At a glance
- Recovery
- No downtime
- Pain
- Mild
- Sessions
- Several visits
- Type
- Non-surgical
Sessions are spaced apart, so on a short trip you may only get one.
What it is
Custom clear plastic trays that gradually move teeth. A new set is usually given about every two weeks. Small tooth-colored attachments may be bonded to the teeth to help the trays grip.
Who it’s for
People with crowded or crooked teeth or gaps who can wear trays 22–23 hours a day. Cleveland Clinic notes traditional braces may fix some problems more quickly.
How it’s done
Exam and a 3D scan or impressions are taken and a treatment plan is made. Attachments are bonded, and sometimes a little enamel is removed between teeth (interproximal reduction). New trays follow about every two weeks with check-ups, then a retainer at the end.
Why we don’t list a price
- We only show prices we can check in official public statistics, and we couldn’t find one for this treatment.
- Prices vary widely by clinic, area treated, product and amount.
- At the consultation, get the total price, the product and amount (mL or units) and the number of sessions in writing.
Recovery
No downtime. Pressure or soreness with each new tray usually eases within a few days.
Risks and side effects
- Soreness and pressure with each new tray
- Root resorption (slight shortening of tooth roots), as with other orthodontic treatment
- Tooth decay or gum problems if teeth and trays are not kept clean
- Teeth moving back if the retainer is not worn
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Aftercare
- Wear trays 22–23 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush and floss
- Eat soft foods for the first days of a new tray if chewing hurts
- Limit sugary food and drinks, and clean teeth before putting trays back in
- Wear the retainer as instructed after treatment
Questions people ask
How long does treatment take?
Slightly crooked teeth may take up to about nine months. More complex cases take longer.
Do I need a retainer afterwards?
Yes. The NHS says a retainer is needed to stop teeth moving back to their original position. Your orthodontist will tell you how long to wear it.
Do aligners cause root shortening?
Some root resorption can happen with any orthodontic treatment. A 2021 meta-analysis of non-extraction cases found upper front-tooth roots shortened by about 0.5 mm on average, below the 1 mm considered clinically significant, with similar amounts for aligners and fixed braces for most teeth.
Sources
Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.
This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.
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