Clear Aligners

Smile Proudly Without Metal Braces

Call 970-507-8391 Request an Appointment

Straighten Your Smile Discreetly With Clear Aligners in Durango

Imagine a straighter smile that comes together without any metal brackets or wires in sight. Our clear aligners in Durango use a series of smooth, custom trays that gently move your teeth into place. Most people around you won't notice you're wearing them. Our team plans each step with digital scans. This advanced technology even lets you see a preview of your new smile before orthodontic treatment begins.

Since the trays are removable, you can eat the foods you love without worry. Brushing and flossing are as easy as before, which helps protect your oral health. Straight teeth are also easier to clean. Good oral hygiene lowers your risk of decay and gum disease, which studies have tied to heart problems. Plus, you'll feel more confident smiling in photos long before you finish treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about our clear teeth aligners.

Find Out if Teeth Aligners Are Right for You

Transparent teeth aligners work well for many teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding or spacing. They can also correct certain bite problems, like a slight overbite or underbite. The best way to know if they're right for you is to come in for a consultation.

During your visit, your dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure they're healthy enough to start orthodontic trestment. If you have a cavity or gum disease, we'll treat it first so your aligner therapy starts on a healthy foundation.

Next, we'll take a digital scan of your teeth. There's no messy putty involved. From that scan, we'll map out how your teeth will move. You'll see your new smile on screen and learn how long your teeth straightening may take.

Learn What Happens During Clear Aligner Treatment

Treatment with clear aligners uses a series of custom trays. You'll switch to a new set every week or two, and each one shifts your teeth closer to their new positions. You may also need small, tooth-colored bumps called attachments. These give the trays extra grip on certain teeth.

Plan to wear your trays 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out for brushing or to eat or drink anything other than water. A new set of aligners may feel snug for a day or two, which means that they're working.

Check-ins every six to eight weeks let your dentist track your progress. Once your teeth reach their final positions, an orthodontic retainer helps hold them in place.

Interested in clear aligners in Durango? Contact our office today for a consultation.

Call 970-507-8391 For An Appointment

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

Junction Creek Family Dentistry's services are priced extremely well for this town, the staff is comprehensive, and it has been the best office for our family. The hygienists have extraordinary attention to detail, and a great sense of humor. That's a powerful combination. We like going to an...
Junction Creek Family Dentistry's services are priced extremely well for this town, the staff is comprehensive, and it has been the best office for our family. The hygienists have extraordinary attention to detail, and a great sense of humor. That's a powerful combination. We like going to an office where the energy is bright and laughs are common. I also want to spend my time and money with professionals who do their absolute best for you, and this is the place. We highly recommend this office for your dental care.

Lexie S

Always a good experience when visiting Junction Creek Family Dentistry! Very welcoming and accommodating! After filtering through many dentists in town, it is nice to finally find one I enjoy visiting!

Brett W

They are always professional with a personal touch and most importantly, they do great work! Never thought I'd enjoy going to the dentist office, but these folks deliver. Highly recommended!

Chuck M

Friendly, professional doctor and staff - very pleasant and thorough. Explained office policies, procedures and options without rushing. I'd highly recommend the practice to anyone looking for a dentist in Durango.

Brad S

Very friendly & professional staff. Arranged an appointment for me immediately. Explained all options for dental care very thoroughly. Extremely satisfied with the level of care.

Jim F

Durango is lucky to have this team. I showed up in pain and expected to experience considerably more during my appt. They fixed my issue w/o pain. They gave me plenty to pay forward. Thank you.

Jon L

I am very glad to have found Junction Creek Family Dentistry. I feel that I receive timely, personalized service. The staff are extremely friendly, flexible and lovely to interact with and, of course, the dental care is excellent.

Heidi K

I have been going to this same dentist since I was a little girl. They are friendly, and very thorough! I would recommend this place ANYDAY!!

Terry S

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are thin plastic trays that slowly move teeth into better positions. Each tray is custom-made from a digital scan of the patient's mouth. A patient wears each set of aligners for one to two weeks before switching to the next. The trays are hard to see, which makes them popular with teens and adults.

How do clear aligners straighten teeth?

Clear aligners straighten teeth by applying gentle pressure that shifts them a small amount with each new tray. Every tray differs slightly from the one before it. As a patient moves through the series, the teeth follow a planned path. Small tooth-colored attachments are sometimes used to give the trays extra grip for harder movements.

Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?

Good candidates for clear aligners are teens and adults with crowded or gapped teeth. Many mild bite problems also respond well to aligners. Healthy teeth and gums matter too, so a dentist treats cavities or gum disease before treatment begins. Patients also need the discipline to wear their trays most of the day.

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Clear aligner treatment usually takes about six to 18 months, depending on how much the teeth need to move. Minor spacing may take only a few months. More complex crowding often takes longer. Wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours a day keeps treatment on schedule, while skipping hours can add extra weeks.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Clear aligners cause mild pressure rather than pain for most patients. The snug feeling usually shows up for a day or two after switching to a new tray. That pressure means the teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease soreness, and switching trays at bedtime helps many patients sleep through it.

Can a patient eat and drink with clear aligners?

A patient can eat any food with clear aligners because the trays come out during meals. Popcorn and crunchy snacks are still on the menu. Plain water is fine with the trays in. Other drinks can stain the trays or trap sugar against teeth, so a patient should remove trays before consuming and brush before putting them back in.

How should clear aligners be cleaned?

Clear aligners should be cleaned each morning and night to keep them from turning cloudy. A soft toothbrush and cool water work well. Soaking the trays in an aligner cleaner removes buildup that brushing misses. Rinsing them after removal keeps saliva from drying on them.

Do clear aligners work as well as braces?

Clear aligners work as well as braces for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, such as crowding and gaps. Braces can handle a wider range of complex movements, including severe bite problems. Both treatments create straighter smiles. The right choice depends on how much the teeth need to move and how the patient feels about removable trays.