Clear Aligners

Straightening your smile shouldn’t mean months of metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent trays that gradually shift your teeth into place, applying gentle, targeted pressure with each new set you wear. At The Foleck Center, Dr. Adam Foleck, DMD and our team offer this discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional orthodontics, ideal for correcting crowding, gaps, and mild to moderate bite issues in both teens and adults.

Most patients switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, with full treatment typically running anywhere from a few months to over a year depending on your case. Because the trays are removable, you can eat, brush, and floss without the restrictions that come with metal brackets, all while working toward a straighter, healthier smile.

Struggling with crowded, gapped, or uneven teeth?

For most people, the gap between noticing a problem and actually doing something about it comes down to not knowing where to start. The questions below give you a clearer place to land.

Are clear aligners the right option for you?

If your teeth feel crowded, you’ve noticed visible gaps, or your bite doesn’t quite line up, it’s worth understanding your options before your next visit. The five questions below walk you through who this treatment suits, what it involves, and when it makes sense to start.

Who’s a good candidate?

Clear aligners work best for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite misalignment who are ready to commit to consistent wear. You should have good oral hygiene habits and be prepared to keep your trays in for at least 22 hours a day. Patients with severe skeletal bite discrepancies or significant tooth rotation may need traditional braces or a different approach instead.

What does treatment involve?

We start with a digital scan and x-rays to map your teeth and bite in detail. From there, we design a custom treatment plan using 3D imaging software, showing you a preview of your projected results before you begin. You’ll receive a series of clear, custom-fit trays, switching to a new set every one to two weeks as your teeth gradually shift into place.

Where does this fit into your care?

Treatment happens almost entirely in our office, with most patients returning every six to eight weeks for progress checks. No outside specialists or referrals are typically needed for mild to moderate cases. If your evaluation reveals a more complex bite issue, we’ll discuss whether additional treatment or a referral makes sense before moving forward.

When should you start?

The best time to start is as soon as crowding, spacing, or bite issues are noticeable, since misalignment tends to worsen rather than improve on its own. Most treatment plans run between six and eighteen months, depending on the complexity of your case. Afterward, a retainer is needed to maintain your results, since teeth can shift back without one.

Why choose this over the alternatives?

Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners offer removability, easier hygiene, and a nearly invisible appearance while still delivering comparable results for many cases. A randomized clinical trial conducted at Hanoi’s National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology found that clear aligner patients completed treatment in significantly less time than braces patients and reported significantly higher satisfaction across all categories. Braces still offer more precise control for complex tooth movement, so the right choice depends on your specific bite and goals.

Explore Our Clear Aligner Options

Both systems move teeth using the same basic principle, but they aren’t identical. The differences come down to technology, timeline, and which one fits your case best.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the most recognized clear aligner brand, known for its smooth, comfortable trays and proven track record. Our team creates a digital treatment plan mapping every stage of your tooth movement before you even start. With advanced 3D imaging, you can preview your future smile and feel confident in the process from day one.

SureSmile

SureSmile uses precise digital scanning technology to design aligners tailored to your exact bite and alignment needs. This system often allows for efficient treatment timelines while still delivering accurate, lasting results. It’s a great option for patients seeking a streamlined experience without compromising on quality or comfort.

Clear Aligner Treatment, Step by Step

Each stage of treatment builds directly on the one before it. Understanding what’s happening at each point makes the whole process easier to stay committed to.

Assessing Your Smile Goals

Your first visit is about understanding what you want from treatment and whether clear aligners can get you there. Dr. Foleck reviews your bite, checks for crowding or spacing, and takes digital scans of your teeth. This information becomes the starting point for your entire treatment plan.

Building a Plan Around Your Bite

Our team studies your scans and x-rays to determine the exact sequence your teeth need to follow. We choose between Invisalign and SureSmile depending on the complexity of your case. Before any trays are made, you’ll see a digital simulation of how your smile will change.

Getting Fitted for Your First Trays

Once your plan is approved, your first set of custom aligners is ready to wear. Dr. Adam Foleck recommends 22 hours of daily wear for the most predictable results. You’ll progress to a new set roughly every two weeks as your teeth respond to treatment.

Everyday Aligner Care

Good habits with your aligners make a real difference in how smoothly treatment goes. Rinse them out each time you remove them, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Water is the only thing you should drink while wearing your trays.

Monitoring Your Results Over Time

We schedule follow-up visits throughout treatment to track how your teeth are moving. Dr. Foleck checks that each stage matches the original plan and makes adjustments if anything needs fine-tuning. When treatment ends, we’ll fit you with a retainer to protect your new smile.

Dr. Adam Foleck, DMD, dental implant dentist serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton, VA

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Adam Foleck earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before completing his dental training at Temple University School of Dentistry in 1997. He went on to complete advanced post-graduate training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, focusing on dental implants, bone and gum grafting, and full mouth rehabilitation.

Since then, he’s earned Diplomate status in the American Board of Oral Implantology, Honored Fellow status in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and has lectured internationally on implant dentistry and esthetic treatment planning. That same attention to precision and aesthetics carries over into every clear aligner plan he creates, ensuring your treatment is mapped out with the same level of care he brings to his most advanced cases.

Learn About Your Doctor!

Risks of Delaying Aligner Treatment

If crowding or bite issues go untreated, the problem typically doesn’t stay the same. It tends to progress, and treatment options often become more limited and more involved the longer you wait.

Financial Implications

Delaying orthodontic treatment can turn a manageable issue into an expensive one. According to CDC data on the health and economic burden of oral disease, untreated oral disease costs the U.S. economy close to $46 billion annually in lost productivity, and emergency dental visits, many stemming from problems that could have been addressed earlier, number over two million a year.

Health Implications

Untreated malocclusion doesn’t just affect how your smile looks. A systematic review of quantitative studies on malocclusion and quality of life found that malocclusion, especially involving the visible front teeth, is linked to reduced oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents, particularly affecting emotional and social wellbeing. Dental professionals also frequently point to other consequences of untreated malocclusion, including uneven tooth wear, jaw joint strain, and a higher risk of decay from difficulty cleaning crowded teeth.

Safety Implications

Certain bite issues carry a physical injury risk beyond oral health concerns. A systematic review conducted for Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare notes that when a large overjet leaves front teeth unprotected, the incidence of trauma to the anterior teeth of the upper jaw increases.

FAQs

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Clear aligners offer a more discreet and removable option compared to traditional braces, making them appealing to patients who want a subtler treatment. They also allow you to eat and clean your teeth without brackets getting in the way. However, braces may still be the better choice for more complex bite issues, so your dentist can help determine which option suits your case best.

Can you eat with clear aligners?

Yes, but you’ll need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water. This helps prevent staining, damage, and bacteria buildup on the trays. Simply brush your teeth before placing your aligners back in to keep both your smile and your trays clean.

How much is Invisalign?

Invisalign costs typically range based on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment needed. Most patients can expect costs comparable to traditional braces, though your specific price will depend on your individual smile goals. Our team can provide a personalized estimate during your consultation, and many dental insurance and financing options can help offset the cost.

How long does Invisalign take?

Invisalign treatment time varies depending on how much correction your smile needs, but most patients complete treatment within 12 to 18 months. Some minor cases may finish in as little as six months, while more complex bite issues can take longer. Dr. Foleck will give you a personalized timeline estimate after your initial evaluation.

Can Invisalign fix overbite?

Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites by gradually repositioning the upper and lower teeth into better alignment. More severe overbite cases may require additional appliances or a different treatment approach altogether. During your consultation, our team will assess your bite and let you know if Invisalign is a suitable option for your needs.

How much does SureSmile cost?

SureSmile pricing depends on the complexity of your case and how many aligner sets your treatment requires. Costs are generally similar to other clear aligner systems, though your exact price will be determined during your evaluation. Our team can walk you through payment options and insurance coverage to help make treatment affordable.

Get Your Personalized Aligner Plan!

Clear aligners give you a comfortable, discreet way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, without the hassle of traditional braces. Dr. Adam Foleck and the team at The Foleck Center are ready to help you find the right treatment plan for your needs. Check our Facebook and Instagram pages, TikTok account, and YouTube channel for smile transformations and updates, and reach out to our team today to schedule your consultation.

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