Clear aligners offer a removable option for gradual tooth movement without metal brackets.
Kentfield Dental is seeing patients at a temporary office in Mill Valley while the Kentfield office is under renovation. The practice cares for families across Marin County and the Bay Area. Dr. Soroush Ghaffarpour, DDS writes these notes.
What clear aligners actually do
Clear aligners are thin, custom trays that fit over your teeth and apply gentle pressure to shift them into better positions over time. Each tray is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next in the series. Treatment is planned with digital scans so the dentist can map the exact path of movement.
The trays come out for meals and brushing, which makes daily routines simpler than with fixed braces. They are nearly invisible, so many adults and teens choose them when appearance matters. Dr. Soroush Ghaffarpour oversees the digital planning and progress checks at Kentfield Dental.
Who tends to benefit most
This approach works well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues that do not require major jaw changes. Patients in Mill Valley and the wider Marin County area often ask about it when they want to avoid noticeable hardware during work or school. Results depend on consistent wear, usually twenty to twenty-two hours a day.
The Bay Area lifestyle fits the removable design because trays can be taken out for sports or special events. Not every case qualifies, so an exam determines whether aligners are the right fit.
Keeping the result in place
After active treatment, custom-fit retainers in clear, Hawley, or bonded styles hold the new tooth positions. Regular check-ins help catch any small shifts early. To learn more or schedule a visit, call (415) 456-5402. Patients are seen at the temporary office in Mill Valley while the Kentfield office is under renovation.
The bottom line: Clear aligners give a practical path to a straighter smile when guided by consistent dental oversight.
Frequently asked questions
Most cases finish in six to eighteen months, though each plan differs based on the starting alignment and how closely the trays are worn.
The trays are smooth and custom-made, so most patients report only mild pressure for the first day or two of each new tray.
Yes, the trays come out for meals so there are no food restrictions, but brushing before reinserting them keeps the aligners clear.