ORTHODONTICS
Clarity™ Aligners
ORTHODONTICS AT PLANCICH DENTAL
When you smile, smile with Clarity™ Aligners
If you are searching for a way to straighten your teeth without the metal braces aesthetic, this is an excellent solution for you. At Plancich Dental, we specialize in helping patients achieve their ideal smiles using this advanced orthodontic treatment, so every picture day, interview, or celebration becomes your moment to shine.
Invisible aligners, impactful results
A smile is often the first thing people notice, but the process of improving it shouldn’t have to be the center of attention.
Did you know?
- Simply moving your facial muscles to form a smile has the power to improve your mood.
- Smiling causes people to appear younger. In a study, smiling people were perceived as younger than people with frowns.
- Smile strength or intensity can predict long-term relationship success.
What are Clarity Aligners and how do they work?
Clarity Aligners are a system of removable, transparent trays designed by 3M and now made by Solventum, a leader in global innovation. Unlike the bulky appliances of the past, these aligners are engineered to apply gentle, constant pressure to specific teeth, guiding them into their optimal positions over time.
Backed by 75 years of orthodontic innovation.
Stain-resistant (yes, even from coffee, red wine, turmeric, and more). 100% custom-fit. The magic lies in the material.
Clarity Aligners are made from a proprietary, medical-grade polymer that balances flexibility with strength. This allows the trays to grip your teeth securely while providing enough force to move roots, not just crowns. Because they are custom-molded to your exact gum line, they sit flush against your teeth, making them nearly impossible for others to spot.
See your smile first
Imagine what your smile could look like in less than 10 seconds. Upload a photo and our Bitebot will show you a preview of your smile after an aligner treatment.
Is Clarity right for you?
Clarity Aligners treat a wide range of orthodontic cases and are designed to address most of the treatment options that once required traditional braces, but with a significantly lower profile. They’re particularly well-suited for adults and teens who want effective results without the lifestyle restrictions of metal braces. No food rules. No wires to adjust.
If your teeth and gums are in good health, you’re likely a strong candidate for this type of orthodontic care.
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Arch expansion
When the dental arch is too narrow, teeth can become crowded or overlap. Arch expansion gently widens the jaw to create more space and improve bite alignment.
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Class II
A Class II bite (commonly called an overbite) means the upper jaw or teeth sit too far forward relative to the lower. It can affect chewing, speaking, and the overall balance of your smile.
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Cross bite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. Left untreated, it can cause uneven jaw growth and wear on tooth enamel.
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Crowded teeth
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to align properly, causing them to overlap, twist, or shift. It can make cleaning harder and increase the risk of decay and gum issues.
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Overbite
An overbite means the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. While a slight overbite is normal, a deep overbite can strain the jaw and wear down the lower teeth over time.
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Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth or jaw extend in front of the upper teeth. It can affect chewing, jaw function, and facial symmetry, and typically benefits from early correction.
ALIGNERS & BRACES
Clarity Aligners vs. traditional braces
Traditional braces do their job well—and for complex structural bite issues, they’re sometimes the right call. But for most adults and teens, they ask a lot in return: food restrictions, extra time at the sink, and a mouth full of brackets for a year or more.
Clarity Aligners offer the freedom of choice. You can remove them to eat your favorite foods, brush and floss your teeth with ease, and attend special events without wires in the way.
The treatment is still precise and effective, you’re just not giving up your daily life to get there.
The benefits of choosing Clarity Aligners at Plancich Dental
When you visit us in Tacoma or Lakewood, you’ll notice that we focus on the details that make treatment seamless.
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Superior comfort and customized fit
We ensure each tray is trimmed to match your unique anatomy. This prevents the irritation and “poking” sensation often associated with metal brackets, making the transition between sets of aligners remarkably smooth.
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Stain-resistant for a truly “clear” look
One common fear with clear aligners is that they will turn yellow after a cup of coffee. Clarity™ Aligners are engineered with high-level stain resistance. They maintain their transparency throughout the duration of use, keeping your treatment your little secret.
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Fewer office visits and faster results
We respect your time. Because the treatment plan is mapped out digitally from the start, you won’t need the frequent “tightening” appointments required by braces. You’ll receive your trays in batches, allowing you to progress at home while only visiting our Tacoma or Lakewood office for periodic progress checks.
What South Sound patients should expect during the treatment process
Getting started is a streamlined, three-step evolution.
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A conversation first
We’ll discuss what you’d like to change about your smile and perform a comprehensive exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for movement.
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Custom treatment planning
We use high-definition digital scanners to create a 3D map of your mouth. From there, we can show you a virtual preview of how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like before you even start.
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Live your life while your smile evolves
Once your trays arrive, you’ll wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. You’ll switch to a new set every week or two, gradually watching your smile straighten in real-time.
What patients ask us most
Are clear aligners comfortable to wear?
You may initially experience discomfort with each aligner. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they become, and the more confidently you can smile.
How long will I be in treatment?
Every patient is different, and every smile is unique. The length of treatment varies based on your individual needs. Be confident that your Clarity Aligners treatment plan will be custom designed to achieve the happy, healthy smile you want.
How many hours do I need to have the aligners in?
Aligners need to be worn 22 hours a day or as prescribed.
How often should my aligners be changed?
Wear your Clarity Aligners in sequential order according to numbering on the packaging. Your doctor will prescribe the wear time—most commonly one or two weeks per aligner.
Can I eat with clear aligners?
You will want to remove your aligners so that you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks (except water), keeping them clear and clean.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
Clarity Aligners can be cleaned with a soft-bristle toothbrush and cool water. Specific cleaning instructions are included in your Clarity Aligners Patient Welcome Kit.
What types of cases can be treated with Clarity™ Aligners?
Clarity Aligners are used to confidently treat a wide range of cases including crowding, expansion and closing spaces.
Take the first step
You don’t need to walk in knowing exactly what you want. Come in, tell us what you’d like to change about your smile, and we’ll tell you honestly whether Clarity Aligners are the right fit for you.
Our Tacoma and Lakewood offices are accepting new patients now.
Take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted.