Clear Aligners

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligner therapy uses a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. Over the course of treatment, your teeth move incrementally toward their planned positions.

At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, we use digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. This digital model is used to map out your treatment plan and manufacture each set of aligners to fit your teeth at each stage of the process.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners offer several features that make them an appealing option for many patients seeking orthodontic treatment:

Near-invisible appearance, making them a discreet alternative to traditional braces
Removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing you to maintain your normal oral hygiene routine
No metal brackets or wires, which may reduce irritation to the cheeks and gums
Fewer in-office visits compared to traditional braces, with progress checks typically every 6 to 8 weeks
Digital treatment planning allows you to see projected tooth movements before treatment begins

For aligners to be effective, they need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Consistent wear is an important factor in achieving the planned outcome within the estimated treatment timeline.

Is Clear Aligner Therapy Right for You?

Clear aligners can address a range of orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. However, they may not be suitable for all cases. More complex orthodontic conditions may require alternative treatment approaches.

Factors that may influence suitability include:

The severity of misalignment or bite issues
Your commitment to wearing the aligners for the recommended hours each day
The presence of existing dental restorations such as crowns or bridges
Age and stage of dental development

A consultation at our Croydon clinic will help determine whether clear aligner therapy is an appropriate option for your individual situation. Our dental team will assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and outline the available treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of your case, but typically ranges from several months to over a year. Your dentist will provide an estimated timeline during your consultation.

Are clear aligners painful?

You may experience some pressure or mild discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, which is normal as your teeth adjust. This typically subsides within a few days.

Can I eat and drink with clear aligners in?

Aligners should be removed before eating and drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent damage to the aligners and staining.

How often do I need to visit the dentist during treatment?

Progress checks are typically scheduled every six to eight weeks at our Croydon clinic, though this may vary depending on your treatment plan.

Can clear aligners fix all orthodontic problems?

Clear aligners can address a range of concerns including crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. However, more complex cases may require alternative treatment approaches, which your dentist can discuss with you.