What Are Clear Aligners and Braces, and How Do They Move Your Teeth?

If you want straighter teeth without traditional metal brackets and wires, clear aligners may be an option worth discussing with your orthodontist. Clear aligner braces use a series of transparent, removable trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth and guide them gradually into better positions.

So, how can a thin plastic tray actually move teeth?

Each aligner is designed to apply controlled, gentle pressure to specific teeth. Your teeth don't move all at once. Instead, your body responds to this pressure by gradually remodeling the bone and tissues surrounding the teeth. As you progress through your prescribed series of aligners, each new tray makes small adjustments that continue moving your teeth toward the planned position.

Think of it as a carefully mapped journey. Your orthodontist determines where your teeth are now, where they need to go, and how they should move along the way. Digital scans, X-rays, and other records help create a treatment plan based on your bite, crowding, spacing, and overall orthodontic needs.

At Aronson Orthodontics, clear aligner treatment may include options such as Invisalign®, Spark™ Aligners, or ClearCorrect™. The right system depends on your individual case. Your orthodontist plans and coordinates the tooth movement and recommends the aligner option best suited to achieving your treatment goals.

One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is convenience. Because the trays are removable, you can take them out for meals and regular brushing and flossing. However, successful treatment depends heavily on wearing them for the recommended number of hours each day and following your orthodontist's instructions.

Clear aligner braces can treat many orthodontic concerns, but they aren't automatically the best choice for everyone. A professional orthodontic evaluation is the best way to determine whether clear aligners can safely and effectively improve your smile and bite.