An image of a smiling woman holding up a clear, plastic dental retainer.

ClearCorrect®

ClearCorrect® aligners offer a modern, discreet way to straighten teeth with predictable results and minimal disruption to daily life.

Why ClearCorrect® Is a Smart Choice for Many Smiles

ClearCorrect® is part of a new generation of clear aligner systems that moves teeth gradually using a sequence of custom-made trays. Each aligner applies gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth, and the cumulative effect over time produces alignment changes without metal brackets or wires. For patients who want to improve the appearance and function of their teeth while keeping treatment low-profile, ClearCorrect® presents an attractive alternative to traditional braces.

Because aligners are removable, they make oral hygiene straightforward: brushing and flossing remain effective throughout treatment, which helps reduce the risk of gum inflammation or decay that can complicate orthodontic work. The material and fit of ClearCorrect® trays are designed to be both comfortable and durable for everyday wear, and the transparent appearance keeps the focus on the smile rather than on appliances.

It’s important to understand that aligner therapy is a clinical process that requires careful planning. Success depends on accurate records, precise tray fabrication, and regular monitoring by your dental team. With appropriate case selection and close follow-up, ClearCorrect® can deliver consistently good outcomes for a wide range of alignment concerns.

How the ClearCorrect® Process Works — Step by Step

Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic records, including photographs and a dental exam. These steps let your provider evaluate tooth position, bite relationships, and any restorative or periodontal considerations that could affect treatment. Accurate imaging and impressions (or digital scans) are essential because they form the blueprint used to design the series of aligners tailored to your mouth.

Once the treatment plan is finalized, a sequence of aligners is fabricated to move the teeth in small, planned increments. Patients typically wear each tray for a prescribed period before moving to the next one, and periodic check-ins allow the team to track progress and make adjustments if necessary. Communication between patient and provider is a key part of the process: timely feedback helps resolve minor issues quickly and keeps the plan on schedule.

At the conclusion of active alignment, many patients transition to a retention phase to preserve the new position of the teeth. Retainers—either removable or fixed—play a crucial role in preventing relapse, and your provider will recommend a retention strategy tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Comfort, Convenience, and Daily Life with Aligners

One of the primary benefits of ClearCorrect® is its low impact on daily routines. Aligners are designed to be worn most of the day and removed for meals and oral care, which means you don’t need to change what you eat or adopt special cleaning tools. Because there are no brackets or wires, patients often experience fewer soft-tissue irritations and can participate fully in sports and other activities without concern for appliance damage.

Speech adaptation is usually brief; most people adjust to the presence of aligners within a few days. The smooth edges and precise fit reduce the sensation of bulk, and when trays sit correctly they are barely noticeable to other people. For professionals and adults who want to discreet improvement, the transparent nature of ClearCorrect® helps maintain confidence throughout treatment.

Adherence to wear time is the most important lifestyle factor for success. Aligners must be worn as instructed—typically about 20–22 hours per day—to achieve the predicted tooth movement. The organization of trays into a sequence also makes it simple to track progress: as long as you follow the regimen and attend appointments, the treatment moves forward predictably.

Who Benefits Most from ClearCorrect® Treatment

ClearCorrect® is a good match for many patients with mild to moderate spacing, crowding, and alignment issues. It works well for adults and responsible teens who can follow the wear schedule and maintain consistent oral hygiene. Because the system relies on removable trays and staged movement, ideal candidates are those whose teeth and supporting tissues are healthy and stable before starting treatment.

There are cases that may require traditional orthodontic techniques or a combination of treatments—for example, complex bite corrections or movements that need more force than aligners can deliver alone. During your consultation, the clinical team will assess whether ClearCorrect® is the best route or whether a hybrid approach or alternative treatment would produce a superior outcome.

Age alone is not a limiting factor; what matters most is the condition of the teeth and gums, commitment to the treatment plan, and realistic expectations about the timeline and results. Clear communication during evaluation ensures that each patient receives an individualized recommendation based on their oral health and aesthetic goals.

Our Approach to Aligner Care and Ongoing Support

At the dental office of Dr. Aaron Tropmann & Dr. Gary Oyster, we prioritize thorough planning and attentive follow-up for every patient pursuing ClearCorrect®. From the initial records to the moment you finish active alignment, we emphasize clear instructions, scheduled progress reviews, and hands-on guidance to help you get the most from your aligners. Clinical oversight ensures that movements stay on track and any necessary refinements are made promptly.

Education is also a cornerstone of our approach. Patients receive detailed guidance on wear time, tray handling, and the best practices for caring for their teeth during treatment. We explain retention strategies and what to expect at each stage so you can make informed decisions and feel confident about the process. Empowered patients are more likely to complete treatment smoothly and enjoy lasting results.

Finally, post-treatment care focuses on maintaining your new smile for years to come. After active alignment, we’ll discuss a retention plan and schedule regular check-ups to monitor stability and overall oral health. If you’re considering ClearCorrect® and want a practical, patient-centered path to a straighter smile, our team is ready to help you explore whether this treatment is a good fit.

Ready to learn more about ClearCorrect® and whether it’s right for you? Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ClearCorrect and how does it work?

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ClearCorrect is a system of custom-made, clear plastic aligners designed to move teeth in small, controlled increments over time. Each aligner fits snugly over the teeth and applies gentle pressure to targeted areas, and the series of trays gradually shifts teeth toward the planned final positions. Treatment is guided by a clinical plan developed from diagnostic records and either traditional impressions or digital scans.

Because the trays are removable, patients can maintain normal oral hygiene routines during treatment and avoid many of the hygiene challenges associated with fixed appliances. The trays are made from translucent material to minimize visual impact and are contoured for comfort and retention. Clinical oversight and adherence to the wear schedule are essential to achieve predictable results.

How is ClearCorrect different from traditional braces?

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ClearCorrect uses removable, nearly invisible aligners instead of brackets and wires, which reduces the visibility of orthodontic treatment and often improves comfort. The removable nature of the trays makes brushing and flossing straightforward and generally lowers the risk of plaque buildup and soft-tissue irritation compared with fixed appliances. Treatment planning for aligners emphasizes staged movement and digital setups, which can help patients visualize expected outcomes before treatment begins.

That said, clear aligner therapy and traditional braces both have strengths depending on the case; braces may be preferable for certain complex or large tooth movements. ClearCorrect can often address crowding, spacing, and many bite irregularities without metal hardware, but some cases require auxiliaries or combined approaches to achieve optimal results. A thorough clinical evaluation will determine which method is most appropriate for each patient.

What does the ClearCorrect treatment process involve?

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Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes a dental exam, photographs, and either digital scans or impressions to document tooth positions and bite relationships. Those records are used to create a customized treatment plan and a sequence of aligners fabricated to move teeth incrementally according to the plan. Patients are instructed on how long to wear each tray and how to transition through the series while the dental team monitors progress at periodic visits.

During treatment the provider may incorporate attachments, interproximal reduction, or refinements to achieve specific movements and ensure the plan stays on track. Regular check-ins allow the team to evaluate fit, tooth movement, and any necessary midcourse adjustments. At the end of active alignment a retention strategy is planned to preserve the new positions of the teeth.

How should I care for my teeth and aligners during ClearCorrect treatment?

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Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once daily to support healthy gums and teeth throughout treatment, and continue routine professional cleanings and exams. Remove aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water, and rinse and brush your teeth before reinserting trays to minimize staining and decay risk. Clean aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and clear, gentle cleaner or mild soap, and avoid hot water which can warp the plastic.

Store trays in a protective case when not in use to prevent loss or damage, and handle them carefully when inserting or removing to preserve their fit. Report any unusual soreness, persistent fit issues, or damage to your aligners to your provider so adjustments can be made promptly. Staying attentive to both oral care and aligner maintenance helps support efficient tooth movement and better long-term outcomes.

How long does ClearCorrect treatment usually take?

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Treatment duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the starting position of the teeth, and the patient’s adherence to the prescribed wear schedule. Many mild alignment concerns can be addressed in several months, while moderate cases commonly require around a year; more complex movements may extend the timeline further. The initial treatment plan will include an estimated timeline, but progress is confirmed through periodic clinical reviews and may be adjusted if refinements are needed.

Patient cooperation is a major factor in achieving the projected timeline—consistent daily wear typically around 20–22 hours supports predictable tooth movement. Missed wear time or inconsistent follow-up visits can lengthen treatment or necessitate additional aligners. Your provider will monitor progress and communicate any modifications to the plan to help keep treatment moving efficiently.

What should I expect during appointments and monitoring?

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Appointments during ClearCorrect treatment are focused on monitoring tooth movement, assessing aligner fit, and making any required refinements to the plan. Early visits verify that aligners are seating properly and that the prescribed movements are occurring as expected, while later visits may involve ordering refinements or evaluating the need for attachments or minor adjustments. Check-ins are typically shorter than traditional orthodontic visits but are important for clinical oversight and timely course corrections.

The dental office of Dr. Aaron Tropmann & Dr. Gary Oyster emphasizes clear instructions and scheduled progress reviews so patients understand each stage of their care. If a tray does not fit as intended or if movement stalls, the team can determine whether a refinement set or a modification of the sequence is necessary. Open communication between patient and provider helps resolve issues quickly and maintain treatment momentum.

Who is an ideal candidate for ClearCorrect?

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Ideal candidates have generally healthy teeth and gums and present with mild to moderate spacing, crowding, or alignment issues that can be addressed with staged aligner movement. Adults are common candidates because they often seek a discreet option, but responsible teens who can comply with wear-time requirements may also be good candidates. A clinical evaluation including radiographs and periodontal assessment is required to confirm that tooth and supporting tissue health will support safe tooth movement.

Patients with excellent oral hygiene and a strong commitment to the prescribed wear schedule are more likely to experience efficient, predictable results. The dental team will screen for restorative, periodontal, or skeletal considerations that could affect treatment and recommend alternatives or adjunctive therapies when appropriate. Clear communication about goals and expectations helps determine whether ClearCorrect is the right choice for each individual.

What are the limitations of ClearCorrect and when might other treatments be needed?

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While ClearCorrect can address many alignment problems, there are limitations for cases that require large tooth movements, significant bite changes, or correction of skeletal discrepancies that may respond better to fixed appliances or surgical approaches. Severe rotations, extrusions, or multi-plane corrections sometimes exceed the mechanical capabilities of aligners alone and may require auxiliaries or a hybrid treatment plan. The presence of advanced periodontal disease, certain restorations, or compromised teeth can also influence the recommended approach.

During the consultation the provider assesses these factors and discusses whether ClearCorrect alone is appropriate or whether a combined strategy would achieve superior functional and aesthetic results. If alternative methods are preferable, the team will explain the rationale and the expected outcomes so patients can make informed decisions. Appropriate case selection is essential for safe treatment and long-term stability.

What retention options are used after ClearCorrect treatment?

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Retention preserves the new tooth positions after active alignment and may include removable retainers, such as clear or Hawley-style appliances, or fixed bonded retainers that are cemented behind the teeth. The choice of retainer depends on the patient’s bite, the movements that were performed, and lifestyle considerations, and your provider will recommend a retention schedule tailored to your needs. Early retention is critical because teeth have a tendency to drift back toward their original positions without continued support.

Most patients will have a more intensive retention schedule initially, followed by gradual tapering to night-only wear for long-term maintenance, while some cases benefit from permanent bonded retention for specific teeth. Regular follow-up appointments allow the team to evaluate retainer fit and the stability of results over time. A clear retention plan is integral to protecting the investment of time and effort spent in active treatment.

How do I get started with ClearCorrect at your office?

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To explore whether ClearCorrect is right for you, schedule a consultation to review your dental history, clinical findings, and cosmetic goals so the team can recommend an individualized treatment plan. During the visit we will take diagnostic records, which may include digital scans or impressions, photographs, and a full exam that informs the proposed sequence of aligners. The consultation is an opportunity to ask detailed questions about expected outcomes, the treatment timeline, and the steps involved in planning and monitoring care.

If you are ready to book a consultation, contact the dental office of Dr. Aaron Tropmann & Dr. Gary Oyster at (919) 221-6014 or visit 5621 Departure Dr, Suite 109, Raleigh, NC 27616 for more information. Our team will explain the next steps and help you prepare for the diagnostic visit so you can move forward with confidence in a patient-centered, well-supervised treatment process.

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