Clear Aligners FAQ

DENTAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO CLEAR ALIGNERS

Dental cavities

Gum disease

Missing teeth

Wisdom teeth

Dental implants

What are Even28 clear aligners?

Even28 clear aligners are a series of custom-designed, BPA-free clear plastic trays. Our clear aligners are 3-D printed as a series. Each clear aligner moves your teeth a fraction of a millimeter until your teeth settle into their ideal position. Clear aligners straighten your teeth for a more beautiful and radiant smile.

What are Even28 clear aligners made from?

Our clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic. They are safe and non-allergenic. We pay particular attention to design our clear aligners so they don't irritate your cheeks or gums. The results are aligners that provide for maximum comfort, safety, and efficiency to give you the best end-results.

How are Even28 clear aligners made?

Each set of clear aligner is custom designed from moldings or scans of your teeth. Your dentist sends impressions or intra-oral scans of your upper and lower teeth to our lab. These are then transferred into our computer and analyzed by a technician. The technician follows your dentist's prescription to create a clear aligner program for your smile. Once your doctor approves this treatment, your clear aligners are 3-D printed and delivered to you or your dentist. It's that simple!

How do Even28 clear aligners straighten teeth?

Our clear aligners are 3-D printed as a series of progressive teeth aligners. Each clear aligner is designed to move your teeth just a fraction of a millimeter. As you wear each consecutive clear aligner, your teeth gradually move into their desired position. Once you complete wearing your clear aligner series, your teeth settle into their final position. Clear aligners straighten your teeth in a similar way as braces do. However, there's no need to wear metal brackets or wires. Generally, clear aligners are more comfortable than braces. Plus, you can remove your clear aligners to eat, drink, or clear your teeth.

How do I know if I qualify for Even28 clear aligners?

You must schedule a consultation with a participating Even28 Clear Aligner provider dentist or orthodontist. Most participating providers offer two clear aligner programs:
(a) Even28 at-home™: This clear aligner program is designed for fixing simple orthodontic conditions. These include fixing minor teeth crowding or closing small gaps between your teeth. You will be given a set of aligners that you wear at home and there are no additional dentist visits until you finish your program.
(b) Invisalign®: This clear aligner program is designed for more advanced orthodontic corrections. These include fixing severe teeth crowding, bite corrections, and deep bites. Invisalign® clear aligners require frequent dentist monitoring and supervision which includes several trips to the dentist throughout the course of your program.

Can I wear clear aligners if I have dental cavities?

Nope! You have to fix your cavities before starting your clear aligner program. Every time you start any type of orthodontic treatment, you must make sure that your mouth is cavity-free. After all, you don't want to end up with a toothache right in the middle of your treatment! Discuss fixing your cavities with your dentist before starting your clear aligner treatment.

Can I start clear aligner therapy if I have gum disease?

No way! You must get your gum disease under control before you start your clear aligner program. Gum disease is a serious dental condition and the number one cause of tooth loss among the adult population. You never want to start moving teeth if the supporting gum and bone structure are infected. Luckily, reversing gum disease is oftentimes as easy as getting a thorough dental cleaning. Your dentist will assess your gum status before starting your clear aligner treatment.

Can I wear clear aligners if I have one or more missing teeth?

You can! Clear aligners are designed to work even if you have one or more missing teeth. Of course, we recommend that you replace your missing teeth as soon as your clear aligner program is complete. If you can't replace your missing teeth right away, then be sure to wear your retainers every day. Otherwise, your straight teeth slowly shift into these gaps and become crooked again. Talk to your dentist about replacing your missing teeth after completing your clear aligner therapy.

Can I start clear aligner therapy if I still have my wisdom teeth?

In most cases, you can. Before starting clear aligner treatment your dentist will check your wisdom teeth status. If your dentist recommends that you remove your wisdom teeth, then you should do so. You can start wearing your clear aligners a few weeks after removing your wisdom teeth. On the other hand, if your dentist determines that you should keep your wisdom teeth, then you can start your clear aligner program right away. Just be sure to wear your retainers every day if you still have wisdom teeth. Otherwise, your wisdom teeth push on your neighboring teeth and make them become crooked again.

Can I wear clear aligners if I have a dental implant?

Having a dental implant in your mouth is not a deal-breaker. As long as your dentist knows not to move the implant, you should be okay. You can't move dental implants the way you move natural teeth. Therefore, your dentist will design your clear aligner program to works around your dental implant(s). If you have multiple dental implants, like a mouth full of implants, then obviously you won't qualify for clear aligners. You should probably consider crowns or porcelain veneers as an alternative way to straighten your smile. Keep in mind that it's always best to place dental implants after completing your clear aligner program.

How do I schedule my initial consultation?

You need to find a participating Even28 clear aligner provider near you. Use our dentist Search Engine to find a dentist near you and search for one that offers Even28 at-home™. Give your dentist a call or fill out an online consultation request with your dentist. Now all you have to do is show up to your appointment and start your new smile journey!

What should I expect during my clear aligner consultation?

Your clear aligner consult includes everything you need to get started with your Even28 Clear Aligner program. This includes:

  • Assessment of your medical and dental history
  • Evaluation of your teeth and gums to see if you qualify for clear aligners
  • Comprehensive orthodontic exam and bite evaluation
  • Scans or impressions of your teeth to treatment plan your clear aligner program

How much does my Even28 clear aligner consult cost?

Each participating Even28 clear aligner provider has his or her own consultation fee. Contact dentists near you to find out more about how much they charge for their consultation.

What happens if I can't make it to my appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule please contact your dentist as soon as possible.  As a courtesy, most dentists request that you give them at least a 24-hour notice when canceling your appointment (some have a 2 to 3-day cancelation policy). Try not to cancel too many times as your dentist reserves the right to refuse to treat you. If you are unable to keep regular appointments, then you should highly consider going with the Even28 at-home™ program (if eligible). In contrast to traditional clear aligner programs, Even28 at-home™ requires only an initial and final visit to your dentist. You wear your clear aligners at home and there are no additional mandatory dentist visits.

How do I wear my clear aligners?

Wearing clear aligners is pretty straight forward. You'll get used to them in no time. Each clear aligner is numbered, for example, tray #1 of 10, #2 or 10, and so forth. Wear each set of clear aligners for at least 21 hours a day for 2 weeks straight. Only remove your clear aligners to eat, drink (water is okay), or clean your teeth. There are 3 different ways to wear your clear aligners: full-time wear, nighttime only, and daytime only. To learn more about the different ways to wear your clear aligners click here. Also, if you switch to your new aligner and it's extremely painful, you have the option of wearing your previous set for an additional 2 to 3 days. However, if after one week you still can't wear your new aligners, then you need to contact your dentist.

What should I do with my old clear aligners?

Always keep your old aligners. Store them in their package in the correct sequence. How come? Occasionally, you may have to go back to wearing an old aligner per your dentist's recommendation. Also, your teeth may shift again in the future and you may want to go back to wearing your last 3 to 4 aligners to straighten them. So be sure to keep your clear aligners in a safe place. This way, you can reuse them in the future if ever needed.

How long does it take to straighten my smile with clear aligners?

Clear aligner treatment times vary significantly depending on how much tooth movement is required. For example, a simple case could be finished in just 3 to 4 months, whereas a complicated case takes 1 to 2 years. If you want to straighten your teeth even faster, be sure to choose our Even28 Express program. Even28 Express straightens your teeth faster because each aligner moves your teeth a tiny bit more than traditional aligners. On average, Even28 Express cuts down 35% on your treatment times!

Keep in mind, patience is key to proper orthodontic treatment. Don't rush getting through your clear aligners. Moving teeth too fast causes damage to your teeth, jawbone, and it could even screw up your bite relationship. Plus, moving your teeth too fast increases your chances of suffering from orthodontic relapse. This means your teeth shift back to their pre-treatment position after treatment is over. This explains why your dentist always recommends that you wear each clear aligner for at least 2 weeks. Two weeks is the least amount of time it takes for your teeth to settle into their new position. Talk to your dentist to learn more about how you can safely and quickly straighten your smile.

What does it feel like to wear clear aligners?

Clear aligners feel very tight at the beginning. Aligners aren't like bleaching trays and they grip your teeth very firmly as they shift them into their new position. Therefore, wearing clear aligners can be a bit painful at first and takes some getting used to. Luckily, clear aligners are much simpler to get used to as compared to braces. If needed, use your outie or chewie tool in your Even28 SmileBox to seat or remove your new aligners.  Ask your dentist for assistance if you have any other questions about how to wear your aligners.

What should I do if my clear aligners are painful?

Wearing a new set of clear aligners could be a bit painful, especially if this is your first time going through ortho. Tooth movement always causes some discomfort. After all, if there's no pain then there's no tooth movement. Luckily, the pain usually subsides after the first couple of days. Try drinking cold water or sodas to help relieve the pain during this time. If necessary, take a Tylenol or Advil. Be patient and you'll get used to your clear aligners before you know it.

How much does Even28 at-home™ cost?

If you qualify for Even28 at-home™ clear aligners,  your cost is a fixed $1,995, regardless of which dentist you choose to go to. If you don't qualify, then you may have to go with Invisalign® or braces instead. Your dentist will help you decide which clear aligner program is best for your needs. Schedule a consultation with a provider near you to see how you can straighten your smile.

How can I pay for my clear aligner program?

Most dentists offer several different payment options to help you afford your clear aligner program. Most participating dentists accept major credit cards, debit cards, FHA allowance, PayPal, and other forms of payment. Many offer affordable monthly payment plans for those interested in financing their treatment. To learn more about your different payment options, visit an Even28 clear aligner provider near you today.

Do Even28 clear aligner providers offer payment plan options?

Yes, almost all participating Even28 clear aligner providers offer affordable monthly payment plan options. Your monthly payments could be as little as $50 a month with your good credit. To learn more about different payment options, find an Even28 clear aligner provider near you.

Will my dental insurance cover clear aligners?

Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Clear aligner coverage falls under orthodontic treatment. Some dental insurance plans have limited orthodontic coverage. If this is the case, then you may get reimbursed for a part of your clear aligner treatment. Be sure to let your Even28 clear aligner provider know if you have dental insurance. They will help you bill your insurance for treatment. A fair number of patients receive significant reimbursement checks for clear aligner treatment.

Can I pay with HSA or FSA?

Sure you can! Nearly all participating Even28 clear aligner provider dentists accept these payment options. Simply process your HSA or FSA card as you would any other credit card. Your Even28 clear aligner provider should be able to assist you with processing your payment. 

How do I request a refund?

Refund requests must be approved by your treating Even28 clear aligner provider. Full refunds require approval from your treating dentist as well as Even28 corporate office. Full refunds are typically only available prior to manufacturing your clear aligners (other than exceptional circumstances). Once your clear aligners have been manufactured, partial refunds are made on a per need basis. The first step in requesting a refund is to talk to your provider to see if they can remedy the situation. If you need further assistance then please email us at admin@even28.com. Be thorough and explain all the circumstances surrounding your request. We will make a decision within 90 days and issue a full or partial refund whenever appropriate.

Who designs my clear aligner treatment?

Your dentist or orthodontist design your treatment. During your initial consultation, your dentist will fill out a prescription that communicates all necessary details to our laboratory. We follow your dentist's prescription to design your EvenCheck. Our EvenCheck is a computer animation of your projected tooth movement. You will receive an email (optional) that shows your projected tooth movement.  Once your dentist has approved your clear aligner program, our lab starts manufacturing your teeth aligners. We ship them out to your dentist so you can start straightening your pearly whites!

How long is the typical clear aligner treatment time?

Clear aligner treatment times vary significantly depending on how much tooth movement is required. Treatment can be as short as 3 months or as long as two years, sometimes even longer. Once we design your EvenCheck, your 3D tooth movement projection, we can give you a better estimate of how long your treatment will take. Treatment times also depend on how often you're wearing your clear aligners. For example, if your treatment requires 10 clear aligners, then treatment will take 5 months if you wear your aligners full-time method. If you wear your clears nighttime only method, then your expect treatment time will be 10 months, or basically twice as long.

Can I only wear upper aligners or lower aligners?

Typically not. We generally like to treat the upper and lower teeth together. This is because as teeth move in one arch, they affect the way your teeth touch. It's important to make sure that your teeth are touching properly once treatment is complete. Therefore, we prefer treating your top and bottom teeth together. Of course, there's a good chance you finish one arch before the other one. For example, you may need 15 aligners to straighten your lower teeth but only 8 aligners to fix your upper teeth which are in better shape.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Each dentist has a comfort level, so the minimum age varies from provider to provider. Generally, the minimum age to qualify for clear aligner treatment is 13 years old. Most providers won't start your clear aligner treatment until all of your baby teeth have fallen out. You must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during all of your appointments if you're underage. Some dentists will refer you out to an orthodontist if you're too young to be treated by them.

What if I'm not satisfied with the results?

Our goal is to make sure that all of our patients achieve the smile of their dreams. We're here to help you out in case you're not satisfied with the end results. Talk to your dentist first. You could be eligible for additional clear aligners (corrective aligners) to continue your smile journey for a bit longer. Often times this problem can be fixed simply by wearing a few additional clears. If you need further assistance, email us at admin@even28.com and we'll help you out.

What other accessories do you offer alongside your clear aligner programs?

In addition to Even28 at-home™, we also offer other accessories to help improve your oral health. The best part is we make these accessories using your initial scans or impressions! This means that your accessories arrive in the same package as your clear aligners and you don't need scan or impression. Yay! Plus, many providers offer additional discounts on accessories when purchased alongside your clear aligner program. Here's a list of the most common dental accessories which you might consider purchasing alongside your clear aligner program:

  • Custom nightguard
  • Custom whitening trays
  • Custom athletic mouthguard
  • Retainers (removable and fixed)

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How much do removable retainers cost?

You need to wear your retainers once your treatment is complete. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift back to their pre-treatment position. Retainers help keep your teeth in their desired position. Talk to your dentist to purchase a set of retainers to go along with your clear aligner program. Click here to learn more about how retainers work and how you should use them.

How much does a custom nightguard cost?

 

Each participating dentist sets his or her fees for a custom nightguard. Consider purchasing a custom nightguard as part of your clear aligner program if you need one. Not only will you enjoy additional discounts, but you won't have to take an additional impression or scan just to receive your nightguard. Your custom nightguard will arrive in the same package as your clear aligners. Click here to learn more about custom nightguards to see if you could benefit from purchasing one.

 

How much do whitening trays cost?

Custom teeth whitening trays, or custom trays, are plastic trays used to deliver bleach to brighten your smile. Custom trays can whiten your teeth, plus, they can be reused over and over again. All you need is some more bleaching gel and you're good to go! You can purchase custom whitening trays alongside your clear aligner program from your dentist. This way, you will have straighter and whiter teeth. To learn more about custom bleaching trays click here.

How much does an athletic mouthguard cost?

Mouthguards are used to protect your mouth in case of a sport injury. Custom mouthguards are much more effective at protecting your teeth and skull during serious accidents. You can purchase a custom mouthguard alongside your clear aligner program should you need one. Each participating dentist sets his or her own fees for athletic mouthguards. Click here to learn more about custom mouthguards to see if you could benefit from purchasing one.

How much do fixed retainers cost?

Fixed retainers are an alternative to removable retainers. They are used for more complicated orthodontic cases, cases where compliance is an issue (teenagers?), and cases where the patient still has his or her wisdom teeth. Each participating dentist sets his or her fees for fixed retainers. Click here to learn more about the different types of retainers to see which type is best for your needs.