Clear Aligners in Albuquerque, NM
What Are Clear Aligners and How Do They Work?
Crooked or crowded teeth can make flossing a chore and leave you feeling self-conscious every time you smile for a photo. At Parkway Dental, we offer CandidPro Clear Aligners as a way to straighten your teeth without metal brackets or wires. Each set of custom trays applies gentle, targeted pressure to shift your teeth into better alignment, and you swap to a new set every one to two weeks as your smile gradually changes.
Because the trays are removable, you can eat whatever you like and brush normally. Most adults wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day and start noticing movement within the first few months. The team at Parkway Dental can also pair aligner treatment with teeth whitening once your teeth are in their final positions, so you finish with a smile that looks as good as it feels.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners fit into your daily routine instead of disrupting it, giving you a straighter smile without the tradeoffs of traditional braces.
Remove Them for Meals and Snacks
No food restrictions, no picking popcorn out of brackets. Pop your aligners out at mealtime, enjoy whatever you want, brush normally, and snap them back in. Your diet stays exactly the same. Eat the apple. Order the steak. Nothing is off limits.
Smooth Plastic Instead of Metal
Each CandidPro clear aligner is trimmed to follow your gumline, so there are no sharp wires or brackets rubbing against your cheeks. Most patients adjust to the feel within a day or two of each new tray. The smooth plastic sits flush and stays out of your way.
Fewer Office Visits Along the Way
Because you switch to new trays at home on a set schedule, checkups are typically spaced several weeks apart. That means less time away from work or school and more flexibility in your calendar. For most patients, that feels like one less thing to manage.
Who Benefits from Clear Aligners?
Adults who skipped orthodontic treatment growing up often notice crowding getting worse over the years. Teeth shift gradually, and spacing issues that once seemed minor can start affecting your bite and your confidence. CandidPro clear aligners treat crowding, gaps, overbites, and crossbites that have gone unaddressed, and they do it discreetly enough to fit into a busy professional or social life.
Teens are also strong candidates, especially those looking for an alternative to traditional brackets and wires. Some patients pursue clear aligners alongside teeth whitening once their teeth are properly aligned, creating a more complete transformation. Your dentist will evaluate your bite, gum health, and tooth position to confirm that aligners are the right fit. The treatment is reliable for a wide range of mild to moderate alignment concerns.
The Technology Behind Your Custom Aligners
Each CandidPro clear aligner tray starts as a precise 3D digital scan of your teeth. A handheld scanner captures thousands of data points in just a few minutes, replacing the thick putty molds that once made impressions uncomfortable. That scan feeds into treatment planning software, where your dentist maps every millimeter of tooth movement from start to finish before a single tray is manufactured.
The trays themselves are made from a medical-grade thermoplastic that is trimmed to follow your gumline for a snug, comfortable fit. Advanced manufacturing means each tray is accurate to roughly 0.1 millimeters, so the force on each tooth is predictable and controlled. Regular exams and X-rays during treatment help your dentist confirm that everything is tracking according to plan and make adjustments if needed.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your dentist starts by taking digital scans of your teeth, a quick and comfortable process that replaces messy traditional impressions. These scans are used to design a series of custom trays that fit snugly over your teeth. You will try on your first set of aligners during this same visit, and the team will make sure they feel right before you head home. The whole appointment typically takes about an hour.
Each set of CandidPro clear aligners is worn for about two weeks before you switch to the next one in the series. Mild pressure is normal during the first day or two of a new tray, and it fades quickly as your teeth adjust. Check-in visits are scheduled every six to eight weeks so your dentist can track progress and make any needed adjustments along the way.
Before Your Appointment
- Brush and floss thoroughly before your visit so your dentist can get the most accurate scan of your teeth.
- Eat a light meal about an hour beforehand, since you may need to keep your aligners out for a short time after.
- Write down any questions you have about wear time, cleaning routines, or what to expect during treatment.
After Your Appointment
- Wear each set of aligners for the full number of hours your dentist recommends, typically 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Rinse your aligners with cool water each time you remove them to prevent bacteria buildup and odor.
- Keep your previous set of aligners as a backup in case a current tray is lost or damaged between visits.
Why Our Patients {{p}}Love Us{{/p}}
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat normally while wearing clear aligners?
You remove your aligners before every meal and snack, so there are no food restrictions. Just brush your teeth before putting them back in to keep the trays clean and prevent staining.
How long do clear aligner results last?
Results are permanent as long as you wear your retainer consistently after treatment. Most patients wear a retainer at night indefinitely to keep teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions.
Are clear aligners safe for teenagers?
CandidPro Clear aligners work well for teens whose permanent teeth have fully erupted. Compliance indicators built into some systems help parents confirm the aligners are being worn the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day.
Will clear aligners affect my speech?
A slight lisp is common during the first few days as your tongue adjusts to the trays. Most patients speak normally within a week, and the adjustment period tends to be shorter than with traditional braces.
How often do I need checkups during clear aligner treatment?
Most treatment plans include visits every six to eight weeks so your dentist can monitor progress and provide your next sets of trays. Appointments are typically brief since no wires or brackets need adjusting.
Stay Informed with Expert Insights & Tips About Clear Aligners
No Blog Posts Yet
We’re working on new articles to help you care for your smile. Check back soon for updates from Parkway Dental.
Let's Get You On The Schedule.
Request your appointment using the form below, or give our office a call to set up your visit.
Book Your Appointment Today
We welcome new patients and families to our Albuquerque practice. Call us or schedule online today.
Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (By Appointment Only)
Saturday - Sunday Closed
Thank you for booking your appointment!
We’ve received your request and will contact you soon to confirm the details. We look forward to seeing you at Parkway Dental!