Clear Aligners Explained

How Do They Straighten Your Teeth?

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, you’ve probably come across clear aligners.

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable, discreet and designed to fit into your everyday life. But how do they actually work, and what can you expect if you choose clear aligner treatment?

Here’s everything you need to know about clear aligners and how Aalto approaches treatment.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent trays designed to gradually move your teeth into planned positions.

Each aligner represents a different stage of your treatment. As you progress through the series, carefully planned forces are applied to your teeth to achieve the movements outlined in your treatment plan.

Because aligners are removable, you can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

How Do Clear Aligners Move Teeth?

Teeth aren't permanently fixed in place. They are supported by the tissues and bone surrounding their roots, which can adapt when controlled orthodontic forces are applied.

When an aligner applies pressure to a tooth, the surrounding tissues respond through a natural process called bone remodelling. This allows the tooth to gradually change position.

Different types of tooth movement require different amounts and directions of force. That's why clear aligner treatment isn't simply about wearing a series of trays — the treatment plan behind those trays is an important part of the process.

Your dentist or orthodontist determines which movements are appropriate for your individual case and how they should be sequenced throughout treatment.

What Problems Can Clear Aligners Treat?

Clear aligners can be used to treat many common orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowded teeth

• Gaps between teeth

• Crooked or rotated teeth

• Certain overbites

• Certain underbites

• Crossbites

• General tooth alignment concerns

However, clear aligners aren't suitable for every patient or every type of tooth movement.

The complexity of your case, your bite, the health of your teeth and gums, and the movements required will all influence whether aligner treatment is appropriate.

That's why a proper clinical assessment should always come before treatment.

What Makes Aalto Clear Aligners Different?

Aalto clear aligners are manufactured using Zendura FLX™, a multi-layer orthodontic material designed specifically for clear aligner treatment.

The material is engineered to provide a combination of flexibility, durability and optical clarity.

However, the material is only one part of successful aligner treatment.

At Aalto, we place equal importance on the clinical planning, manufacturing and monitoring that happen around each aligner.

How Does Aalto Treatment Work?

Every Aalto treatment begins with an in-clinic assessment with a treating dentist.

Your dentist assesses your teeth and gums and collects the clinical records required to determine whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate.

This may include:

• A comprehensive dental examination

• Digital intraoral scans

• X-rays where clinically required

• Photographs and other diagnostic records

These records provide the information needed to develop your personalised treatment plan.

1. Your Teeth Are Assessed

Your treating dentist evaluates your oral health, tooth alignment and bite before treatment begins.

If there are existing dental concerns that need to be addressed first, your dentist can discuss these with you.

2. Your Treatment Is Planned

Your digital records are used to create a personalised treatment plan showing the planned stages of tooth movement.

Aalto combines dental care with specialist orthodontic oversight to support treatment planning where appropriate.

3. Your Aligners Are Manufactured

Once your treatment plan has been reviewed and approved, your aligners are manufactured specifically for your treatment.

Each aligner corresponds to a particular stage of your plan.

4. You Wear Your Aligners

Your treating dental professional will provide instructions on how long to wear your aligners each day and when to move to the next stage.

Consistent wear is an important part of successful treatment.

5. Your Progress Is Monitored

Aalto uses digital monitoring technology to help your clinical team follow your progress between appointments.

Depending on your treatment, you may be asked to complete regular scans using Aalto's Scanbox and Dental Monitoring technology.

Your clinical team can use these scans to assess how your treatment is progressing and determine whether any action is required.

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

There is no standard treatment time for every patient.

Treatment duration depends on factors including:

• The complexity of your case

• The amount of tooth movement required

• Your treatment plan

• How consistently you wear your aligners

• Your individual response to treatment

Some cases can be completed in a matter of months, while more involved cases can take longer.

Your treating dentist can provide a more accurate estimate after assessing your teeth and developing your treatment plan.

Are Clear Aligners Comfortable?

It is normal to experience some pressure or mild discomfort when beginning a new aligner.

This is generally a sign that the aligner is applying the planned forces to your teeth. Most people find that any initial discomfort settles as they adjust to each new aligner.

Clear aligners are also smooth and don't contain the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces, which can make them more comfortable for some patients.

If you experience significant or persistent pain, you should contact your treating dental professional.

Can You Eat Normally With Clear Aligners?

Yes — one of the major advantages of removable aligners is that you don't have to avoid particular foods because of brackets or wires.

You should remove your aligners before eating and before drinking anything other than water.

After eating, brushing your teeth before replacing your aligners helps reduce the amount of food and bacteria trapped against your teeth.

Clear Aligners vs Braces

Both clear aligners and braces can be effective orthodontic treatments, but the experience is different.

Clear aligners:

• Are discreet

• Can be removed for eating and oral hygiene

• Require consistent wear

• May allow for fewer routine in-person appointments in appropriate cases

• Use digital treatment planning and monitoring

Braces:

• Are fixed to the teeth

• Work continuously without relying on the patient to put them in

• Can be used for a broad range of orthodontic problems

• Require regular in-person appointments for adjustments and monitoring

The right option depends on your individual clinical needs, lifestyle and treatment goals.

How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?

The cost of clear aligner treatment varies depending on your case, treatment requirements and provider.

When comparing prices, it's important to look beyond the headline figure and understand what is included.

Consider whether the quoted price covers:

• Initial assessment

• Digital scans and records

• Treatment planning

• Aligners

• Clinical appointments

• Remote monitoring

• Refinements, where applicable

• Retainers following treatment

Aalto provides transparent treatment pricing so you can understand what is included before deciding whether to proceed.

Do Clear Aligners Really Work?

Clear aligners can be an effective way to straighten teeth when they are appropriately planned and used as directed.

The success of treatment depends on more than simply wearing the trays. Your treatment plan, clinical assessment, aligner fit, compliance and ongoing monitoring all play a role.

This is why Aalto combines in-clinic dental care, personalised treatment planning, professional oversight and digital monitoring throughout the treatment journey.

How to Get Started With Aalto

If you're considering clear aligners, the first step is finding out whether they're suitable for you.

The Aalto treatment journey begins with an in-clinic assessment with a treating dentist. Your teeth and oral health are assessed, digital records are taken and your treatment options can then be discussed with you.

If you're suitable for clear aligner treatment, a personalised plan can be developed around your individual needs.

Clear Aligners: The Bottom Line

Clear aligners are more than a series of transparent trays.

Behind every aligner is a treatment plan designed around your teeth, clinical decisions about how those teeth should move, and ongoing monitoring to help your treatment stay on track.

For many patients, clear aligners offer an effective and discreet alternative to traditional braces while allowing them to continue eating, brushing and living normally throughout treatment.

If you're wondering whether clear aligners are right for you, the best place to start is with a professional assessment.

Explore Aalto clear aligner treatment and find out what's possible for your smile.