Orthodontics

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of custom, removable, transparent trays that gradually move teeth into a new position — a less visible alternative to metal braces for mild to moderate crowding or spacing.

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At a glance

Months, not years

Treatment for mild to moderate cases commonly runs from several months to around a year, though the exact length depends on how much movement your case needs.

Nearly invisible

The trays are clear and far less visible day to day than metal braces, which is why many adults specifically ask about them.

20-22 hours a day

Aligners are worn nearly full-time, removed only for eating, drinking anything but water, and cleaning your teeth.

A retainer follows

Once the planned movement is complete, a retainer keeps teeth from shifting back — skipping it is a common reason results don't last.

What clear aligner treatment involves

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable, transparent trays that gradually move teeth into a new position, worn nearly full-time and swapped for the next stage every one to two weeks. They typically suit mild to moderate crowding or spacing rather than complex bite problems, which are more often addressed with fixed appliances such as metal braces.

How many stages a case needs, and whether small attachments are used to help a tray grip, depends on how much crowding or spacing is present — a clinical assessment establishes this for each case.

How treatment works, step by step

Assessment and planning

A clinical exam, and typically digital scans or X-rays, establish whether the case suits aligner treatment, and the planned tooth movements are mapped digitally stage by stage.

Aligners manufactured

A series of custom trays is produced, each designed to move the teeth slightly further than the last.

Wearing the aligners

Each tray is worn for roughly one to two weeks, generally twenty to twenty-two hours a day, removed only for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth.

Check-ins and retention

Periodic visits confirm teeth are tracking as planned. Once movement is complete, a retainer — fixed, removable, or both — holds the new position.

Before you decide

Not sure whether this applies to your teeth?

The only way to know is an examination. Ask a question first if you would rather understand the options before booking anything.

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When aligners aren't the right fit

Clear aligners aren’t the right tool for every misalignment. Significant bite discrepancies and some tooth rotations respond better to fixed appliances that apply continuous mechanical force in ways a removable tray can’t. Because the trays come out, treatment also depends on actually wearing them for the recommended hours each day — inconsistent wear is one of the most common reasons aligner treatment doesn’t progress as planned. Active gum disease or untreated decay is generally addressed first, before any orthodontic movement, aligners included.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are clear aligners as effective as traditional braces?

For mild to moderate crowding or spacing, aligners can achieve comparable results to braces. For more complex bite problems or certain tooth movements, fixed appliances generally allow more mechanical control, which is why a clinical assessment — not personal preference alone — determines which approach suits a specific case.

Can adults get clear aligner treatment, or is it only for teenagers?

Clear aligners are commonly used by adults specifically because they’re removable and far less visible than fixed braces, and adult crowding or spacing is a common reason people seek them out. Suitability depends on the specific case, not age alone, as long as the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic movement.