Clear Aligners
Clear aligners can be a great way to straighten your teeth. Use this guide to help you find the best clear aligners solution for you.
How long do clear aligners take to work?
Clear aligners can start to work in as little as 12 weeks. Clear aligner treatment can usually be finished within 6 months for those people who have minor tooth movement needs such as small gaps. For people with a medium level of teeth crowding or gaps, expect clear aligners to take 6 to 12 months. If you have a lot of crowing and some of your teeth are rotated by at least 180 degrees then you may be in clear aligners for up to 24 months.
Are clear aligners completely invisible?
Like any clear plastic, there is some level of visibility depending on the thickness and quality of the clear plastic. Arguably the clearest aligners on the market used by orthodontists today are the 3M Clarity aligners. At Noranda Orthodontics we tailor your orthodontic appliance to your needs, so if you would prefer 3M Clarity or Invisalign clear aligners, please let us know during your consultation.
Do clear aligners work?
Like braces, clear aligners work to move the teeth into their ideal position. Clear aligners do work well but they move the teeth in a different way to traditional braces. Instead of relying on a braces wire to guide the tooth movement, clear aligners cover all the surface of the teeth above the gum line. The aligners can pull the teeth upward and downward, move the teeth sideways and spin teeth back around to their correct position. Often aligner attachments are needed for the most accurate tooth movement. The good news is that the gentle force of the clear aligners in comparison to a braces wire can make the teeth straightening process more comfortable than braces. In some cases, orthodontists will even choose to use clear aligners over braces, particular for those with sensitive gums or other periodontal issues.
Are clear aligners faster or slower than braces?
Often there is very little difference in the time it takes to get straight teeth in braces compared to clear aligners. If you don’t wear your clear aligners for enough hours during the day then this can increase your treatment time. We recommend you wear your aligners for 22 hours per day. Some people opt for braces instead of clear aligners as they don’t feel confident that they will wear the aligners as instructed by their orthodontist.
What do I do if I’ve been told I’m not a candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligner treatment is usually only limited by the experience of the orthodontist or dentist treating you. If you have your heart set on clear aligners and you’ve been told no, then we always recommend getting a second opinion. A combination of braces and clear aligners may be recommended in some cases.
How much do clear aligners cost?
The cost of clear aligners is normally comparative to braces these days. Expect to pay between $3800 and $5500 for medium complexity aligner treatment. The cost for advanced tooth movement with clear aligners can vary between $8600 and $9600. Payment plans for clear aligners can help you spread out the cost over time. You can read our orthodontic cost guide here.
Noranda Orthodontics is a clear aligner provider. Please always read and follow your Orthodontist’s instructions for use.
