Clear Aligners in Glendale, AZ
Straighten teeth discreetly with SureSmile® clear aligners, custom-fitted trays that fit your lifestyle and shift your smile into place.
What Are SureSmile® Clear Aligners?
Crowded teeth and gaps do more than bother you in photos. They can make flossing difficult, trap food in hard-to-reach spots, and put uneven pressure on certain teeth over time. SureSmile® Clear aligners correct these issues using a series of custom-fitted, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into better positions.
Each set of trays moves your teeth a fraction of a millimeter, and you swap to a new set roughly every two weeks. Most adults finish treatment in 6 to 18 months, depending on how much movement is needed. Because the trays are nearly invisible and pop out for meals, they fit into daily life in a way traditional braces never could. Many patients at Arrowhead Foothills Family Dentistry pair SureSmile® clear aligners with teeth whitening once treatment wraps up.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners give you a straighter smile without metal brackets, wires, or monthly tightening appointments that eat into your schedule.
Eat Whatever You Want Now
Pop your aligners out at mealtime and enjoy steak, apples, or popcorn. No food restrictions and no debris stuck in brackets. Just eat, brush, and snap them back in.
Barely Visible When Worn
The clear plastic sits flush against your teeth, so most people will not notice you are wearing them. You can smile freely in meetings, photos, and everyday conversations.
Fewer Trips To The Office
Most clear aligner patients check in every six to eight weeks instead of monthly. You pick up several sets of trays at once and switch them at home right on schedule.
Is Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
Adults who skipped braces as teenagers make up a large share of clear aligner patients. Maybe your teeth shifted over the years, or crowding got worse after your wisdom teeth came in. You might notice overlapping lower front teeth, a gap that bothers you when you smile, or a bite that feels slightly off. These are exactly the kinds of issues clear aligners correct well, often in 12 to 18 months.
Teens and young adults are strong candidates too, as long as most of their permanent teeth have come in. Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and overbites all respond well to aligner therapy. Some patients at Arrowhead Foothills Family Dentistry pair clear aligners with teeth whitening once treatment wraps up. Your dentist will evaluate your bite during an exam and let you know if aligners are a good fit for your specific situation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
SureSmile® Clear aligners start with a quick digital scan of your teeth, no goopy impressions needed. The scanner feels like someone running a small wand along your gums, and the whole process wraps up in about 15 minutes. Your dentist at Arrowhead Foothills Family Dentistry reviews the 3D model with you right there, so you can see the projected movement before your first set of trays is even made.
You'll swap to a new set of aligners roughly every one to two weeks. Mild tightness for the first day or two of each tray is normal and fades fast. Most patients come back every six to eight weeks for a quick progress check, and total treatment time typically runs between six and eighteen months depending on how much shifting your teeth need.
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Before Your Appointment
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Brush and floss carefully before your visit so your dentist can get accurate digital scans of your teeth for aligner fabrication.
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Bring a list of any dental work you've had recently, like dental crowns or bonding, since restorations can affect how aligners fit.
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Eat a full meal before your appointment because your teeth may feel sensitive for a few hours after your first set of trays is placed.
After Your Appointment
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Wear each set of aligners for the full 20 to 22 hours a day your dentist prescribed, removing them only to eat and brush.
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Rinse your aligners with cool water every time you take them out, and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush before putting them back in.
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Keep a small travel toothbrush handy so you can clean your teeth after meals before snapping your aligners back into place.
How SureSmile® Technology Works
Your dentist starts with a digital scan of your teeth instead of the thick putty molds that used to be standard. A handheld scanner captures thousands of data points in about two minutes, building a precise 3D model of your bite. SureSmile® software then maps out every stage of tooth movement from start to finish, so you can actually see a projected result before the first tray is made.
The trays themselves are trimmed to follow your gumline, which cuts down on the irritation older aligner designs were known for. At Arrowhead Foothills Family Dentistry in Glendale, AZ, your progress is tracked at regular checkpoints, and adjustments to the plan happen quickly if a tooth is not responding as expected. That level of control keeps treatment on schedule and reduces surprises along the way.
Why Our Patients Love Us
Real feedback from the families and neighbors we treat every week at our Glendale, AZ practice. These are the moments that remind Dr. Steele, Dr. Howard, and our whole team why we do this work.
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Had a dental emergency and they got me in within a couple hours. They are full service so was able to make a crown while I waited. Had me in and out in 2 hours. So thankful did not have to go around with a cracked tooth. Highly recommend them
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This practice is great. Everyone is so nice and professional. I decided to use them for my orthodontic journey. Andrea is my tech/dental assistant. She is so adorable and so patient. I’m proving to be a difficult case which means we get to see each other a lot!! I feel like I’m part of the AFD family. They are the best!
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Highly recommend! Doctors and staff does an amazing job. Your in the best care here at Arrowhead foothills dentistry. Come and check it out, you will not be disappointed. Let's make Teeth great again!!
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High quality dental care and services. Friendly and professional staff . Dr. Steele cares for his patients by being proactive for your future health. Been a patient here over 10 and will be long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play sports or musical instruments while wearing clear aligners?
You can do both. Remove your aligners for contact sports and wear a regular mouthguard. Wind instruments may feel slightly different for the first day or two with a new tray, but most players adjust quickly.
How long do clear aligner results last?
Results are permanent as long as you wear your retainer consistently. Most patients wear a retainer nightly for the first year, then a few nights per week after that. Skipping the retainer is the main reason teeth shift back.
Are clear aligners a good option for adults over 50?
Age alone is not a limiting factor. Healthy teeth and gums are what matter most. Your dentist will check for any signs of gum disease or bone loss first, since those need to be stable before moving teeth.
Will clear aligners affect the way I talk?
A slight lisp is common for the first two or three days with a new set of trays. Your tongue adjusts fast. Most patients sound completely normal within a week, and many notice no change at all after the first set.
How often do I need checkups during clear aligner treatment?
Most patients visit every six to eight weeks so the dentist can confirm teeth are tracking correctly and hand off the next sets of trays. Appointments are short, usually around 15 minutes, since there are no wires to adjust.
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Sunday: ClosedCONTACT
(602) 978-9794
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