Clear aligners are thin, almost invisible transparent trays that fit over your teeth and move them gently, step by step, into the right position. They are a modern alternative to fixed braces with brackets and wires. In this guide we explain what aligners are, how they work, who they are suitable for and how treatment works at Roma Dental Clinic in Durrës, Albania.
What are clear aligners?
An aligner is a transparent tray made of medical-grade plastic, custom-made for your teeth. Treatment does not use a single tray but a series of trays: each one is slightly different from the previous one and moves the teeth by fractions of a millimetre. By changing them according to the plan, the teeth straighten gradually until they reach their final position.
Because they are transparent and fit closely to the teeth, they are barely noticeable in everyday life. That is why many adults and teenagers prefer them to fixed braces.
How do they work?
Each tray applies light, controlled pressure on specific teeth. This pressure makes the bone around the tooth remodel slowly, so the tooth moves in the planned direction. Each set is worn for two weeks, then you move on to the next set.
In some cases, small tooth-coloured attachments are bonded to a few teeth. They help the tray grip better and move the teeth more precisely. They are removed at the end of treatment without leaving any marks.
How treatment works at Roma Dental Clinic
- First visit and assessment. We check your teeth, gums and bite, and take a digital X-ray right in the clinic. We explain whether aligners are the right solution for your case.
- 3D digital scan. Instead of putty impressions, your teeth are scanned with an intraoral scanner: quick, comfortable and very accurate.
- Digital plan. The movement of each tooth is planned on the computer, step by step. Before you start, you can see a simulation of the final result and the approximate number of sets.
- Fitting the aligners. We place the attachments (if needed) and show you how to put in, remove and clean the trays. It is painless and needs no anaesthetic.
- Regular check-ups. We see you every few weeks to make sure your teeth are following the plan and to give you the next sets.
- Keeping the result. At the end we give you a retainer, so your teeth do not move back to their old position.
Which cases are they suitable for?
Aligners give very good results in many common cases, such as:
- crowded or overlapping teeth;
- gaps between the teeth;
- mild to moderate bite problems;
- teeth that have shifted again after previous orthodontic treatment.
In more complex cases, for example when large tooth movements or major jaw corrections are needed, fixed braces may be the safer choice. We decide together after the examination and X-ray.
Advantages of clear aligners
- Almost invisible: other people rarely notice you are in treatment.
- Comfortable: no wires or brackets rubbing against your lips or cheeks.
- Easier hygiene: you take them out to brush and floss normally.
- No food restrictions: you remove them to eat, so you can eat whatever you like.
- A clear plan from the start: thanks to the digital plan you know at the outset what the result will look like.
- Fewer emergencies: no broken wires or loose brackets.
What to know before you start
Aligners only work when they are in your mouth. They must be worn 20–22 hours a day, including at night, and removed only to eat, to drink anything other than water and to brush your teeth. If you wear them less, your teeth will not follow the plan and treatment will take longer. So the result depends a lot on the patient’s discipline.
Do they hurt?
They do not hurt, but during the first 1–2 days of each new set you may feel slight pressure. This is a sign the trays are working and it passes quickly. Some people speak a little differently for the first few days, but the mouth adapts within days.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment with clear aligners usually takes 5 to 10 months, depending on the case. After the first visit and the digital plan, we tell you the expected duration for your case.
Aligners or fixed braces?
Both methods are effective. Aligners are almost invisible, comfortable and removable, but must be worn consistently all day. Fixed braces work all the time without depending on the patient, and are often the best choice for large movements or complex cases. At Roma Dental Clinic we honestly advise you which method best suits your teeth and your lifestyle. You can find more information on our Orthodontics page.
Everyday life with aligners
- Eating: remove the trays before every meal and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
- Drinking: with the trays in, drink only water. Coffee, tea and sugary or coloured drinks can stain them and damage your teeth.
- Case: when they are not in your mouth, always keep them in their case so they do not get lost or broken.
- Cleaning: rinse them with cold or lukewarm water, never hot, as it deforms them.
You will find more detailed instructions in our article How to look after your aligners.
After treatment: the retainer
Once the teeth reach their new position, they tend to move back slightly. That is why a retainer is used after treatment: a clear tray usually worn at night, or a thin wire bonded to the inside of the teeth. The retainer keeps the result for years.
At what age can they be used?
Aligners are used in adults and teenagers once the permanent teeth have come through. There is no upper age limit: as long as teeth and gums are healthy, treatment can be done at any age. For younger children we assess the best solution case by case.
How much do they cost?
At Roma Dental Clinic, clear aligner treatment costs 50,000 lek per arch, so 100,000 lek for both arches. After the first visit we tell you clearly whether one arch or both need treatment, before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Can people see them when I talk or smile?
Very little. They are transparent and fit closely to the teeth, so at normal conversation distance they are usually not noticed.
What if I lose or break a tray?
Contact us as soon as possible. Usually you continue with the previous or the next set, following our instructions, until the replacement is ready.
Can I take them out for a special occasion?
Yes, a few hours is not a problem, but do not make it a habit: every hour without the trays slows down treatment.
Can I whiten my teeth during treatment?
Whitening is usually done at the end of treatment, when the teeth are in their final position. We will discuss it together during your check-ups.
Book a visit
If you would like to know whether clear aligners are right for you, book a visit at Roma Dental Clinic in Durrës. With a 3D digital scan and a personalised plan, from the very first visit you will understand clearly how your smile can change. Contact us here.