Clear Aligners in West Hills
A small crowded tooth that catches floss, a gap that has widened since high school, or teeth that drifted after you stopped wearing your retainer: these are some of the most common reasons West Hills patients ask us about clear aligners. Aligners are a series of thin, custom-made trays that gradually move your teeth into better positions. Because they're nearly invisible and removable, many adults and teens choose them over metal braces. At 805 Dentistry, we treat both children and adults, and we're glad to help families from West Hills straighten their smiles with a plan built around daily life.
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, steady pressure to specific teeth. Each tray in your series is shaped slightly differently from the last, so as you progress through them, your teeth shift step by step toward the final position we planned together. You wear the trays most of the day and take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
We offer both Invisalign and other clear aligner options, along with traditional metal braces. That range matters. Rather than steering you toward a single product, we can talk through which approach fits your teeth, your habits, and your goals. Our team also uses 2D and 3D dental imaging, and we offer Digital Smile Design, which helps us map out tooth movement and show you a clearer picture of where treatment is headed.
People come to us for aligners for different reasons, and the reason often shapes the plan. Some of the situations we see include:
- Mild to moderate crowding that makes teeth hard to clean
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Teeth that relapsed after earlier orthodontic treatment
- Adults who want straighter teeth without visible brackets
- Teens who are ready for orthodontic care and can commit to wearing trays
- Patients moving to our area mid-treatment
That last group is worth highlighting. We accept orthodontic transfer patients, so if you've recently relocated to West Hills and need someone to continue your care, we can review where you are and discuss next steps. We also provide retainers for patients who finished treatment elsewhere, which helps if your old retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits.
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?
Many people are good candidates, and the only way to know for sure is an in-person evaluation. During your visit, we examine your teeth, gums, and bite to see whether aligners can achieve the movement you need.
Healthy gums and teeth are an important starting point. Because we're a full-service practice with a general dentist on staff and a periodontist available for gum care, we can address cavities or gum concerns before orthodontic treatment begins. Our team also has a strong focus on TMJ treatment, so if you notice jaw clicking or discomfort, we can factor that into the conversation. If aligners aren't the best match, we'll explain why and talk through braces or other options.
What happens during clear aligner treatment?
Treatment begins with a consultation and records, followed by a series of custom trays and periodic check-ins with our team. We'll explain how often to switch trays and what to expect at each stage, so nothing feels like a surprise.
Early on, a new tray may feel snug for a day or two as your teeth adjust. That pressure is a normal sign the aligners are working. At follow-up visits, we check that teeth are moving as planned and make adjustments when needed. For West Hills patients balancing work, school, and family schedules, fewer emergency fixes are a practical advantage, since there are no brackets to break or wires to poke. If something does come up, we offer emergency dental appointments.
How do I care for my aligners and keep my results?
Caring for aligners is straightforward. Remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water, brush your teeth before putting them back in, and rinse and clean the trays regularly so they stay clear and fresh.
Once your teeth reach their new positions, a retainer helps keep them there. Teeth naturally tend to drift over time, so wearing your retainer as directed is the most important thing you can do to protect your investment. Keep up with routine cleanings and exams with us, too. Healthy teeth and gums support a stable result.
How can I pay for clear aligners?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we're happy to help you understand how your coverage may apply to orthodontic care. Benefits vary by plan, so we'll review the details with you before treatment starts.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who prefer to spread out the cost. During your consultation, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team will walk you through your options so you can make a confident decision. If you live in West Hills and have been thinking about straightening your teeth, give 805 Dentistry a call to schedule a clear aligner consultation.