Clear Aligners: A Discreet Alternative to Traditional Braces

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional braces to help correct teeth and jaw misalignment (orthodontics). These dental appliances are made of a transparent material that fits over your teeth, eliminating the need for braces and arch wires that can affect your appearance.

This removable orthodontic solution makes eating and drinking easier because it won't get stuck between your braces. The most popular brand is Invisalign, but there are also other brands available to suit your needs.

How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners work on the same principle as traditional braces, which is applying constant pressure to gradually shift the teeth into their ideal position. To achieve this, the size of the aligner will be slightly different from the current arrangement of your teeth. Since your teeth adjust their shape, this treatment may feel tight at first but will loosen over time. After your teeth adjust, you will change to a new set of aligners roughly every two weeks to keep the constant pressure.

To help the aligner target a specific tooth, small, tooth-coloured attachments are bonded to the teeth to act as pressure points. These attachments help apply pressure from the aligners onto your teeth and direct them into the proper position.

The difference with braces

Although both orthodontic devices serve the same purpose, there are a few things that differentiate them, among others:

Who can wear clear aligners?

Clear aligner treatment is suitable for many people. Because it has no age limit, clear aligners can be used by people of all ages, from children as young as six all the way to adults. If you meet any of the following criteria, you may be a suitable candidate for clear aligners:

• Teens or adults who care about appearances and don’t like how conventional braces look.

• People with busy schedules, as clear aligners require fewer visits to the orthodontist.

• Those with moderate misalignment, such as overcrowding, spacing, overjets, underbites, or crooked teeth.

Who may not be suitable for clear aligners?

Although this type of orthodontic treatment is a great option for many, it may not be the best choice for everyone due to certain limitations, such as:

• Lack of discipline to wear the aligner for 20–22 hours every day. Although children can wear the aligner, we don't recommend it because they may not follow the schedule.

• Having severe teeth misalignment caused by jawbone issues that may be more effectively treated with conventional braces or surgical intervention.

• Clear aligners are very easy to misplace or forget due to their transparent plastic construction.

How are clear aligners made?

To obtain clear aligners, you will need to do a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist. During this initial visit, the doctor will assess your teeth, your bite, and your overall oral health to decide which clear aligner model is the right treatment option for you.

There are two types of aligner models you can choose from:

• In-clinic aligner

  • This type of aligner is administered by licensed dentists or orthodontists in the dental clinic. 

  • To monitor the entire treatment progress and make adjustments, you need to come to the clinic. One well-known brand that uses this model is Invisalign.

• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) aligner

  • This type of removable aligner is sold directly to you, so there's no need to see an orthodontist in person. To manufacture your aligner, you need to take dental impressions or scans of your teeth, either in a nearby partner clinic or by using a do-it-yourself kit at home.

  • The company receives these impressions, creates your aligners, and then sends them directly to you. Treatment progress is usually monitored remotely through teledentistry, though in-person consultations may be available upon request.

In general, here are the processes of getting clear aligners:

1) Creating a model of your teeth

After the initial consultation, your orthodontist will create dental impressions by using photos, X-rays, and digital scans. These will be used to create a 3D model of your teeth, allowing your orthodontist to design your treatment plan.

2) Fabricating the clear aligners

Based on your treatment plan, a series of aligners will be manufactured. Each aligner is slightly different, designed to guide your teeth incrementally towards their correct positions.

3) Fitting and adjustments

Once the aligner is manufactured, it will be sent to your orthodontist's office. You will receive a set of custom-made aligners, usually consisting of 3-4 sets at a time, which you will wear daily and change roughly every two weeks.

In some cases,  your teeth may not fit perfectly with the aligners. If an issue occurs, a simple procedure of minor reshaping can be performed to correct the fit.

If you think clear aligners might be the choice for you, request a consultation with Thomson Dental Centre. Our dentists will help you evaluate your options and develop a custom treatment plan.

Wearing your clear aligners

After getting your aligners and wearing them regularly, you will usually visit your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for a routine check-up to monitor your progress and receive a new set of aligners.

The treatment duration will depend on the complexity of your dental issue. On average, treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, with more complex situations potentially requiring additional time. For more minor alignment issues, however, you might be able to complete your treatment in just 6 to 12 months.

However, if your treatment goals have not been completely met after you have finished wearing your final aligner, additional refinements may be necessary. In such cases, your orthodontist will take another impression or digital scan of your teeth to create a new set of aligners to achieve the desired result.

Post-aligner treatment

Once your treatment is complete and you no longer need to wear aligners, a retainer will be required to maintain the new position of your teeth. This is due to the tendency of teeth to revert to their original position following orthodontic treatment.

Cost of clear aligners in Singapore

The cost of clear aligners can vary depending on factors such as the brand of aligner, the materials used, the complexity of your dental condition, and whether you choose an in-clinic or DTC model.

In general, here are the costs of clear aligners in Singapore:

• For in-clinic aligners, prices usually range from SGD 2,500 to SGD 9,000, depending on the complexity of your dental condition and your personalised treatment plan.

• On the other hand, DTC options tend to be more budget-friendly, starting at approximately SGD 2,500 and going up to around SGD 3,250.

In addition to the cost of the clear aligners themselves, some clinics may have separate charges for: 

• Initial consultation and evaluation.

• 3D scans, dental impressions, or X-rays to create a treatment plan.

Unfortunately, non-surgical, cosmetic, or aesthetic dental treatments like clear aligners are not eligible for Medisave or government subsidies. However, some insurance plans may come with dental coverage that includes clear aligner coverage.

Other than that, clinics may offer flexible payment plans, including financing with monthly payments, to make the treatment more affordable. For detailed fee information and payment options, please consult your dental care provider and your insurers directly. 

Request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Dental Centre for a detailed breakdown and personalised clear aligner costs.

Maintaining your clear aligners

Just as daily dental care removes bacteria and keeps your teeth clean, your clear aligner also requires maintenance to keep it's hygiene. Because it’s used for 20-22 hours each day, it’s easy for saliva and bacteria to get trapped inside your clear aligner, causing your mouth to feel acidic and possibly leading to  other dental issues.

Here's how you can take care of your clear aligners:

• Regular cleaning

  • After each use, clean your clear aligners by washing them with warm water and mild soap, or brush them gently using a toothbrush and toothpaste.

  • To ensure its hygiene, you can do a deep cleaning by soaking it in an antimicrobial solution, such as mouthwash.

  • Brush and floss your teeth after every meal to remove food particles and prevent bacteria from getting trapped inside the aligners.

• Proper storage

  • Before storing your aligners, ensure that they are completely dry. When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in a protective case to avoid losing or damaging them.

• Be mindful when eating or drinking

  • Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.

  • Never drink hot water while wearing clear aligners, as heat can warp the plastic and may affect its fit, putting more pressure on your teeth, and possibly causing them to shift out of place.

FAQ

Do clear aligners really work?

Clear aligners are an effective alternative to braces for treating teeth alignment issues, especially for mild to moderate cases. This dental treatment works by applying gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth to the correct position.

For best results, aligners should be worn 20-22 hours daily and need to be changed every 2 weeks to accommodate changes in your teeth.

How much do clear aligners cost in Singapore?

The cost of clear aligners can vary depending on factors such as the brand of aligner, the materials used, the complexity of your dental condition, and whether you choose an in-clinic or direct-to-consumer (DTC) model.

• In-clinic aligners (administered by licensed dentists/orthodontists) can cost as little as SGD 2,500 to as much as SGD 9,000.

• A DTC model starts from SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,250.

• Additional costs may occur for initial consultation, dental impressions, and treatment planning.

How painful are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are generally considered more comfortable compared to traditional metal braces because they are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic. But some discomfort may appear when wearing a new set of aligners.

This mild discomfort is normal as the aligners exert pressure on the teeth and gradually move them into the correct positions. The pressure usually subsides within two weeks of wearing each new set of aligners.

What age is too late for Invisalign?

There is no specific age limit for wearing an Invisalign, as long as your dental issues, such as overcrowding or teeth spacing, are mild to moderate. However, clear aligners may not be suitable for young children or early teens. 

This is because the removable design of aligners requires discipline when wearing them to achieve the best results. Other than that, their transparent appearance may lead to a higher chance of losing it.

What are the disadvantages of clear aligners?

Here are some disadvantages of wearing a clear aligner, such as:

• You need to be disciplined about wearing it for 20–22 hours a day for effective treatment.

• Can be more expensive than traditional braces.

• Cannot treat a severe dental misalignment caused by improper jaw positioning.

• Requires regular cleaning with proper storage.

• You need to remember to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.

• Prone to being misplaced or lost because of its transparent colour.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, you can consult a dentist at Thomson Dental Centre. Request an appointment with our specialists here.