ClearCorrect® is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, custom-molded aligners to guide teeth into better positions. Each aligner is designed to apply gentle, targeted pressure to specific teeth, and patients wear one aligner for a prescribed period before moving on to the next. Because the trays are manufactured to a digital treatment plan, the movement is incremental and predictable when worn as directed.
At its core, ClearCorrect® relies on precise digital impressions and three-dimensional planning to map every stage of treatment. That digital workflow reduces guesswork and lets your dental team visualize final outcomes before treatment begins. The result is an approach that combines the control of professional orthodontics with the low-profile look many adults and teens prefer.
While the technology is advanced, the concept is simple: replace fixed brackets and wires with a near-invisible series of trays that fit over your teeth. When patients follow their prescribed wear schedule and maintain regular check-ins, aligner therapy can correct a variety of alignment concerns with fewer in-office adjustments than traditional braces.
One of the most noticeable benefits of ClearCorrect® is how it integrates into daily routines. The aligners are removable, so eating remains unrestricted and you can continue enjoying the foods you love without worrying about broken brackets or food getting trapped in wires. Removability also makes brushing and flossing straightforward, which helps maintain gum health and reduces the risk of staining often associated with fixed appliances.
Because the trays are made from a clear, low-profile material, they are much less visible than metal braces. That discretion appeals to image-conscious adults and older teens who want to improve their smiles without drawing attention to ongoing orthodontic work. Sports participants and musicians also appreciate the reduced interference with protective gear and performance.
Another practical advantage is convenience. Many patients find they need fewer emergency visits because there are no wires to poke or brackets to repair. Routine follow-ups are typically shorter and focused on progress and fit, rather than frequent hardware adjustments. This combination of comfort and simplicity can make the entire treatment experience more manageable.
ClearCorrect® is well-suited for a broad range of alignment issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite concerns. Adults and teens who are motivated to wear their aligners as instructed tend to get the best outcomes, since adherence to the daily wear schedule is essential for keeping treatment on track. The system is particularly attractive to patients seeking a discreet solution without the maintenance demands of traditional braces.
That said, not every dental condition is ideal for aligner therapy. Complex bite discrepancies, severe tooth rotations, or cases requiring major jaw repositioning may need alternative or adjunctive treatment. During a consultation, your dental provider will evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and alignment goals to determine whether ClearCorrect® alone is appropriate or if a combined approach is recommended.
A thorough assessment usually includes digital imaging and a review of dental history so the team can identify any restorative or periodontal concerns that should be addressed before orthodontic movement begins. Addressing these foundational issues first ensures alignment shifts occur predictably and support a lasting result.
The ClearCorrect® process starts with a comprehensive consultation and digital records. We use precise intraoral scans or impressions to capture the current position of your teeth and plan the series of aligners. Those data are used to create a staged treatment plan that shows how teeth will move across each phase. Having a detailed plan helps set clear expectations for timing and checkpoints throughout the process.
Once the aligners arrive, we will verify fit and provide step-by-step instructions for wear and care. Patients generally wear aligners for the majority of each day—removing them only for eating, brushing, and flossing—so consistent compliance is crucial to achieving planned outcomes. Periodic visits allow the care team to monitor progress, make small adjustments to the plan when necessary, and issue the next sets of trays.
Our team emphasizes clear communication and digital monitoring to keep treatment efficient and comfortable. We’ll explain what you can expect in terms of sensation and minor discomfort, help you manage any initial pressure, and outline guidelines for lost or damaged trays. When treatment is complete, we’ll discuss retention strategies to preserve your new alignment over the long term.
Maintaining proper hygiene for both your teeth and aligners is a key part of successful treatment. Clean aligners regularly with a soft brush and lukewarm water, and avoid hot water or abrasive cleaners that can warp or cloud the material. Keep a consistent oral hygiene routine—brushing and flossing after meals before reinserting your trays—to prevent plaque buildup and staining during treatment.
Wear-time adherence remains the single most important factor in maintaining momentum during orthodontic care. Most treatment plans call for daily wear of around 20–22 hours; following that guideline helps ensure each tray achieves its intended tooth movement on schedule. If you participate in contact sports, consult with your provider about any protective measures; in many cases, removable aligners can be taken out and a protective mouthguard used during activity.
After active alignment is complete, retention is the final step in preserving your results. Your dentist will recommend a retention plan tailored to your needs—often in the form of a removable retainer—that helps stabilize teeth while soft tissues adapt to their new positions. Ongoing check-ins will confirm the long-term success of your treatment and let us address any small shifts before they become larger concerns.
Ready to learn whether ClearCorrect® is the right option for you? The office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry in Newark, Ohio offers personalized consultations that begin with a careful evaluation of your alignment goals and oral health. Contact us to request more information or to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.
ClearCorrect® is a clear aligner system that moves teeth using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Each aligner applies gentle, targeted pressure to specific teeth and is worn for a prescribed period before progressing to the next tray. The staged approach, guided by three-dimensional digital planning, produces incremental and predictable tooth movement when worn as directed.
The process begins with precise intraoral scans or impressions to capture current tooth positions and plan each step. Digital treatment planning lets clinicians visualize projected outcomes and make adjustments before fabrication. Regular follow-up visits help ensure proper fit and monitor progress throughout treatment.
ClearCorrect® is well suited to adults and motivated teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or some bite concerns. Candidates should have generally healthy teeth and gums, since untreated decay or periodontal issues can complicate tooth movement and should be addressed first. Success depends largely on patient compliance with daily wear recommendations and follow-up visits.
Complex skeletal discrepancies, severe rotations, or cases that require major jaw surgery may be better managed with alternative or adjunctive approaches. During a consultation the dental team evaluates oral health, alignment goals, and imaging to determine whether ClearCorrect® alone will meet expectations. If combined therapy is recommended, the plan will outline any additional steps needed to achieve a stable outcome.
Treatment length varies by case complexity, but many patients complete active aligner therapy in several months to a couple of years. The number of aligner stages, the amount of tooth movement required, and patient adherence to daily wear time all influence the total duration. Clinicians use digital planning to estimate a timeline and provide checkpoints to reassess progress.
Wearing aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day helps keep the plan on schedule and avoid delays. Missed wear time typically extends treatment, since each tray must achieve its intended movement before switching to the next. Periodic reviews let the dental team make small adjustments or refinements to keep results predictable.
A consultation begins with a clinical exam, intraoral scanning or impressions, and a review of dental history and imaging to assess oral health and alignment needs. The clinician then creates a digital treatment plan that maps each stage of tooth movement and projects expected outcomes. This plan informs the fabrication of the custom aligner series and sets realistic expectations for timing and milestones.
At the fitting appointment the team verifies aligner fit, explains wear and care instructions, and outlines the follow-up schedule. Patients receive guidance on managing initial sensitivity, maintaining oral hygiene, and what to do if a tray feels loose. Clear communication at the outset helps patients understand their responsibilities and the office’s monitoring process.
Proper aligner care helps preserve clarity, fit, and oral health throughout treatment. Clean aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water, and avoid hot water or abrasive cleaners that can warp or cloud the material. Remove aligners before eating and brush and floss teeth before reinserting them to reduce plaque buildup and staining.
Store aligners in a protective case when not in use to avoid loss or damage, and follow any specific cleaning recommendations your dental team provides. If your practice offers a recommended cleaning solution or protocol, use it as directed to maintain hygiene and appearance. Consistent care supports comfort and helps treatment progress as planned.
One of the practical advantages of ClearCorrect® is that aligners are removable, so you should take them out for eating and drinking anything other than plain water. Removing aligners for meals prevents damage and reduces the risk of food becoming trapped against your teeth. After eating, brush and floss before reinserting trays to protect enamel and soft tissue health.
For sports and musical performance, the removable design offers flexibility: many patients remove aligners for contact activities and use a properly fitted mouthguard if needed. Wind and brass instrumentalists may find brief adjustments to practice routines helpful while adapting to aligner therapy. Discuss specific activities with your provider so they can recommend protective measures that maintain both safety and treatment progress.
Compared with traditional braces, ClearCorrect® provides a low-profile, removable option that often requires fewer in-office hardware adjustments. Aligners are discreet and can make oral hygiene easier since they allow normal brushing and flossing without working around brackets and wires. Traditional braces can be more appropriate for certain complex movements, but many alignment goals can be achieved effectively with clear aligners.
Among clear aligner systems, differences typically relate to the specifics of digital planning, materials, and clinician workflow rather than a fundamental change in orthodontic principles. The choosing clinician evaluates the system that best matches the case requirements and patient preferences. Your dental team will explain why ClearCorrect® is recommended for your needs and how it compares to other options in practical terms.
If an aligner is lost or damaged, contact your dental team promptly so they can advise whether to move to the next tray or replace the current one. Wearing a damaged or ill-fitting tray can compromise planned tooth movement, so avoid forcing a tray that causes significant discomfort. Many practices keep spare aligners or can order replacements to minimize treatment interruptions.
For fitting issues such as looseness or pressure that seems excessive, schedule a check so the clinician can evaluate the fit and make necessary plan adjustments. Minor fit concerns sometimes resolve as teeth adapt, but persistent problems should be addressed to maintain predictable progress. Your care team will also provide guidance on temporary measures and how to protect your treatment timeline while waiting for a replacement.
Mild pressure or soreness is common when beginning a new aligner or switching to the next stage, since the trays are intentionally moving teeth. This sensation typically lasts a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your provider and by following suggested wear patterns. If pain is severe or prolonged, contact your dental team for evaluation.
Some patients notice increased salivation or a brief change in speech when they first start wearing aligners, but these effects usually resolve as you adapt. Your clinician will explain what degree of sensation is normal and provide strategies to minimize discomfort while protecting treatment progress. Prompt communication about any unusual symptoms helps ensure timely adjustments when needed.
Retention is an essential step to preserve alignment achieved with ClearCorrect® and prevent relapse as soft tissues settle around teeth. Most patients receive a retention plan tailored to their needs, commonly involving removable retainers that are worn full time initially and then transitioned to night-only wear. The retention schedule varies by case and is designed to support long-term stability during the period when teeth are most likely to shift.
Your dental team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor retention and address minor changes before they progress. The office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry in Newark, Ohio collaborates with patients to select a retainer option and a follow-up cadence that fits lifestyle and clinical requirements. Ongoing communication and occasional check-ins help maintain results and identify any small shifts early.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 344-4549 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.
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