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Canepa Orthodontics

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    • Home
    • About Dr. Ian
    • Treatments
    • Braces
    • Clear Aligners
    • Rocky River Office
    • Lorain Office

(440) 331-1464

Canepa Orthodontics
  • Home
  • About Dr. Ian
  • Treatments
  • Braces
  • Clear Aligners
  • Rocky River Office
  • Lorain Office

Clear Aligners in Rocky River & Lorain, Ohio

 At Canepa Orthodontics, we provide clear aligner treatment for teens and adults at our Rocky River and Lorain offices. Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually move the teeth into their planned positions without traditional brackets and wires.


Dr. Ian Canepa has extensive training and experience using clear aligners to treat a wide variety of orthodontic problems. Each case is individually planned based on the patient’s teeth, bite, treatment goals, and lifestyle. While clear aligners are known for being discreet and convenient, successful treatment requires much more than simply straightening the front teeth or allowing a computer do the work.


 Dr. Canepa carefully plans how the teeth will move together to create a functional bite while paying close attention to symmetry and smile esthetics.  One of the greatest advantages of clear aligners is their flexibility. Because the aligners are removable, patients can continue eating their normal foods and can brush and floss without working around brackets and wires. 


For many teens and adults, this makes clear aligners an appealing way to complete orthodontic treatment with less disruption to everyday life, but compliance is essential to a successful treatment.


Personalized Clear Aligner Treatment


Clear aligner treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Canepa will evaluate your teeth and bite, discuss your goals, and determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option for your specific case.


If you choose clear aligners, a digital scan of your teeth is used to develop your treatment plan. Dr. Canepa carefully plans the movements necessary to guide your teeth toward their desired positions and coordinate your bite. Your aligners are then created specifically for your treatment.


Once treatment begins, you will be given and wear a series of aligners, with each aligner designed to accomplish a specific portion of the planned tooth movement. You will change to a new aligner each week and return to the office periodically so we can evaluate your progress.


Clear aligner treatment is a partnership between the patient and orthodontist. Since the aligners are removable, wearing them consistently is extremely important. Your consistency and committment allows the aligners to accomplish the movements Dr. Canepa has planned and helps keep treatment progressing efficiently.


Throughout treatment, Dr. Canepa will monitor your teeth and bite and make adjustments to the treatment plan when necessary. Additional aligners,  called refinements, will be used to make more detailed corrections as treatment progresses. Particular attention is paid to the finishing stages of treatment to refine tooth positions, bite relationships, symmetry, and smile esthetics.


When active treatment is complete, retainers are used to protect your new tooth positions. Our team will explain how to wear and care for your retainers so you can maintain the result you worked to achieve.


We provide clear aligner treatment at both our Rocky River and Lorain, Ohio offices. At each visit, you will be cared for by Dr. Canepa and our experienced orthodontic team. We aim to make treatment convenient and efficient while giving each patient the individualized attention their case requires.

Frequently Asked questions

How do clear aligners work?

 Clear aligners use a sequence of custom-made removable trays to gradually move your teeth. Each aligner is designed to accomplish specific tooth movements before you progress to the next aligner in the series.


Dr. Canepa, not a computer, or a lab in another country, plans the desired movements based on your individual teeth and bite. As treatment progresses, he monitors how your teeth are responding and can make adjustments when necessary.

Am I a candidate for clear aligners?

Clear aligners can be used to treat many orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite problems. However, not every orthodontic problem is best treated in the same way.  Due to Dr. Canepa's extensive education and experience with aligners, he is pleased to offer aligner treatment in most cases. 


During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Canepa will evaluate your teeth and bite and explain whether clear aligners, braces, or another treatment approach would be appropriate for your particular needs.

Can teenagers use clear aligners?

 Yes. Many teenagers can be excellent candidates for clear aligners.


Because the aligners are removable, however, successful treatment requires the patient to wear them consistently during the day and at night. Dr. Canepa will consider the patient's orthodontic needs as well as whether clear aligners are a practical treatment option for their lifestyle.

Can adults use clear aligners?

 Yes. Clear aligners can be an excellent treatment option for adults who want to improve their teeth and bite without traditional braces.  Often times it is Dr. Canepa's preferred method in adults. 


Adults may have different treatment considerations than younger patients, including existing dental work, missing teeth, gum health, or more complex bite concerns. Dr. Canepa will account for these factors when determining the appropriate treatment options.

How many hours a day do I need to wear my clear aligners?

 Clear aligners generally need to be worn for approximately 20–22 hours per day, or according to the specific instructions Dr. Canepa provides for your treatment.


They should typically be removed for eating and drinking anything other than water and for brushing and flossing. Consistent wear is one of the most important factors in keeping clear aligner treatment progressing as planned.

How often do I change my aligners?

Commonly, in our office you will be instructed to change to your new aligners every 7 days.  If you have not been able to wear them 20-22 hours per day, it is best you wear them for 10-14 days instead of switching before your teeth have moved sufficiently. 


Dr. Canepa will give you specific instructions about when to progress to each new aligner. It is important not to advance through your aligners faster than instructed, since each stage is designed around a planned sequence of tooth movement.

How often will I have appointments with clear aligners?

 Clear aligners can often allow for convenient intervals between office visits because multiple stages of treatment can be planned in advance.  Typically we will see aligner patients every 10-12 weeks during treatment. 


The exact frequency of your appointments will depend on your treatment plan and stage of treatment. At your visits, Dr. Canepa will evaluate your progress, make sure the teeth are responding as planned, and determine when is best to have  you return. 

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

 Treatment time varies considerably depending on the complexity of the case and the tooth and bite movements required.  Many comprehensive cases can be completed in just 12 months! Some limited corrections can be completed in as little as 6-8 months.


 Patient compliance with aligner wear can also have an important effect on treatment progress.

At your complimentary consultation, Dr. Canepa can provide an estimated treatment time based on your individual orthodontic needs.

Can I eat and drink with clear aligners?

  One of the advantages of clear aligners is that they can be removed for meals, so there are generally fewer food restrictions than with braces.


Aligners should normally be removed when eating and when drinking beverages other than water, especially those with sugar. After eating, clean your teeth before replacing your aligners whenever possible.

Will I need attachments on my teeth?

Most of our clear aligner patients require small tooth-colored attachments on certain teeth called attachments. These give the aligners additional control over the teeth and can help accomplish movements that would be difficult with the aligner alone.  You'll be surprised how well they can blend in.


They are made of the same material tooth fillings are made of.  The number, shape, and location of attachments depend on the movements required for your individual treatment.

How much do clear aligners cost?

The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on your diagnosis, treatment complexity, anticipated treatment time, and treatment plan.  At Canepa Orthodontics, comprehensive clear aligner treatment typically ranges from approximately $6000 to $7,500, depending on the individual case. Limited cases will vary accordingly. 


We aim to give everyone accessibility to the smile of their dreams.  We offer several payment options, including pay-in-full discounts, down payments starting at $500, customized monthly payments, and 0% financing.

During your complimentary consultation, we will provide your specific treatment fee and explain your payment options before you decide whether to begin treatment.

Does insurance cover clear aligners?

 Many dental insurance plans that provide orthodontic benefits can apply those benefits toward clear aligner treatment, although every plan is different.


Before your complimentary evaluation, our team can investigate your orthodontic benefits so we can help you understand your estimated insurance coverage and out-of-pocket treatment cost.


Even if Canepa Orthodontics is not in-network with your insurance plan, you may still have orthodontic benefits that can be used toward treatment.

Are clear aligners or braces better?

 Neither treatment is universally better. The better option is the one that allows us to predictably accomplish the treatment goals for the individual patient.


In many cases, Dr. Canepa can use either braces or clear aligners to achieve the desired result. In other cases, one treatment method may offer advantages based on the specific tooth movements, bite correction, patient age, or other considerations.


At your consultation, Dr. Canepa will explain the options appropriate for your case, along with the advantages and considerations of each, so you can make an informed decision.

Do you offer Invisalign®?

 Canepa Orthodontics provides clear aligner treatment but does not use the Invisalign® system.  Invisalign is one brand of clear aligners, but it is not the only way orthodontists can provide clear aligner treatment.


Dr. Canepa personally plans each clear aligner case based on the patient's teeth, bite, and treatment goals.  If you're searching for Invisalign in Rocky River or Lorain, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn whether the clear aligner treatment offered at Canepa Orthodontics is an appropriate option for you.

What is the difference between Invisalign® and clear aligners?

Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligner treatment. Clear aligners are the broader category of removable orthodontic appliances that use a planned series of trays to move teeth.


At Canepa Orthodontics, we provide clear aligner treatment without using the Invisalign system. Dr. Canepa plans and oversees each patient's orthodontic treatment based on the movements needed to achieve the desired tooth positions, bite, function, and smile esthetics.

Ready to take the next step?

 Request your complimentary consultation and let us know the best time to call you. 

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