Summer shines brightest when you feel confident sharing your smile. At Lake Hickory Dental, August is an ideal opportunity to start your orthodontic journey. If you search for Clear Aligners in Hickory, you’ll find personalized, discreet treatment plans designed to fit your lifestyle. Under the guidance of Dr. Robert Steljes (Dr. Rob), our team helps patients of all ages achieve straighter, healthier smiles—just in time for back-to-school photos, family reunions, and late-summer celebrations.
Meet Dr. Robert Steljes (Dr. Rob): Your Clear Aligner Specialist
At Lake Hickory Dental, Dr. Robert Steljes, affectionately known as Dr. Rob, leads our clear aligner program. He brings years of experience in orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry to every treatment. His passion for smile transformation and dedication to patient comfort ensure you receive care that looks great and feels right.
What Are Clear Aligners and How Do They Work?
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, virtually invisible trays to move teeth gradually into their ideal position. Unlike traditional braces, aligners fit snugly over your teeth and require no metal brackets or wires. You wear each tray for about 20–22 hours a day, switching to the next set every one to two weeks.
At Lake Hickory Dental, we offer leading brands that track progress digitally, so you see a 3D preview of your smile before treatment begins. Dr. Rob customizes your plan to correct various orthodontic issues, including:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
Clear aligners allow you to eat, brush, and floss normally—perfect for your busy summer schedule.
Why Start Clear Aligners This August?
August brings more flexible schedules and fewer obligations than the school year or busy fall months. Starting your clear aligner treatment now offers several advantages:
- Flexible Scheduling: You can adjust your aligners at home before returning to school or work.
- Summer Smiles: Progress before autumn events means a noticeably straighter smile in all your fall photos.
- Unrestricted Diet: Enjoy summer treats without worrying about damaging brackets—remove your aligners first.
- Improved Oral Health: Straighter teeth simplify cleaning, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
By starting now, you set yourself up for success and can maintain momentum as routines shift in September.
Benefits of Clear Aligners in Hickory
Clear aligners stand out for their comfort and convenience:
- Discreet Appearance: Transparent trays go unnoticed in photos and face-to-face interactions.
- Comfortable Fit: Smooth plastic minimizes irritation to cheeks and gums.
- Removable Convenience: Take aligners out to eat, floss, and brush without special tools.
- Predictable Results: Digital treatment mapping guides each stage of tooth movement.
- No Emergency Repairs: Without wires, you avoid surprise visits for broken brackets.
These benefits make clear aligners ideal for teens and adults seeking effective orthodontic correction with minimal lifestyle disruption.
Complementary Services for Your Summer Smile
While clear aligners correct alignment, other treatments can enhance your results:
- At-Home Whitening Trays: Brighten your teeth at your own pace for a whiter smile alongside straighter teeth.
- Cosmetic Bonding: Address minor chips or gaps with tooth-colored resin for seamless touch-ups.
- Porcelain Veneers: Transform size, shape, and color with custom-crafted shells for an all-star smile.
Combining cosmetic and orthodontic care gives your smile a full refresh this summer.
Your Questions Answered
How long does treatment last?
Most cases are complete in 12–18 months, depending on complexity.
Are aligners painful?
You feel mild pressure when switching trays, but overall discomfort remains minimal.
Can I drink coffee with aligners?
Yes—remove them first, then rinse before reinserting.
Will insurance cover clear aligners?
Many plans offer partial coverage. Our team helps you navigate benefits and payment options.
Ready to Start Your Summer Smile Journey?
Don’t let another season pass without taking charge of your smile. If you’re searching for Clear Aligners for Hickory patients, Dr. Rob and the team at Lake Hickory Dental are ready to help you look and feel your best. Book your clear aligner consultation today! You’ll find us at 1235 4th St Dr. NW, Hickory, NC 28601.