Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. They are nearly invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth.
Several systems are available, including Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and practice-designed systems. The principles are similar across brands, though the complexity of cases they can treat varies.
Are clear aligners suitable for me?
Clear aligners are effective for a wide range of cases, but they are not suitable for everyone. They tend to work best for:
Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
Minor overbites, underbites, or crossbites
Relapse cases — teeth that have moved back after previous orthodontic treatment
More complex orthodontic problems — such as significant jaw discrepancies, large overbites, or impacted teeth — are generally better treated with fixed braces or a combination approach. Your dentist or orthodontist will assess your case and advise you honestly about whether aligners will achieve your goals.
How does the treatment work?
Here is what to expect from aligner treatment:
Assessment and digital planning — scans or impressions are taken. A digital simulation shows the planned movement of your teeth.
Attachments (if needed) — small tooth-coloured dots may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth in specific directions.
Wearing the aligners — you wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth. You must wear them for at least 20–22 hours per day for treatment to work on schedule.
Check-up appointments — you attend the practice every 6–12 weeks so progress can be monitored.
Refinements — additional aligners may be needed at the end of the main course to fine-tune results.
Retention — retainers are essential after treatment to maintain results. Without lifelong retention, teeth will drift back.
Honest considerations
Clear aligners are a popular and effective treatment, but it is important to go in with realistic expectations:
Compliance is everything — aligners only work if you wear them. If you regularly remove them or forget to put them back in, treatment will not progress and may fail.
Speech — some people notice a slight lisp for the first week or two, which usually resolves quickly.
Drinking — you should only drink water with aligners in. Removing them to drink other drinks throughout the day can significantly reduce wear time.
Not all results look like the simulation — the digital simulation shows the planned outcome, but teeth do not always move exactly as predicted.
Complexity matters — very complex cases attempted with aligners alone may give disappointing results. An honest assessment from a suitably qualified clinician is essential.
Risks and possible complications
Common (affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Soreness and pressure when a new set of aligners is fitted — usually settles within 2–3 days
Mild speech changes initially
Gum or cheek irritation from the edge of aligners — usually resolves as you adapt
Uncommon (affect about 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people):
Treatment not achieving the planned result — refinements or switching to fixed braces may be needed
Root resorption (slight shortening of tooth roots) — generally minor
Decalcification (white marks) on teeth — less common than with fixed braces but possible if oral hygiene is poor
Rare:
Loss of a tooth attachment causing a gap in treatment
Jaw joint discomfort in susceptible individuals
Questions to ask your dentist
Is my case suitable for clear aligners, or would fixed braces give a better result?
How many aligners (stages) do you expect my treatment to involve?
Will I need attachments, and how visible are they?
What type of retainer will I use after treatment, and for how long?
What happens if I am not happy with the result at the end of the main course?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
References
Aligned with guidance from: British Orthodontic Society, FGDP(UK), SDCEP.