Clear aligner therapy uses a series of custom, virtually invisible trays to incrementally move teeth into desired positions. With no wires or brackets, aligners offer a comfortable, hygienic, and aesthetic orthodontic solution for teens and adults.

Why Choose Clear Aligners?

• Discreet Appearance: Nearly invisible, ideal for professionals and self-conscious teens.
• Removability: Eat, brush, and floss without obstructions—improves hygiene and dietary freedom.
• Comfort: Smooth, BPA-free plastic minimizes soft-tissue irritation common with braces.
• Predictable Tracking: Digital treatment planning visualizes each tooth movement phase.

Treatment Candidates

• Mild to moderate crowding or spacing.
• Certain bite issues: mild Class I/II malocclusions, open bites, or deep bites.
• Relapse cases after previous orthodontic treatment.
• Patients motivated to wear aligners 20–22 hours daily.

Clear Aligner Workflow

1 . Digital Consultation & Scan (60 minutes)

• Initial Exam: Photographs, digital impressions with intraoral scanner, and radiographs.
• Smile Simulation: ClinCheck (or equivalent) 3D treatment preview showing step-by-step tooth movements.

2 . Custom Aligner Fabrication (2–3 weeks)

• Aligners manufactured in incremental stages, usually 0.2 mm movement per tray.
• Each tray trimmed to fit mildly below the gumline for secure seating.

3 . Aligner Delivery & Instruction (30–45 minutes)

• Fit aligners, check seating, and provide wear/removal demonstration.
• Issue wear schedule (20–22 hours/day) and aligner change intervals (7–14 days).

4 . Progress Monitoring (Every 8–12 weeks)

• Evaluate fit of current aligners; address refinements or attachments as needed.
• Provide new sets of aligners and check patient’s oral hygiene.
• Use “power ridges,” elastics, or attachments for complex movements (rotations, extrusions).

5 . Refinement Phase

• Mid-treatment scans to assess progress and create additional aligners for fine-tuning.
• Address any incomplete movements or torque requirements.

6 . Treatment Completion & Retention

• Final retainers delivered—clear Essix retainers or fixed lingual wires.
• Retention schedule: Full-time retainer wear for 3–6 months, then nightly indefinitely.

Advantages & Considerations

• Customized Comfort: Thermoformed plastic aligners adapt to individual dental anatomy.
• Oral Hygiene: No bands or wires to trap food; reduces risk of decalcification and gum disease.
• Dietary Freedom: No food restrictions; remove aligners before meals.
• Patient Responsibility: Successful outcome hinges on compliance with wear time.
• Limitations: Not suitable for severe skeletal discrepancies or significant vertical movements—
  traditional braces may be required.