Clear aligners
Clear aligners straighten teeth with a series of thin, removable plastic trays, each moving the teeth a small step. At Suman Dental Care aligner treatment is planned and supervised by Dr. Aashka Doshi, an orthodontist with an MDS in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics.
Step by step
Clear aligners
- Before
- Treatment
- After
Typically 6–18 months of active treatment with reviews every 6–10 weeks, followed by retainers worn for years.
Aligners straighten teeth like braces do, using a series of clear removable trays. They suit people who want treatment that is hard to notice and easy to clean around, and who will wear the trays consistently. Aligners that are not worn enough do not work, so the result depends on you as well as the plan.
- Mild to moderate crowding or gaps
- Adults and teens who can wear trays about 22 hours a day
- Teeth that moved back after childhood braces
- Not every bite problem: your orthodontist will advise
Teeth feel tight and sore for 2–3 days with each new tray, and the first set may lisp your speech for a few days. Soft food and your usual pain relief help.
Wear the trays about 22 hours a day and take them out only to eat, drink anything other than plain water, and brush. Brush before putting them back, or food gets trapped against the teeth. Clean the trays every day with a soft brush and cool water.
Keep the previous tray in case you lose or break one, and call us if a tray cracks or no longer fits.
- Treatment does not work if the trays are not worn enough, and then it takes longer or needs a refinement set.
- Decay risk rises if you drink sugary drinks while wearing the trays, as sugar is held against the teeth.
- Not every bite problem can be fixed with aligners; some need braces.
- Attachments (small tooth-coloured bumps) can come off and need to be re-bonded.
- Relapse: without retainers, teeth tend to drift back.
- Soreness and pressure after each new tray are normal.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
- Consultation, records and a 3D scan
- A digital treatment plan you can see before you agree
- Attachments and the full set of trays
- Progress reviews
- A first set of retainers
Questions patients ask
Are aligners better than braces?
Neither is better in general. Aligners are less visible and removable, but depend on you wearing them. Braces work for almost every bite problem. See braces vs clear aligners and braces.
How many hours a day must I wear them?
About 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, drink anything but plain water, and clean your teeth.
Can I eat normally?
Yes. You remove the trays to eat, so there are no food restrictions. You must brush before putting them back.
Will aligners work for me?
It depends on your teeth and bite. Aligners suit mild to moderate crowding or gaps. Your orthodontist reviews your records and tells you if aligners or braces are the better choice.
What if I lose a tray?
Call the clinic. Often you can go back to your previous tray while a new one is made, but this should be decided with your orthodontist.
Do I need retainers afterwards?
Yes. Teeth tend to move back, and retainers hold the result. Plan on wearing them at night for years.
Living with braces
What to do after treatment, day by day.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.