Clear aligners straighten teeth with a series of thin, removable trays instead of brackets and wires. At Straight Smiles in Kelowna, BC, Dr. James Scramstad offers three aligner systems, Invisalign, Angel Aligners and SureSmile Aligners, for kids, teens and adults. Straight Smiles has been offering Invisalign in the Okanagan since 2005. This page explains how aligner treatment works at our office, who it suits, what daily wear involves and what to expect for cost and insurance.
Which clear aligner brands do we offer in Kelowna?
All three systems work the same basic way. Each set of custom trays is shaped to move certain teeth a small amount, and you progress through the series until your teeth reach the planned position. Brand matters less than an accurate diagnosis and a careful treatment plan. Dr. Scramstad will recommend the system that best fits your teeth, your goals and your budget.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a series of custom, clear, removable aligners made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and fabricated to Dr. Scramstad’s specifications. The trays are virtually invisible, and because they come out during meals, you can enjoy your favourite foods and keep brushing and flossing simple. We offer Invisalign to teens and adults.
Angel Aligners
Angel Aligners are a clear aligner system designed for discreet, efficient and comfortable treatment. Their ultra-clear design makes them one of the most discreet aligner options available, and digital planning tools are used to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
SureSmile Aligners
SureSmile Aligners are robotically trimmed for a precise fit, which gives better control over tooth movement and a smoother, more comfortable experience. Treatment is planned with 3D imaging and AI-driven customization so the aligners move your teeth with greater accuracy.
How does Invisalign treatment work at our Kelowna office?
Treatment starts with a consultation. Dr. Scramstad examines your teeth and bite, reviews your records and talks through whether aligners are the right choice. If they are, the process looks like this:
- Digital scan. We use the iTero Element scanner to capture your teeth and gums and build a 3D model of your upper and lower jaws. No goopy impressions.
- Your treatment plan. Dr. Scramstad plans each tooth movement directly on the model and can show you a simulation of your expected result before you commit.
- Custom aligners. Your aligners are made to his specifications, so they fit well and apply steady, gentle pressure.
- Wear and progress. You switch to a new set every one to two weeks. Each set completes certain movements, so your new smile takes shape gradually.
- Retention. When treatment ends, a retainer keeps your teeth from drifting back.
Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate concerns, including crooked teeth, gaps and minor bite issues. Some more involved cases can also be treated with aligners combined with elastics or other appliances, which Dr. Scramstad will explain after your exam. Aligners can help with crowded or overlapping teeth, spacing and gaps between teeth, overbites, crossbites and other bite misalignments, and teeth that have shifted over time.
Aligners for teens, adults and kids
Age is less important than commitment. Aligners only move teeth while they are in your mouth, so they suit patients who will wear them consistently. We treat teens and adults with aligners, and some younger children use them during early treatment to create space for permanent teeth and guide the bite as they grow.
Clear aligners or braces: which is better for you?
Both move teeth effectively. The right choice depends on the type of correction you need and how each option fits your daily life. Here is how they compare at our office:
| Consideration | Clear aligners | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible, removable trays | Metal, or tooth-coloured clear braces |
| Eating | Take aligners out for meals, so no food restrictions | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss normally | Takes extra care around brackets and wires |
| Daily effort | Must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day | Work around the clock without needing to be remembered |
| Comfort | No brackets or wires to rub cheeks | Some initial irritation while the mouth adjusts |
If you would rather not keep track of removable trays, braces work around the clock and come in metal or tooth-coloured clear options. At your exam, Dr. Scramstad will explain which option suits your bite and why.
What is life with clear aligners like?
Most people adapt within a few days. Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day and take them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. Clean them with water or an aligner cleaner and keep them in their case whenever they are out. Mild pressure is common for a day or two after switching to a new set, and it fades quickly.
Flexibility comes with responsibility
Because the trays come out, you can eat what you like, play sports and music and handle special events without worrying about brackets. The flip side is responsibility. Leaving aligners out for long stretches slows treatment, and lost trays can set progress back.
How often will I need to visit the office?
Aligner patients generally need fewer office visits than braces patients, since there are no wires to adjust. Regular check-ups confirm your teeth are tracking as planned. We also use DentalMonitoring, an AI-powered remote monitoring system that lets you send progress scans from home with your phone, so Dr. Scramstad can keep an eye on treatment between visits.
What does clear aligner treatment cost in Kelowna?
Cost depends on the complexity of your case and how long treatment will take, so we do not quote a single price. At your consultation you will receive a written financial quote, and our team will go over payment options that fit your budget. Dr. Scramstad is a General Practitioner dentist who offers orthodontics only, which means treatment is provided without specialist fees.
Insurance and payment options
If your dental plan includes orthodontic coverage, we direct bill your provider and help you make the most of your benefits. You can also use our payment calculator to get a rough sense of monthly costs before you come in.
Why do Kelowna families choose Straight Smiles for aligners?
Straight Smiles is a family practice founded in Kelowna in 1981 by Dr. Don Scramstad. His son, Dr. James Scramstad, worked alongside him from 1996 to 2013 and now continues that tradition with a focus on advanced technology and personal service. Our office pairs aligner treatment with iTero digital scanning, CBCT 3D imaging and remote monitoring, so your plan is precise from the first scan to your final retainer. Learn more about Dr. Scramstad, our technology and all of our clear aligner options.
Clear aligner FAQs
Is Invisalign available at Straight Smiles in Kelowna?
Yes. Straight Smiles has offered Invisalign in the Okanagan since 2005, alongside Angel Aligners and SureSmile Aligners.
How long does aligner treatment take?
Treatment length varies with the movements your teeth need. Dr. Scramstad will give you an estimate at your consultation, along with a simulation of your expected result.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most patients feel mild pressure for a day or two after switching to a new set. The trays have no brackets or wires, so there is less irritation to the cheeks and gums than with braces.
Will I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Everyone who finishes aligner or braces treatment needs a retainer to keep their teeth from shifting back. We will explain your retainer and how often to wear it at the end of treatment.
Can I start with a virtual consultation?
Yes. Our virtual consultation lets you send photos of your smile so Dr. Scramstad can share initial thoughts before you visit.
Start your clear aligner treatment in Kelowna
Ready to see whether Invisalign or another clear aligner is right for you? Request a consultation with Dr. Scramstad, or call or text our new patient line at (778) 946-6325.