CANDIDPRO CLEAR ALIGNERS · ST. GEORGE, UTAH
Clear Aligners in St. George
A Straighter Smile Without Putting Your Life on Hold
If you would like straighter teeth but aren’t excited about traditional braces, clear aligners may be a good option.
Clear aligners are thin, removable trays that gradually guide your teeth into better positions. They’re discreet, easy to remove for meals and designed to fit into normal daily life.
At Desert Radiance Dental, I use the CandidPro clear aligner system. Your treatment begins with an in-person examination and a personalized plan. I’ll monitor your progress throughout treatment and make sure we’re moving your teeth in a way that supports both your smile and your bite.
The goal isn’t simply to make your teeth look straighter. It’s to help them function better and hold up well over time.
—Dr. Spencer Richards
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays to move your teeth a little at a time.
You’ll wear each set for the amount of time I prescribe before moving to the next one. Every aligner represents another step toward the position we planned at the beginning of treatment.
The trays are removable, but they only work when you wear them consistently.
That is the deal with clear aligners: they’re very convenient, but they do require your cooperation. They can straighten your teeth while sitting in their case about as well as a treadmill can improve your fitness while holding laundry.
Why I Use CandidPro
There are several clear aligner brands available. I chose CandidPro because it combines custom aligner treatment with professional oversight and convenient progress monitoring.
Your treatment begins here in the office. I’ll examine your teeth and gums, evaluate your bite and collect the records needed to plan your case.
CandidPro also gives me access to support from a licensed orthodontist during treatment planning. Together, we can design a plan based on your specific alignment and bite concerns.
Once treatment begins, CandidPro’s monitoring technology allows you to send regular scans of your teeth through an app. That helps me see how your teeth are tracking between office visits.
If everything looks right, you can continue as planned. If something needs attention, I can identify it and decide whether we should adjust the schedule or see you in the office.
The technology is helpful, but it doesn’t replace the doctor. I’m still responsible for your care and available when you need me.
What Can Clear Aligners Correct?
Clear aligners can help with many common alignment concerns, including:
01
Crowded teeth
02
Small or moderate gaps
03
Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
04
Certain overbites
05
Certain underbites
06
Crossbites
07
Open bites
08
Rotated or uneven teeth
09
Teeth that are difficult to floss
10
Uneven wear caused by tooth position
11
Mild to more involved bite concerns
Clear aligners aren’t the right tool for every orthodontic problem. Some cases are better treated with traditional braces or by an orthodontist.
I’ll tell you honestly whether I believe CandidPro can give you a predictable result. If a specialist is the better choice, I’ll help you make that connection.
Straighter Teeth Aren’t Only About Appearance
Most people first become interested in clear aligners because they want a more confident smile. That’s a perfectly good reason.
But alignment also affects how your teeth work.
Teeth that don’t fit together well may be more likely to:
- Wear unevenly
- Chip along the edges
- Trap food and plaque
- Be difficult to floss
- Place excess pressure on certain teeth
- Shift over time
- Make it harder to maintain healthy gums
Sometimes the tooth that keeps chipping doesn’t need another patch. It needs less pressure hitting it every day.
When I evaluate your smile, I’m looking at both sides of the equation: how your teeth look and how they function together.
What Happens at a Clear Aligner Consultation?
The first visit is mostly a conversation and an evaluation.
You can tell me what you notice about your smile, what you would like to change and what concerns you about treatment.
We’ll look at:
01
The position of your teeth
02
The way your upper and lower teeth fit together
03
Areas of crowding or spacing
04
Tooth wear or chipping
05
The health of your teeth and gums
06
Existing crowns, bridges, implants or other dental work
07
Whether clear aligners can realistically accomplish your goals
If you’re a good candidate and decide to move forward, we’ll collect the records needed to plan your treatment. These may include photographs, X-rays and a digital scan of your teeth.
No trays filled with impression material sitting in your mouth while everyone tells you to “just breathe through your nose.” Digital scanning is a nice improvement.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
CandidPro uses your records to create a digital model of your teeth and plan a series of small movements.
I’ll review the proposed plan and work with CandidPro’s orthodontic support when appropriate. Before we begin, I’ll discuss:
01
What we plan to change
02
Which concerns aligners can address
03
The estimated treatment time
04
Whether attachments or other aids may be needed
05
How often you should wear the aligners
06
How progress will be monitored
07
The expected cost
08
What retainers will be needed afterward
You’ll have a chance to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
What Are Attachments?
Attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes that may be placed on certain teeth.
They give the aligners something to hold onto when a tooth needs to move in a particular direction. They’re designed to blend in with your smile and are removed after treatment.
Not everyone needs the same number of attachments. Your plan will depend on the movements required.
I’ll let you know ahead of time if attachments are part of your treatment.
How Often Do I Wear My Aligners?
Clear aligners need to be worn most of the day and night. You’ll remove them to eat, drink anything besides water, brush and floss.
I’ll give you specific instructions for:
- Daily wear time
- When to change aligners
- How to clean them
- How to complete progress scans
- When an office visit is needed
Consistency matters. If you don’t wear the aligners as directed, the teeth may not move as planned and treatment may take longer.
If you get off schedule, tell me. We’ll figure out the next step. You won’t be the first person who forgot an aligner at a restaurant or accidentally introduced one to the family dog.
Convenient Progress Monitoring
One feature I like about CandidPro is the ability to monitor your progress remotely.
Using the ProMonitoring app and the scanning equipment provided with your aligners, you’ll submit images of your teeth at the intervals we prescribe.
This allows me to check:
- Whether the aligners are fitting properly
- Whether your teeth are tracking with the plan
- Whether you’re ready for the next set
- Whether an area needs additional attention
- Whether an in-person visit would be helpful
Remote monitoring may reduce routine trips to the office, but it doesn’t eliminate in-person care. I’ll still see you when an examination, procedure or adjustment is needed.
Are Clear Aligners Comfortable?
You’ll probably feel pressure when you begin a new set of aligners. That pressure is a sign that the trays are working.
The teeth may feel tender for a short time, particularly when you remove the aligners to eat. Most people adjust as they move through treatment.
The edges of a tray can occasionally irritate the tongue or cheeks. If an aligner feels sharp, doesn’t fit properly or causes unusual discomfort, contact us. Don’t simply hope it sorts itself out for the next six months.
Can I Eat Normally?
Yes. Because the aligners are removable, you can continue eating most of your usual foods.
Take the trays out before eating and before drinking anything besides water. Brush or rinse your teeth before putting the aligners back in whenever possible.
One warning: clear trays and strongly colored drinks are not best friends. Coffee, tea, soda and wine can stain the aligners if you drink them while the trays are in.
The aligners may be clear. Your iced coffee is not.
Am I Too Old for Clear Aligners?
Probably not.
Adults can move their teeth at many ages as long as their teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy enough for treatment.
I’ve met plenty of adults who assumed their opportunity for a straighter smile ended sometime around high school graduation. It didn’t.
What matters more than your age is:
- Your oral health
- The type of movement needed
- Your ability to wear the aligners consistently
- The condition of your teeth and gums
- Whether clear aligners are the right tool for your case
If gum disease, cavities or another dental concern is present, we may need to address that before beginning orthodontic treatment.
What About Teenagers?
Clear aligners can be a good option for responsible teens who are willing to wear and care for them consistently.
The benefit is that the trays are discreet and removable. The challenge is also that they are removable.
If the aligners spend most of the day in a backpack, the teeth won’t move as planned.
During the consultation, we can talk honestly about whether clear aligners fit the teenager’s needs, habits and level of responsibility.
Looking for Invisalign in St. George?
You may have arrived here after searching for Invisalign. Invisalign is a well-known brand, but it isn’t the only clear aligner system available.
At Desert Radiance Dental, I provide CandidPro clear aligners rather than Invisalign.
Both systems use a series of clear, removable trays to gradually reposition the teeth. CandidPro adds orthodontist-supported treatment planning and app-based progress monitoring that helps me follow your case between office visits.
The brand name matters less than whether:
- You receive a thorough in-person examination
- The treatment plan fits your specific bite
- A qualified dental professional supervises your care
- Your progress is monitored
- The system can address your particular needs
- You wear the aligners as directed
If you’re comparing Invisalign, CandidPro or another option, I’m happy to explain why I use CandidPro and whether it makes sense for you.
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
Treatment time depends on how much movement is needed, how your teeth respond and how consistently you wear the aligners.
A relatively small correction may take a few months. A more involved case may take a year or longer.
I can give you a better estimate after examining your teeth and reviewing the proposed treatment plan.
I won’t promise an exact finish date before we see how your teeth respond. Biology has never been especially interested in our calendars.
What Happens After Treatment?
Once your teeth are where we want them, you’ll need a retainer.
This part matters.
Teeth naturally tend to shift after orthodontic treatment. Retainers help hold them in their new positions while the surrounding tissues adjust and provide ongoing protection against future movement.
I’ll explain:
- Which type of retainer I recommend
- How often to wear it
- How to clean it
- When it should be checked or replaced
Finishing your last aligner feels like the end, but wearing your retainer is what helps protect the result.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of your case and the amount of treatment needed.
At your consultation, we can discuss:
- Your recommended treatment
- The estimated length of treatment
- What is included
- Payment options
- Whether your dental plan may provide orthodontic benefits
- Possible use of HSA or FSA funds
We’ll give you clear information before treatment begins so you can make a decision that fits your goals and budget.
Why Choose Desert Radiance Dental?
I don’t see clear aligners as a product I hand you and send home.
Moving teeth affects your bite, gum health, tooth roots and long-term function. I want to understand the full picture before recommending treatment.
At Desert Radiance Dental, you can expect:
- An in-person dental and bite evaluation
- Digital scanning
- A treatment plan tailored to your needs
- Support from CandidPro orthodontic professionals
- Convenient remote progress monitoring
- Honest recommendations
- Clear explanations
- Coordination with a specialist when appropriate
- Care from a privately owned St. George dental practice
My goal is to help you reach a result that looks good, feels comfortable and makes sense for your long-term oral health.
—Dr. Spencer Richards
Clear Aligner FAQs
Are CandidPro aligners invisible?
They are clear and designed to be discreet, but no aligner is completely invisible. Most people won’t notice them during normal conversation.
Is CandidPro the same as Invisalign?
No. CandidPro and Invisalign are different brands. Both use a series of clear, removable trays to move teeth. Desert Radiance Dental provides CandidPro.
Do clear aligners work as well as braces?
Clear aligners can treat many alignment and bite concerns, but they aren’t the best choice for every case. Some movements may be more predictable with braces or specialist orthodontic care.
How many hours a day should I wear my aligners?
You will need to wear them for most of the day and night, removing them mainly for eating, drinking and oral hygiene. I’ll provide specific wear instructions for your treatment.
Will clear aligners affect my speech?
You may notice a slight change in speech when you first begin wearing them. Most people adapt as their tongue becomes accustomed to the trays.
Can I drink coffee with my aligners in?
It’s best to remove your aligners before drinking coffee or anything besides water. Hot and colored beverages may stain or affect the trays.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Call us before moving forward on your own. Depending on where you are in the schedule, I may recommend wearing the previous aligner, moving to the next set or ordering a replacement.
Will I need attachments?
Maybe. Attachments help the aligners perform certain tooth movements. Whether you need them depends on your treatment plan.
Do I still need dental cleanings during treatment?
Yes. Regular examinations and cleanings remain important while your teeth are moving. Healthy teeth and gums create a better foundation for orthodontic treatment.
Does insurance cover CandidPro?
Some dental plans with orthodontic benefits may contribute toward clear aligner treatment. Coverage varies, so our team can help you review the information provided by your plan.
Will I need a retainer?
Yes. Retainers are recommended after clear aligner treatment to help keep your teeth in their new positions.
Let’s See Whether Clear Aligners Are Right for You
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, you don’t need to know which system or treatment plan you need before coming in.
That’s what the consultation is for.
Show me what you would like to change. I’ll examine your teeth and bite, explain what CandidPro can realistically accomplish and give you an honest recommendation.
Desert Radiance Dental
929 W Sunset Blvd, Suite 15
St. George, UT 84770