
Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontics, offering a comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth for millions of people. They use a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to apply controlled force, gradually moving teeth into their ideal positions. However, their success depends on the complexity of your case, the brand of aligners, and, most importantly, your compliance in wearing them as directed.
At Dental Clinic Islamabad, our certified orthodontists use advanced digital planning to create predictable, efficient aligner treatments, giving you the confidence that yes, aligners can give you the straight teeth you desire.
Quick Facts
- Treatment Duration: 6 to 24 months on average
- Visits Required: Check-ups every 6-10 weeks
- Wear Time: 20-22 hours per day
- Best For: Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite issues
- Not Ideal For: Severe skeletal discrepancies, extreme rotations, or very short teeth
How the aligners work and the science behind them:
Aligners work on the sample principle as braces: they control orthodontic force. When constant and gentle pressure is applied to a tooth, the bone on one side of the root (the periodontal ligament)resorbs. The new bone is deposited on the other side, allowing the tooth to move. Each Teeth aligner is manufactured to be different from the one before.
What Can Aligners Fix?
1. Crowding:
Teeth are too close together, overlapping or rotated. Aligners can create space by gently expanding the dental arch or through minimal, controlled enamel stripping between teeth.
2. Spacing (Gaps):
Aligners can close gaps between teeth by applying pressure to move teeth together.
3. Overbite (Deep Bite):
The upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. Aligners can intrude (push up) the upper front teeth and/or extrude (push down) the lower front teeth to level the bite.
4. Underbite:
The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when biting. Mild underbites can be corrected with aligners by moving the upper teeth forward and/or the lower teeth backward.
5. Crossbite:
Some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Aligners can tip these teeth into proper alignment.
6. Open Bite:
Front teeth don’t meet when biting down. Aligners can help close this gap by extruding the front teeth.
Aligners are less effective for severe skeletal jaw discrepancies (which may require jaw surgery), extreme tooth rotations, and moving teeth vertically over long distances (large extrusions).
The Aligner Treatment Journey:
Initial Consultation & Digital Scan
- Clinical examination of your teeth, gums, and bite.
- Discussion of your concerns and smile goals.
- A handheld scanner creates a precise 3D model of your teeth in minutes.
3D Treatment Simulation
- Your digital model is sent to the aligner company.
- Our orthodontist plans the exact movement of each tooth.
- You are presented with a video simulation showing the projected movement from start to finish. This is your treatment blueprint, and we can make adjustments until you approve the plan.
Receiving Your Custom Aligners
- You receive a series of aligners (typically 15-40+ sets), each labeled with a number/week.
- You are shown how to insert, remove, and care for them.
The Treatment Phase
- Wear each aligner for 20-22 hours per day, changing to the next set every 1-2 weeks as instructed.
- Brief appointments every 6-10 weeks to monitor progress, receive new aligner sets, and make any necessary mid-course corrections.
Retention Phase
- Once teeth are straight, they have a strong memory and want to shift back (relapse).
- You will be fitted for a retainer, typically a clear, removable one similar to an aligner, or a fixed wire behind your teeth.
- Full-time wear for 3-6 months, transitioning to nightly wear indefinitely.
Do’s and Don’ts with Aligners:
| DO: | DON’T: |
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Benefits of Choosing Aligners:
- They are virtually invisible.
- They are removable for eating, brushing, flossing, and special occasions.
- No wires or brackets to cause mouth ulcers.
- 3D simulation shows your final result before you start.
- Easier to maintain.
Aligners vs. Traditional Braces:
| Aspect | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible metal or ceramic brackets |
| Removability | Yes, for eating and cleaning | No, fixed to teeth |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic; less irritation | Wires/brackets can irritate cheeks and gums |
| Diet Restrictions | None (remove to eat) | Avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods |
| Oral Hygiene | Excellent (remove to brush/floss normally) | More challenging, requires special tools |
| Adjustment Visits | Every 6-10 weeks | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Treatment Control | Pre-planned digitally; less in-chair adjustment | Orthodontist adjusts wires at each visit |
| Cost | Moderate to High | Moderate |
| Best For | Mild-moderate crowding/spacing, adults, professionals | All cases, especially complex movements, children |
Price of Teeth Aligners in Islamabad:
At Dental clinic Islamabad, we offer aligner options at competitive prices:
Aligners in Islamabad:
- Cost range: PKR 250,000
- Includes custom trays, treatment planning, and follow-up visits
- Higher upfront cost but potentially shorter treatment time
The final cost depends on case complexity, treatment duration, and the type of aligners chosen.
Why Choose Dental Clinic Islamabad for Aligners?
- Our dentists are certified in Invisalign and other leading aligner systems.
- From scanning to planning, we use the latest technology for accuracy.
- We closely track your progress to ensure you stay on schedule.
- We ensure your bite, joints (TMJ), and gum health are considered throughout treatment.
- We emphasize the critical retention phase to protect your investment.
FAQs
Do aligners hurt?
You may feel pressure or tightness for 1-3 days each time you switch to a new aligner. This is a sign they are working and is generally much less painful than braces adjustments.
Can aligners fix an overjet (protruding teeth)?
Yes, in many cases, by moving the upper teeth backward or encouraging lower jaw growth (in growing teens).
What are attachments, and will people see them?
Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps. They are subtle but not completely invisible. They are essential for certain movements.
Can I drink coffee with aligners in?
No, Hot coffee can warp them, and it will stain the plastic. Drink coffee without aligners and brush before putting them back in.
What if I lose an aligner?
Contact us immediately. You may need to move back to a previous aligner or skip ahead to the next one, depending on the stage. A replacement may need to be ordered.
How often do I need to see the dentist?
Approximately every 6-10 weeks for a quick progress check.
Will my teeth become loose?
A slight feeling of looseness is normal during active movement as the bone remodels. They will firm up in their new positions during retention.
Can aligners cause cavities?
No, but if you don't brush before putting aligners back on, food trapped against your teeth can increase decay risk. Excellent hygiene is a must.
Can children wear aligners?
Aligners are popular with adults but can also be used for teenagers. The key is having all permanent teeth.


