Clinically Reviewed by Dr. David Thurman, DDS
COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Clear Aligners in LoDo

Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent orthodontic trays that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment without traditional metal braces. At Dental Elements in LoDo, Dr. David Thurman utilizes advanced digital scanning to plan your clear aligner therapy, discreetly correcting crowding, spacing, and mild bite issues for a balanced smile.
Call or Text: 303-309-4093
WHAT ARE Clear Aligners?

Straighten your teeth, discreetly

Clear aligners utilize a series of custom-fabricated, transparent plastic trays to systematically guide teeth into their optimal positions. Each set of aligners is engineered to apply targeted, gentle pressure to specific teeth over a prescribed period. Typically worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, the aligners are swapped out for the next set in the series every few weeks.

Because the trays are virtually invisible and completely removable, you can maintain your normal dietary habits and brush and floss without the physical obstructions caused by traditional metal brackets and wires. This provides a highly aesthetic and hygienic orthodontic option for adults looking to improve their smile.

ARE Clear Aligners RIGHT FOR YOU?

When is clear aligner therapy recommended?

Dr. Thurman recommends clear aligner therapy for patients looking to correct structural and cosmetic alignment issues, including:

Crowded Teeth

Creating adequate space and proper alignment when teeth overlap or are bunched together.

Gaps and Spacing

Closing visible gaps between teeth to improve aesthetics and prevent food entrapment.

Bite Misalignment

Correcting mild overbites, underbites, or crossbites to improve overall chewing function and reduce enamel wear.

Orthodontic Relapse

Re-straightening teeth that have slowly shifted back out of alignment following previous orthodontic work in childhood.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Clear Aligner Process

01

Digital Scanning

We capture a highly accurate 3D digital scan of your current bite, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional putty impressions.

02

Treatment Planning

Dr. Thurman digitally maps out the exact movement of your teeth, designing a step-by-step master plan for your alignment.

03

Wearing the Aligners

You will wear your custom aligners consistently every day, switching to a new tray periodically as your teeth progressively move.

04

Retention

Once your teeth reach their final positions, you will be provided with custom retainers to wear at night, ensuring your new smile remains permanently in place.

WHY DENTAL ELEMENTS

Advanced digital planning. One clear path.

Successful orthodontic movement requires exact clinical planning, not guesswork. At Dental Elements in LoDo, Dr. Thurman utilizes advanced 3D scanning technology to analyze your tooth structure before prescribing aligners. This digital-first approach ensures that tooth movement is safe, predictable, and efficient. You receive your ongoing clinical supervision directly from Dr. Thurman during your periodic check-ins, ensuring your progress is precisely tracking with the initial digital master plan without being handed off to rotating associates.
FINANCIAL PLANNING

Understanding the investment in alignment

The cost of clear aligner therapy depends primarily on the complexity of your specific case and the total duration of your treatment plan. Following your digital scan and consultation, our team will provide a transparent outline of all expected costs. We will verify if your dental insurance includes orthodontic benefits that can be applied to clear aligners, and we offer flexible financing options to structure the cost into predictable monthly payments.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

Important Considerations for Aligner Therapy

The success of clear aligner therapy relies heavily on patient compliance. The trays must be worn consistently for 20 to 22 hours every day; removing them too frequently will significantly delay your results. Additionally, while clear aligners are highly effective for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, they may not be suitable for severe bite corrections or complex vertical tooth movements. In those cases, traditional orthodontics may be clinically necessary. Dr. Thurman will evaluate your bite comprehensively to determine your candidacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Treatment timelines vary based on the complexity of your misalignment. Dr. Thurman will provide a clear estimated timeline during your consultation.
You may experience mild pressure and soreness for the first day or two after switching to a new tray, which indicates the aligners are successfully moving your teeth.
No. You must remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water to prevent damaging, warping, or staining the plastic.
They are designed from highly transparent plastic and are vastly less noticeable than traditional metal brackets and wires.
You may experience a slight, temporary lisp for the first few days as your tongue adjusts to the trays, but your speech will quickly return to normal.

Ready to achieve a straighter smile?

Schedule a digital scan and consultation with Dr. Thurman to find out if clear aligners are the right orthodontic solution for you.
Call or Text: 303-309-4093
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