What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are a modern way to align teeth. Their main advantages over other orthodontic treatments are their ability to be removed for short periods of time and that they are virtually invisible when worn. However, they are relatively unpredictable compared to traditional orthodontics, and some more complex tooth movements are very difficult to achieve.

Over the course of treatment, you wear a series of nearly invisible, removable and custom made clear aligners. Each aligner is carefully engineered to provide the specific type and amount of gentle force to move your teeth according to your treatment plan. You are expected to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day to achieve the best results, with each aligner in the series typically worn for 1-2 weeks.

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Our results

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Before treatment
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After treatment

Clear Aligner treatment provided by our dentist Dr. Andrew Paterson

How do clear aligners compare to traditional orthodontics?

In comparison, traditional orthodontics is the most predictable way to have your teeth aligned. Thousands of teenagers across the country have their teeth aligned with traditional orthodontics every year. It is predictable and effective at moving teeth in all directions as evidenced by the huge number of cases that have been completed worldwide. It is also the most cost-effective solution and can now be completed with tooth coloured porcelain brackets.

The main disadvantage of traditional orthodontics compared to clear aligners is that they are slightly more visible and can be more uncomfortable initially.

Every smile is different, and many require different approaches to alignment. We want to take the time to understand what you want to change and provide bespoke solutions. With modern dental care, patients should be able to smile with confidence!

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Appointments

  1. Book a new patient preventative dental health check.
  2. Let us listen to what you would like to change.
  3. After 2 weeks we will provide a full report with several options and costs.
  4. Let us align your teeth!

Frequently asked questions

  • What are clear aligners?

    Clear aligners are a method of aligning your teeth with nearly invisible, removeable, clear retainers.

  • How do clear aligners move your teeth?

    Each aligner is engineered to provide the specific type and amount of gentle force to move your teeth according to the treatment plan.

  • Do clear aligners hurt?

    There can be slight discomfort initially as you get used to the feeling of the trays, however this will disappear after at most a few weeks.

  • What are attachments?

    To move some teeth, it is necessary to place a small portion of white filling material to increase the retainer’s grip. These small pieces of filling are barely visible, create no discomfort, and are removed at the end of treatment.

  • How long do I need to wear my aligners?

    Patients normally wear each aligner for 1-2 weeks and are expected to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day.

  • How does Invisalign compare to other clear aligners?

    Invisalign was the first company to develop clear aligners for aligning teeth. They therefore have had more time and money to develop their aligner system and techniques. Other aligner companies have entered the market more recently and have less experience. Invisalign tends to be a much more expensive option. It is difficult to produce any evidence that one aligner system is any better than others.

  • How do clear aligners compare to traditional orthodontics?

    Clear aligners are a relatively new way to align teeth. The main advantages are that it can be removed for short periods of time and are barely visible when worn. The main disadvantages are relative unpredictability compared to traditional orthodontics, and that teeth can only be tipped rather than moved sideways, which makes some tooth movements very difficult.

    In comparison, traditional orthodontics is the most predictable way to have your teeth aligned. Thousands of teenagers across the country have their teeth aligned with traditional orthodontics every year. It is predictable and effective at moving teeth in all directions as evidenced by the huge number of cases that have been completed worldwide. It also the most cost-effective solution and can now be completed with tooth coloured porcelain brackets. The main disadvantage of traditional orthodontics compared to Clear Aligners is that they are slightly more visible and can be more uncomfortable initially.

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Welcoming new patients

We would love to invite you to our practice for aesthetic treatments, advanced treatments, or the highest quality routine family dentistry.

27 Western Terrace,
Falmouth, TR11 4QL

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