Get a Precision Grip on Straighter Smiles

The 2 dentists at Modern Dentistry of Minnetonka have a shared go-to for clear aligner therapy: Solventum’s Clarity Aligners and Clarity Precision Grip Attachments.

"Since converting our clear aligner workflow to Clarity Aligners over a year ago, we've seen higher case acceptance and more successful outcomes," said Dr. Chase Gottschalk.

“I have been treating patients with clear aligner therapy since 2019,” shared Dr. Julia Young, “so while I still have much to learn about orthodontics, I am glad I've been able to use a few different brands over these years to gain perspective. After experi­encing the same obstacles with the other brands, transitioning our orthodontic patients to Clarity Aligners has been a conscious choice.”

Treats Simple to Complex Cases

Nearly invisible, stain-resistant, and extruded in 2 thicknesses for different mechanical force levels, Clarity Aligners are designed to treat both simple and complex cases, including crowding, spacing, midline discrepancies, open or deep bites, overjet, and crossbite.

“We digitally scan our patients and the lab prints the aligner trays and returns them to us within 2 weeks, so it’s a quick turnaround,” Dr. Gottschalk explained. “They’re very durable and we rarely run into issues with preliminary fit of the trays; they’re as snug as we want them to be to engage all the at­tachments without causing tissue discomfort.”

The First Preloaded Attachments

Clarity Precision Grip Attachments are 3D-printed, preloaded attachments that offer clinicians both pre­cise fits and bonding without the need for compos­ite flash removal.

Many other aligner systems, Dr. Gottschalk ex­plained, are offered with unfilled attachment spaces on the tray, which then have to be filled. In addition to inconsistent filling, as well as having to clean up excess flash, that extra step can add significant chair time to the bonding appointment.

 “The beauty of Clarity Precision Grip Attachments is that they're already filled perfectly, eliminating over- and under-filling so we can focus instead on the bonding sequence and making sure those attachments are adhered strongly for the duration of treatment,” Dr. Gottschalk said.

“From the operator perspective, Clarity Aligners is the best and most efficient choice due to the unique precision-grip attachments,” Dr. Young agreed. “It saves a lot of time for the doctor, since perfecting and finishing attachment placement can take longer than ideal. From the patient outcome perspective, I believe the Clarity system achieves more effective tooth movement because of how well the aligner engages the attachment.”

Clarity Portal Ties Treatment Together

Drs. Gottschalk and Young also point to Solventum's Clarity Portal, a cloud-based platform that streamlines treatment plan­ning and patient-doctor communication. It's the third piece of the puzzle and a key reason the doctors say the Clarity Aligner system outperforms others they've used.

“Clarity Portal is a lot more user-friendly compared to other systems, and it’s a very easy way to share the treatment projection path,” Dr. Gottschalk said. “It really facilitates better patient communication about potential outcomes. For patients who want to ‘nerd out’ with us and really see where they are in the treatment process and whether or not they’re tracking properly, it is a really valuable tool."

"And for both of us," he continued, "this is the best aligner system we’ve come across. We tell our patients that it's much easier for them to keep their teeth healthy if they’re aligned. When teeth aren't crowded, we don’t see as many cracked or worn teeth, and we don’t see as many interproximal caries. I wish everyone was able to have aligner treatment because it would solve so many dental problems.”