Clear Aligners Therapy
in Rochester, MI
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Your Clear Aligner Questions, Answered
Watch Dr. Sarmad Channo answer the questions patients ask most about clear aligners.
Meet Dr. Sarmad ChannoWhat are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are plastic trays that we place around the teeth so we can move the teeth and make them straighter.
How are clear aligners different from traditional braces?
Clear aligners are plastic trays that we place around the teeth, and you can take them in and out when you eat, when you brush, when you floss. Traditional braces are small pieces of metal that we attach to the teeth, and those stay until the end of the treatment.
Are clear aligners faster than braces?
It really depends on what's going on around the teeth. If the teeth are really crooked and not well aligned, they usually take a little longer to straighten with clear aligners.
Are clear aligners more comfortable than braces?
Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, because you can eat comfortably. There are no restrictions: you can remove the aligners and chew and eat whatever you want. With traditional braces, you have to be really careful and stay away from anything sticky, hard or crunchy. Otherwise, those small pieces of metal attached to your teeth might come off, and if they come off, it's not going to work.
What is the process to get clear aligners?
Usually, we take some measurements: some photos and some X-rays, along with digital scanning, so we have the proper measurements around the teeth and know exactly how to make all the teeth aligned and straight.
How many aligners will I need?
This really depends on the position of your teeth. The more crooked the teeth are, the more stages, or aligners, we need to make them straight. If your teeth are less crooked, which sometimes happens when someone had braces before and one or two teeth got a little crooked, it usually takes less time: maybe 3 or 4 months. If we're starting from the beginning and your teeth are really not straight, it might take up to a year and a half, sometimes 2 years.
Do I sleep with my clear aligners?
Yes. We usually have you keep the aligners in your mouth around 22 hours per day, which means you take them out when you eat, when you drink, for your meals and snacks, and when you brush your teeth, and then you put them back. So, do you sleep with them? Absolutely. You sleep with the aligners, then you take them out, brush your teeth and keep going.
Could I be disqualified from getting clear aligners?
It really depends. There are some cases we can treat with aligners only, and other situations where we use a mix of traditional braces and aligners. The traditional braces stay on for a shorter time, so that we can keep you in clear aligners for longer, and it doesn't look like you have anything around your teeth.
Can clear aligners correct a crossbite?
It really depends. Sometimes we can correct an easy crossbite with aligners, but in other situations the crossbite can be harder. If the crossbite is in the front, it may be easier; if it is in the back, it gets a little more challenging with clear aligners.
Are clear aligners painful?
Really, it's not that painful at all, because the pressure from aligners is very mild and isn't going to cause any real pain. You might feel a little pressure here and there, but usually they're not painful at all.
Will my dental insurance cover clear aligners?
Most insurance plans cover part of the clear aligners. Some cover more than others, and some don't cover them at all. But at our office at Channo DDS we have some financial options available, so you can come in and we will go over that with you in detail.
Clear Aligners Therapy is an orthodontic appliance system used to inconspicuously treat crooked and crowded teeth in adults and teens. This modern take on braces features a system of clear aligner trays that are worn at all times with the exception of during meals and when brushing or flossing. The trays are custom fitted to the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable when laughing, talking, and eating with other people. Patients receive a sequence of trays, each of which is slightly different than the one before. The aligners provide a slight resistance to the teeth, forcing them to move into alignment over time. With clear aligners, adults and teens can achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted without feeling self-conscious about the mode of treatment.
Did you know…
wearing clear aligners is in no way as restrictive as traditional braces? Many adults opt for this system not only because it is discreet, but also because there is no need to change your diet to avoid foods that could damage braces. This is because the clear aligners system is free of braces and brackets, instead opting for a removable tray that can be taken out prior to meals. Also, clear aligners fits well into busy adult schedules, as there is no need to attend frequent visits for wire tightening. Most patients simply change to a new aligner tray every couple of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for Clear Aligners?
If you have crooked or crowded teeth that are embarrassing to you or otherwise preventing you from achieving optimal oral health, clear aligners could be the solution for you. Visit your dentist for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear orthodontics.
What should I expect during my clear aligners treatment?
You will wear your aligners nearly all of the time, with the exception of about two hours per day. Clear aligners treatments are different for everyone, but most patients can achieve their ideal smiles within one to two years. During that time, you can expect to make occasional dental visits to monitor your progress.
Will I need any post-treatment care?
Following your treatment, you will no longer need to wear clear aligner trays. However, you will need to wear a retainer each day to help protect your new smile. It is also important to continue visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and twice-yearly cleaning.
Dental Insurance Plans
No insurance? We offer an in-house dental plan to help get the treatment you need today!
Recent Reviews
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Kirk Rossol
1 review
a week ago
I highly recommend Dr. Channo. He is an exceptionally skilled and experienced dentist who combines extensive knowledge with efficiency, professionalism, and genuine curiosity. He welcomes questions and takes the time to provide thoughtful, informative answers.
Austin Copeman
1 review
a week ago
Excellent place to go for your dentistry needs. Facility is clean and staff is very friendly and is able to answer all of your questions. We have been coming here for many years and have had no issues.
L K
15 reviews·21 photos
6 months ago
I have been coming to this office for, well geez not even sure. Has to be at least 15 years most likely more. I am not a fan of the dentist or any Dr. office for that matter. When Dr. Monk retired, I was like oh boy, here we go.
Anonymous.
Dr. Channo has been our dentist for several years. He’s great! You never wait long for appointments and the staff is very nice and accommodating. The dental hygienists have always been great too. They text you appointment reminders and even text you if they have earlier openings. I just had a crown put on and the process was smooth and easy. I recommend Dr. Channo!
Phillip G.
It’s been a year since my last cleaning and they did such a great job it’s like a new smile!
Necia D.
Very pleased with my appointments at Dr. Channo’s dental office. Everyone is very friendly and professional. I had a cleaning, a filling and a crown replacement done and I am quite satisfied with the work for all three services. Dr. Channo and his staff did not disappoint.
Doug C.
Dr. Channo is an excellent dentist with a very strong office team. First and foremost he is a skilled dentist that provides excellent dental care; he explains things thoroughly and is patient and willing to answer questions. His office is well run with little to no wait time. All of my family now receives dental care from Dr. Channo, I recommend him highly.
Michael C.
Dr Channo has been my dentist since my previous dentist retired. The staff is great and Dr Channo is a great guy. Never have had any issues with this office. It is always a delight dealing with them.
Lauren S.
I’ve been a patient since I was 7 years old. I am now 38 and I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else!
Maria W.
Best dentist office! They are always on time and very professional. Magdelena cleans my teeth and they come out so clean every time. Highly recommend this office!!
Kyle M.
Very nice experience and very professional
Saad S.
Always prompt, gentle and professional. Staff is polite and helpful. Always explain in detail about the health of my teeth and gums.
Riley B.
I’ve been coming here for more years than I can remember & I always have a great experience! Everyone you meet is so nice and it almost feels like a second home even though it’s a dental office! Thank you Dr.Channo and staff!
Emma D.
I absolutely loved the tech who cleaned my teeth! She was so sweet and so polite, i felt like I could talk to her for hours but i couldn’t since i was getting my teeth cleaned lol. She walked me through everything, and told me what I needed to do etc. she has cleaned my whole family’s teeth and we all love her! She’s great!
Shane T.
Love this place, feels like a family. Been coming here a long time and I hope to only continue too!
Emily S.
LOVE Dr. Channo and his team!!! They are so kind, welcoming and honestly make going to the dentist not so bad. Dr Channo is great and very professional. If you’re looking for a new dentist, you should definitely come here. They would love to have you.
Rosemary J.
I never enjoyed going to the dentist until I started coming to Dr. Channo’s office. The staff are lovely and the doctors are the nicest around! They are efficient, kind, and make every office visit a pleasure!
Catherine H.
Dr. Channo is kind and compassionate. He is thorough and always has the patient’s care as his number one priority. His office staff is wonderful and easy to work with.
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