In what order does clear aligner treatment proceed?
Clear aligner treatment proceeds in six steps, and among them, the steps the patient has to do themselves are wearing and changing the aligners. The rest is planned and checked at the dental clinic.
| Step | What is done | Duration / number of visits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Orthodontic diagnosis | Photos, X-rays, a tooth impression (or intraoral scan), checking the bite | 1–2 visits |
| 2. Movement planning | Planning the order in which teeth will move and the number of aligners, then confirming after explanation | Usually 2–4 weeks |
| 3. First fitting | Bonding attachments, practicing putting in and taking out the aligners | 1 visit |
| 4. Wearing and changing | Changing to the next stage’s aligner every 1–2 weeks | Throughout the treatment period |
| 5. Regular checkups | Checking that teeth are moving as planned, receiving the next aligners | Usually every 6–10 weeks |
| 6. Finishing and retention | Removing attachments, making retainers | Ongoing after treatment |
What is checked at the first consultation and orthodontic diagnosis?
At diagnosis, the first thing checked is whether clear aligners can move the teeth to the desired position. The distance the teeth need to move, the upper and lower bite, and the condition of the alveolar bone (the bone that supports the teeth) and the gums are checked together.
If there are cavities or gum inflammation, they are treated before orthodontics. Moving teeth while there is inflammation can cause the gums to recede or bone to be lost.
Why are attachments and reshaping between teeth done?
Attachments are small, tooth-colored resin bumps bonded to the tooth surface so the aligner can grip the tooth well. They act as handles when rotating a tooth or moving it bodily, root and all, and when treatment is finished they are removed and the surface is polished.
If teeth overlap and there is not enough space, the sides between the teeth are sometimes thinned by about 0.1–0.5mm. This is done within the thickness of the enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth), and the reasons are written in Why are the spaces between teeth trimmed during orthodontics?
How many hours a day are clear aligners worn?
Wearing them 20–22 hours a day is the standard, and they come out only for eating and brushing. Teeth move only during the time the aligners are worn, so if wear time falls short, the next aligner will not fit.
- With the aligners in, drink only water. Take them out for coffee, juice, or soda.
- After eating, brush and put them back in.
- Washing them in hot water deforms them, so rinse them in lukewarm water.
- When you take them out, put them in their case instead of wrapping them in a tissue.
Do clear aligners hurt or affect speech when you first wear them?
When you put in a new aligner, it often feels tight and achy for the first 2–3 days, and this usually eases on its own. A lisping feeling usually goes away within 1–2 weeks as you adjust. If the edge of an aligner pokes your gums, do not put up with it — let us know. It can be smoothed.
If you put in the new aligner on the evening of a change day and go to sleep, you can get through the first achy few hours while sleeping, which is much more comfortable.
How we handle it at Wonjin Dental
Clear aligner treatment starts with an orthodontic diagnosis (₩100,000), and Dr. Soyeon Kim, our orthodontic dentist, makes the diagnosis. If the planned movement is judged to be difficult with clear aligners, bracket orthodontics or partial orthodontics is recommended. For criteria on choosing an appliance, see how to choose clear aligners.
Cavities and gum problems that arise during orthodontics, as well as scaling, are also handled at the same clinic. The clinic is right by Gangnam Station Exit 1, and we schedule checkup visits so they do not take long.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t wear my clear aligners for a day?
If it is about one day, the aligner will feel tight when you put it back in, and the teeth usually catch up within a few days. If such days repeat, the teeth cannot follow the plan and the aligners may need to be redesigned. If the aligner keeps feeling like it does not fit, do not move on to the next stage — contact us.
Do I wear orthodontic rubber bands with clear aligners too?
Yes, when the upper and lower bite needs to be aligned. Hooks or notches are placed on the aligners, and rubber bands are attached to add force between the jaws. With rubber bands too, wear time determines the result, just as with the aligners.
Can I go abroad for a long time during clear aligner treatment?
It is often possible if you receive several stages of aligners in advance. However, if treatment goes on too long without checkups, you find out late if something has gone off track, so before leaving, discuss your schedule and ways to check in with photos.
