Thinking about straightening your teeth with clear aligners?
Clear aligners offer a discreet, removable way to straighten teeth and improve your smile without traditional fixed braces. But choosing clear aligners is about more than simply finding a transparent tray that fits over your teeth.
Your treatment should be carefully planned around your teeth, your bite, your oral health and the results you want to achieve.
In this guide, we'll explain how clear aligners work, what treatment involves, how long it can take, who they may be suitable for and what to consider when choosing a clear aligner provider.
Ready to explore your options?
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are a form of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, transparent aligners to gradually move your teeth towards their planned positions.
Each aligner is designed to make carefully controlled movements. As you progress through your treatment, you move from one set of aligners to the next, gradually working towards your planned result.
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners are removable and designed to be discreet, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional brackets and wires.
With Glo, your treatment is planned by specialist orthodontists and delivered through a trusted local dental provider, combining specialist treatment planning with personal, face-to-face support.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners work by applying controlled pressure to selected teeth, gradually moving them into new positions.
Your treatment begins with an assessment of your teeth, bite and smile goals. Your dental provider collects the records needed to plan your treatment, which are then used to create your personalised aligner plan.
At Glo, treatment is digitally planned with specialist orthodontist involvement. Your plan is designed around the movements required for your individual case rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Your treatment typically follows four stages:
01 — Find a Glo provider
Use the Glo provider locator to find a trusted dental provider near you.
02 — Consultation and assessment
You'll meet your provider to discuss what you'd like to change, assess your teeth and bite, and capture the records needed to plan your treatment.
03 — Receive your personalised plan
Your treatment is digitally planned with specialist orthodontist involvement. Your provider can talk you through your proposed treatment and expected outcome.
04 — Complete and maintain your smile
You'll progress through your aligners as directed, attend your recommended reviews and use retainers after treatment to help maintain your results.
Find your nearest Glo provider →
What can clear aligners treat?
Clear aligners can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, depending on the complexity of your individual case.
They may be suitable for improving:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Teeth that have moved after previous orthodontic treatment
Not every case is suitable for clear aligners, and the appropriate treatment depends on your individual teeth, bite and oral health.
A qualified dental professional should assess your smile before confirming whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate for you.
How long do clear aligners take?
There isn't one treatment time that applies to everyone.
The length of clear aligner treatment depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of your case
- How much your teeth need to move
- The type of tooth movements required
- Your individual response to treatment
- How consistently you wear your aligners
- Whether refinements are required
Minor corrections may take only a few months, while more complex cases can take considerably longer.
During your consultation, your Glo provider will assess your teeth and provide an estimated treatment time based on your individual treatment plan.
It's important to remember that an estimated treatment time is a guide. Your treatment may change depending on how your teeth respond and how consistently you follow your treatment plan.
How many hours a day should you wear clear aligners?
Most Glo treatment plans require aligners to be worn for approximately 20–22 hours each day.
They should generally only be removed for:
- Eating
- Drinking anything other than water
- Brushing your teeth
- Flossing
- Cleaning your aligners
The more consistently you follow your treatment plan, the more predictably your treatment can progress.
Always follow the specific wearing instructions provided by your Glo dental provider, as these may vary depending on your individual treatment plan.
Are clear aligners comfortable?
Clear aligners are designed to fit closely over your teeth and can be less noticeable than traditional fixed braces.
You may experience some pressure, tightness or mild discomfort when you first start wearing a new set of aligners. This can be a normal part of the tooth movement process.
As you progress through treatment, you'll become accustomed to wearing your aligners and moving through each stage of your treatment plan.
If you experience significant or persistent discomfort, speak to your dental provider for personalised advice.
Are clear aligners invisible?
Clear aligners are not completely invisible, but they are designed to be discreet.
The transparent material makes them considerably less noticeable than traditional metal braces in everyday situations.
Some patients may also require small tooth-coloured attachments. These are temporarily bonded to selected teeth to help the aligners apply more precise forces where needed.
Your provider will explain whether attachments are required as part of your treatment plan.
What are clear aligner attachments?
Attachments are small shapes made from tooth-coloured dental material that are temporarily bonded to selected teeth.
They give your aligners additional grip and can help them apply more precise forces to achieve particular tooth movements.
Not every patient needs attachments.
If they're required as part of your Glo treatment plan, your provider will explain where they'll be placed, why they're needed and when they'll be removed.
Can you eat and drink while wearing clear aligners?
Clear aligners should generally be removed when eating.
You'll also usually need to remove them when drinking anything other than water.
After eating or drinking, clean your teeth as advised by your dental professional before putting your aligners back in.
This helps you maintain good oral hygiene while keeping your aligners clean.
Clear aligners vs fixed braces
Both clear aligners and fixed braces can be effective orthodontic treatments. The most appropriate option depends on your individual clinical needs.
| Clear aligners | Fixed braces |
|---|---|
| Removable | Fixed throughout treatment |
| Designed to be discreet | More visible |
| Removed for eating and oral hygiene | Remain in place while eating |
| No permanent metal brackets and wires | Use brackets and wires |
| May use tooth-coloured attachments | Brackets may be metal or tooth-coloured |
| Suitability depends on your individual case | Suitability depends on your individual case |
Clear aligners aren't automatically the right choice for everyone. A qualified dental professional should assess your teeth and bite before recommending a treatment approach.
How are clear aligners fitted?
Your clear aligners are custom-made based on records taken during your consultation and assessment.
Your Glo provider may use digital scans, photographs and other clinical records to understand your teeth and plan your treatment.
Your treatment is then digitally planned with specialist orthodontist involvement.
Each stage of the plan is designed around the tooth movements required for your individual case.
Where available, you'll also be able to see a digital preview of your proposed treatment outcome.
A treatment preview is an illustration of the planned movements and expected result rather than a guarantee, as individual teeth can respond differently during treatment.
How often will I see my dentist?
Your Glo treatment is delivered through a local dental provider, so you'll have access to professional support throughout your treatment.
Your provider will recommend when you should attend reviews based on your individual treatment plan.
These appointments allow your dental professional to monitor your progress, answer questions and make sure your treatment is progressing as planned.
Your exact appointment schedule will depend on your provider and your individual treatment needs.
Are clear aligners suitable for everyone?
No. Clear aligners can treat many common orthodontic concerns, but they're not suitable for every patient or every type of tooth movement.
Your suitability may depend on:
- Your teeth and bite
- The complexity of your case
- Your oral health
- The movements required
- Your ability to wear your aligners consistently
The best way to find out whether clear aligners are right for you is to have your teeth and bite assessed by a qualified dental professional.
Your Glo provider will discuss your options and let you know whether Glo treatment is appropriate for your smile.
Why choose Glo Aligners?
The aligners may look similar. The expertise behind them isn't.
Choosing an aligner system isn't simply about the appearance of the aligner.
The planning behind your treatment matters.
With Glo, every treatment plan is overseen by specialist orthodontists and delivered by a trusted local dental provider.
Specialist orthodontist-led planning
Glo was founded by specialist orthodontists with extensive experience in clear aligner treatment.
Their combined experience includes more than 15,000 aligner cases, including complex cases, alongside training and education for other dental professionals.
Personalised treatment planning
Your treatment is planned around your individual teeth, bite and treatment goals rather than following a generic approach.
Local professional support
Your Glo treatment is delivered by a trusted local dental provider, giving you access to face-to-face professional support throughout your smile journey.
Treatment designed around you
From your initial assessment through to retention, your treatment is planned around your individual needs and the results you're looking to achieve.
What happens after clear aligner treatment?
Finishing your final aligner doesn't mean your treatment journey is over.
Once your teeth have reached their planned positions, you'll normally need to wear retainers to help maintain your results.
Teeth can naturally move over time, even after successful orthodontic treatment. Retainers help reduce the risk of your teeth moving back towards their previous positions.
Your Glo provider will recommend an appropriate retention plan and explain how and when your retainers should be worn.
Your smile starts with the right plan
Clear aligner treatment is a personal journey, and the right treatment starts with understanding your teeth, your goals and what's clinically appropriate for you.
With Glo, your treatment is planned with specialist orthodontist expertise and delivered through a trusted local dental provider, giving you professional support from your first consultation through to your finished smile.
Important information
Clear aligner treatment is a form of orthodontic treatment and isn't suitable for everyone. Treatment recommendations are based on an assessment by a qualified dental professional. Individual treatment times and results vary. The information on this page is for general educational purposes and shouldn't replace personalised professional dental advice. Always follow the advice and instructions provided by your dental professional.