The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
Dreaming of a Hollywood smile but not ready for braces? Modern clear teeth aligners changed the game – yet certain myths about aligners remain. Does it hurt? Can they really fix my bite? What if I lose a tray? Below we answer 10 questions 99% of our patients ask about aligners.
How do aligners straighten teeth?
Aligners are in short — precise biomechanics + digital planning. Teeth are guided into place with constant, gentle, and precisely calculated force, as defined by your orthodontist’s treatment plan—enhanced by the precision of Digital Smile Design.
What aligners actually do
Treatment involves a series of aligner trays, each designed to fit snugly and move teeth a fraction of a millimeter at a time. As the tooth shifts, bone naturally remodels in the new position and reforms where the tooth has moved from, ensuring stability—without sudden jolts or trauma to the surrounding tissues.
During consultation
We take a 3D scan and build an accurate model of your jaws. You’ll see a preview of your post-treatment smile before starting.
Want to see your smile transform before you commit?
Call us – our team will schedule a convenient time for you to come in and check out a preview of your smile before we even begin treatment. During the consultation we’ll review the timeline, budget, and your step-by-step plan.
Clear Aligners Compared — Invisalign vs Candid Pro
| Criterion | Invisalign | Candid Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Indications | Simple, moderate, and complex cases (crowding, rotations, spacing, deep/open bite, pre-restorative positioning). | Primarily mild to moderate alignment and bite refinement. |
| Planning | ClinCheck detailed 3D plan with fine control of each tooth’s movement. | CandidPro portal clear plan for mild/moderate cases with strong remote-monitoring workflow. |
| Material | SmartTrack elastic material that maintains force over wear time; excellent for rotations/torque control. | Medical-grade trays; reliable for standard movements (protrusion/retrusion; limited vertical changes). |
| Monitoring | In-office checks; photo-monitoring available as needed. | Strength – frequent remote monitoring through the app between visits. |
| Time to start | Scan → plan approval → manufacturing; typically ~2–3 weeks (depends on plan refinements). | Similar; very fast for straightforward cases due to standardized protocols. |
| Cost | Usually higher, but covers a wider range of complex movements and reduces “dead ends.” | Typically more affordable for mild/moderate cases. |
| Predictability | Highest control of difficult movements; very predictable outcomes. | Great predictability for mild/moderate cases with good wear compliance. |
What you’ll receive at the consultation
How long do I need to wear aligners?
Does wearing aligners hurt?
No significant pain is expected. For the first 24–72 hours of a new tray, pressure/sensitivity is normal—it means teeth started moving. Then it fades.
Normal symptoms
- Pressure when biting for 2–3 days.
- Temporary sensitivity 1–2 days after attachments/IPR.
Irregular symptoms
- Sharp, pinpoint pain in one tooth >72 hours.
- Poor tracking (gaps between aligner and teeth).
- Cuts/ulcers from an edge.
- Sudden pain after hot drinks (don’t heat plastic—aligners can deform).
Change trays at night, use chewies 5–10 minutes 2–3×/day the first days, and keep the 20–22 h routine—skipping hours make the next tray feel tighter.
How do aligners affect daily habits?
How to care for aligners
Can aligners fix a complex bite?
Often, yes. Modern aligner systems can correct deep/open bite, crossbite, dental Class II/III relationships, crowding and spacing—when the problem is primarily dento-alveolar (teeth and supporting bone). Success depends on accurate 3D diagnostics, sound biomechanics (attachments, IPR, elastics), and 20–22 h/day wear. Treatment has its limits—significant skeletal discrepancies may require combined approaches such as TADs, elastics, or, in some cases, orthognathic surgery.
Case example (from our practice):
– heavy crowding and rotations in the upper arch; narrowed arch; deep overlap; inflamed gums.
– arch development within bone limits, sector IPR, attachments on canines/premolars for rotation control, scheduled visits every 6–8 weeks with remote photo checks.
– aligned incisors, symmetric arch form, improved vertical overlap, easier hygiene; inflammation resolved.
Not sure how complex your case is?
Book a free screening—we’ll tell you exactly what’s possible and how long it’ll take.
What happens after aligner treatment?
Retention is what keeps your smile stable:
Often, we combine both methods for maximum stability.
How long?
Wear retainers every night for the first 12 months, then 3–4 nights per week long-term. Since teeth and gums continue to change throughout life, retention acts as simple insurance against relapse.
Follow-ups:
1–3 months after treatment is complete, then every 6–12 months.
Why are aligners often preferred over braces?
| Parameter | Aligners | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible. | Noticeable when talking/smiling. |
| Removal | Patient can remove. | Only the doctor can remove. |
| Food | No diet restrictions (you eat without trays). | Avoid hard/sticky foods, nuts, popcorn. |
| Hygiene | Easy to brush/floss; clean trays separately. | More challenging; higher plaque/caries risk if hygiene is poor. |
| Comfort | Minimal irritation; quick adaptation. | Can rub cheeks/lips; more frequent adjustments. |
| Visits | Usually every 6–8 weeks. | Often every 3–4 weeks. |
Result: treatment is typically more comfortable and lifestyle-friendly with aligners—without compromising outcomes in appropriate cases.
How aligner treatment works in our clinic
You’ll see your future smile at the very first visit.
- 3D jaw scan (iTero/3Shape) + photo protocol.
- Virtual smile model and discussion of your aesthetic goals.
- Personal plan – timeline, number of trays, whether IPR/elastics are needed.
- Doctor’s Q&A and your wear/maintenance checklist.
Book a 15-minute consultation. If the plan fits, we can take records for tray fabrication the same day.
FAQ
Noticeably—no. With a correct bite, the face can look more harmonious, but aligners don’t change bones in adults.
From ~12 years (after most permanent teeth erupt) and up—there’s no strict upper limit with healthy gums.
Active periodontal disease, multiple missing teeth without restorative plan, or major skeletal discrepancies without combined treatment.
Not only can—you must. Nighttime hours are essential to hit 20–22 h/day.
Often yes for mild cases (6–9 months aligners vs 12–18 months braces). Complex cases depend on diagnosis and compliance.
It depends on case complexity. You’ll get an exact fee after exam and 3D planning.
Contact us. We’ll order a replacement or advise moving to the next/previous tray depending on wear time.
Plain water. Tea/coffee/soda/wine can stain or warp trays—enjoy them after removing aligners, then brush/rinse.