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820 84th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
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Clear Braces (Clear Aligner Therapy)
Home » Clear Braces (Clear Aligner Therapy)

Straighten teeth without braces, A guide to clear aligner therapy with ClearCorrect®

Conventional braces work by applying constant pressure to move teeth. Modern alternatives to traditional orthodontics work in much the same way, only without the fixed, silver-colored metal wires and brackets. 

Get to know clear aligner therapy. 

At VanderLaan Family Dentistry, we offer orthodontic treatment with clear aligners in and around Byron Center, Michigan. While clear aligners like ClearCorrect® are sometimes referred to as clear braces, this is a misnomer; clear aligners are not braces. They are a series of oral appliances that resemble a retainer. Each aligner is custom-fit to the patient’s mouth. They are made from proprietary, advanced plastic. They fit snugly yet comfortably when they slide into the patient’s mouth. 

The fundamental principle behind ClearCorrect® and other clear aligners is similar to how braces reposition the teeth. Like braces and their system of wires, brackets, and bands, clear aligners place consistent forces on the teeth. When worn as directed, they incrementally move the teeth through bone to correct crowded, crooked, and otherwise unevenly-spaced teeth. Unlike braces, ClearCorrect® aligners are:

  • Removable – for comfortable brushing and flossing, and eating
  • Transparent – the plastic is clear, so no one sees the aligners in your smile 
  • Comfortable – the plastic is also smooth and flexible for utmost comfort throughout the treatment 
  • High-tech – each aligner is made precisely based on advanced software and 3-d modeling techniques

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan can show you exactly how your teeth will move throughout treatment. You can even see your treated smile during your initial ClearCorrect® consultation. Be sure to wear each aligner in the correct order. Each aligner is worn for a specified number of days. While they may look similar in appearance, the aligners are unique. This feature is important because the aligners are designed to correspond with different steps in the treatment process. It is also essential to wear the aligners at all times except when cleaning each aligner tray, eating meals, and brushing and flossing your teeth. Failure to wear trays in the correct order or for the recommended time each day can delay treatment and interfere with predictable results. 

At VanderLaan Family Dentistry, we are committed to cutting-edge dental diagnostics and treatments and to patient comfort and satisfaction. Call (616) 288-2554 to schedule your ClearCorrect® consultation and to experience our modern and pleasant approach in Byron Center, MI, for yourself!

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012. 

Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.

Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety.  He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.

Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man.  He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11).  As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football.  They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.  

Dana VanderLaan

Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012.  She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager.  Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.

Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter.  She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.