Clear Braces in Albuquerque
Straighter Teeth. No Metal Required.
Custom removable aligners that gradually straighten your smile — discreet enough that most people won't even notice you're wearing them.
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces — also called invisible braces or clear aligners — are a series of custom-made, removable mouth trays that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move them into proper alignment.
Unlike traditional metal braces with their visible wires and brackets, clear braces are made from smooth, transparent plastic that blends with the natural color of your teeth. From a normal conversational distance, they're practically undetectable — which is one of the main reasons they've become one of the most popular orthodontic options for both teenagers and adults.
At Osuna Dental Care, Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham use detailed 3D digital impressions of your teeth to design a precise sequence of custom trays. Each tray is shaped to match the exact contours of your smile at that stage of treatment, creating a controlled, progressive movement from your current alignment toward your final result.
You switch to a new tray approximately every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift. The trays are worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day — removed only for eating and brushing — to keep your treatment on track.
Clear braces are versatile enough to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns. However they're not a universal replacement for traditional braces — patients with complex or severe alignment issues may be better served with a different approach. We'll give you an honest recommendation after your initial evaluation.
Your Treatment at a Glance
How your aligner journey progresses from first impression to final smile.
Orthodontic Issues Clear Braces Can Treat
Clear braces are effective for mild to moderate alignment issues. Here's a breakdown of the most common conditions we address at Osuna Dental Care.
Crowded Teeth
When there isn't enough room in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly, they overlap and rotate. Clear braces gradually create spacing by moving individual teeth into their correct positions.
Mild–ModerateGap Teeth (Spacing)
Gaps between teeth can result from missing teeth, undersized teeth or simply jaw-to-tooth size discrepancies. Clear aligners gently close these spaces over the course of treatment.
Mild–ModerateOverbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly over the lower teeth. Clear braces can correct mild to moderate overbites by repositioning both the upper and lower arches.
Mild–ModerateUnderbite
When the lower teeth extend further forward than the upper teeth. Clear braces address mild underbites by moving the lower teeth back or the upper teeth forward into better alignment.
Mild OnlyCrossbite
A crossbite is when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Left untreated it can cause uneven wear and jaw discomfort. Clear aligners can correct certain types of crossbite.
Mild–ModerateOpen Bite
When the upper and lower front teeth don't touch when biting down, creating a gap even with the mouth closed. Clear braces can address open bites caused by tooth positioning rather than skeletal structure.
Depends on SeverityHow Clear Braces Actually Move Your Teeth
Clear aligners work on the same biological principle as traditional braces — controlled pressure over time — just with a more comfortable and invisible delivery system.
Controlled Pressure
Each tray is engineered to apply a precise, calibrated amount of force to specific teeth. This pressure is distributed gently across the tooth surface — no wires tightening against metal brackets.
Bone Remodeling
The applied force tightens the periodontal ligaments and stimulates bone resorption on one side of the tooth root and new bone formation on the other — allowing the tooth to move through the jaw safely.
Sequential Staging
Each tray moves teeth just a fraction of a millimeter before the next tray takes over. This incremental sequencing — designed using specialized software — ensures precise movement and predictable results.
3D Scan & Impressions
Detailed digital images and molds map the exact current state of your teeth, bite and jaw.
Custom Tray Design
Specialized software creates a sequence of trays — each one incrementally closer to your goal alignment.
Wear & Progress
You wear each tray for ~2 weeks, then progress to the next. Checkups every 6–8 weeks confirm movement.
Final Smile + Retainer
Treatment complete — a retainer maintains your results by preventing natural relapse over time.
Four Reasons Patients Choose Clear Braces
Removable — Full Freedom
Clear braces come out for every meal and snack — no food restrictions, no awkward flossing around wires. You clean your teeth normally, which keeps oral hygiene far simpler than traditional braces allow. Just pop them back in after brushing.
Virtually Invisible
The smooth, clear plastic blends with your natural tooth color. From a normal conversational distance they're nearly impossible to detect — making them the preferred choice for professionals, adults and anyone who'd rather keep their orthodontic treatment private.
Comfortable to Wear
No metal wires to poke your cheeks, no brackets to irritate your gums. The smooth plastic edges are gentle against soft tissue. When switching to a new tray you may feel mild pressure for a day — that's the aligners working, not pain from hardware.
Suitable for Teens & Adults
Clear braces work for a wide age range — from teenagers managing school and social life to adults in professional environments. Their discretion makes them the go-to option for anyone who doesn't want their orthodontic treatment on display. Pair them with teeth whitening for a complete smile transformation.
Are Clear Braces Right for You?
Clear braces work beautifully for the right patient — and the key factors are the complexity of your orthodontic needs and your willingness to commit to the 22-hour wear requirement.
Patients who see the best results tend to be consistent wearers who treat the trays as non-negotiable — not optional. The flexibility to remove them is a feature, not a loophole.
✓ You're likely a great fit if you...
- Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing or bite issues
- Want an option that's discreet in professional or social settings
- Can commit to wearing trays for 22 hours per day consistently
- Prefer removable treatment for lifestyle flexibility
- Are a teenager or adult looking for a comfortable orthodontic option
⚠ Traditional braces may serve you better if you...
- Have severe crowding, large bite discrepancies or complex skeletal issues
- Know you'll struggle to wear the trays consistently for 22 hours
- Need significant tooth rotation or vertical movement
- Require orthodontic work in preparation for implant placement
How to Get Started at Osuna Dental Care
The process from your first call to your first tray is straightforward. Here's exactly what to expect.
Most major dental insurances are accepted — including Delta Dental, Aetna, MetLife, BCBS and more. Flexible financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit is available to make treatment accessible.
Clear Braces Questions — Answered
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case. Minor alignment issues may resolve in as little as 6 months. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 18 months. Each set of trays is typically worn for about two weeks before moving to the next stage. You'll see your alignment improving steadily throughout the process.
You remove your clear braces before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. This means zero food restrictions — eat whatever you like. Just brush your teeth before reinserting the trays to avoid trapping food or staining the plastic. This is one of the biggest quality-of-life advantages over traditional braces.
Clear braces must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day to achieve the best results. The two hours of flexibility are intended for meals and oral hygiene. Wearing them for significantly fewer hours will slow your treatment progress or cause teeth to drift back — which is why commitment to the wear schedule is the single most important factor in your outcome.
For mild to moderate orthodontic issues, clear braces are highly effective and can achieve results comparable to traditional metal braces. For more complex cases — severe crowding, large bite discrepancies or significant skeletal problems — traditional braces may produce better outcomes. Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham will recommend the right approach based on your specific needs during your evaluation.
Clear braces are generally far more comfortable than metal braces — no wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks or gums. When switching to a new tray you may feel mild pressure for a day or two. This is completely normal and simply means the aligners are doing their job. The discomfort is typically very manageable and much milder than what traditional braces users experience during adjustments.
Clear braces are ideal for teenagers and adults with mild to moderate alignment issues — including crowded teeth, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Patients who want a discreet treatment and can commit to wearing trays for 22 hours per day tend to see the best results. Those with severe orthodontic needs may be better served with traditional braces — we'll give you an honest recommendation at your consultation.
Your Straighter Smile
Starts with One Visit.
New patients receive a complimentary exam, consult and 3D scan. We'll tell you honestly whether clear braces are the right fit — or if another option serves you better.
📍 5900 Cubero Dr NE STE B, Albuquerque, NM 87109