Want a straighter smile without traditional braces taking over your life? Clear aligners offer a modern approach to teeth straightening, combining a discreet appearance with the flexibility to remove your aligners when you eat, drink and brush your teeth.
At Aalto, clear aligner treatment starts with an in-office assessment at a partner dental clinic, where your treating dentist assesses your teeth, bite and overall oral health. Your treatment is then planned around your individual smile and monitored throughout your journey.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent trays designed to gradually move your teeth into their planned positions.
Each aligner applies controlled pressure to specific teeth. As you progress through your treatment, you move through a series of trays, with each one making small adjustments to your alignment.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are:
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Discreet: Designed to be difficult to notice when worn
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Removable: Take them out for meals, drinks and brushing
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Custom-made: Designed specifically for your teeth and treatment plan
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Convenient: Can require fewer routine in-clinic appointments depending on your treatment
For the best results, aligners need to be worn consistently, generally around 20–22 hours per day, following the instructions provided by your treating dental team.
Why Choose Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners have become a popular option for adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without fixed braces.
Discreet Appearance
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is their appearance. The transparent trays sit closely over your teeth, making them a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
Whether you're working, studying, travelling or attending a special event, you can straighten your teeth without brackets and wires being the focus of your smile.
Comfortable Design
Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and are custom-fitted to your teeth. While you may experience some pressure or temporary tenderness when starting a new aligner, this is generally part of the tooth-movement process.
Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal brackets or wires that can rub against the inside of your cheeks and lips.
Removable for Everyday Life
Clear aligners are designed to fit around your lifestyle.
You can remove them when eating and drinking, allowing you to enjoy your usual diet without worrying about food becoming trapped around brackets and wires.
They can also be removed for brushing and flossing, making it easier to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine.
A Modern Approach to Treatment
Digital treatment planning and remote monitoring have changed the way clear aligner treatment can be delivered.
With Aalto, treatment begins with an in-office assessment, including digital scans and other records where clinically required. Your treatment plan is then created around your individual needs.
Throughout treatment, digital monitoring can help your dental team keep track of your progress between appointments.
How Long Do Clear Aligners Take?
Treatment time varies from person to person.
Factors that can influence your treatment timeline include:
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The amount of crowding or spacing
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Your bite and tooth alignment
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The movements required
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Your previous orthodontic history
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How consistently you wear your aligners
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Whether refinement aligners are required
Many Aalto treatments take around 4–18 months, but your treating dentist will provide a more accurate estimate after assessing your teeth and creating your personalised treatment plan.
Remember, faster isn't always better. The goal is to move your teeth in a controlled and clinically appropriate way to achieve a stable result.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners can be used to treat a range of common alignment concerns, including:
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Crowded teeth
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Crooked teeth
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Gaps between teeth
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Certain overbite concerns
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Certain underbite concerns
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Other mild to moderate alignment issues
Not every orthodontic case is suitable for clear aligners. More complex cases may require an alternative treatment approach.
That's why an in-person dental assessment is an important first step.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on the complexity of your case and the treatment plan recommended for you.
At Aalto, treatment options are designed to make clear aligner treatment more accessible, with flexible payment options available.
Your exact treatment cost will be confirmed once your assessment and personalised treatment plan have been completed.
Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces
Both clear aligners and traditional braces can effectively straighten teeth, but the experience is different.
Clear aligners are removable, discreet and allow you to maintain your usual brushing and flossing routine more easily.
Traditional braces use fixed brackets and wires and may be recommended for certain complex orthodontic cases.
The right option depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals and clinical needs.
Is Aalto Clear Aligner Treatment Right for You?
If you're considering clear aligners, the best way to find out whether they're suitable for you is through an in-office assessment with an Aalto partner dentist.
Your treating dentist can assess your oral health, alignment and bite before determining whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate.
If you're suitable, your personalised treatment plan will show how your teeth are expected to move throughout treatment.
Start Your Clear Aligner Journey
Straightening your teeth doesn't have to mean committing to years of traditional braces.
Clear aligners offer a discreet, removable and convenient approach to orthodontic treatment, with your care supported by dental professionals throughout your journey.
If you're ready to find out whether clear aligners are right for you, book an initial assessment at an Aalto partner clinic and take the first step towards a straighter smile.
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