Straighten your teeth with an orthodontic option that is discreet, removable and designed around your daily routine. At Christensen Orthodontics, we provide clear aligners in South Jordan, Utah, for adults and teens who want to improve crowding, spacing, bite function and smile confidence without fixed brackets and wires.
Dr. Todd Christensen has completed more than 2,000 clear aligner cases using Invisalign® and Spark™. He evaluates the movements required, your treatment goals and your ability to wear the trays consistently before recommending an aligner system.
Call 801-446-5548 to schedule a clear aligner consultation.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic trays that move teeth through a carefully planned series of small changes. Each set is shaped to support a particular stage of treatment. As you progress through the series, the trays guide your teeth toward the positions established by our orthodontist.
Unlike braces, clear aligners do not use fixed brackets and wires. You can remove them for meals, brushing and flossing. Their transparent appearance also makes treatment less noticeable during work, school, photographs and social activities.
Clear aligners may be used to address:
- Crowded, overlapping or rotated teeth
- Gaps and uneven spacing
- Overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites
- Teeth that do not meet evenly
- Alignment that has shifted after previous treatment
- Other dental and bite concerns that can be managed with removable trays
Aligners can treat more than minor cosmetic concerns, but they are not appropriate for every patient. A professional evaluation is necessary to determine whether they can provide the control your case requires.
Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners
Christensen Orthodontics offers both Invisalign and Spark clear aligners. Although both systems use a series of removable trays, they are separate aligner brands. Dr. Christensen considers your teeth, bite, treatment goals and required movements before recommending a system.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign treatment is a widely recognized clear aligner option for adults and teens. The system uses custom trays planned around the patient’s individual tooth movement.
Spark Clear Aligners
Spark is another clear aligner system available at our office. Like Invisalign, Spark uses a planned series of removable trays to guide teeth into improved positions.
One brand is not automatically the best choice for every patient. Dr. Christensen has experience planning cases with both systems and will explain which option is better suited to your orthodontic needs.
Who May Be a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners may be appropriate for adults and teens who want removable treatment and can follow a consistent wear schedule. Candidacy depends on more than the appearance of your teeth.
Our orthodontist will consider:
- The type and complexity of tooth movement required
- How the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Your dental and gum health
- Whether previous orthodontic treatment has relapsed
- Your age and stage of dental development
- Your ability to wear, clean and protect the trays
- Your personal preferences and treatment goals
Dr. Christensen believes many orthodontic cases can be treated successfully with clear aligners when they are properly selected, planned and monitored. If aligners are not the right approach, he will explain why braces or another treatment option may provide better control.
How Clear Aligner Treatment Is Planned
Your treatment begins with a detailed evaluation of your teeth, bite and jaw relationships. We will also discuss what you would like to change and whether removable treatment fits your routine.
A digital scan may be taken to create an accurate three-dimensional model of your teeth without traditional impression material. Dr. Christensen uses this information to plan the sequence and direction of tooth movement.
Once your aligners are ready, our team will explain:
- How to place and remove the trays
- How consistently to wear them
- When to progress to the next set
- How to clean and store the aligners
- What to expect when beginning a new set
- When to return for progress evaluations
Regular visits allow Dr. Christensen to check that your teeth are responding as planned. If an aligner stops fitting properly or movement does not progress as expected, he can determine whether the plan needs to be adjusted.
Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment
Clear aligners offer several practical advantages for qualifying patients:
- Discreet trays without visible brackets or wires
- Removable treatment for meals and oral hygiene
- No food restrictions caused by fixed appliances
- Smooth trays without protruding wires
- Digital planning based on your individual smile
- Treatment options for adults and responsible teens
- Easier access to the teeth while brushing and flossing
These benefits do not make aligners maintenance-free. The trays must be worn consistently, cleaned properly and stored safely when removed.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Clear aligners appeal to many adults because they are less noticeable in professional and social settings. They can also be removed for meals, presentations, photographs and daily brushing and flossing.
Adults may seek aligner treatment for long-standing crowding or bite concerns, or because their teeth have shifted since previous orthodontic treatment. Dr. Christensen has advanced education in adult and complex orthodontic cases and can determine whether aligners can accomplish the required movements.
Learn more about available options on our Adult Orthodontics page.
Clear Aligners for Teens
Responsible teens may also qualify for Invisalign or Spark aligners. The discreet trays can help patients feel more confident during school, sports, music, photographs and social events.
Because the trays are removable, teens must be prepared to wear them as directed, keep them clean and store them safely. Fixed braces may be a better fit for patients who frequently lose removable items or may struggle to follow the wear schedule.
Visit our Teen Orthodontics page to compare options for adolescent patients.
Clear Aligners Compared With Braces
Clear aligners and braces can both improve alignment and bite function, but they place different responsibilities on the patient.
Clear aligners are removable and less noticeable. They may suit patients who prioritize discretion and are prepared to follow their daily wear instructions.
Braces remain fixed to the teeth and work continuously. They may provide better control for certain movements or be more appropriate for patients who do not want responsibility for removable trays.
The better option depends on the condition being treated, not simply which appliance looks more appealing. Dr. Christensen will compare the advantages and responsibilities of each treatment before making a recommendation.
Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Relapse
Teeth can shift after previous braces or aligner treatment, especially when retainers are no longer worn as directed. Clear aligners may be used to correct certain relapse cases involving renewed crowding, spacing or changes in the bite.
Dr. Christensen has treated thousands of post-treatment and relapse cases. Depending on how much movement has occurred, he may recommend limited aligner treatment, a comprehensive correction or a replacement retainer.
Daily Habits for Clear Aligner Success
Your daily routine has a direct effect on treatment progress. Patients should:
- Wear aligners according to the prescribed schedule
- Remove trays before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Brush and floss before placing the trays back in the mouth
- Clean aligners using the method recommended by our team
- Keep trays in their case when they are not being worn
- Bring current aligners to progress visits
- Call our office if an aligner is lost, damaged or no longer fits
Do not move to a different set of aligners without guidance if a tray is lost or stops fitting. Our team can determine the appropriate next step based on your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
How do I know if clear aligners are right for me?
Dr. Christensen will evaluate your teeth, bite, oral health and required movements before recommending treatment. Clear aligners may be appropriate if they can manage your orthodontic needs and you are prepared to wear the trays consistently.
What is the difference between Invisalign and Spark aligners?
Invisalign and Spark are separate clear aligner systems. Both use a series of removable trays, but the best choice depends on your treatment needs and the movements being planned. Dr. Christensen works with both systems and will recommend the option that fits your case.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Mild pressure or tenderness may occur when you begin a new set of trays. This commonly improves as your mouth adjusts. Contact our office if discomfort is sharp, severe or persistent.
Can I eat while wearing clear aligners?
Aligners should generally be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. Removing them helps prevent staining, warping, buildup and damage. Brush and floss before putting the trays back in whenever possible.
Can clear aligners correct complex orthodontic problems?
Clear aligners can manage a range of tooth movements and bite concerns, but suitability depends on the individual case. Dr. Christensen will determine whether aligners can provide the necessary control or whether braces would be more appropriate.
What should I do if I lose or damage an aligner?
Call 801-446-5548 before changing trays or returning to an earlier set. Our team will review your stage of treatment and explain what to do next.
Will I need a retainer after clear aligner treatment?
Yes. Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer as directed helps maintain the alignment achieved with clear aligners.
Do you provide clear aligners near Riverton, Sandy and Herriman?
Yes. Christensen Orthodontics welcomes clear aligner patients from South Jordan, Riverton, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan, Herriman and surrounding communities in Utah.
Schedule a Clear Aligner Consultation
Compare Invisalign, Spark and braces with an experienced orthodontist_]()
801-446-5548