Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry | Dental Cleanings, Periodontal Treatment and Veneers

ClearCorrect®

ClearCorrect® offers a discreet, modern approach to straightening teeth — designed for patients who want effective results with minimal disruption to daily life.

How ClearCorrect® Aligners Gently Move Your Teeth

ClearCorrect® uses a series of transparent, custom-made aligners created from a digital model of your mouth. Each aligner is designed to apply subtle, controlled pressure to specific teeth, guiding them into progressively improved positions. Because the movement is planned in small increments, the process is predictable and can be tailored to the unique anatomy and goals of each patient.

Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation and digital impressions, which allow for a precise virtual treatment plan. From this plan, a sequence of aligners is manufactured to match scheduled tooth movements. Patients typically wear each aligner for a set period — switching to the next one as instructed — so changes occur gradually and comfortably over time.

The clear material used in ClearCorrect® aligners is nearly invisible when worn, which means patients can go about work, social activities, and sports with minimal interruption. Because aligners are removable, they also make it easier to maintain normal oral hygiene and dietary habits throughout treatment.

Benefits Over Traditional Braces for Everyday Life

One of the most noticeable advantages of ClearCorrect® is its low visual profile. For adults and image-conscious teens who prefer a less conspicuous option, the transparent aligners are an attractive alternative to metal brackets and wires. This aesthetic benefit often makes patients feel more confident while undergoing orthodontic care.

Beyond appearance, removable aligners simplify day-to-day routines. You can take them out to eat, which avoids the dietary restrictions associated with fixed appliances, and you can brush and floss normally, which supports better oral health during treatment. The absence of wires and brackets also reduces the chance of irritation to the lips and cheeks.

From a practical standpoint, aligners can mean fewer emergency visits for broken brackets or poking wires. Regular check-ins with your provider still ensure progress is monitored and adjustments to the treatment plan are made when necessary, but many patients find the overall experience less intrusive than traditional orthodontics.

Who Typically Benefits from ClearCorrect® and What to Expect

ClearCorrect® is a versatile system suitable for many common alignment concerns, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. It’s a particularly good fit for patients who value aesthetics and convenience but still want clinically sound orthodontic results. That said, not every case is ideal for aligner therapy, and an in-person evaluation will determine the best approach.

During an initial consultation, your provider will review your dental and medical history, take diagnostic images or digital scans, and discuss your goals. If ClearCorrect® is appropriate, a detailed treatment plan will be prepared and reviewed with you so you know what to expect in terms of duration and milestones — without relying on generic timelines.

Compliance is a key factor in successful aligner treatment: wearing aligners for the recommended hours each day and following your provider’s schedule for changing trays are essential. With consistent use and regular monitoring, many patients see clear, measurable improvements in alignment and bite function.

Comfort, Oral Care, and Protecting Your Investment

Comfort is a strong selling point for aligners. The smooth, custom-fit trays are less likely to cause soft-tissue irritation than traditional metal appliances, and any initial pressure typically subsides after a few days with each new aligner. If minor soreness occurs, over-the-counter pain relief or soft-food choices temporarily ease discomfort while the mouth adjusts.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is easier with removable aligners because you can brush and floss without navigating around brackets and wires. It’s important to clean aligners daily and store them properly when not in use to prevent staining and to preserve their clarity. Your provider will give specific cleaning and handling instructions to help keep the trays in good condition throughout treatment.

For patients who play contact sports or grind their teeth at night, your provider can advise on protective strategies. In some cases, wearing a separate mouthguard for sports or a nightguard after treatment will help protect your smile and the results you’ve worked to achieve.

Why Choose Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry for ClearCorrect®

At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry, we combine modern orthodontic options like ClearCorrect® with years of clinical experience to create treatment plans that respect each patient’s lifestyle and goals. Our approach begins with careful diagnostics and a clear, individualized plan so you’ll know what to expect at every stage of care.

We emphasize open communication and patient education, making sure you understand how aligner therapy works and what you can do to optimize outcomes. Whether a patient is pursuing cosmetic improvements or addressing functional bite concerns, our team guides each step with attention to comfort and long-term oral health.

Choosing a provider who offers aligners as part of a broader, comprehensive dental practice means your orthodontic progress is coordinated with routine dental care. That continuity helps protect both your smile’s appearance and its overall health as treatment proceeds.

Ready to learn whether ClearCorrect® is right for you? Contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ClearCorrect® and how does it work?

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ClearCorrect® is an aligner system that uses a series of custom, transparent trays to move teeth in planned increments. Each aligner is fabricated from a digital model of the mouth and applies controlled pressure to specific teeth to guide them toward their target positions. The incremental movements are mapped out in a virtual treatment plan to make the process predictable and individualized.

Treatment begins with a clinical evaluation and digital impressions or scans to establish a baseline. From that plan, a sequence of aligners is produced and the patient progresses through trays on a prescribed schedule. Because the trays are removable and nearly invisible, many patients find the system fits easily into their daily routines.

Who is a good candidate for ClearCorrect® treatment?

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ClearCorrect® is well suited for patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite irregularities that can be addressed with aligner therapy. Ideal candidates are committed to wearing their trays as instructed and maintaining regular follow-up visits so the provider can monitor progress. An in-person evaluation is necessary to determine whether aligner therapy is the best option for a given case.

Some complex skeletal problems or severe malocclusions may require alternative treatments such as fixed appliances or orthognathic surgery in combination with orthodontics. Pediatric cases and growth-related concerns are evaluated differently, and timing of treatment is important. Your provider will discuss realistic expectations and alternatives based on diagnostic findings.

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

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Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day, removing aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Clean aligners daily using the methods your provider recommends to prevent staining and bacterial buildup, and always store trays in their case when not in use. Avoid exposing aligners to hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect fit.

Continue routine dental cleanings and exams so the clinical team can check oral health during treatment and address any issues promptly. If you develop persistent irritation, sores, or signs of decay, contact your provider for guidance. Proper hygiene and timely reporting of concerns help protect both your teeth and the investment in treatment outcomes.

How many hours a day should I wear my ClearCorrect® aligners?

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Most providers recommend wearing aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), and oral hygiene. This consistent wear schedule allows the planned tooth movements to occur as intended and helps avoid treatment delays. Adhering to the prescribed wear time is one of the most important factors in achieving predictable results.

Switching to the next aligner on the scheduled day keeps progress on track, while missed or inconsistent wear can lengthen treatment and require adjustments. Your provider will monitor compliance and make recommendations if modifications are needed. Clear communication and follow-up visits help ensure your treatment remains efficient and effective.

What happens during the initial ClearCorrect® consultation?

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During the initial consultation the provider reviews your dental and medical history, performs a thorough oral exam, and obtains diagnostic records such as photos and digital scans. The team will discuss your goals, explain how aligner therapy works, and identify any oral-health issues that should be addressed before beginning orthodontic treatment. This visit establishes the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.

If ClearCorrect® is appropriate, the provider creates a virtual setup that illustrates the proposed tooth movements and estimated milestones. You will be shown what to expect at different stages and given instructions on wear, care, and follow-up intervals. Any questions about compliance, attachments, or additional procedures are reviewed so you can make an informed decision.

Are ClearCorrect® aligners comfortable and are there common side effects?

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ClearCorrect® aligners are made from smooth, custom-fit plastic, which generally reduces soft-tissue irritation compared with traditional braces. Patients often experience mild pressure or soreness for a few days after switching to a new tray as teeth begin to move, and over-the-counter analgesics or soft-food choices can help during that adjustment period. Speech may change slightly at first but typically improves as you adapt to the trays.

Good hygiene minimizes the risk of oral health complications, and any persistent pain, loosening of teeth, or signs of infection should be reported to your provider promptly. Aligners themselves are not a replacement for addressing underlying dental disease, so cavities or gum problems will be treated before or during aligner therapy. If you have bruxism or other parafunctional habits, your provider will discuss protective options to safeguard results.

Can ClearCorrect® correct bite problems and more complex alignment issues?

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ClearCorrect® can address a variety of alignment and bite concerns, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain classes of malocclusion, but its suitability depends on the specific diagnosis. More complex skeletal discrepancies, large bite corrections, or severe rotations may require adjunctive treatments such as fixed appliances, extractions, or surgical intervention. The provider evaluates each case and recommends the most predictable approach to meet functional and aesthetic goals.

To expand the system's capability, providers commonly use attachments, interproximal reduction, and elastics when clinically indicated. These tools are incorporated into a customized plan to achieve better control of tooth movements. Regular monitoring ensures the plan remains on track and allows for modifications if movements differ from expectations.

How does digital technology support ClearCorrect® treatment at your practice?

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Digital technology plays a central role in modern aligner therapy by producing accurate intraoral scans, 3-D treatment simulations, and precisely fabricated aligners from virtual models. These tools improve communication between the provider and the laboratory, help predict tooth movements, and enable objective progress tracking throughout care. When needed, additional imaging such as CBCT can provide diagnostic insight into jaw relationships and supporting structures.

At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry, digital records and scans are integrated into each patient's treatment plan to coordinate orthodontic care with routine dental services. This integration allows the clinical team to monitor oral health and alignment in the same clinical record. Objective documentation of progress supports timely adjustments and helps the provider maintain consistent clinical oversight.

What should I expect after my ClearCorrect® treatment is finished?

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After active aligner therapy, retention is essential to maintain tooth position and prevent relapse; retainers may be removable or fixed depending on the provider's recommendation. Your clinician will outline a retention protocol and schedule follow-up visits to confirm stability and address any minor adjustments. For patients who grind their teeth or engage in contact sports, a nightguard or separate protective appliance may be advised to protect results.

Long-term success depends on consistent retainer use and continued good oral hygiene, including routine dental examinations and cleanings. If you notice any tooth shifting or discomfort after treatment, contact your provider promptly so small changes can be evaluated before they progress. Ongoing communication with your dental team helps preserve both alignment and overall oral health.

Why should I consider Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry for ClearCorrect®?

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Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry combines clinical experience with current orthodontic options such as ClearCorrect® to create individualized treatment plans that consider both function and aesthetics. The practice emphasizes careful diagnostics, clear communication, and coordinated care so aligner therapy is integrated with routine dental needs. This approach helps ensure that tooth movement is aligned with long-term oral-health goals.

Patients receive a treatment plan based on digital records and professional oversight, with follow-up visits to document progress and address concerns. The Mount Vernon team works to explain procedures and expected milestones so patients understand each stage of care. If you are considering aligner therapy, a consultation at the office will clarify whether ClearCorrect® is appropriate for your goals.

Contact Us

Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 393-2161 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.

Please do not use this form for emergencies or for appointment-related matters.

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Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry | Oral Exams, All-on-4 reg  and Digital Impressions