How clear aligner treatment works
We take a digital scan of your teeth — no goopy impression trays — and use it to build a 3D model of where your teeth are and where we want them to go. From that model we design the full sequence of trays before you start.
You will wear 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat and to brush and floss. Each tray moves your teeth by a fraction of a millimetre, which is why the process is so gradual and so gentle on the bone.
Every six to eight weeks we check your progress with a new scan and compare it against the plan. If your teeth are not tracking where they should be, we adjust the plan rather than press on.
Clear aligners vs. traditional braces
The practical differences are removability and comfort. You take aligners out to eat, so there are no food restrictions. There are no brackets or wires to irritate your cheeks, and because the trays are smooth, many patients report less soreness — though you will still feel pressure for a day or two after each change.
Traditional braces still have real advantages. Metal braces can move teeth in certain complex rotations more predictably, and they are usually less expensive. If your case involves significant rotation or vertical movement, we will say so.
Attachments — small tooth-coloured bumps of composite bonded to your teeth — help aligners grip and move teeth more effectively. They are placed and removed without anaesthetic and take a few minutes.
What aligners can and cannot fix
Aligners are excellent for crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate misalignment. They can also address some bite and crossbite issues.
They are less suited to very severe crowding, complex skeletal bite problems, or cases needing significant tooth movement. Some patients with those issues are better served by braces followed by retainers.
You will wear a retainer after treatment — permanently if you want your teeth to stay where they are. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back. This is not a sales tactic; it is biology.
