Misaligned teeth can affect the appearance of your smile and increase your risk of oral health problems. Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to metal braces that use a series of clear, removable trays to guide your teeth into proper alignment.
Learn how Dr. Youstina Mantias, DDS, can straighten your smile with clear aligners at our East Brunswick, NJ dental office.
We also offer clear aligners for teens with a schedule built around school and sports.
Clear aligners are an orthodontic alternative to traditional metal braces that does not require uncomfortable brackets and wires. Our East Brunswick dental office uses SureSmile®, a system of clear, smooth, removable trays that gently guide your teeth into proper alignment. If you would rather compare brands, see our page on Invisalign in East Brunswick. Next to conventional braces, patients choose clear aligners because they are:
Straightening your teeth does more than change how your smile looks. Clear aligners are one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry treatments at our East Brunswick practice, and the benefits reach well beyond appearance:
Misaligned teeth are not only an aesthetic issue. Crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss properly, which raises your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting your alignment makes daily hygiene easier and protects your long-term oral health.
Jaw pain can have several causes and needs its own assessment. Clear aligners are not an established treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMD); evidence does not establish that changing the bite relieves TMD. Tell your dentist about jaw pain, locking or headaches before starting orthodontic care.
SureSmile clear aligners at our East Brunswick, NJ office can correct a range of mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
SureSmile clear aligners work with a series of custom trays that move your teeth a small amount at a time — the same principle as braces, without the bulky brackets and wires. Each tray is made from a digital scan of your mouth, so the fit is precise from the first set to the last. Curious how it compares to another brand? Read about Invisalign in East Brunswick.
A straighter smile can improve your oral health, function, and appearance. If you have orthodontic concerns and want to find out whether clear aligners are right for you, request a consultation at our dental practice in East Brunswick, NJ. We also welcome patients from North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Milltown, South River, and Spotswood. Fill out our online form or call us to get started.
“The atmosphere and staff at Trinity Dental Services was outstanding. It was our first experience with a pediatric dentist and I couldn’t be more pleased. The staff, from the reception area through to check out seem to be trained in handling children in kind and helpful ways like movies to watch while they wait.”
Ayman Antoun, 2024
While SureSmile aligners are a trusted alternative to braces, not every patient is a candidate. More complex bite and wear problems may call for full mouth reconstruction instead, and active decay or infection needs to be treated first — sometimes with a root canal or a visit to our emergency dentist. If nerves have kept you out of the chair, ask about sedation dentistry. You may be a good candidate for clear aligners if you:
Have mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Can commit to wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day.
Are in good oral health and free from tooth decay or gum disease.
Your dentist will assess the final tooth positions and bite before completing treatment. The timeline varies with the movements needed and your response to treatment; additional trays or refinements may be recommended.
Once your clear aligner treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer to wear at night. This will help keep your smile straight for years to come. Our practice offers Vivera™ retainers.
Caring for your aligners and your teeth during treatment is straightforward. Many patients pair the end of treatment with professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers to finish the look.
Brush at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss once a day. Clean teeth mean cleaner trays and a healthier result at the end of treatment.
A. That depends on your plan and provider. We verify your coverage before treatment begins, and we offer Sunbit financing for costs your insurance does not cover or if you are uninsured. Contact our East Brunswick office and we will check your benefits for you.
A. SureSmile and Invisalign are brands of clear aligners. Suitability, treatment plans and total costs vary by case; one brand is not automatically the right choice for everyone. Read about Invisalign in East Brunswick and ask Dr. Mantias to compare the options for your teeth and goals.
A. Cost depends on the complexity of your case, the aligner plan and follow-up care. Ask what is included, such as refinements and retainers, and confirm insurance benefits and current payment options. Ask us for a personalized quote.
A. Treatment length depends on the planned tooth movements, your oral health, tray wear and how your teeth respond. Your dentist can estimate the timeline after an examination and adjust it as treatment progresses. Follow the prescribed wear and tray-change schedule.
A. Pressure, soreness or irritation can occur, particularly with a new tray. Contact your dentist if pain is severe, persists or a tray does not fit properly. Clear aligners avoid the brackets and wires used with traditional braces, but they are not pain-free for every patient.
A. Yes. Teeth can move after orthodontic treatment, so ongoing retainer wear helps maintain their position. Follow your dentist’s instructions for wear, cleaning and replacement. Ask which retainer options are appropriate for your treatment plan.
A. Many teens are good candidates, as long as they are responsible about wearing and storing their trays. Dr. Mantias evaluates jaw growth and eruption at the consultation and will tell you honestly whether aligners or braces are the better fit. Learn more about our practice.
Have other questions about clear aligners? Talk to our East Brunswick dental team, meet Dr. Youstina Mantias, DDS, or learn more about our practice.
