What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a way of straightening teeth with a series of removable, transparent plastic trays instead of fixed brackets and wires. Each tray is made for your teeth and moves them a small step; you change to the next tray at the interval your dentist sets. Several commercial aligner systems exist, and the one planned for you should be named in your written treatment plan.

How Treatment Works

  • Records are taken first: photographs, a scan or impressions, and X-rays where needed.
  • The dentist plans the tooth movements and the number of trays.
  • Each tray is worn for most of the day and removed to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth.
  • Progress is reviewed at regular check-ups, and extra trays are sometimes needed to finish.
  • Retainers are worn afterwards to stop teeth drifting back, usually for the long term.

How long treatment takes depends on what is being corrected. Many cases take months to a couple of years; the dentist gives an estimate after the examination.

Wearing Aligners

Aligners only move teeth while they are in the mouth. Most systems ask for wear for most of the day; the exact number of hours is set by your dentist. Treatment that relies on aligners being worn less than instructed tends to take longer or finish less well.

Who May Be Suitable?

Clear aligners can treat many cases of crowding, spacing and some bite problems in teenagers and adults. They are not suitable for every type of tooth movement, and some cases need fixed braces. Gum disease or decay should be treated first. Whether aligners suit you is decided at an in-person examination.

Clear Aligners at Adil Dent Clinics

At Adil Dent Clinics, orthodontic treatment is the area of work of Dr. Abdurrahman Balaban (see the doctors page). Treatment starts with an examination and records at the clinic in Istanbul. Because aligners need regular reviews over months, patients who live abroad should agree the visit schedule before starting; see orthodontics at Adil Dent.

This article is general information and does not replace a clinical consultation. Recommendations depend on an individual examination. Request a consultation to discuss your case, or message us on WhatsApp.