Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You? Find Out from Omaha’s Smile Experts. 

If you're dreaming of a straighter smile but dreading the look and feel of traditional metal braces, you're not alone. At Northwest Dental in Omaha, Dr. Ben Wachholtz and his team help patients of all ages transform their smiles discreetly and comfortably with clear aligner treatment—a modern, flexible approach to orthodontics.

But is this treatment right for you?

Let’s break down who should consider clear aligners, the unique advantages they offer, and how they compare to traditional braces.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are ideal for:

✅ Teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues
✅ Patients looking to fix crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, or mild bite problems
✅ Individuals who want a discreet option for straightening teeth
✅ People who can commit to wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day
✅ Patients looking for a non-invasive alternative to veneers

During your consultation, Dr. Wachholtz will evaluate your bite, alignment, and overall oral health to see if you’re a good fit for clear aligner treatment.

• Removable trays for easy brushing, flossing, and eating
• Virtually invisible appearance for confidence during treatment
• No dietary restrictions (enjoy popcorn, apples, and all your favorites!)
• More comfortable than traditional braces—no wires or brackets
• Fewer office visits with faster, more convenient check-ins 

Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces: What’s the Difference?

Both clear aligners and traditional braces are designed to straighten teeth and correct bite issues—but the experience is quite different.

Appearance:
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option for teens and adults. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are more noticeable, with metal or ceramic brackets attached to each tooth.

Removability:
Aligners are removable, so you can take them out while eating, brushing, or for special occasions. Braces are fixed and stay attached to the teeth until treatment is complete.

Comfort:
Most patients find clear aligners more comfortable. They're made of smooth plastic trays that won’t irritate the inside of your mouth like brackets and wires can.

Maintenance:
Cleaning your teeth is easier with clear aligners since you can remove them to brush and floss as usual. With braces, you’ll need to carefully clean around the wires and brackets, which can be more time-consuming.

Discipline Required:
Clear aligners require more personal responsibility. You’ll need to wear them 20–22 hours per day to see results. Braces don’t require the same discipline since they’re always working.

Best For:
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment concerns. For more complex cases, braces might be the better solution due to their precision and strength.

What Does Treatment with Clear Aligners Involve?

Clear aligner treatment is a modern, highly personalized process designed to gently and gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. At Northwest Dental in Omaha, your journey to a straighter smile begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Ben Wachholtz, followed by advanced digital imaging and a customized treatment plan.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Digital Scanning & Treatment Planning
Using state-of-the-art 3D digital technology, Dr. Wachholtz will take a complete scan of your mouth and jaw. These high-resolution images allow for an exact diagnosis and preview of your treatment outcome. The software allows the dentist to visualize how each tooth will move over time and predict future facial changes based on tooth positioning.

You’ll be able to see a digital simulation of your expected results before treatment begins, which will help you feel confident in the process and the plan.

2. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Once your treatment plan is finalized, custom aligner trays will be created just for you. These clear, BPA-free plastic trays are designed to apply controlled pressure to specific teeth, moving them gradually.

Most patients receive 20–29 sets of aligners per arch, but the total number can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Each set is typically worn for about 1–2 weeks before progressing to the next.

3. Wearing Your Aligners
For best results, you’ll need to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush, and floss. As you change aligners over time, your teeth will gradually shift into alignment.

4. Regular Check-Ins
You’ll visit Northwest Dental every 6–8 weeks to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth move as planned. These appointments are typically shorter and less frequent than traditional braces adjustments.

5. Retainers to Maintain Your Smile
Once treatment is complete, you’ll receive a custom retainer to help maintain your beautiful results and prevent your teeth from shifting back.

What Can Clear Aligner Treatment Fix?

Clear aligners can do more than just straighten your smile—they can also correct a wide range of common dental alignment issues that may affect your oral health, confidence, and comfort.

Here are some of the most common problems clear aligners can fix:

✅ Overcrowding

When teeth don’t have enough space to fit correctly, they can overlap or become twisted. Overcrowding affects the appearance of your smile and makes it harder to clean between teeth—leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

✅ Gaps Between Teeth

Spaces or gaps between teeth can occur due to missing teeth or natural jaw development. Clear aligners gently close these spaces, improving your bite and appearance while helping prevent food traps and gum issues.

✅ Crossbite

A crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This can cause abnormal tooth wear, gum recession, and even bone loss. Aligners can correct many crossbite cases by gradually moving the teeth into their ideal positions.

✅ Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to excessive wear on the lower teeth, jaw strain, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. Clear aligners can reduce the overbite and create a more balanced bite.

✅ Underbite

In an underbite, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This misalignment can affect chewing, speaking, and facial appearance and may also cause jaw pain. Clear aligners can help reposition the lower jaw and teeth to improve function and aesthetics.

Ready to Straighten Your Smile?

Whether you're just exploring your options or ready to get started, the team at Northwest Dental in Omaha, NE is here to help. Schedule your smile consultation with Dr. Wachholtz today and discover if clear aligners are the right fit for you. 

Call us or Book Online to take the first step toward a more confident smile.