Clear Aligners
Straighten your smile discreetly, without traditional braces.
About this treatment
Clear aligners are transparent, removable trays that move the teeth step by step towards a different position. You wear each set for an agreed period, then change to the next.
The treatment is planned digitally beforehand: a scan or impression is used to determine which movements are needed and in what order. That makes the aim of the treatment clear from the start.
Aligners only work while you wear them. Wear time — typically most of the day and night, apart from eating and drinking — is a major factor in whether the result is achievable.
Who this may suit
This is not a diagnosis. Whether a treatment is appropriate in your situation can only be established during an in-person examination. A conversation may be worthwhile if you recognize the following:
- Mildly to moderately crooked teeth
- Small gaps, or conversely too little room in the arch
- Teeth that have drifted back after previous orthodontic treatment
- A preference for something less visible than fixed braces
Well suited to adults and teens who want straighter teeth without the look or restrictions of metal braces.
Examination and treatment process
The process differs from patient to patient. In broad terms it looks like this:
Examination and assessment
We assess tooth position, the bite, the gums and the presence of decay. Aligners are only started once the mouth is healthy.
Digital planning
A scan or impression is used to work out the treatment plan. You see what result is being aimed for and how many stages it takes.
Wearing and reviewing
You change the aligners on schedule and attend periodic reviews, so progress can be followed and adjusted where needed.
Completion and retention
After the last aligner comes retention: a retainer that holds the new position. Without retention, teeth drift back.
Limitations and realistic expectations
- Not every misalignment can be corrected with aligners. Complex movements or discrepancies in jaw relationship may call for a different treatment or a referral.
- The result depends heavily on wear time. Wearing them too little leads to delay, or to a result that falls short of the plan.
- Small attachments on the teeth, or lightly reshaping contact points to create space, are sometimes needed.
- Retention is needed indefinitely to limit relapse. That is part of the treatment, not an exception to it.
- Aligners correct position; they do not change the colour of the teeth.
Aftercare and maintenance
- Wear the retainer exactly as agreed — this is the single most important part of aftercare.
- Clean the aligners and retainer daily, and brush before putting them back in.
- Drink only water with aligners in; sugary drinks otherwise sit against the teeth.
- Tell us if the retainer no longer fits properly or is damaged.
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information, not medical advice or a treatment plan. Whether a treatment is suitable and feasible depends on your oral health, the clinical situation and an examination at the practice. Outcomes, duration and cost differ from patient to patient. If you have acute symptoms, pain or a dental emergency, call the practice directly rather than using the contact form.