Orthodontics
Clear aligners
A method that moves the teeth with clear aligners replaced at set intervals; it may not suit every case. On this page we explain how aligners work, who they may suit and why success depends on how you wear them.
On this page
In brief
- Total time
- Usually 6–18 months
- Daily wear
- 20–22 hours a day
- Aligner change
- Usually every 1–2 weeks
- After treatment
- Retainer
Durations are general information and vary from person to person. Your own timeline is written in your treatment plan after the examination.
What is Clear aligners?
Clear aligner treatment is one form of orthodontic treatment. A movement plan is prepared on a computer from a digital impression of the teeth, and a series of thin, clear aligners made to this plan is worn in order. Each aligner moves the teeth a small step towards the planned position.
To help the aligners grip the teeth, small tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) may be bonded to some teeth. The aligners are taken out to eat and to brush the teeth.
Because the aligners are removable, success depends largely on how you wear them: they need to be worn 20–22 hours a day. After treatment a retainer is used, as with braces.
Who may it suit?
Usually considered
- People with mild or moderate crowding
- People with gaps between their teeth
- People who had braces before and whose teeth have shifted slightly
- People who can wear aligners 20–22 hours a day
- People with healthy gums and bone
Further assessment may be needed
- Marked jaw discrepancies
- Severely rotated or impacted teeth
- Untreated gum disease or decay
- Many missing teeth
- Situations where regular aligner wear cannot be maintained
Clear aligners are not suitable for every orthodontic problem. In some cases braces, or a combination of both methods, may be recommended; this is discussed at the examination.
Step-by-step process
Examination and records
An oral examination is carried out; X-rays, photographs and a digital impression with an intraoral scanner are taken.
Digital plan
The step-by-step movement of the teeth is planned on a computer. The plan, the estimated duration and any limitations are shown to you; once you decide, your consent is obtained.
Attachments and first aligners
If needed, small tooth-coloured bumps are bonded to some teeth and the first aligners are fitted; wear and cleaning are explained.
Changing aligners
You move on to the next aligner at the interval your dentist gives, usually every 1–2 weeks.
Check-ups
You come for a check-up usually every 6–10 weeks; progress is assessed against the plan. Additional aligners are made if needed.
Retention
When treatment ends, the attachments are removed and a retainer is given to keep the teeth in place.
Aftercare
Daily wear
- Take the aligners out only to eat and to brush your teeth; they should be worn 20–22 hours a day.
- Drink only water while wearing them. Sugary or coloured drinks can get trapped between the aligner and the teeth and cause decay and staining.
- After eating, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
- Clean the aligners with cold water and a soft brush; hot water can distort them.
- Keep removed aligners in their case; aligners wrapped in a napkin are easily lost.
The first days
For the first 1–2 days with a new aligner you may feel pressure and a slight change in your speech; most people get used to it quickly.
Possible risks and precautions
The possible risks of clear aligner treatment are explained to you at the examination.
- If the aligners are not worn long enough, the teeth do not move as planned and treatment takes longer.
- Drinking sugary drinks while wearing aligners increases the risk of decay.
- Attachments may come off and need to be re-bonded.
- Pressure, sensitivity and a slight change in speech may occur in the first days.
- Rarely, root resorption and gum recession may occur.
- If the retainer is not worn, the teeth may shift again.
Frequently asked questions
Are clear aligners noticeable?
The aligners are clear and thin; they may be noticed up close, but they are much less visible than braces.
Do I need to remove the aligners to eat?
Yes. Take them out when eating or drinking anything other than water, and put them back after brushing your teeth.
How many hours a day do I need to wear them?
Usually 20–22 hours a day. If they are worn less, the teeth do not move as planned.
What if I lose or break an aligner?
Call us. Your dentist may advise you to go back to the previous aligner, move on to the next one, or have a new one made.
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