Clear aligners
with Candid Pro & SureSmile.

FAQ

Clear Aligners (Candid Pro & SureSmile) — questions answered.

• How much do clear aligners cost in Pueblo West?

  Every case is different — we’ll give you a written estimate at your consultation, and we’re happy to check your insurance benefits. Aligner cost depends on case complexity and length of treatment. Monthly financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry, and many PPO insurance plans with orthodontic benefits will contribute.

• How long does clear aligner treatment take?

  Most clear aligner cases take 6 to 18 months. Mild crowding or relapse from previous orthodontic work can be corrected in as little as 4–6 months. Complex bite corrections may take 18–24 months. Dr. Mark will give you a specific estimate after your scan.

• Are clear aligners as effective as braces?

  For most cases — crowding, spacing, mild to moderate bite issues — yes. Modern clear aligner systems can move teeth as effectively as traditional braces in the majority of patients. Severe skeletal bite problems or complex tooth rotations occasionally still benefit from braces; Dr. Mark will tell you honestly during your consultation if aligners aren't the best choice for your case.

• How is SureSmile different from Invisalign?

  SureSmile and Invisalign are competing clear aligner systems with similar capabilities. The main differences are in software workflow and pricing. SureSmile is made by Dentsply Sirona, the same company that makes the CEREC system Blaskovich Family Dental uses for crowns. The doctor-driven workflow lets Dr. Mark control more of your treatment plan directly. Clinical outcomes between the systems are comparable.

• Do clear aligners hurt?

  Most patients describe the first 1–3 days in each new tray as feeling tight or sore — similar to the day after a workout. Over-the-counter pain relievers help. The discomfort fades quickly and most people forget the aligners are in within an hour of switching trays.

• Can I drink coffee or eat with my aligners in?

  You should remove the aligners to eat and to drink anything other than plain water. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, dark drinks can stain them, and food particles can get trapped against your teeth. Plan to take them out for 1–2 hours total per day for meals — that's why 20–22 hours of wear is the daily target.

• Will insurance cover clear aligners?

  If your dental plan includes an orthodontic benefit, it generally applies to clear aligner treatment the same way it would apply to braces, usually up to a separate lifetime orthodontic maximum. Blaskovich Family Dental verifies your specific benefits before treatment begins.

• Will I need to wear a retainer afterward?

  Yes, this is essential. Teeth naturally try to drift back to their original positions for the rest of your life — a phenomenon called orthodontic relapse. After your last aligner you'll wear a clear retainer full-time for several months, then switch to nighttime-only wear long-term. Skipping retention is the most common reason orthodontic results don't last.