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      • Types Of Appliances
      • Appliance Instructions
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      • Common Orthodontic Issues
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      • Kidz Club
      • Orthodontics FAQ
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      • TMJ / TMD
      • Growth Modifications
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      • Interproximal Reduction
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What Are Clear Aligners?

Home » Clear Aligners » What Are Clear Aligners?

What Are Clear Aligners?

The clear aligner system is a form of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable trays to straighten teeth. They are a great alternative to traditional orthodontics if you want a straighter smile but do not want to wear metal braces or if you have had treatment in the past and want to make corrections to your smile.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

We use 3D digital modeling software to create detailed images of your teeth. This allows us to make corrections to your teeth and bite, placing small, tooth-colored attachments where necessary.

Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and designed to move teeth into their proper position gradually. Like braces, clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement without any metal wires or brackets.

Our clear aligners are more customizable because they are curated in our in-house lab, located at our West Chester and Cincinnati orthodontic offices. Adjustments to your treatment can be made more quickly because of our lab, as attachments can be added or removed sooner, which means you don’t need to wait for weeks at a time to get refined trays back.

Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours each day and for two weeks at a time before putting in a new set of aligners. The length of treatment depends on each patient’s case; it can take anywhere from six months to two years.

What Makes Clear Aligners Unique?

At Cassinelli, Shanker, & Associates Orthodontics, we take a personalized approach to your smile and use scientific research to back our treatment offerings. Our doctors are consistently active in current-day research and are all board-certified orthodontists. We treat our patients like family and take pride in our commitment to perfecting your smile.

The Role of Attachments in Clear Aligner Treatment

For most adult patients, the appeal of clear aligner treatments is the aesthetics and convenience. Aligners are less visible than traditional or ceramic braces. An important part of a clear aligner treatment plan involves using small buttons or attachments to help guide your teeth into their new position.

Here are some of the most common questions about attachments if you are considering clear aligner treatment.

What Are Attachments in Clear Aligner Treatment?

Attachments, or ‘buttons’ as they are sometimes called, are small white tooth-colored shapes affixed to the teeth during clear aligner treatment. Due to the round and smooth shape of teeth, attachments help move the teeth with precision in the correct direction to achieve the best result most efficiently. Our orthodontists will design the attachments specifically required for your individual treatment.

Why Will My Orthodontist Use Attachments?

Attachments provide the aligner with a surface to push against and improve the tooth’s ability to move. Think of it as a small handle on a door. Since the form-fitted plastic used in clear aligners is not as rigid as the metal used in traditional braces, sometimes the flexibility in the materials need to be compensated in the areas that require movement. Alternatively, attachments may be used to facilitate movement by changing the shape of the tooth.

Are All Attachments the Same?

Clear aligner attachments can come in various sizes and shapes, and your orthodontist will prescribe the correct attachments for your treatment. The shape and placement of the attachments are very important as they are oriented to deliver the right type of force to help the tooth move or rotate without placing unnecessary stress on the roots.

Can I Remove My Attachments?

No. The attachments are virtually invisible and are made from a tooth-colored white filling material, glued to your teeth’ surface and removed when aligner treatment is over. In most cases, the attachments are barely noticeable with or without the aligner trays in place.

Are Clear Aligners Right for You?

Clear aligners can be worn by mostly anyone, but each case is at the discretion of our doctors to ensure best practices for each patient and individualized patient care. We typically see patients around the ages of 18 and up find success from our clear aligners.

If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, schedule an appointment at our West Chester or Cincinnati locations and learn whether this is the right treatment option for you. Your complimentary exam is the first step toward achieving the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign

Our doctors have completed hundreds of Invisalign cases in Cincinnati & West Chester! Considering Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted? Read more below to find out why you should choose us for your Invisalign Treatment!

Why Choose Us For Your Invisalign Treatment?

Our doctors are orthodontic specialists, having completed 3 additional years of specialty training after finishing their doctoral dental degree. They are also board-certified, an elective process whereby the American Board of Orthodontists certifies a small proportion of orthodontists who have presented completed orthodontic cases and undergone an oral examination by the Board. Both doctors have also undergone specialized training in the use of the Invisalign appliance and have treated many patients to a successful outcome. However, the Invisalign appliance system is used by both dentists and orthodontics, our doctors being board-certified orthodontists, are better trained to meet the most challenging orthodontic problems due to their specialized training and experience.

Complimentary Exam

Initial consultations and treatment plan presentations, including X-rays and other patient imaging, are complimentary. An individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient, and there is no fee until the treatment is implemented. Our fee structure is based on the complexity of care, and we strive to make care affordable to our patients while at the same time ensuring a very high quality of care and patient satisfaction.

A Comfortable Experience, Start To Finish

First and foremost, our efforts are directed at patient comfort. Invisalign treatment is non-invasive and, therefore, associated with minimal, if any, discomfort. We have convenient appointment times available for both our child/adolescent and adult patients. Each visit is personalized for each patient’s needs, and the doctors work very hard to see each patient timely.

Less Visits!

The number of appointments needed is dependent on the needs of each patient. On average, the range is 6 to 10 visits, typically with 3-5 week intervals between them.

Shorter Visits!

The first 2-3 Invisalign visits take approximately 45 minutes each. Once the Invisalign treatment has been started, each visit may only last 15 – 20 minutes.

No Messy Molds!

We have introduced the latest scanning technology, a very comfortable, accurate, and non-invasive method to capture a 3 -dimensional image of our patient’s teeth. This technique involves taking multiple images of the teeth and mouth structures and eliminates the need for taking traditional impressions, which many patients have found uncomfortable in the past.

Patient testimonials

Watch the Success Stories

We’re not just putting on braces or clear aligners. We’re adding value to people’s lives. Check out some of these life-changing stories below.

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patient REviews

Our 5-Star Patient Experience

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. We are committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit.

Shanti H.
Just started the orthodontic procedure. The experience is excellent and the cost is reasonable
Response from the owner:Thank you. We are happy to be able to help you get the smile you want 😀
Sarah H.
This orthodontic team has been absolutely wonderful! Highly recommend for your orthodontic needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sarah! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Triplets2010
All 3 of my children have gone here for a couple of years and they are amazing! Great customer service, top notch orthodontic care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We are so happy to hear you had a great experience with our staff and doctors. We love creating beautiful smiles!
Ashley P.
Very clean office. The staff was prepared for our visit, like having a new patient name board and plenty to do in the waiting room for littles. Staff was friendly and facility was very neat. We enjoyed our visit and didn't feel pressured to buy any treatment options.
Response from the owner:So glad you enjoyed your visit, and thank you for the wonderful review.
Jamie I.
Our daughter and son were patients several years ago. And now another daughter is a new patient with the office. We have had a great experience. Friendly and professional staff. Great communicators. Reasonably priced! Clean and warm environment. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. It is our pleasure to provide excellent care for your family. We are so glad you chose our office again.
Valerie A.
My experience for my consultation was an experience that I’ve never had before. From the moment I arrived for my visit, until I was done, the staff was great and made me feel very comfortable. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!
Response from the owner:So happy to hear this. Thanks for the great review.
David B.
Friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Office was immaculate. Great experience!
Response from the owner:Thanks. Appreciate the compliments!
Tasha F.
I wish I could give more than five stars! I truly enjoyed being a patient at Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates. Being able to go through this process with both of my sons made it even more special. The staff knew us by name and made us feel welcome at every appointment. I couldn’t recommend a better place to get braces 😁
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review! It has been our pleasure treating your family. We have the best doctors and staff and love what we do!
Slice S.
Adult Invisalign, a 16 month process, I’m so glad I did it! Organized, we’ll communicated process and my providers were all amazing!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We love what we do. It has been our pleasure having you as our patient!
Christin M.
They are such a phenomenal practice with caring and attentive staff! The orthodontists are knowledgeable and kind! We have had such a positive experience working with them!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We have 4 of the best orthodontists and an amazing team. We are so happy to hear you agree!
Elisa C.
My experience I had with this office was excellent. They went over and beyond to make sure my child was comfortable was OK nothing was hurting her. I will always recommend you take your child to this dentist office for any dental work done on your children.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality in patient care and customer satisfaction. It has been our please treating your daughter.
melissa D.
Super nice staff! I was in and out of there with all my questions answered. I get my Invisalign put in in two weeks and I am very excited.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We are so happy to join you on your journey to a new beautiful smile!
Crystal D.
We have been extremely happy with the level of care our daughter has received. Everyone in the office is friendly and knowledgeable. Our time in the office was quick and efficient. They estimated the length of her treatment plan to be 18 months and she finished a full six months early. We highly recommend Cassinelli and Shanker to anyone entering the orthodontics phase.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback and excellent review! We love hearing you had a great experience. Your daughter was a star patient and it has been our pleasure treating her.
Kiersten G.
Friendly staff, easy experience. Went in for my 8 year old who is not losing baby teeth and has no room for any that can come in. Dr. set out a clear plan for the near future and things that may be farther out.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review! We value patient relationships and are confident we have the best orthodontists in the city!
Mary M.
Great orthodontists and wonderful staff. They don’t rush treatment to get a great smile. They create great smiles and healthy bites that last.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We have a great team and we strive for 100% satisfaction.
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Ready To Get Started?

Contact either our West Chester or our Cincinnati orthodontic office to schedule your complimentary new patient exam and learn about the wide variety of treatment options we offer. We look forward to meeting you and your family and helping you get the great smile you’ve always wanted.

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7242 Tylers Corners Dr. West Chester Township, OH 45069

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4881 Cooper Rd. Blue Ash, OH 45242

West Chester Township

Blue Ash

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