What are clear aligners? A quick summary
Clear aligners (often called "invisible braces") are thin, transparent plastic trays custom-made from a digital scan of your teeth. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth one very small step toward their target position. After wearing one aligner for 7–14 days, you switch to the next; as the aligners are worn in sequence, the teeth move into the planned alignment. Because clear aligners are removable, there is nothing in your mouth while you eat or brush your teeth, which sets them apart from fixed braces.
In short, the answer to the question of what clear aligners do is this: they correct many orthodontic problems, such as crowding, gaps between teeth and mild to moderate bite problems, using a method without wires that is hard to notice from the outside. However, they are not suitable for every case; the orthodontist decides at the examination which problems can be solved with clear aligners.
| Topic | General information |
|---|---|
| What they are | Removable, transparent thermoplastic trays custom-made from a digital impression |
| Daily wear | 20–22 hours; removed only for eating, hot drinks and cleaning your teeth |
| Aligner changes | Every 7–14 days, according to the doctor's plan |
| Check-up frequency | Usually every 6–10 weeks |
| Treatment time | 6–24 months, depending on the case |
| Additional procedures | If needed, attachments (tooth-colored composite bumps) and IPR (minor enamel reduction) |
| Suitable for | Mild to moderate crowding, spaced teeth, some bite problems |
| Limited in | Severe skeletal problems, active gum disease, irregular wear |
| After treatment | Retainer: all day at first, then at night, regularly over the long term |
| Cost | Depends on case complexity, number of aligners, brand and additional procedures; provided in writing after planning |
Values are generally accepted ranges; your plan is set after your examination and digital planning.
How do clear aligners move teeth?
Teeth are not fused directly to the bone; thanks to the periodontal ligament around the root (the thin connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the bone), they can slowly shift position when a light, continuous force is applied. Braces deliver this force through brackets and wires; clear aligners apply the same principle through the shape of the plastic tray. Each new aligner is made in a shape that differs from the current position of the teeth by about 0.2–0.3 millimeters. When you put the aligner in, this small difference presses on the tooth, and the tooth moves in the planned direction.
Why does the aligner material matter?
Aligners are usually made from multilayer thermoplastic (a flexible plastic shaped with heat). The material used in Invisalign aligners is called SmartTrack. The basic expectations are that it transfers force to the tooth steadily and in a controlled way, resists tearing and feels comfortable in the mouth. Differences in material affect comfort, flexibility and the aligner's working life more than the treatment result. We describe the system used at our clinic in detail on our Invisalign treatment page.
What are attachments?
Attachments are small, tooth-colored composite bumps bonded to the tooth surface. They help the aligner grip the tooth better and perform difficult movements such as rotation and vertical extrusion. Depending on the treatment plan, attachments are placed on some teeth and not on others. When treatment ends, the attachments are removed without harming the teeth. Attachments are the main reason aligners are not completely invisible; even so, most people do not notice them from the outside.
What is IPR (interproximal reduction)?
In some cases a small amount of space needs to be gained so the teeth can be aligned. IPR (removing enamel between the teeth on the order of tenths of a millimeter) creates this space without extractions. The procedure stays within the outer layer of the enamel, does not require anesthesia and is carried out within safe limits under the dentist's control. Not every patient needs IPR; whether it is needed is determined in the digital plan.
Who are clear aligners suitable for?
Clear aligners can be used across a wide age range, from teenagers who have lost all their baby teeth to older adults. Suitability depends not on age but on the health of the teeth and gums, the type of orthodontic problem and consistent wear. In general, the following conditions respond well to clear aligners:
- Mild to moderate crowding of the teeth
- Gaps between teeth (diastema) and small spaces
- Mild shifts that have relapsed after braces
- Some cases of deep bite, open bite and crossbite
- Mildly protruding (forward-tipped) teeth
Clear aligners may not be the first choice for severe skeletal problems (those originating in the jawbone), serious gum disease, untreated cavities or people who will wear the aligners for less than 20 hours a day. For details, see our who are clear aligners for and at what age can you get clear aligners pages. We explain the limits for problems originating in the jaw itself on our can clear aligners fix jaw structure page.
How does clear aligner treatment progress step by step?
The process goes through similar stages with Invisalign and other systems. Each step is described in detail on our how clear aligner treatment works page.
- Examination and assessment: The orthodontist examines your teeth, gums and bite; X-rays and photographs are taken. This is where it is decided whether clear aligners are suitable for you.
- Digital scan: A three-dimensional image of the teeth is captured with an intraoral scanner. At most clinics, putty impressions are no longer needed.
- Digital planning and simulation: In the planning software, the dentist determines how the teeth will move step by step. You can see on screen the estimated appearance of your teeth at the end of treatment; this image is illustrative, and the result depends on how consistently you wear your aligners.
- Aligner production: The aligner series is produced according to the approved plan. Invisalign aligners are manufactured abroad, and delivery may take a few weeks.
- Aligner delivery: The first aligner is fitted, attachments are bonded if needed and you are shown how to put the aligners in and take them out.
- Wear and check-ups: You wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day and change them at the interval set by the dentist (usually every 7–14 days). Check-ups take place every 6–10 weeks.
- Completion and retention: When the last aligner is finished, the attachments are removed and a retainer is provided to maintain the result.
How many months treatment takes depends on the complexity of the case and how consistently you wear your aligners; you can find typical durations on our how long does clear aligner treatment take page.
How many hours a day should clear aligners be worn?
The generally accepted rule is 20–22 hours a day. The aligners are taken out only while eating, drinking hot or sugary drinks and cleaning your teeth. Even a few hours of missed wear per day can cause the teeth to fall behind the plan; in that case the aligners do not fit properly and treatment takes longer. The technique for putting aligners in and taking them out, how to use chewies (silicone rolls that help seat the aligner) and daily habits are explained in detail on our how to wear clear aligners page. For cleaning, see our how to clean clear aligners guide.
What are the advantages and limits of clear aligners?
Advantages
- Appearance: The aligners are thin and transparent; most people do not notice them in social and work settings.
- Removability: The aligner is out of your mouth while eating, brushing and flossing, so oral hygiene is easier to maintain than with braces.
- Comfort: There are no wires or brackets to irritate the cheeks and lips. When a new aligner is put in, there is a feeling of pressure that lasts a few days; this is a sign that force is being transmitted to the teeth.
- Predictability: Thanks to the digital plan, where the teeth should be at each stage is known, and deviations are noticed early.
- Fewer emergencies: There are no broken brackets or poking wires.
Limits
- They require commitment: The result depends on wearing the aligners enough. When the aligner stays in a drawer, the teeth do not move.
- They are not suitable for every case: Severe skeletal problems, bringing impacted teeth into position or some large root movements may be planned together with braces or surgery.
- Attachments and IPR: Complete invisibility is not always possible; attachments can be seen up close.
- Speech and saliva: In the first days there may be a slight lisp and increased saliva; this usually passes within a few days.
- Loss and breakage: Being removable brings a risk of loss. Possible problems and their solutions are collected on our clear aligner problems page.
Clear aligners and fixed braces are compared in detail on our clear aligners vs. braces page. You decide which method is right for you together with your orthodontist after the examination and planning.
Which tooth movements can clear aligners achieve?
How well clear aligners work varies with the type of movement planned. Some movements are achieved easily and predictably with aligners, while others require attachments, elastics or additional methods. The general picture is as follows:
- Easy movements: Slight sideways shifting of teeth (tipping), moving front teeth inward or outward, closing small gaps and mild widening of the arch. Most aligner systems achieve these movements with high predictability.
- Moderately difficult movements: Rotating incisors and canines, pushing teeth in vertically (intrusion) and opening a deep bite. These usually require attachments and take longer.
- Difficult movements: Marked rotation of round-shaped teeth (premolars), pulling teeth out vertically (extrusion), large root movements and closing extraction spaces. For these movements the aligner alone may not be enough; the dentist may plan additional attachments, elastics, temporary mini screws or short-term support with braces.
For this reason, the same problem may be solved in two different patients over different time frames and with different tools. Which movements will be needed, and to what extent the aligners can achieve them, becomes clear during digital planning.
Are clear aligners safe, and do they have side effects?
Clear aligners are a method that has been used worldwide for many years and has been widely studied in the orthodontic literature. In a correctly planned treatment under a dentist's supervision, they are not expected to harm the teeth or gums. However, as with any orthodontic treatment, there are some points to be aware of:
- Root shortening (resorption): In all orthodontic treatments, slight shortening of the root tip may occur; because the force applied by clear aligners is light and controlled, this risk is no higher than with braces. It is monitored with X-rays.
- Gums and cavities: Aligners cover the teeth for long periods; if aligners are worn without brushing the teeth, the risk of cavities and gum inflammation increases. When hygiene rules are followed, this risk is low.
- Material: Aligners are made from thermoplastics approved for medical use that do not contain BPA. Sensitivity to the plastic has rarely been reported; if you suspect it, tell your dentist.
- Bite changes: During treatment, the back teeth may temporarily not meet fully; this is an intermediate stage of the plan and is corrected by the end of treatment.
- Teeth clenching: In patients who clench their teeth at night, aligners wear out faster; the dentist takes this into account in the aligner schedule.
Before treatment begins, cavities, gum disease and jaw joint problems are evaluated; if there are active problems, these are treated first. For this reason, clear aligner treatment should only be started after an examination by a dentist or orthodontist; remote services offered only with an impression kit and no examination do not include this assessment.
What questions should you ask your dentist at the examination?
- Is my case suitable for clear aligners, and if so, are aligners alone enough?
- Which system do you work with, and why do you prefer it?
- What is the estimated number of aligners and treatment time, and how likely is a refinement series?
- Are attachments, IPR, elastics or extractions planned?
- How often will check-ups take place, and what should I do if I lose an aligner?
- Are the refinement series and the retainer included in the fee?
- What will the retention plan be after treatment?
The answers to these questions clarify your expectations before treatment begins and help the process go ahead without surprises.
Which clear aligner system is used at our clinic?
At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided with the Invisalign system. Digital scanning is done with the iTero intraoral scanner, the treatment plan is prepared in ClinCheck software, and planning and all check-ups are carried out by the orthodontist. The most important factors that determine the result are the dentist's experience in planning and monitoring, and wearing the aligners 20–22 hours a day. We explain the details of the system on our Invisalign treatment page.
What determines the cost of clear aligners?
The cost of clear aligners varies according to the complexity of the case, the planned number of aligners, additional procedures such as attachments and IPR, the length of treatment and the number of check-ups. The minimum fee schedule of the Turkish Dental Association (TDB) sets a lower framework. The treatment fee is provided in writing by the clinic after the examination and digital planning are completed. We explain the factors that determine the cost on our what determines the cost of clear aligners page, and public options on our clear aligners at public hospitals page.
What happens during and after treatment?
In the first weeks, getting used to the aligners, a slight feeling of pressure and small changes in speech are typical. As the months go by, the change in your teeth becomes visible in the mirror. We describe what people experience week by week on our what is it like to wear clear aligners page, and how the teeth change over the course of treatment, using illustrative drawings, on our clear aligners before and after page. Planning is different for patients with missing teeth; our clear aligners with missing teeth page covers this topic.
The work does not end when treatment does. Until the teeth are stabilized in their new positions, they tend to move back to where they were. For this reason, the retainer is worn all day for the first months, then at night, and regularly for life in the long term. Details are on our retainer after clear aligners page.
Where can I find more information?
We have prepared a frequently asked questions page for quick questions, a clear aligner glossary for terms used in treatment, a videos page for visual explanations and a sources page for the scientific background. If you would like an examination in Ankara, you can find clinic information on our clear aligner treatment in Ankara page, information about our dentist and team on our about us page and ways to book an appointment on our contact page. New articles are published in our blog section.
Please remember: the information on this page is general. Whether your teeth are suitable for clear aligners, which system will be chosen and how many months treatment will take become clear only after an orthodontic examination and digital planning.