Orthodontics has come a long way. While traditional braces continue to be a trusted and effective option, the introduction of clear aligners added a whole new level of convenience and flexibility. They’ve become a go-to for people looking for a more discreet, removable solution to straighten their teeth.
But how did this innovation come about? And how have clear aligners evolved into the custom, high-tech trays we see today?
Let’s rewind and take a closer look at where it all started and where it’s heading.
The Bright Idea That Started It All
In 1997, two Stanford students named Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth were thinking outside the box. With no dental background, they imagined a new way to move teeth using digital modeling and a series of clear trays. Their vision became Invisalign, and by 1999, their company, Align Technology, had launched the first-ever fully digital clear alignersystem.
It was a big shift from what the dental world was used to. For the first time, patients could straighten their teeth with a treatment that didn’t require metal brackets or wires. The concept was new, but it didn’t take long to catch on.
Invisalign Becomes a Household Name
Invisalign led the charge and quickly became the most recognized name in clear aligners. Using digital scans, software-driven planning, and clear plastic trays, Invisalign gave patients a new kind of orthodontic experience.
Over the years, the technology improved, and the brand became a go-to for people wanting a straighter smile with less interruption to their daily life. Invisalign opened the door but as technology advanced, other innovations followed.
The Rise of In-House Clear Aligners
Today, many dental practices are using that same foundational idea but producing clear aligners in-house. With high-resolution scanners, 3D printers, and orthodontic software available to dental teams, custom aligners can now be created right inside the practice.
This gives dentists more control over the entire process and gives patients faster access to treatment.
Why In-House Clear Aligners Work So Well
Patients love this approach for a few key reasons:
Faster treatment starts:
Since scanning, planning, and production all happen on-site, your first aligners can be ready in just a few days.
A more personalized experience:
Your dentist designs your plan and tracks your progress directly, giving you hands-on care from start to finish.
Affordable Monthly Payments Starting at $120
One of the biggest surprises for many people is how affordable clear aligners have become. Some dental practices offer in-house financing with payments starting at just $120 per month, depending on insurance coverage, deposit, and treatment length.
This makes it much easier to start treatment without waiting or stressing over cost.
Looking for Clear Aligners in Bentonville?
At Restore Modern Dentistry, we offer custom, in-house clear aligners designed to be fast, effective, and affordable. We use digital technology to scan, plan, and fabricate trays right in our Bentonville office. You get professional oversight and monthly payment plans as low as $120 after the initial deposit.
Whether you’re just starting to explore orthodontic options or ready to begin your smile transformation, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Let’s Talk Smiles
If you’ve been thinking about clear aligners, now is a great time to schedule a consultation. At Restore Modern Dentistry, we make the process easy, the pricing clear, and the results worth smiling about.
Your new smile could be just a few trays away.