Gaslight Village Family Dentistry

Dr. Joshua Wansten

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(616) 454-8228

Gaslight Village Family Dentistry

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Gaslight Village Family Dentistry > Services > SureSmile® Clear Aligners

Long for a straighter smile without metal braces? Clear aligners might be the answer!

The Subtle Way to Straighten Teeth

Start with a Consultation

SureSmile® Clear Aligners

Do you dream of a straighter smile but dread the thought of metal braces? You're not alone, and that’s why clear aligners are so popular!

At Gaslight Village Family Dentistry, Dr. Joshua Wansten offers SureSmile®. These virtually invisible aligners gradually move teeth into their ideal positions discreetly, without anyone knowing you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Why Choose Clear Aligners?

Dr. Wansten can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns with SureSmile, including:

Crowded or overlapping teeth
Gaps and spacing between teeth
Overbite and underbite issues
Crossbite problems
Mild to moderate crooked teeth
Relapsed teeth from previous orthodontic treatment

Is SureSmile Right for You?

The best clear aligner candidates are motivated individuals committed to improving their bite or alignment issues. Most adults and older teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns can achieve excellent results with clear aligner treatment.

Some complex bite or alignment cases may still require traditional orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wansten will always recommend the approach that ensures the best possible results.

Benefits of SureSmile Clear Aligners

There are many reasons why clear aligners are so popular, especially with self-conscious teens and adults seeking a discreet orthodontic solution.

Virtually Invisible

Crystal-clear aligners blend with your smile and are virtually invisible when worn. Attend important meetings, social events, and family gatherings with confidence, knowing your orthodontic treatment is your secret.

Removable

Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This means no dietary restrictions and easier oral hygiene since you can brush and floss as usual.

Comfortable

SureSmile's smooth plastic design means no sharp edges or protruding wires. There are no emergency visits for broken brackets; you’ll simply visit us every 6–8 weeks for check-ins and to get your next sets of aligners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does proper care for clear aligners involve?

Proper care of your SureSmile® clear aligners is essential for successful treatment and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout your journey to a straighter smile. The good news is that caring for your aligners is straightforward once you establish a routine.

Daily Clear Aligner Care Routine — Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Rinse them with lukewarm water each time you take them out, and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be abrasive and create scratches that harbor bacteria.
Clear Aligner Dos and Don'ts — Always store your aligners in their protective case when not wearing them—never wrap them in napkins or leave them exposed. Soak them in SureSmile cleaning crystals or denture cleaner weekly for deeper cleaning. Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
When to Contact Your Clear Aligner Dentist — Call us immediately if an aligner cracks, doesn't fit properly, or causes severe pain. Also, reach out if you lose an aligner or if you're experiencing persistent sore spots that don't improve after a few days of wear.

Remember, you'll need to wear your aligners daily for 20-22 hours and remove them only for eating, drinking anything except water, and oral hygiene.

Ready to start your SureSmile journey? Call (616) 454-8228 to schedule your consultation. We serve patients throughout East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Ada, and the surrounding West Michigan communities.

The Clear Aligner Treatment Process

The steps for getting started with SureSmile are surprisingly comfortable and straightforward.

Initial Evaluation — During your initial consultation, Dr. Wansten will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine if clear aligners are the right solution for your orthodontic needs.
Impressions and Preview — We take detailed digital impressions and photographs used to create a precise 3-D model of your teeth and plan treatment. This technology also allows us to give you a preview of your new smile before we begin.
Getting Your Aligners — A SureSmile lab fabricates your custom aligners specifically for your teeth and treatment plan. We’ll provide you with several sets of aligners, which you will switch out every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift into their new positions.
Wearing Your Aligners — The fastest way to complete treatment is wearing your aligners for 20–22 hours daily and following Dr. Wansten's instructions. You'll remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing.
Completing Treatment — Your SureSmile journey is complete when you have worn your final set of aligners and we agree that we’ve achieved the desired results. Post-treatment, we will provide a retainer to maintain the results long-term.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Joshua Wansten

Education and Experience

Dr. Wansten earned his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan in 2004, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from U of M's School of Dentistry in 2009. He completed his General Practice Residency at Loyola University Chicago in 2010, providing him with advanced training in complex dental procedures. Dr. Wansten joined Gaslight Village Family Dentistry in 2022.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Wansten was drawn to dentistry because it combines his fascination with science with the opportunity to help people. He appreciates the blend of scientific knowledge, compassion, artistic vision, ...

Are You a Good Clear Aligner Candidate?

If you're ready to transform your smile discreetly and comfortably, we'd love to help you explore whether SureSmile clear aligners are right for you. Call our East Grand Rapids, MI, dental office at (616) 454-8228 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wansten.

We proudly serve patients throughout East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Ada, and the surrounding West Michigan communities.

SureSmile® Clear Aligners Technology

Panoramic X-Rays

This specialized digital x-ray captures a complete view of your entire mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures in one comfortable scan. Taking just seconds to complete, panoramic x-rays help us evaluate wisdom teeth, plan implant placement, diagnose TMJ issues, and assess overall oral health during comprehensive exams. You simply stand still while the machine rotates around your head—no uncomfortable bite pieces required. This technology gives us a complete picture for better treatment planning.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

SureSmile® Clear Aligners in Grand Rapids, MI

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