Clear Aligners
A series of clear, removable trays that move teeth in small steps.
New patients welcome — we'll confirm your time by phone.
Book an aligner consult→About clear aligners.
Clear aligners are a sequence of thin, transparent trays. Each one is slightly different from the last, and each moves the teeth a fraction of a millimetre. You change to the next tray every week or two over the course of treatment.
They are removable, which is their biggest advantage and their biggest risk: teeth move only while the trays are in, and the usual requirement is 20 to 22 hours a day. Out of the mouth, nothing happens at all.
Teeth move only while the trays are in — 20 to 22 hours a day is typical.
Removable for eating and brushing, which makes cleaning much easier than braces.
Small tooth-coloured attachments are often bonded on to grip the tray.
Retainers are for life. Without one, teeth relapse.
Results vary. Your treatment plan depends on an exam. Nothing on this page is a promise about how your own treatment will turn out.
What actually happens, in order.
Photographs, a scan and X-rays, so the plan is built on what is actually there.
The movements are planned in sequence, and you see the intended endpoint before starting.
Each tray for the time prescribed, changing to the next on schedule, with reviews along the way.
A retainer afterwards, permanently. Teeth drift back otherwise.
Questions we get.
If yours is not here, ask when you book — it is a better answer in person anyway.
Are aligners as good as braces?
For many cases, yes. Some movements — large rotations, big vertical changes, certain root movements — are more predictable with fixed braces. An assessment tells you which group you are in.
Can I take them out for a night?
Occasionally, for something that matters. Regularly, no — the schedule assumes full-time wear and the teeth simply stop moving.
Why not 'Invisalign'?
Brand names are only used where the practice has confirmed the certification behind them. The treatment described here is clear aligner therapy; if the practice is certified for a particular system, that will be stated plainly.
Also under Orthodontics.
Book an aligner consult.
Send the form and we'll call to confirm a time.