PRIME Orthodontics · Nearly invisible
Clear Aligners
Removable, nearly invisible trays you switch on a schedule. No food rules, fewer visits, and a plan from a board-certified orthodontist.
At a glance
Nearly invisible
Clear trays you switch on a schedule.
Removable
They come out for meals and brushing, so there are no food rules.
Wear 20–22 hours a day
Aligners only work when they're in, so they suit motivated wearers.
Fewer visits
Fewer office visits, with virtual check-ins along the way.
How clear aligners work
Aligners are a series of removable, nearly invisible trays. Each one is worn for a set period, then you switch to the next. Like braces, they move teeth with gentle, steady pressure that lets the bone around each tooth remodel.
Who they’re best for
Aligners are best for mild to moderate cases, and they’re increasingly capable in skilled hands. They suit motivated wearers, because they only work when they’re in, typically 20 to 22 hours a day. The bite itself matters most, which is why an exam comes first.
Daily life with aligners
- Take them out to eat and to brush, then put them straight back in
- No food rules, because nothing stays on your teeth while you eat
- Fewer office visits, with virtual check-ins along the way
What treatment looks like
- Consult. An exam, photos and a plan you understand. It’s free.
- 3D scan. No goopy impressions, and a preview of the finished smile.
- Start day. Your first aligners go in.
- Check-ins. Fewer visits, plus virtual check-ins to track progress.
- Reveal day. Photos encouraged.
- Retainers. They keep the result for life, and we show you how.
Aligners or braces?
Be honest about habits. Someone who will lose or skip trays may do better with braces. An adult who meets clients all day may prefer aligners. Read our honest side-by-side, and see real results in the smile gallery.
Retainers are what keep the result. Plan to wear them as directed for the long term.
Sources
General information, not a diagnosis. Talk with your dentist about your own needs.
Where we offer it
- PRIME OrthodonticsNewport News, VA · (757) 796-7846
- Williamsburg Pediatric DentistryWilliamsburg, VA · (757) 259-9703
- Courthouse Pediatric DentistryGloucester, VA · (804) 695-2575
- Town Center Pediatric DentistryVirginia Beach, VA · (757) 818-9499
- Red Mill Pediatric DentistryVirginia Beach, VA · (757) 301-2064
- Hanbury Pediatric DentistryChesapeake, VA · (757) 547-2134
- Friendly Faces Pediatric DentistryPortsmouth, VA · (757) 397-9801
- Centreville Pediatric DentistryCentreville, VA · (703) 988-5883
How much do clear aligners cost?
Clear aligners start at $150/month with orthodontic benefits, or $250/month without benefits (or if you're not sure). Your exact fee is set at your free consultation.
How many hours a day do I wear aligners?
Typically 20 to 22 hours a day. They come out only to eat and to brush.
Can I eat with aligners?
Take them out for meals and brushing, so there are no food rules.
Are aligners a good choice for teens?
They can be. Aligners only work when they're worn, so a teen who might lose or skip trays may do better with braces. Your orthodontist will help you decide.
Are clear aligners as good as braces?
Both work well for the right case. Aligners need about 22 hours a day of wear; braces work without daily decisions and handle complex bites well.
Read: Braces or clear aligners? An honest side-by-side →Am I too old for braces?
No. About one in four orthodontic patients is an adult, and options like clear braces and aligners are designed to be discreet.
Read: Will braces hurt my job prospects or career? →Read more
Orthodontics · 5 min read
Braces or clear aligners? An honest side-by-side
Both move teeth the same way. The real differences are in visibility, daily effort and the kind of problem being treated.
Read the article →Orthodontics · 4 min read
Will braces hurt my job prospects or career?
What adults worry about before starting treatment, what actually happens at work, and how to choose when you are in front of clients.
Read the article →