How aligners work
Your treatment is planned digitally or from models of your teeth, then broken into small stages. Each set of aligners is worn for a set period before moving to the next, with every set moving your teeth slightly closer to the planned position.
Some treatments use small tooth-coloured attachments on certain teeth to help the aligners grip and guide movement.
Who aligners may suit
Aligners aren’t right for every situation. After examining your teeth and bite, Dr. Supriya will tell you honestly whether aligners, braces, or another approach would serve you best.
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Some bite concerns, depending on their complexity
- Teeth that have shifted after earlier braces
- Adults and older teens who prefer a discreet, removable option
Wearing aligners day to day
Aligners work only while they are in your mouth, so they usually need to be worn for around 20–22 hours a day. You take them out to eat and drink anything other than water, then brush before putting them back in.
It’s common to feel slight pressure for a day or two when you start a new set — a sign that the aligners are doing their work.
Aligners or braces?
Both can produce excellent results. Aligners are nearly invisible and removable, but they rely on you wearing them consistently. Braces are fixed, so they work around the clock without you having to remember them, and they can manage a broader range of complex movements.
After treatment
As with braces, retainers are needed to help keep teeth in their new positions. We’ll explain how and when to wear them.
Treatment suitability is determined after an in-person dental consultation. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of results.