Clear Aligners Specialist in Royal Palm Beach, FL
Clear aligners provide a modern and discreet alternative to traditional braces, offering a nearly invisible way to achieve a straighter smile. Their removable design allows for easy eating and effective oral hygiene, which helps to maintain healthier teeth and gums throughout the treatment process. Visit Dr. Aditi Patel, BDS, DDS, at Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Royal Palm Beach, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, and Lantana, FL.


Table of Contents:
Are clear aligners effective for all types of dental misalignment?
Do clear aligners need to be worn all day?
How often do clear aligners need to be changed?
How do you clean and care for clear aligners?
Your Clear Aligner Specialists at Palm Beach Braces:
Many of our patients, both teens and adults, are interested in clear aligners such as Invisalign® for their discreet appearance and convenience. These custom-made, removable trays are designed to gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions, often with minimal impact on your daily routine.
Clear aligners are an excellent option for many of our patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. If you are experiencing slight crowding, small gaps, or minor bite irregularities, aligner therapy may be a great fit. In fact, issues like mild overbite, underbite, crossbite, or spacing can often be effectively improved with aligners—provided that patients wear them as directed, typically 20-22 hours per day.
However, orthodontists and pediatric dental specialists carefully evaluate every case. For more complex dental challenges, such as severe crowding, significant rotations, large gaps, or major bite discrepancies, clear aligners may not provide the best results. Conditions like impacted teeth, pronounced overbites or underbites, and jaw alignment problems often require specialized orthodontic appliances or even surgical intervention. In these situations, our team may recommend traditional braces or other advanced treatment options to achieve the healthiest, most beautiful outcome.
Choosing the right orthodontic solution is a collaborative process at our office. We invite you to schedule a comprehensive consultation at Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics. Our experienced team will assess your unique needs and help you determine whether clear aligners—or another treatment—will work best for your smile. Throughout your care, we provide regular monitoring and support to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly.
Clear aligners are a popular, comfortable, and discreet way to straighten teeth, but their effectiveness relies on how consistently they are worn. For the best results, our orthodontists recommend wearing your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. This means you should only remove them for short periods—such as when eating, drinking anything besides water, or cleaning your teeth and the aligners.
Wearing your aligners less than the recommended time can slow down your progress, potentially extending your treatment and delaying your new smile. Inconsistent use may also affect how well your next sets of aligners fit, leading to discomfort or less predictable tooth movement.
By following our recommendations and wearing your aligners as directed, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Typically, each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in your personalized series. However, the exact schedule for changing aligners can vary based on your specific treatment plan and the recommendations of our experienced orthodontists. Some patients may change aligners every week, while others may wear each set for a bit longer.
For the most effective results, we recommend wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. During your regular visits to Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics, our team will closely monitor your progress and adjust your aligner schedule as needed, making sure your teeth move safely and efficiently throughout your treatment.
Daily Cleaning Routine Begin by rinsing your aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them. This simple step, recommended by our Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics team, helps prevent the buildup of saliva and plaque. Remember, never use hot water, as it can warp your aligners.
In the morning and before bed, gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush. We suggest using a clear, unscented antibacterial soap or a cleaner specifically designed for orthodontic aligners, rather than toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic. After brushing, rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
Oral Hygiene is Key: Before reinserting your aligners, always brush and floss your teeth. This habit, emphasized by our specialists, helps prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped—reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
What to Do When Eating or Drinking: Except for plain water, always remove your aligners when eating or drinking. This prevents stains, odors, and potential damage, helping you achieve the best results.
Deep Cleaning Tips: For a deeper clean, occasionally soak your aligners in a solution made for clear aligners or retainers. Follow the instructions on the product, and after soaking, brush and rinse your aligners before placing them back in your mouth.
Proper Storage: When not wearing your aligners, always store them in their protective case. Avoid wrapping them in napkins or leaving them exposed to prevent loss or contamination.
At Palm Beach Braces, our clear aligner treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a personalized journey guided by the expertise of our specialists, Dr. Richard Donatelli and Dr. Aditi Patel.
Dr. Richard Donatelli: The Precision of a Board-Certified Specialist
• Decades of Experience: As a board-certified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Donatelli has a deep understanding of orthodontic mechanics. He leverages this expertise to precisely plan each stage of your clear aligner treatment for predictable and effective results.
• Customized Planning: Dr. Donatelli uses advanced digital imaging to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. This allows him to meticulously map out each tooth movement, ensuring your personalized series of aligners will achieve your ideal smile.
Dr. Aditi Patel: Accessible Expertise with a Gentle Touch
• Patient-First Philosophy: Dr. Patel, a certified provider of Invisalign and Fastbraces, is passionate about making advanced orthodontic care comfortable and accessible for everyone. She takes the time to listen to your concerns, providing a treatment experience that is not only effective but also stress-free.
• Empowering Patients: A testament to her philosophy is the inspiring story of an 84-year-old patient who regained her confidence through orthodontic treatment. This demonstrates Dr. Patel’s belief that it’s never too late to invest in your smile and happiness.
• Advanced Technology: Dr. Patel utilizes the latest diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, such as Invisalign, to offer discreet and comfortable options that fit your lifestyle.
By following these care instructions, you’ll help ensure your aligners stay clean, clear, and effective throughout your orthodontic treatment at Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, our friendly team is always here to help! For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Royal Palm Beach, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, and Lantana, FL Palm Springs FL, Greenacres FL, Wellington FL, Riviera Beach FL, Juno Beach FL, Delray Beach FL, and surrounding areas.