La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Discreet Tooth Straightening
Clear aligners gently move your teeth without the look of traditional metal brackets.
Removable for Daily Life
You can take your aligners out to eat, brush and floss, so your routine stays simple.
Care Close to Home
Patients across the Coulee Region can get aligner care at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua offices.
One Familiar Team
The same general dentists who handle your cleanings and checkups guide your aligner treatment.
The Ascent Experience
Comforts like warm towelettes, blankets and headphones help every visit feel relaxed.
If you've been hiding your smile in photos because of crowded or gapped teeth, or you've thought about straightening but can't picture yourself in metal braces as an adult, clear aligners may be worth a conversation. At Rivertown Dental, we offer clear aligner treatment for patients across Wisconsin's Coulee Region from our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua. You can talk it through with the same team that already handles your cleanings and checkups.
Clear aligners are a series of thin, removable, custom-made trays that gradually move your teeth toward a planned position. Each set fits a little differently from the one before. You switch to the next set on a schedule, and over time those small adjustments add up. Because the trays are clear, most people around you won't notice you're wearing them, which is a big reason adults and teens choose them.
Aligners can help with a range of everyday concerns. Here are some of the situations patients most often ask us about:
- Teeth that have become crowded or overlapped over the years
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Teeth that have shifted since earlier orthodontic treatment
- A smile that makes daily brushing and flossing harder than it should be
- Wanting straighter teeth before cosmetic work such as whitening or veneers
Not every case is a good match. Some bite problems call for a different approach. When that's true, we'll tell you plainly and talk through other options, which may include a referral to one of the orthodontic practices we work with in the area.
The most important thing to know is that aligners only work while you're wearing them. They're designed to be worn most of the day and night, coming out mainly when you eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. That freedom is a real advantage, since you can enjoy your usual foods. It also means the results depend heavily on your daily habits. If a busy schedule makes it hard to keep trays in, it's worth being honest with yourself and with us before starting.
Your oral health also needs to be in good shape first. Straightening teeth that have active decay or gum disease isn't a good idea. Before planning aligners, we do a full dental exam and use digital X-rays to check your teeth, gums and bone. If we find something that needs attention, such as a cavity that needs a filling or gums that would benefit from scaling and root planing, we can usually take care of it right here. That's one of the practical benefits of having one practice for everything from cleanings to cosmetic care.
How do I care for my teeth and aligners during and after treatment?
Keep both your teeth and your trays clean every day. Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in, so food isn't trapped against your teeth for hours. Rinse the trays and clean them gently according to the instructions we give you, and store them in their case whenever they're out of your mouth. Many lost aligners end up wrapped in a napkin on a lunch tray.
Regular cleanings and exams with our hygienists stay important throughout treatment. Once your teeth reach their new positions, they have a natural tendency to drift, so we'll talk with you about how to protect your results over the long term. If you grind your teeth at night, we can also discuss whether a night mouth guard makes sense for you.
How can I pay for clear aligners?
We'll go over your costs before you start, so there are no surprises. We work with many dental insurance plans, and coverage for aligners varies. Call your nearest office and our team can help you confirm what your plan includes. We also welcome self-pay patients.
To spread payments over time, we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to credit approval and each lender's terms. For patients without insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans. Each covers cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans can't be combined with insurance, and our team is happy to explain the current plan details.
What is it like to start treatment with us?
It starts with a relaxed, judgment-free conversation, no matter how long it's been since your last visit. We call our approach The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That shows up in clear explanations of your options and small comforts like warm towelettes, blankets, headphones and essential oils.
Whether you're near La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua, or nearby in Onalaska, West Salem, Westby or Whitehall, there's a Rivertown office close to home. Call the office nearest you to schedule a consultation, and let's find out together whether clear aligners are the right fit for your smile. Dentistry, Done Differently.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Consultation and Exam
We check your teeth and gums, talk through your goals and explain whether clear aligners are a good fit.
- 2
Wearing Your Aligners
You wear each set of aligners as directed and visit us for check-ins so we can follow your progress.
- 3
Keeping Your Results
After treatment, we help you protect your new smile with ongoing care and regular cleanings.
Questions
Clear Aligners FAQs
How much do clear aligners cost, and does insurance help?
The cost of clear aligners depends on your treatment plan, so we review it with you at a consultation at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua office before you commit. We work with many dental insurance plans, and we recommend calling your office to confirm your coverage. If you do not have insurance, ask us about our Rivertown Membership Plans, and for help spreading out payments we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to approval.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most patients feel pressure or mild soreness, especially when starting a new set of aligners, rather than sharp pain. That feeling usually settles as your teeth adjust. If something feels off, call our team in the Coulee Region and we will take a look.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment time varies from person to person, depending on how much your teeth need to move. We give you a personalized estimate after your exam so you know what to expect from the start. Wearing your aligners as directed helps keep your treatment on track.
Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?
Many teens and adults with crowded, spaced or mildly misaligned teeth are good candidates, but the only way to know for sure is an exam. At your visit to any of our four Wisconsin offices, our general dentists check your teeth and gums, because healthy gums are an important starting point. We will explain your options clearly, with no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit.
What are the alternatives to clear aligners, and how long do results last?
Depending on your goals, alternatives we offer include porcelain veneers, crowns and a cosmetic smile-design consultation to explore what fits you best. Teeth can shift over time after any straightening treatment, so we talk with you about how to help protect your results once treatment ends. Regular cleanings and exams with our team help us keep an eye on your smile for years to come.