How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that progressively shift your teeth into alignment. Each tray is worn for 1–2 weeks before moving to the next in the sequence. Using digital scanning and 3D treatment planning software, your entire treatment is mapped out before you begin — so you can see a simulation of your final result before a single aligner is worn.
Clear Aligners vs Metal Braces
The advantages of clear aligners over traditional braces are significant for most adult patients:
- Near-invisible: most people won't notice you're wearing them
- Removable: eat anything, brush and floss normally
- Comfortable: no wires, no brackets, no emergency appointments for broken hardware
- Fewer dental visits: check-ins every 6–8 weeks rather than monthly
- Predictable: full treatment simulation before you begin
- No food restrictions: remove the aligner to eat
Who is a Candidate?
Clear aligners effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Mild to moderate alignment issues are ideal. Severe skeletal discrepancies or complex bite issues may still require traditional braces or combined orthodontic-surgical treatment. A clinical assessment with digital scans determines your candidacy accurately.
Treatment Timeline
Most mild-to-moderate cases are completed in 6–18 months. Simpler alignments (closing small gaps, minor crowding) can be completed in as little as 3–6 months. Following your aligner schedule closely — wearing them 20–22 hours per day — is the single biggest factor in staying on timeline.
Aftercare: Retainers Are Essential
After completing aligner treatment, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original position. Wearing a retainer — usually nightly — is essential to maintain your results. This is true for all orthodontic treatment, not just aligners. We provide custom retainers at the end of every aligner treatment.
Clear aligner technology has made it possible for adults to achieve the smile they've always wanted — discreetly and comfortably. Using intraoral scanners, we create a fully digital treatment plan with zero messy impressions. Book a consultation to see a 3D simulation of your result before committing.