Professional Clear Aligners at AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Bellevue, WA

If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or have unwanted gaps, it can affect more than just your smile's appearance. Misalignment can lead to an improper bite, causing uneven chewing and potentially leading to faster tooth wear.

At AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer clear aligners as a modern solution to gently and effectively guide your teeth into their correct position, helping to prevent these issues from worsening.

---

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. The treatment works through a carefully planned series of these trays. Each aligner is designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to specific teeth, gradually shifting them into their ideal position over time.

You will typically wear each new set of aligners for one to two weeks before moving to the next one in the series. For the treatment to be effective, the aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Because the trays are removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss as you usually would. This slow, controlled movement ensures the process is safe and helps minimize discomfort as your teeth are guided into proper alignment.

---

Benefits of Choosing Clear Aligners Over Braces

Many patients prefer clear aligners over traditional braces because they are designed to fit seamlessly into an active lifestyle. The primary advantages include:

• Comfort: The aligners are made from a smooth plastic material, so there are no sharp metal brackets or wires to irritate your mouth.
• Discreet Appearance: The trays are nearly invisible, so most people will not notice you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• No Food Restrictions: Unlike braces, you can remove your aligners to enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.
• Easy Oral Hygiene: You can continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual, simply by removing the trays. This makes keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment much easier.

---

Who Is the Right Candidate for Clear Aligner Treatment

Clear aligners are an excellent treatment option for many people, but they are most effective for correcting mild to moderate alignment issues. This includes teeth that are slightly crooked, crowded, or have small gaps. Clear aligners can also address some bite problems, such as certain types of overbites or underbites.

Success with clear aligners depends heavily on patient compliance. Because they are removable, it is essential to wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily. If the aligners are not worn as directed, the teeth may not move according to the treatment plan. For this reason, teens and adults are often ideal candidates. In cases of more complex bite or alignment problems, traditional braces may be a more suitable option.

During your consultation at AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we will perform a thorough examination, including scans and X-rays, to determine if clear aligners are the right choice for you.

---

Process of Getting Fitted for Clear Aligners

Getting clear aligners happens in clear steps to protect your teeth while they move. Here's what usually happens:

• Initial Consultation: Your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and explain your orthodontic options.
• Custom Treatment Plan: We will take a precise 3D digital scan or impression of your teeth. This digital model is used to create a step-by-step treatment plan that maps out how your teeth will move into their final positions. You may even be able to see a preview of your future smile.
• Receiving Your Aligners: Once your custom aligners are fabricated, you will return to our office to receive your first few sets. We will provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them.
• Progress Checkups: You will have appointments every few weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners.
• Maintaining Your New Smile: After you finish your last set of aligners, your dentist may provide a retainer to ensure your teeth stay in their new, correct positions.

The entire treatment timeline can vary, but it typically takes several months, depending on your specific needs.

---

How to Care for and Maintain Your Clear Aligners

Proper care is essential for keeping your aligners clean and ensuring your treatment stays on track.

• Clean Them Daily: Rinse your aligners when you remove them and brush them gently with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
• Remove When Eating or Drinking: Always take your aligners out before meals and snacks. Only drink cool water while wearing them, as other beverages can cause staining.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth after every meal and before putting your aligners back in.
• Store Them Safely: When not in use, keep your aligners in their protective case to prevent loss or damage.

---

Meet Our Dentists

Clara H. Song, DDS

Dr. Clara Song is the founder of AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University and pursued advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, a world-renowned institution for cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Song is committed to providing gentle and compassionate dental care for families in the Bellevue and Kirkland communities.

Eric Kim, DDS

Dr. Eric Kim, a Pacific Northwest native, is the newest member of our dental team. He earned his DDS from Loma Linda University after studying General Biology at the University of Washington. Dr. Kim is passionate about staying current with the latest dental advancements to provide the best possible care for his patients.

---

Payment and Insurance

At AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want dental care to be easy and affordable. We accept various payment methods including cash, check, credit cards, and financing options. Our office works with numerous insurance providers. Please call us to verify if we accept your specific plan. If your treatment is not fully covered, we can help you explore payment solutions to ensure you receive the care you need.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile. Contact AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your clear aligner consultation.