Smile Shapers Clear Aligners – Granger, IN

Easy & Convenient Orthodontic Treatment

Millions of people struggle with the unpleasant consequences of dental misalignment. If you are among them, you might be thinking about getting clear aligners to straighten your teeth without the hassles that come with old-fashioned brackets and wires. Here at Granger Dental Group, our team is proud to offer Smile Shapers — an easy and convenient orthodontic treatment that might be just what you need to achieve your goals for your teeth. Read more about it on this page, and then contact us when you are ready to book a consultation.

Beautiful woman holding Smile Shapers aligner

Why Choose Granger Dental Group for Smile Shapers?

Discreet Orthodontic Treatment
Advanced Dental Technology
Knowledgeable & Friendly Team

How Smile Shapers Works

Smiling dental patient holding clear aligner

The way Smile Shapers work is similar to what you would expect from other types of clear aligners. After we verify your candidacy for treatment, we will scan your teeth to create a digital impression. Your series of custom aligners will be fabricated, and then you can start wearing them. You should use each set for around two weeks, wearing it 20 – 22 hours each day, before you move forward with the next aligners. Many patients are done with their treatment in 12 months or so, but your case may require more or less time — it depends on the details of your situation.

Who Can Smile Shapers Help?

Illustration of clear aligner above misaligned teeth

Smile Shapers are a great choice for many patients who have mild to moderate cases of dental misalignment. So, if you are ready to have the straight teeth and confident smile that you’ve always wanted, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team at Granger Dental Group! In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few specific examples of issues that this clear aligner treatment is commonly used to address.

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Crowded Teeth

In addition to negatively impacting your self-esteem, crowded, overlapping teeth can trap food between them, increasing your risk of dental decay and gum disease. If you’re wondering if Smile Shapers can fix crowded teeth, we have good news: the answer is usually “yes.” So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our office! From there, we can determine if we can use clear aligners to shift your teeth so that each one has enough space to function optimally.

Gaps Between Teeth

Woman’s smile with gap between front teeth

Unfortunately, large spaces between the teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to harm and interfere with your bite. Not only that, but they can make it difficult to smile confidently. We do have a solution, though: Smile Shapers. If you’re a good candidate, then we can create a custom series of clear aligners to move your teeth closer together. The best part? No metal brackets or wires are needed, so the process will be discreet and comfortable!

Overbite

Different types of malocclusions, such as overbites, can affect the way your mouth feels and functions. That’s why we advise against putting off orthodontic treatment. Instead, we recommend coming to our dental office in Granger so we can assess the severity of your case and determine if Smile Shapers are right for you. If the answer is “yes,” then aligning your bite and straightening your teeth won’t involve any metal.

Underbite

When you bite down, do your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones? If so, you may have an underbite. Sadly, even relatively mild cases can make it difficult to enunciate clearly, chew properly, and smile confidently. However, if you’re a candidate for Smile Shapers, then we can align your bite, improving everything from your self-esteem to your oral health in the process.

Crossbite

If only a few of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones, then you likely have a crossbite, not an underbite. Unfortunately, the repercussions are often the same (i.e., chronic jaw pain, premature wear, trouble smiling confidently). For that reason, we strongly recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options, like Smile Shapers.

Open Bite

Another common bite problem is an open bite, which is when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you bite down. If you think that you may have this orthodontic problem, then take the next step: schedule an appointment with our team at Granger Dental Group! The sooner you do, the sooner we can determine if Smile Shapers is an option.

The Benefits of Smile Shapers

Smiling woman holding clear aligner, standing against gray background

Some of the most outstanding benefits of Smile Shapers include:

On average, treatment takes just 12 – 18 months from start to finish.
Because the aligners are removable, you will be able to eat all of your favorite foods without worrying about how they will affect your treatment.
The removability of the aligners makes it easy to brush and floss your teeth.
Smile Shapers checkup appointments are quick and easy.
The aligners are made out of a smooth type of thermoplastic that is designed to rest comfortably against sensitive soft tissues in the mouth.
There are no metal parts, so Smile Shapers are great for patients with allergies and sensitivities.

Understanding the Cost of Smile Shapers

Patient using phone to pay for dental treatment

Most patients end up paying at least a few thousand dollars. That said, the cost of Smile Shapers depends on a few factors, including the extent of your dental misalignment. During your consultation, we can discuss some specific numbers with you and help you understand your payment options. Our team is eager to help you navigate the financial aspect of your care so paying for your treatment involves as little stress as possible. So, don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about the cost of clear aligner treatment.

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Factors That Affect the Cost of Smile Shapers

We mentioned above one of the biggest factors that impact the cost: how mild or severe the existing orthodontic problems are. A few other factors we need to consider are whether any preliminary treatments are needed, if rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories need to be added to your treatment plan, and the type of retainer needed to keep your teeth and bite in their proper places. Again, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost at your consultation, and we will review the financial solutions we welcome to make the price more affordable.

Smile Shapers vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?

Mail-order aligner companies almost always charge less. Why? Well, it’s not out of the kindness of their own hearts. The treatment process looks vastly different since they skip the initial consultation, rely on DIY impressions, and don’t have licensed dental professionals overseeing the teeth-straightening process. So, if you are considering opting for a mail-order alternative, don’t!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Smile Shapers?

Many patients are surprised to hear that some dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment. It’s true! Of course, there is also quite a bit of red tape that needs to be considered, including annual maximums, yearly deductibles, and waiting periods. That’s why it’s so important to review the fine print on your plan carefully. If you need any help understanding your benefits, let us know! We’re proud to be in-network with several popular plans, including Aetna PPO and Cigna PPO.

Options for Making Smile Shapers Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry! We offer two additional financial solutions to our patients in Granger. Here’s a little more information about each:

Flexible Financing – With CareCredit, you can space out the cost of your orthodontic treatment into smaller chunks that fit within your monthly budget (without high interest attached too!).
In-House Savings Plan – With our in-house plan, you can enjoy the same discounts offered by traditional insurance, but without the red tape, like the waiting periods and annual maximums.

Smile Shapers FAQs

How are Smile Shapers different from Invisalign and other types of clear aligners?

In many ways, the Smile Shapers system is very similar to Invisalign. Both use clear aligner trays, and both are made based off of high-tech digital scans of each patient’s teeth. Both are very effective, discreet, and convenient.

With that being said, there are some minor differences. For example, the aligner trays may be made of different types of plastic. Things like cost and treatment instructions might also be slightly different. (Smile Shapers is often more affordable than Invisalign.)

Who is a candidate for Smile Shapers?

Our team will be happy to help you determine if you are a candidate for Smile Shapers. Generally speaking, individuals who qualify for this treatment:

Have mild to moderate dental misalignment.
Want clear, discreet treatment.
Have good dental care habits.
Do not smoke.
Are committed to wearing their aligners for the required 20 – 22 hours each day.
Understand the commitment of time and money required for the treatment.

Can you eat with while wearing Smile Shapers trays?

No, you should never eat while your Smile Shapers trays are in your mouth. Doing so could stain or warp the aligners. You may even get food particles trapped in them, which would increase your risk of decay, gum disease, and bad breath. The only thing you should consume while wearing the aligners is plain water.

When it is time for a meal, simply take your Smile Shapers out of your mouth, consume your food, care for your oral hygiene, and then place the aligner trays back on your teeth.

How do I take Smile Shapers trays out of my mouth?

Easily removing Smile Shapers trays takes a bit of practice! Here are some tips that may help:

Start with dry hands so you can grip the aligners. You could also use a paper towel to grip them.
Start at the back of your mouth. Remove the aligner from one molar, then do the same on the other side of your mouth. Work your way forward until you can easily pull the aligner away.
Wait until your mouth is warm. If you were just sipping on cold water, wait until your mouth warms up; this makes the plastic a bit easier to work with.
Use a tool. Tools are available from Amazon and other retailers that make it easier to remove clear aligners.

What should I do if one of my Smile Shapers trays breaks?

Call our Granger team right away if one of your trays breaks. We may advise one of the following:

Continue to use the tray. This may be possible only if the damage is very minor.
Wear a previous tray. This will prevent your teeth from drifting out of place while we order a replacement for the broken aligner.
Move ahead to your next tray. In some cases, it is safe to skip to a new aligner a few days ahead of schedule. (Do not do this without permission from our team. Moving forward too early could cause significant discomfort. Plus, the new tray might not even fit!)