Clear Braces In Silver Spring, MD
The invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. To discuss clear braces in the Silver Spring Maryland area, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.
For information on CandidPro Clear Aligners, please visit www.candidpro.com.
- CandidPro Clear Aligners uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
- The aligners are made through a combination of Drs. Dechter or Moy‘s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.
- You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
- As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Drs. Dechter or Moy has prescribed.
- You’ll visit Drs. Dechter or Moy about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
- Total treatment time averages 9 – 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Clear Aligner Before and After
See how clear aligner treatment straightened crowded upper and lower teeth for one of our patients.
Actual patient. Individual results vary.
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
Clear aligners can straighten teeth for adults and teens with many common alignment concerns, including:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Mild overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that have shifted since braces earlier in life
During your consultation, our dentists will examine your teeth and bite and let you know whether clear aligners are a good fit or whether another option would serve you better.
Your Clear Aligner Treatment, Step by Step
- Consultation and ExamWe talk through your goals and examine your teeth, gums, and bite.
- Digital Scans3-D images of your teeth are used to plan each tooth movement and design your aligners.
- Your Custom AlignersYou receive a series of clear aligners made to fit your teeth.
- Wear and SwitchYou wear each set for about 2 weeks before moving to the next one in the series.
- Progress VisitsYou visit our office about once every 6 weeks so we can check that treatment is on track.
- RetainerOnce your teeth reach their final position, a retainer helps keep them there.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Both options straighten teeth. The biggest differences are in how they look and how they fit into your daily routine.
| Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear trays that are hard to notice | Metal or tooth-colored brackets and wires |
| Eating | Remove aligners to eat, so no food restrictions | Hard and sticky foods can damage brackets |
| Brushing and Flossing | Remove aligners and clean your teeth as usual | Requires working around brackets and wires |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic with no wires | Brackets and wires can rub cheeks and lips |
| Repairs | No brackets to break or wires to poke | Broken brackets or loose wires may need a repair visit |
| Your Role | Results depend on wearing aligners as directed | Braces are fixed in place and work around the clock |
Caring for Your Aligners
- Wear your aligners about 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.
- Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in so food is not trapped against your teeth.
- Rinse and gently brush your aligners with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can warp them.
- Keep your aligners in their case whenever they are out of your mouth.
Clear Aligners and Cosmetic Dentistry Under One Roof
Because our office provides general and cosmetic dentistry, your aligner treatment fits right in with the rest of your care. You can keep up with regular cleanings and checkups in the same office, and once your teeth are straight, finishing touches like professional teeth whitening, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers can complete your smile. See more real results in our smile gallery.
Clear Aligner Cost, Insurance, and Financing
The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on your case, including how much your teeth need to move and how long treatment takes. Our team will review your treatment plan with you and help you determine your portion of the cost before you begin.
- Insurance: We accept any PPO dental insurance. Coverage for clear aligners depends on whether your plan includes orthodontic benefits.
- Payment options: Cash, check, major credit cards, and HSA/FSA dollars.
- Financing: CareCredit and Lending Club offer monthly payment plans for qualified patients.
Learn more on our payment and insurance page.
What Our Patients Say
Patients from Silver Spring, Wheaton, Aspen Hill, Olney, and nearby communities trust our office with their smiles. Read more on our patient reviews page.
Dechter & Moy DDS LLC
Patient Review
Best dentist I've ever gone to.
- Customer Service
Patient Review
Dr. Moy was very patient and caring!
- Denise Brandenburg
Patient Review
Dr. Dechter has the softest touch ever. Never fun to have a crown done, but this man makes it painless!
- Cheryl Cook-Auerbach
Patient Review
It was great experience, they kept me calm and explained everything before he started. Was very gentle and smooth with it. Would most definitely recommend. I will be going back again.
- Johnny O.
Patient Review
Been going to this practice all my life. Dr. Dechter and staff are awesome. And if I ever move out of the area, I'd still travel to come to him for all my dental needs.
- Trish Wysong
Swipe or scroll to see more reviews.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Drs. Dechter and Moy offers a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Clear Aligner FAQs
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Total treatment time averages 9 to 15 months, but it varies from case to case. Our dentists will give you a personalized estimate after your exam.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
Plan on wearing your aligners about 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, drink, brush, and floss, then put them right back in.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most patients feel pressure or mild soreness for a day or two after switching to a new set of aligners, which is a sign your teeth are moving. Because there are no brackets or wires, there is nothing to rub or poke your cheeks and gums.
Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
You should remove your aligners to eat and to drink anything other than plain water. Brush your teeth before putting them back in so food is not trapped against your teeth.
Does dental insurance cover clear aligners?
Coverage depends on whether your plan includes orthodontic benefits. We accept any PPO dental insurance, and our team will help you determine your portion of the cost. We also accept HSA/FSA dollars, CareCredit, and Lending Club financing.
Will I need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Teeth naturally tend to shift back after they are straightened, so wearing a retainer as directed is what keeps your new smile in place.
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
The best way to know is an exam with our dentists. Clear aligners work well for many cases of crowding, gaps, and mild bite problems, and we will let you know if another option would serve you better.
What is the difference between CandidPro and Invisalign?
Both are clear aligner systems that use a series of custom, removable trays designed from 3-D imaging of your teeth. Our office offers CandidPro Clear Aligners, and we are happy to talk through how it compares during your consultation.
Can I whiten my teeth after clear aligner treatment?
Yes, many patients choose teeth whitening after their aligner treatment is complete, once their teeth are in their final position. Ask us about timing at your consultation.