Clear Aligners in San Antonio, TX: A Helpful Guide

At Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Robert “Ray” Caesar, Dr. Robert “Tito” Norris and Dr. Maria Eduarda Duarte help patients straighten their smiles with clear aligners. If you want a treatment that is discreet, removable, and easy to fit into your busy life, this guide will walk you through what to expect step by step.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are thin, custom plastic trays that gently move your teeth a little at a time. You’ll wear a series of trays, each designed to shift your teeth closer to the final, healthy position. Because they are transparent and fit snugly, most people hardly notice them.

Why people choose clear aligners

• Nearly invisible: Smile with confidence at school, work, or special events.
  
  
• Removable: Take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
  
  
• Comfortable: No metal brackets or wires.
  
  
• Fewer lifestyle limits: Enjoy your favorite foods by removing your trays at mealtimes.
  
  
• Predictable results: Digital planning helps map out each stage of your tooth movement.

Who is a good candidate?

Clear aligners can treat many common bite and spacing concerns:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
  
  
• Gaps between teeth
  
  
• Mild to moderate overbite or underbite
  
  
• Teeth that shifted after past treatment
  
  

Teens and adults often do well with aligners, especially if they can wear them as directed.

How clear aligner treatment works

1. Consultation: You’ll talk about your goals and get a smile evaluation.
   
   
2. Digital scans: A 3D scan (no goopy impressions) maps your teeth.
   
   
3. Custom plan: A treatment plan shows how your teeth will move over time.
   
   
4. Your first trays: You’ll receive your first set of clear aligners and instructions.
   
   
5. Wear schedule: Most people wear trays 20–22 hours a day and switch to a new set every 1–2 weeks.
   
   
6. Check-ins: Short visits help track progress and make sure everything fits well.

Daily care tips for clear aligners

• Wear them 20–22 hours daily for best results.
  
  
• Remove trays when eating or drinking anything besides water.
  
  
• Rinse your aligners each time you take them out.
  
  
• Brush and floss before putting trays back in.
  
  
• Clean trays with clear, mild soap and a soft brush; avoid hot water.
  
  
• Store trays in their case—never in a napkin, pocket, or purse.
  
  

How long does treatment take?

Every smile is different. Some cases finish in several months; others take longer. Your total time depends on your bite, how many teeth need movement, and how closely you follow the wear schedule. Consistent, daily wear is the fastest path to the finish line.

Results you can feel and see

Clear aligners don’t just improve how your smile looks. They can also help you bite more evenly, which makes chewing more comfortable and can make cleaning your teeth easier. Straighter teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which supports long-term oral health.

Ready to explore clear aligners?

If you’re curious whether clear aligners are right for you, the next step is a friendly, no-pressure visit. We’ll answer your questions, review your goals, and create a plan that fits your schedule.

Visit Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX to get started.