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, Dr. Joshua Englander offers clear aligner treatment as a discreet, comfortable, and effective alternative to traditional braces for a wide range of orthodontic cases.

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How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligner treatment begins with a digital scan of your teeth, which is used to create a virtual model of your bite. Using orthodontic planning software, Dr. Englander maps out the sequence of tooth movements needed to achieve the desired alignment. A series of aligners is then produced, each one slightly different from the last, representing a small incremental step in the planned movement sequence. You wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks before advancing to the next. Over the course of treatment, the cumulative effect of these small movements produces full alignment.

What Can Clear Aligners Treat?

Clear aligners are effective for a broad range of orthodontic issues in both teens and adults. Common cases include crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. The appropriateness of aligner treatment depends on the severity of the misalignment and the direction of the tooth movement required. Moderate to complex orthodontic cases, including significant bite correction, may still be better suited to traditional braces. Dr. Englander evaluates each case individually and is honest about whether aligner therapy is the right tool for your specific needs.

What Are the Practical Advantages of Clear Aligners Over Braces?

Clear aligners are removable, which means you take them out to eat and drink and to brush and floss your teeth. There are no food restrictions and no brackets to work around during oral hygiene. The smooth plastic material does not cause the cheek and lip irritation common with metal brackets and wires. Because they are nearly invisible, most people around you will not notice you are in orthodontic treatment. Appointments are typically shorter and less frequent than traditional braces adjustments, and the ability to see the virtual treatment plan before starting gives you a preview of the expected result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case. Mild alignment corrections may take as few as six months. More involved cases typically take 12 to 18 months. Dr. Englander will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your specific treatment plan.

How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?

A minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day. Aligners only work when they are in your mouth. The most common reason aligner treatment takes longer than planned is inconsistent wear. They come out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Most patients experience mild pressure or discomfort for one to two days when advancing to a new set of aligners. This is normal and indicates the aligners are working. Over-the-counter pain relief manages it easily in most cases.

Can I get clear aligners if I have had braces before?

Yes. Relapse after braces is very common. Many adults seek aligner treatment to correct teeth that have shifted after their original orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are often an efficient solution for these cases.

Is clear aligner treatment covered by insurance?

Dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits typically cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, usually a lifetime orthodontic maximum that applies to either braces or aligners. Our team will check your orthodontic benefits at your consultation.

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    Dr. Joshua Englander, DDS

    Page written and reviewed by:

    Dr. Joshua Englander, DDS

    Doctor of Dental Surgery · Elevated Smiles Dentistry, Bel Air, MD · Last reviewed: July 2026