Coleman Orthodontics Answers: Are Clear Aligners Right For Your Smile And Lifestyle?
A step-by-step guide for Syracuse patients considering clear aligner treatment.
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Meet Dr. Brett Coleman And Dr. Tanner Godfrey
- What Clear Aligners Actually Are And How They Work
- Are Clear Aligners The Same As Braces?
- Who Is A Good Candidate For Clear Aligners?
- What The Clear Aligner Process Looks Like At Coleman Orthodontics
- What To Expect During Treatment
- How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
- Our Top Picks For Getting The Most From Clear Aligner Treatment
- Why Patients In Syracuse Choose Coleman Orthodontics
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Clear aligners have changed the way a lot of people think about orthodontic treatment.
The idea of straightening your teeth without traditional metal braces is appealing for many patients, and we completely understand why. But the questions that matter most are not really about how aligners look.
What patients really want to know is whether clear aligners will actually work for their specific smile, what the process looks like from the very first visit, and how to feel confident that this is the right choice for their life.
Those are exactly the questions we love answering. At Coleman Orthodontics, Dr. Brett Coleman and Dr. Tanner Godfrey have been caring for smiles across the Syracuse, Utah community for more than 23 years. Together, they have helped create more than 11,000 smiles, and they bring that same genuine investment to every patient.
We offer metal braces , clear braces , and clear aligners , and we take the time to help every patient understand which option best fits their smile, goals, and daily life.
In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know so you can confidently decide if clear aligners are the right fit for your smile and your lifestyle.
Meet Dr. Brett Coleman And Dr. Tanner Godfrey
At Coleman Orthodontics, your care is led by experience you can trust.
Dr. Brett Coleman and Dr. Tanner Godfrey are both board-certified orthodontic specialists who have dedicated their careers to helping patients in the Syracuse community feel confident in their smiles. Board certification reflects an added level of commitment to excellence, and that standard shows in the way they approach every patient and every treatment plan.
With more than 23 years of combined experience and over 11,000 smiles transformed, they bring a depth of knowledge that allows them to confidently guide even the most unique cases. From your very first visit, that experience is working for you.
What patients share most often is how comfortable they feel throughout the process. They feel heard, understood, and clearly guided without being overwhelmed.
That is exactly the experience Dr. Coleman and Dr. Godfrey strive to create. They take the time to understand your goals, your lifestyle, and what matters most to you so that every recommendation feels clear, personalized, and right for your smile.
What Clear Aligners Actually Are And How They Work
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth.
Each tray is designed to apply gentle pressure to move specific teeth a small amount at a time. You wear each set for a prescribed period before advancing to the next in the series. Over time, those small movements add up to a real, meaningful change in your smile.
The trays are made from smooth, clear plastic. Most people standing nearby will not notice them at all.
Because they are removable, you take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that aligners are typically worn at least 22 hours per day for the best results. Wearing them consistently is the single most important part of making aligner treatment work.
Good To Know: Clear aligners are not a passive treatment. They work because you wear them. Patients who commit to consistent daily wear are the ones who get the results they came in for.
Are Clear Aligners The Same As Braces?
They achieve similar goals, but they are not the same thing. It is a fair question and one worth answering clearly.
Both braces and clear aligners move teeth into better positions and help correct bite concerns. The difference is in how they do it and which cases each handles best.
Braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires that are adjusted throughout treatment. They stay in place around the clock. Our metal braces and clear braces are excellent options when more complex movement or precise bite correction is part of the treatment plan.
Clear aligners are removable and work through a series of custom trays rather than wires and brackets. They tend to be a great fit for patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or certain bite concerns who can also commit to consistent daily wear.
The best choice depends on your specific smile, not on which option sounds most appealing at first glance.
Our Honest Advice: What may seem like a simple case can sometimes be better treated with braces, while other more complex smiles may be great candidates for aligners. That’s why our team takes the time to carefully evaluate every detail and guide you toward the option that truly fits your needs. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. We’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident in the path forward.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a wonderful option for many patients.
Patients who tend to do well with clear aligner treatment include:
Adults and teens who have all or most of their permanent teeth in
Patients with mild to moderate crowding or spacing concerns
Patients with certain bite issues, depending on their severity
Patients who can reliably wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours each day
Patients who want a discreet option for personal, professional, or social reasons
Patients who understand that removing the trays for eating and cleaning is a daily responsibility
Clear aligners may not be the ideal path if the bite correction needed is highly complex, if significant movement is required in directions that trays handle less predictably, or if a patient is not yet ready for the daily commitment involved.
Dr. Coleman and Dr. Godfrey will look at your specific smile and give you a straightforward, honest answer during your consultation, so that you can make a confident decision.
What The Clear Aligner Process Looks Like At Coleman Orthodontics
One of the things patients appreciate most is knowing exactly what to expect before treatment begins.
Here is how the process works from start to finish:
Free consultation
Dr. Coleman or Dr. Godfrey examines your teeth, jaw, and bite, and discusses your goals. This is where we determine whether braces or clear aligners are the strongest fit for your case.
Digital scanning and custom treatment planning
We use advanced digital scanning to take precise measurements of your teeth. No messy impressions. Your entire tooth movement plan is mapped out digitally before your first tray is ever made.
A preview of your results
Using digital simulation, we can show you a projection of what your smile could look like at the end of treatment.
Custom aligner delivery
Your trays arrive custom-fabricated for your teeth. We walk you through how to wear and care for them, and how to move through each set with confidence.
Regular progress visits
We check in throughout your treatment to confirm your teeth are moving as planned and to catch anything that needs a small adjustment early.
Refinements when needed
A small refinement round at the end of treatment is sometimes needed to fine-tune the final result. This is a completely normal part of the process.
Every step is designed to keep you informed, comfortable, and genuinely excited about where your smile is headed.
What To Expect During Treatment
Starting aligner treatment raises practical day-to-day questions. Here is an honest look at what life in aligners actually feels like.
Wearing The Trays
The trays should be in your mouth for at least 22 hours every day. They come out for meals, snacks, and any drink other than plain water, and go right back in once you are done and have brushed.
Most patients adjust to the feel of the trays within a few days. Mild pressure when you switch to a new set is normal and is simply a sign that the trays are doing their job.
Eating And Drinking
You can eat whatever you want during aligner treatment because the trays come out for meals. That flexibility is one of the things patients enjoy most.
The one rule to follow: nothing other than plain water while the trays are in. Sugary or colored drinks trapped under the tray can damage your enamel and stain the plastic over time.
Keeping Your Teeth And Trays Clean
Brush your teeth before reinserting the trays after every meal. It is a simple habit that protects your enamel throughout treatment.
Clean the trays themselves daily with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or a dedicated aligner cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
A Friendly Reminder: Putting aligners back in over unclean teeth leaves bacteria and food acids pressed against your enamel for hours at a time. A quick brush before reinserting makes a real difference.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
Cost is one of the first practical questions patients ask, and it deserves a real answer.
The cost of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. In general, aligners and traditional braces are comparable in price.
The American Dental Association notes that orthodontic costs vary based on the type of treatment and the specific correction needed. The clearest picture of what your investment will look like comes from an in-person consultation where we can actually see your smile.
At Coleman Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never stand between you and the smile you deserve.
That is why we offer flexible, interest-free in-house payment plans and work with a wide range of insurance providers, including flex-spending and HSA accounts, to make treatment as affordable and accessible as possible for every patient and family we serve.
Before your first tray is placed, our team walks you through every detail, including your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and available payment options, so you feel fully informed and comfortable before treatment begins.
We know that every patient and family has a different financial picture, and our goal is always to find an arrangement that fits comfortably within your budget. Schedule a free consultation, and we will walk through everything together with no pressure and no surprises.
Our Top Picks For Getting The Most From Clear Aligner Treatment
Here are our top picks for making the most of your clear aligner experience:
Wear your trays for the full 22 hours every single day. This is the most important thing you can do for your results.
Always brush before reinserting your trays after eating or drinking.
Carry your aligner case with you everywhere so your trays always have a safe place to go when they come out.
Switch to a new set of trays at night before bed, so any initial pressure is easiest to sleep through
Clean your trays every day to prevent buildup, odor, and discoloration.
Keep every scheduled progress appointment so our team can make sure everything is moving as planned.
Reach out early if a tray cracks, does not fit as expected, or if something feels off.
Avoid hot drinks while your trays are in, as heat can warp the plastic and affect how well they fit.
Why Patients In Syracuse Choose Coleman Orthodontics
There are many orthodontic options available. We are grateful every day that so many families in the Syracuse area choose to trust us with their smiles.
Here is what we hear most often from patients about why they chose Coleman Orthodontics:
Two board-certified orthodontists: Dr. Brett Coleman and Dr. Tanner Godfrey have both gone above the standard requirements of their specialty to achieve board certification, and that dedication shows in every treatment plan they build.
23 years and 11,000 smiles: Experience matters, and the depth of what our doctors bring to each case is something our patients feel from the very first appointment.
680-plus five-star Google reviews: We are humbled by the feedback our patients share, and we work every day to continue earning it.
Metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners so every patient has access to the option that truly fits their needs.
Advanced digital scanning and treatment planning technology that creates a custom roadmap for your smile.
A hospitality-driven patient experience: We believe how your treatment feels matters just as much as how it turns out. From the first phone call to the final appointment, we want every visit to feel warm, welcoming, and worth your time.
The American Board of Orthodontists recommends seeking care from a trained orthodontic specialist for all orthodontic treatment. We are proud to offer that level of specialized care right here in Syracuse.
Conclusion
Clear aligners are a genuinely wonderful option for many patients. Whether they are the right choice for you depends on your specific smile, your goals, and your daily life.
The best way to find out is simply to come in and have a conversation. No pressure. No commitment. Just an honest look at your smile and a clear explanation of what we see and what we recommend.
Dr. Coleman and Dr. Godfrey are here to guide you. Their job is to make sure you feel completely confident in whatever direction you choose.
At Coleman Orthodontics, our goal is simple: for you to love your smile and feel confident in every step of the journey getting there.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a smile you will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many cases, yes. Clear aligners can correct crowding, spacing, and a wide range of bite concerns when worn consistently as directed. There are, however, some situations where the precision of braces makes them the stronger clinical choice.
The most honest answer comes from an in-person evaluation. Dr. Coleman and Dr. Godfrey will review your specific smile and explain which option they recommend and why.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the complexity of the case and the consistency with which the trays are worn each day. Many patients complete treatment somewhere between 12 and 18 months, though simpler cases can be shorter.
Your treatment timeline will be clearly outlined during your consultation, so you know what to expect from the very beginning.
What happens if I lose or break a tray?
Reach out to our office as soon as you notice. In most cases, we will advise you to move to your next set of trays or return to the previous set while a replacement is ordered, depending on where you are in treatment.
Do not go without a tray in place for more than a day or two without first checking with us. Teeth can shift back more quickly than most patients expect.
Can I drink coffee or tea while wearing my aligners?
We recommend removing your aligners before drinking anything other than plain water. Hot drinks can warp the plastic and affect how well the tray fits against your teeth. Colored or sugary drinks can stain the trays and damage your enamel when trapped beneath them.
It is a simple habit that protects both your aligners and your smile throughout your treatment.
Will clear aligners work for my teenager?
Clear aligners can be a great fit for teens who are mature enough to wear the trays consistently every day. Many aligner systems designed specifically for teens include small wear indicators that fade with use, making it easy to track compliance over time.
Dr. Coleman and Dr. Godfrey will carefully assess your teen's case and give you an honest recommendation on whether aligners, braces, or a combination approach makes the most sense for their smile and stage of development.
How do I get started at Coleman Orthodontics?
The first step is a free consultation. During that visit, we examine your teeth and bite, discuss your goals and lifestyle, and explain which treatment options best fit your smile.
There is no commitment and no pressure. Just a genuine conversation about your smile and what is possible. Call us at 801-614-9090 or visit colemanorthodontics.com to schedule your visit and take your first step.
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