What is clear aligner treatment?
Clear aligner treatment is an orthodontic method that uses thin, clear plastic aligners fitting snugly over the teeth, instead of brackets and wires, to correct the position of the teeth. Before treatment starts, a 3D model of the teeth is made and the movement of the teeth from their current position to the target position is planned stage by stage on the computer. A separate aligner is produced for each stage of this plan.
As the aligners are worn in sequence, controlled, gentle forces are applied to the teeth. The bone surrounding the teeth remodels in response to these forces and the tooth slowly moves to its new position. In orthodontics the biology of tooth movement is the same whether brackets, appliances or aligners are used. What changes is how the force is delivered to the tooth.
The word “plaque” can mean the bacterial film that builds up on tooth surfaces (dental plaque), while in Turkish “plak” also refers to orthodontic clear aligners. This page is about orthodontic clear aligners.
Which problems are clear aligners used for?
With correct diagnosis and planning, clear aligners can be used for many tooth alignment and bite problems:
- Crowded teeth: teeth that do not fit and overlap
- Gaps between teeth (diastema)
- Deep bite: the upper front teeth cover the lower teeth too much
- Open bite: the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed
- Crossbite: some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Protruding (forward-tilted) teeth
- Teeth shifting again after previous orthodontic treatment (relapse)
- Bringing teeth into a suitable position before an implant, crown or bridge
In some cases clear aligners alone may not be enough. For marked skeletal jaw discrepancies, orthopaedic appliances may be needed in growing children, and jaw surgery combined with orthodontics in adults. For some tooth movements, mini-screws, elastics or short-term fixed appliances can be used to support the aligners.
How does treatment progress?
Clear aligner treatment broadly consists of the following stages. You can find the details of each stage on the treatment process page.
- Examination: Your concerns and expectations are discussed; teeth, gums, bite and facial structure are assessed.
- Records: Necessary X-rays, photos and an intraoral digital scan are taken.
- Digital planning: Tooth movements are divided into stages; the target position and estimated duration are shared with a 3D simulation.
- Aligner fitting: Attachments are bonded to the teeth if needed, the first aligners are fitted and their use is explained.
- Follow-up: Aligners are usually changed every 1–2 weeks; progress is checked at visits and an additional set of aligners is planned if needed.
- Retention: A retainer is used to keep the teeth in their new position.
Key features of clear aligners
The reasons patients choose clear aligners are usually related to daily life. These features do not mean the method suits every patient; suitability is decided at the examination.
- Hard to notice: The aligners are clear; they usually do not draw attention when you talk.
- Removable: Because they come out for meals, there are fewer food restrictions than with braces.
- Hygiene: Teeth can be brushed and flossed normally.
- Visible planning: The stages and goal of treatment can be shown at the start with a digital simulation.
- Fewer urgent problems: No loose brackets or poking wires; however, an aligner can be lost or broken.
Limits and things to keep in mind
The success of clear aligner treatment depends largely on the patient's cooperation. Because the aligners are removable, wearing them for less than the recommended time stops the teeth from progressing as planned. Other points to consider:
- Nothing but water should be drunk with the aligners in, and teeth should be brushed after meals.
- A feeling of pressure for 1–3 days when switching to a new aligner and a slight change in speech in the first days are possible.
- Some complex movements may need additional aligner sets, attachments or auxiliary appliances.
- If a retainer is not used after treatment, the teeth tend to move back to their old positions.
Who may it suit?
| Age group | What is assessed? | Related page |
|---|---|---|
| Children (roughly 6–10) | Jaw development, lack of space, crossbite and habits | Invisalign First |
| Teenagers (11–17) | Erupting permanent teeth, guiding growth, cooperation | Invisalign Teen |
| Adults | Gum and bone health, existing fillings/crowns/implants | Wire-free orthodontics for adults |
How long does treatment take?
The duration depends on the severity of the problem and how much the teeth need to move. Mild crowding may be corrected in a few months, while comprehensive cases mostly take 12–24 months. Once the digital treatment plan is prepared, your estimated duration and number of aligners are shared. Wearing the aligners consistently and keeping your check-ups helps maintain this timeline.
How is the fee determined?
The fee for clear aligner treatment is set individually, based on factors such as the extent of the case, the number of aligners, treatment length, additional procedures and retention. Fee information is given after the examination and planning. We explain the factors that affect the fee in detail on this page.