Clear Aligner Therapy in
San Antonio, TX
Clear aligner therapy is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available today, and for good reason. At Lucent Orthodontics and Dental Specialists in San Antonio, we offer clear aligner therapy as a virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable way to straighten your teeth and improve your bite — without the brackets and wires of traditional braces.
Whether you are an adult professional who wants to improve your smile discreetly, a college student looking for a flexible treatment option, or a teen who wants an alternative to braces, clear aligners may be the perfect fit for your lifestyle and your orthodontic goals.
See If Clear Aligners Are Right for You
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
How Does Clear Aligner Therapy Work?
Clear aligner therapy uses a series of custom-fabricated, transparent plastic trays — called aligners — to gradually and precisely move your teeth into their ideal positions. Here is how the process works at Lucent Orthodontics:
Consultation and digital planning — During your free consultation, Dr. Shakourian will evaluate your teeth and bite and determine if clear aligners are right for your case. If so, she will take detailed digital impressions of your teeth, which are used to create a customized, step-by-step treatment plan.
Custom aligner fabrication — Based on your digital plan, a series of custom aligners is fabricated specifically for your teeth. Each set of aligners is designed to make precise, incremental movements.
Wearing your aligners — You will wear each set of aligners for approximately one to two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.
Progress check-ins — You will visit our San Antonio office periodically so Dr. Shakourian can monitor your progress and ensure everything is tracking according to plan.
Completion and retention — Once you have worked through your full set of aligners, you will transition to a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions long-term.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligner therapy is effective for a wide variety of orthodontic concerns, including:
Mild to moderate crowding — When teeth are overlapping or too close together, aligners can create proper spacing and alignment.
Gaps between teeth — Aligners can close small to moderate gaps caused by genetics, missing teeth, or other factors.
Overbite and underbite — Clear aligners can address mild to moderate bite discrepancies where the upper or lower teeth extend too far forward.
Crossbite — Aligners can correct teeth that sit incorrectly inside or outside of the opposing teeth when you bite down.
Open bite — For mild cases where the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, aligners may be an effective solution.
General misalignment — If your teeth are simply not as straight as you would like them to be, clear aligners can help you achieve a more even, attractive smile.
For more complex or severe cases, traditional braces or ceramic braces may be a more effective option. During your free consultation, Dr. Shakourian will provide an honest recommendation based on your specific needs.
See If Clear Aligners Are Right for You
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
Benefits of Clear Aligner Therapy
Virtually invisible — The clear, transparent material makes aligners extremely discreet. Most people will not even notice you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Removable for eating and oral hygiene — Unlike braces, you can take your aligners out to enjoy all of your favorite foods without restriction. You can also brush and floss normally, keeping your oral health in top shape throughout treatment.
Comfortable fit — Aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic with no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks or gums. Most patients find them significantly more comfortable than traditional braces.
Fewer office visits — Because there are no wires to adjust, clear aligner check-ins are often less frequent and shorter than traditional braces appointments.
Predictable results — Advanced digital planning technology allows Dr. Shakourian to map out your entire treatment from start to finish, so you can even preview your expected results before you begin.
No food restrictions — Since you remove your aligners to eat, there is no list of off-limits foods. Enjoy what you love throughout treatment.
Clear Aligners for Teens
Clear aligner therapy is not just for adults. Many teens are excellent candidates for aligners, especially those who are self-conscious about the appearance of traditional braces or who participate in activities like sports, music, or public speaking where braces could be inconvenient.
Teen aligner options often include compliance indicators — small dots on the aligners that fade with wear, helping parents and Dr. Shakourian confirm that the aligners are being worn enough hours each day. This added accountability gives families peace of mind while allowing teens to enjoy a more flexible orthodontic experience.
See If Clear Aligners Are Right for You
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
Caring for Your Clear Aligners
Maintaining your aligners is simple. Rinse them every time you remove them, and clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic. Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in your mouth to prevent loss or damage. Continue brushing and flossing your teeth as normal, and brush before reinserting your aligners after meals.
Affordable Clear Aligners in San Antonio
At Lucent Orthodontics, we want clear aligner therapy to be accessible for every patient who can benefit from it. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid for qualifying cases, and offer flexible payment plans that fit your budget. Your first consultation is always free, and same-day starts are available for eligible patients.
Frequently Asked Questions — Clear Aligner Therapy
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time varies by case, but most patients complete clear aligner therapy in 6 to 18 months. Milder cases may finish sooner, while more complex alignment issues may take longer. Dr. Shakourian will give you a personalized estimate at your free consultation.
Are clear aligners painful?
Most patients experience mild pressure or tightness for the first day or two when switching to a new set of aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are working. The discomfort is generally much less than what is experienced with traditional braces adjustments.
Can I eat and drink with clear aligners in?
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the aligners. Simply remove them, enjoy your meal, brush your teeth, and put them back in.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
For the best results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing your teeth.
Will people be able to tell I am wearing clear aligners?
In most cases, no. Clear aligners are made from a transparent material that fits snugly against your teeth, making them virtually invisible to others. This is one of the biggest reasons patients choose aligners over traditional braces.
Do you offer clear aligners for teens
Yes. Many teens are great candidates for clear aligner therapy. Teen aligner options may include compliance indicators to help track wear time. Dr. Shakourian will assess whether aligners are the right choice for your teen during a free consultation.
