Clear aligners straighten teeth with a series of custom, nearly invisible trays that you change every week or two. They are popular with adults who want to improve their smile without traditional braces. Two questions we hear often are how long treatment takes and what it will cost.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
It depends on how much your teeth need to move. As a general guide:
| Type of case | Typical treatment time |
|---|---|
| Minor crowding or spacing, often front teeth only | About 3 to 6 months |
| Moderate crowding, spacing or relapse after old braces | About 6 to 12 months |
| Comprehensive cases, including bite correction | About 12 to 18 months, sometimes longer |
Your dentist will give you an estimate based on a digital scan of your teeth and a plan showing how each tooth will move.
What affects how long it takes
How much movement is needed. Rotating a tooth or correcting a bite takes longer than closing a small gap.
How consistently you wear them. Aligners only work while they are in your mouth. Plans usually call for wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth. Leaving them out for long stretches is a common reason treatment runs over.
Refinements. Towards the end, a few extra trays are sometimes needed to fine-tune tooth positions.
Your bite. Treatment that considers how your teeth meet, not just how straight they look, may take a little longer but gives a more stable result.
What happens after treatment?
Teeth naturally tend to drift back towards their old positions. Wearing a retainer after aligner treatment is what keeps your result. Many people wear a retainer every night for the long term.
What affects the cost of clear aligners in Canada?
Clear aligner fees vary from practice to practice and from case to case. The main factors are:
- Complexity and length of treatment. Short, minor cases cost less than comprehensive ones.
- What is included. Check whether the fee covers the scan, all trays, refinements, check-in appointments and retainers.
- Other treatment you may need first, such as fillings or a cleaning.
- Insurance. Some plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a separate lifetime maximum. It is worth checking your plan and asking for a predetermination before starting.
- Payment options. Many practices offer ways to spread the cost over the length of treatment.
The only way to know your own cost is a consultation, where your dentist can assess your teeth and explain what your plan would include.
Clear aligners or braces?
| Clear aligners | Traditional braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes, for eating and cleaning | No |
| Food restrictions | None while trays are out | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
| Cleaning | Easy, brush and floss as normal | Takes extra time around brackets |
| Relies on | Your wear time | Fixed in place, less reliance on habits |
| Suited to | Mild to moderate cases, many complex cases | Very complex movements |
Tips to stay on schedule
- Keep your trays in unless you are eating or cleaning
- Brush before putting them back in, so food is not trapped against your teeth
- Drink only water while wearing them
- Carry your case so trays are never wrapped in a napkin and thrown away
- Switch trays on schedule, and keep your check-in appointments
Clear aligners at Vigée Dental
We use Spark clear aligners and plan treatment with attention to your bite and airway, not just how straight your teeth look, with the aim of a healthy, stable result. Learn about clear aligners, see our payment and financing options, or book a consultation online.
Frequently asked questions
Can clear aligners work faster?
Treatment speed depends mostly on how far teeth need to move and on wear time. Wearing aligners consistently keeps treatment on schedule.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Many people feel pressure for a day or two after switching to a new tray. It is usually mild and a sign the aligners are working.
Are clear aligners covered by insurance?
Some dental plans include orthodontic coverage. Check your plan’s orthodontic benefit and lifetime maximum, and ask for a predetermination before starting.
Which clear aligners does Vigée Dental use?
We use Spark clear aligners. At your consultation, your dentist will explain how your plan would work and what it includes.
Do I need a retainer after clear aligners?
Yes. Retainers keep your teeth from shifting back and protect your investment.