Clear aligner orthodontics

Clear aligners offer a discreet and effective way to achieve a straighter smile. Treatment involves a series of custom-designed, transparent trays (aligners), each applying precise, gentle pressure to guide your teeth into their desired positions over time.

How clear aligners work

Each aligner in the series is worn for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next. To ensure continuous and effective force, it is important to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. This consistent application of force enables controlled tooth movement, gradually shifting teeth millimetre by millimetre according to the planned progression. Each new tray continues the movement from the previous one, ensuring effective and safe progress toward your final alignment.

Conditions best treated with clear aligners

Clear aligners offer a flexible solution for many orthodontic concerns. We often recommend them to people with mild to moderate crowding, where teeth are slightly crooked. They are also effective at correcting spacing issues, such as closing small gaps between teeth. In addition, clear aligners are often ideal for addressing orthodontic relapse, where teeth have shifted after previous treatment with braces.

The precision of digital treatment planning

Our clear-aligner treatment journey starts with advanced digital technology. We use a 3Shape intraoral scanner to create a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth and gums. This process eliminates the need for unpleasant traditional impressions, making the first step more comfortable. This precise digital model lets us develop a personalized treatment plan. We can simulate the entire tooth-movement process on screen, from the starting position to the final desired result. Patients can see their predicted new smile, gaining a clear understanding of what to expect before treatment begins.

Seamless integration into daily life

A major advantage of clear-aligner treatment is how seamlessly it integrates into your daily life. These transparent trays are specifically designed to be nearly invisible, offering a discreet orthodontic solution. Whether you are an adult in a professional setting or a busy teenager, the discreet nature of the aligners lets you maintain your usual activities and social interactions. A key benefit is the removability of the aligners. This allows you to easily take them out to eat and drink anything other than plain water. Most importantly, this feature also simplifies maintaining optimal oral hygiene. You can brush and floss thoroughly, without the obstacles posed by fixed appliances, helping to protect your dental health throughout treatment.

Protecting your new smile: the importance of retention

Achieving a straighter smile with clear aligners is an accomplishment, but the journey does not end there. Retention is a critical phase of orthodontic treatment. Teeth naturally tend to shift back to their original positions over time without the continuous use of retainers. This phenomenon, known as orthodontic relapse, occurs because the surrounding bone and soft tissues need time to stabilize in their new alignment. We offer several retainer options to maintain your results. Removable retainers are custom-made, transparent plastic trays similar to your aligners, typically worn at night. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire discreetly bonded to the back surface of your front teeth, providing continuous support.

If you would like to discuss whether this is right for you, you are welcome to book an appointment.