General FAQs About Clear Aligners
- What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent, removable trays designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. - How do clear aligners work?
Aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure on teeth, shifting them step by step with each new tray set. - Are aligners the same as braces?
No. Aligners are removable and nearly invisible, while braces use fixed brackets and wires. - Who can use aligners?
Aligners are suitable for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, gaps, or bite problems. - Can aligners treat everyone?
Not always. Severe skeletal issues may require braces or surgery. An orthodontist must evaluate. - Are aligners safe?
Yes. Aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic that is safe for oral use. - Are aligners visible?
No. They are virtually invisible and discreet, making them ideal for professionals and students. - Are aligners removable?
Yes. You can remove them while eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing. - Are aligners better than braces?
Aligners are more aesthetic and convenient, but braces may work better for complex cases. - Do aligners permanently fix teeth?
Yes, results are permanent if followed by proper retainer use after treatment.
Types of Aligners
- What are clear aligners made of?
They are made of thermoplastic materials designed for comfort and durability. - What is the difference between in-clinic aligners and online aligners?
In-clinic aligners are supervised by orthodontists, ensuring safety and accuracy. Online brands often lack professional monitoring. - What are Sabka Dentist aligners?
Sabka Dentist aligners are customized, orthodontist-supervised trays designed for precision results. - What are invisible braces?
Invisible braces usually refer to clear aligners. - How are aligners different from retainers?
Aligners move teeth, while retainers hold them in place after treatment. - Are all aligners the same?
No. Quality varies depending on brand, technology, and supervision. - Do aligners come in different thicknesses?
Yes. Some brands use staged thickness for gradual movement. - Are aligners custom-made?
Yes. Each set is designed digitally based on your 3D scan. - Do aligners have side effects?
Only mild discomfort initially. No major side effects if worn properly. - Are aligners FDA-approved?
Yes, most top aligner brands use FDA-approved materials
Cost & Affordability
- How much do aligners cost in India?
They range from ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 depending on case complexity. - Why are aligners more expensive than braces?
Aligners use advanced 3D technology and require multiple customized trays. - Does Sabka Dentist offer EMI for aligners?
Yes. EMI options start at ₹2,000/month. - Do aligners cost the same everywhere?
No. Costs vary by brand, clinic, and location. - Are aligners worth the cost?
Yes. They are discreet, comfortable, and lifestyle-friendly. - Does insurance cover aligners?
Most Indian insurance policies don’t cover orthodontics. - Are online aligners cheaper?
Yes, but they lack supervision, leading to possible complications. - Do aligners save money long term?
Yes, by preventing costly dental problems in the future. - Are aligners a one-time payment?
No. Payment can be broken into installments. - Is there a free consultation at Sabka Dentist?
Yes, Sabka Dentist offers free first consultations for aligner treatment.
Duration & Treatment Time
- How long does aligner treatment take?
6–18 months, depending on severity. - Can aligners work in 6 months?
Yes, for mild cases. - Do aligners take less time than braces?
Yes, for simple cases. Complex ones may take similar time. - How often do I change aligners?
Every 10–14 days. - How many hours should aligners be worn daily?
20–22 hours for best results. - What happens if I don’t wear aligners enough?
Treatment gets delayed, and results may be compromised. - Do aligners work faster for teens?
Yes, teeth move faster in younger patients. - Do missed appointments delay treatment?
Yes, orthodontist check-ins ensure progress. - Do aligners need adjustments like braces?
No, aligners are pre-programmed digitally. - How do I track progress?
Sabka Dentist provides digital monitoring and check-ups.
Care & Maintenance
- How do I clean aligners?
Rinse with lukewarm water and brush gently with a soft brush. - Can I use toothpaste on aligners?
No. It may scratch aligners. Use mild soap instead. - Do aligners stain?
Yes, if exposed to tea, coffee, or colored drinks. - How to avoid aligner odor?
Clean daily and brush before reinserting. - Can I soak aligners in mouthwash?
Not recommended. Use aligner cleaning tablets instead. - Can I eat with aligners on?
No. Remove them before meals. - Can I drink water with aligners?
Yes. Only water is safe. - Can I drink coffee with aligners?
Not with aligners in. Remove them first. - How to store aligners when not in use?
Always keep them in a case. - What happens if I lose aligners?
Contact your orthodontist immediately for a replacement.
Food & Eating Habits
- Do aligners have food restrictions?
No, since they are removable. - Can I chew gum with aligners?
No, always remove them before gum. - Can I eat sticky foods during aligner treatment?
Yes, but clean before reinserting. - Can I snack often with aligners?
Frequent snacking means removing aligners often, which reduces wear time. - Can I drink alcohol with aligners?
Not recommended, as alcohol can stain and weaken plastic. - Do spicy foods affect aligners?
Not directly, but always clean teeth before reinsertion. - Can I eat ice with aligners?
Never chew ice with aligners on. - Do aligners change taste perception?
No, they don’t affect taste. - Can I eat apples during aligner treatment?
Yes, remove aligners first and rinse after. - Can aligners handle Indian food stains?
Yes, but curry, turmeric, and tea can stain them.
Comfort & Pain
- Do aligners hurt?
Mild discomfort is normal when starting a new set. - Are aligners less painful than braces?
Yes. Aligners are smoother and gentler. - Do aligners cause mouth sores?
Rarely, but edges can be trimmed if irritating. - Do aligners affect speech?
Mild lisp initially, which disappears in days. - Can aligners cut gums?
Not usually. Consult your dentist if they do. - Do aligners feel tight?
Yes, that’s how they move teeth. - Do aligners cause headaches?
Sometimes mild, but temporary. - Can I sleep with aligners?
Yes, they must be worn overnight. - Do aligners cause jaw pain?
Only briefly during adjustments. - Are aligners comfortable long term?
Yes, most patients adapt quickly.
Results & Effectiveness
- Are aligners effective?
Yes, for mild to moderate cases. - Do aligners work for everyone?
Not for very severe skeletal issues. - Do aligners change face shape?
They may improve facial harmony slightly. - Do aligners fix speech?
Yes, by correcting tooth alignment. - Do aligners fix jaw issues?
Only mild bite corrections. - Are aligner results permanent?
Yes, with retainers. - Do aligners prevent gum disease?
Yes, by aligning teeth for better cleaning. - Do aligners improve confidence?
Yes, since they are invisible and effective. - Do aligners improve chewing?
Yes, by correcting bites. - Can aligners fix gaps?
Yes, aligners are highly effective for closing gaps.
After Aligners (Retainers & Care)
- What happens after aligner treatment?
You must wear retainers to maintain results. - Do I need retainers after aligners?
Yes, retainers prevent relapse. - How long should I wear retainers?
Full-time for 6–12 months, then nightly. - What happens if I skip retainers?
Teeth may shift back. - Are retainers included in aligner cost?
Usually yes, but confirm with your clinic. - Do retainers hurt?
Mild pressure at first. - How to clean retainers?
Like aligners — rinse and brush gently. - How much do retainers cost?
₹3,000–₹15,000 depending on type. - Can retainers break?
Yes, but they can be replaced. - Do I need retainers forever?
Nighttime retainers are recommended long-term.
Special Cases & Lifestyle
- Can aligners treat teens?
Yes, if most permanent teeth have erupted. - Can adults over 40 use aligners?
Yes, aligners work at any age. - Can aligners work with missing teeth?
Yes, sometimes they prepare for implants. - Can aligners work with crowns?
Yes, orthodontists adapt treatment. - Can aligners work with implants?
No, implants don’t move, but nearby teeth can. - Can aligners be used during pregnancy?
Yes, safe since no metals or X-rays after planning. - Can aligners fix crossbite?
Yes, mild cases. Severe ones may need braces. - Can aligners fix protruding teeth?
Yes, in most cases. - Can aligners close extraction gaps?
Yes, under orthodontist supervision.
100. Can I travel with aligners?
Yes! Carry your trays, case, and next set for convenience.
Conclusion
These 100 FAQs about clear aligners cover everything from cost and comfort to lifestyle and results. Aligners are more than just a cosmetic option — they’re a modern, flexible solution for busy professionals, students, and adults.
At Sabka Dentist, with 1.6 million+ patients treated across 120+ clinics in India, we ensure aligner treatment is affordable, expert-supervised, and lifestyle-friendly.
Ready for Your Own Smile Makeover?
Schedule your free clear aligner consultation at Sabka Dentist today.
Let our experts help you visualize your dream smile — and achieve it, invisibly.
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