Clear Aligners in Playa Vista
Straighten your smile in secret
Discover the strong, straight smile you’ve always wanted without dealing with any brackets and wires. Board-certified orthodontists Drs. Michelle and Christine Stepanek are delighted to guide you on your clear aligner journey.
Why should I get clear aligners?
discreet
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.
comfortable
Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth, which means they're comfortable to wear and won't cause any irritation or discomfort.
convenient
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable, making it easy to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Our Process
Here's how it works
digital
scans
Instead of goopy impressions, Drs. Stepanek will take a digital scan of your smile.
modeling &
printing
These hyper-detailed scans will be used to craft and print your custom set of aligners.
attachments &
delivery
Attachments will be placed onto your teeth and your aligners will be ready for you to wear!
follow
up
Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day, and you’ll switch to new aligners every 7-14 days. You’ll also stop by our office every 8-12 weeks for follow-ups!
pros
- Clear aligners are nearly invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without drawing unwanted attention to your smile.
- The aligners are removable! You can brush and floss your teeth normally and step into social events with confidence.
- Clear aligners generally causes less soreness and discomfort than traditional braces because the aligners are made of smooth plastic material that won't irritate the cheeks and lips.
- Patients with clear aligners typically require fewer office visits than those with traditional braces (usually every 8-12 weeks), making it a great option if you have a busy schedule.
- With clear aligners, there are no emergencies such as broken brackets or wires that require immediate attention from Drs. Stepanek.
- There are also no food restrictions with clear aligners since the aligners can be removed when eating. Feel free to enjoy all the foods you love!
cons
- Complying with Dr. Michelle and Dr. Christine’s recommendations and consistently wearing your aligners is crucial to the success of your treatment.
- Aligners must be removed when eating and drinking anything but still water, which can be inconvenient for some patients.
- Aligners can be lost, which may lead to additional costs and delays in treatment.
- Traditional braces may be a better option for certain types of complex orthodontic cases.
Real results
Real patients, real results
Clear Aligners for Deep Bite
Clear Aligners for Open Bite
How we elevate your treatment
Bespoke Smile Design
Drs. Stepanek create a smile that is uniquely tailored to your individual facial features and goals. From mapping out the perfect smile arc to the ideal occlusion, they take a completely custom approach when it comes to your treatment.
Attachments
These are tooth-colored shapes that are temporarily attached to your teeth. They optimize tough tooth movements, which can actually speed up your treatment time. The attachments will be removed at the end of treatment so you can show off your brand-new smile!
IPR
IPR stands for "Inter-Proximal Reduction," which allows Dr. Michelle and Dr. Christine to gently polish between teeth to create space. This technique resolves crowding, camouflages "black triangles," and increases the long-term stability of teeth.
Elastics
These are removable tooth-colored rubber bands that are attached by you from the upper clear aligner to the lower clear aligner. Elastics are used to correct bite issues (like overjets or underbites) so you can smile with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about clear aligners? We’ve got you covered.
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
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Clear aligners can be a great choice for anyone looking to straighten their teeth, but it's important to meet with Drs. Stepanek to determine if it's the right fit for you. They’ll consider the severity of your case, age, and overall dental health before approving you to move forward with treatment. Schedule a virtual consultation to find out if you’re a candidate without even leaving the house! We also offer in-person exams as well.
How do I care for my aligners?
Caring for clear aligners aligners is simple! Gently clean your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove any food particles or plaque. When you remove your aligners to eat, brush, or floss, store them in their case to keep them free from bacteria and damage. And pick up some Twin Teeth Whitening Foam for a deeper clean (and optional simultaneous teeth whitening)!
What happens after I'm done with my clear aligner treatment?
After your treatment is complete, you'll receive a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new positions. You'll also schedule follow-up appointments with Drs. Stepanek to monitor your progress and ensure that your teeth remain straight and healthy. Feel free to ask Drs. Stepanek about in-office teeth whitening to brighten your brand-new smile!
