Clear Aligner Treatment in Wading River NY

Clear aligners are custom-made, nearly invisible plastic trays that cover your teeth and gently move them into place.

Shoreline Family Dentistry offers Clear Aligner Therapy as a discreet way to straighten teeth. Because the trays are transparent, most people won't notice you're wearing them during treatment. This makes them a popular choice for teens and adults who want a subtle alternative to metal braces.

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How Clear Aligner Therapy Works

Clear aligner treatment at Shoreline Family Dentistry follows a systematic process to gently reposition your teeth into the desired alignment.

Standard steps are:

• Comprehensive Exam: Your physician provides you with a thorough exam ( X-rays if needed) to determine whether clear aligners are for you.
• Digital Scan & Planning: We take a precise digital impression of your teeth with an intraoral 3D scanner. This eliminates gross putty impressions and allows us to precisely plan the movement of each tooth.
• Custom Aligners: A series of clear aligner trays is created from the computerized models. Each tray fits over your teeth closely and is designed to move them slightly closer toward the final desired position.
• Wear Schedule: You'll be wearing one set of aligners for about 20–22 hours a day and then move on to the next tray in the sequence every 1–2 weeks or so. This achieves incremental step-by-step movement of teeth a little at a time. You only need to take the trays out when eating or flossing; otherwise, they are used at all times to keep the treatment on track.
• Regular Check-Ups: Every 4–8 weeks, you'll return to our office so your doctor can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. These follow-up visits ensure your teeth are moving as intended.
• Completion & Retention: When your treatment is complete (which is typically within about a year in most instances of mild malocclusion), we take a finishing impression and provide you with a retainer. Retainers maintain your new smile in the long run by preventing teeth from shifting back.

Many patients, throughout treatment, notice their smile gradually improves without the usual discomfort associated with metal braces tightening.

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Treatment Timeline, Eligibility & Compliance

Estimated Treatment Timeline

Most standard aligner treatments at Shoreline Family Dentistry take 12–14 months for mild to moderate tooth movement. Your timeline will depend on:

• Initial Severity: Crowding, spacing, or bite irregularities
• Biological Response: Individual differences in tooth movement
• Wear Adherence: Following the appointed schedule

Treatment Scope

Clear aligners are best suited for:

• Mild to Moderate Crowding or Spacing (up to ~6 mm)
• Simple Bite Irregularities (slight overbite, underbite, crossbite)

Patient Compliance Requirements

Regular wear is necessary

• Daily Wear Time: 20–22 hours daily
• Tray Changes: Every 7–14 days as directed
• Follow-Up Visits: Every 4–8 weeks to monitor progress

Bypassing or decreasing wear times may slow down treatment, extend your timeline, or affect the final result.

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Relapse Prevention & Maintenance

Retention Protocol

• Custom Retainers: Following active treatment, Shoreline Family Dentistry provides custom retainers - clear plastic or wire retainer type - to maintain teeth in their new position.
• Wear Schedule: Initial wear is full-time (20–22 hours a day) for the first 3–6 months and then nighttime wear for a lifetime.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Scheduled Check-Ins: We recommend follow-up visits at 3-, 6-, and 12-month periods following treatment to assess retainer fit and tooth stability.
• Adjustments & Repairs: In the event of a broken retainer or ill-fitting retainer, our team can quickly produce a new one to prevent unnecessary movement.

At-Home Care & Habits

• Proper Cleaning: Brush retainers daily with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner or retainer solution to prevent buildup and maintain cleanliness.
• Don't Engage Risk Factors: Guard against habits like nail-biting, ice chewing, or pen chewing, which can shift teeth over time.

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Advanced Technology & Comfort

We use digital technology to speed up your aligner treatment and make it more precise. Our office utilizes a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner and 3D printer to manufacture highly personalized aligners with excellent accuracy. For example, our 3D scanner captures an accurate impression of your teeth in minutes, without the need for traditional putty impressions. We use a dental-specific 3D printer to print appliances and models efficiently. This state-of-the-art process offers highly personalized treatment and can reduce the overall number of visits needed.

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Meet Our Doctor

Dr. Suzanne Cohen, DDS
Dr. Cohen has practiced dentistry for over 25 years. She is caring and gentle and always makes the time to explain each procedure so you feel at ease. Her years of experience working with patients of all ages put you confident that you're in capable hands.

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Insurance & Payment Information

Insurance & Financing

Shoreline Family Dentistry accepts most major PPO dental insurance companies. We can file claims and verify coverage. We offer payment options like credit cards and CareCredit to help cover costs.

Coverage Note

Most dental policies do not cover implants. (Some policies might cover parts of care like extractions or crowns.) We will negotiate with your insurer and assist you in using benefits to the maximum. We are also able to discuss payment arrangements or third-party finance to make treatment more affordable.

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Schedule Your Appointment

Ready to transform your smile? Call Shoreline Family Dentistry to determine whether clear aligner treatment is the ideal option for you. Book an appointment today.