Angel Aligners: How Clear Aligner Treatment Works
Angel Aligners are a series of clear, removable trays that gently move your teeth a little at a time. At St. Johns Smile Co, every Angel Aligner plan is designed and monitored by Dr. Stephanie Labib, our board-certified orthodontist. Here’s how the technology works and what treatment looks like day to day.
How do Angel Aligners move teeth?
Your treatment starts with a digital 3D scan of your teeth, not a tray of impression material. Dr. Labib uses that scan and Angel Aligner’s 3D planning software to map out how your teeth should move, one small step at a time. Each set of aligners is shaped for one of those steps. Many patients also get small, tooth-colored bumps called attachments bonded to a few teeth. The aligners grip these attachments, which helps guide each tooth in the right direction.
What are the aligners made of?
Angel Aligners are made from clear, medical-grade plastic. Depending on your plan, you may use Angel Aligner’s multi-layer material, which is designed to apply gentle, steady pressure, alongside a firmer single-layer material for more control. The material is designed to resist staining so your aligners stay clear during daily wear, and the edges are trimmed and polished along the gumline for comfort. If you have a known allergy to plastics, tell us at your consultation.
Who are Angel Aligners a good fit for?
Angel Aligner makes options for a wide range of bite and alignment concerns, including options for children and teens as well as adults. Some plans include features that help guide the lower jaw forward to improve how the bite fits together. Aligners aren’t the right tool for every case. Some bite problems, gum conditions, or teeth that are still coming in may call for braces or another approach. Dr. Labib will tell you honestly which option fits your smile. If you’re weighing aligners against braces, our braces vs. clear aligners guide walks through the differences.
What is daily life like with aligners?
- Wear them most of the day. Angel Aligner recommends wearing your aligners at least 22 hours a day, or as Dr. Labib directs.
- Take them out to eat. Because you remove your aligners for meals, you can usually eat what you like. While they’re in, stick to cool water. Hot, sweet, or colored drinks can warp or stain them.
- Brush before you put them back in. Clean your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water, never hot water, and keep them in their case when they’re out.
- Switch sets on schedule. You’ll move to your next set of aligners on the schedule Dr. Labib gives you. Bedtime is a good time to switch.
- Expect a short adjustment. A new set can feel snug or a little sore at first, and your speech may sound slightly different for the first day or two. Both are normal and usually settle quickly.
What happens at my check-ins?
You’ll visit our office from time to time so Dr. Labib can check that your teeth are moving as planned and make adjustments if needed. Bring your two most recent sets of aligners to each visit. If you ever miss wear time or lose an aligner, give us a call and we’ll help you get back on track.
Curious whether Angel Aligners are right for you? Book a complimentary orthodontic consultation with a 3D scan with Dr. Labib. Call (904) 807-5660 or request a visit online. Financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry.
