Clear aligners work by using a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays that apply gentle, controlled pressure to guide teeth into the desired position. The process begins with advanced digital scanning, such as iTero technology, to create a precise 3D model of the teeth. Based on this model, a sequence of trays is crafted, with each tray designed to shift the teeth gradually by targeting both the roots and the crowns.
Patients typically progress to a new set of trays every one to two weeks. To ensure the treatment is effective, the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily, though they can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Over a period of six to 18 months, these sequential trays exert the targeted force necessary to correct mild to moderate misalignments, such as spacing or crowding, resulting in a straighter smile.
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