Who Can Have Aligners?

Feel free to ask ASK Dr BAK AI about your dental questions. Click on the button “ASK Dr BAK AI”

Are Clear Aligners Right for You? Here’s What to Expect From Your Consultation

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a powerful and popular alternative to traditional braces. They offer a nearly invisible, removable, and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. But while aligners are suitable for most people, the truth is: they’re not for everyone. The only way to know if aligners are right for you is to schedule a consultation with a certified provider.

Why You Need a Professional Assessment First

Clear aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth into proper alignment. They’re most effective for treating:

  • Mild to moderate crowding

  • Spacing issues

  • Minor bite corrections (overbite, underbite, crossbite)

  • Relapsed orthodontic cases

However, more complex dental issues—especially those involving jaw bone structure—may require additional treatment, such as traditional braces, elastics, or even orthognathic surgery. A consultation allows your provider to determine the best and safest path to achieve your smile goals.

What Happens During a Clear Aligner Consultation?

At your initial consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will:

  1. Evaluate your teeth and bite

  2. Use 3D scanning or imaging to create a digital model of your mouth

  3. Identify the type and complexity of tooth or jaw movement required

  4. Explain your treatment options and expected outcomes

  5. Discuss how long the treatment will take

  6. Provide a personalized cost estimate

This is also your chance to ask questions about wear time, aligner care, financing options, and what to expect week by week.

Aligners Are Ideal for Tooth Movement—Not Jaw Shifting

Clear aligners excel at tooth-level correction. If your main concerns are crooked teeth, gaps, or minor bite issues, aligners may be perfect for you. However, if your diagnosis involves:

  • Severe overbites or underbites due to jaw misalignment

  • Vertical or transverse discrepancies

  • Facial asymmetry caused by skeletal imbalance

…then your provider may recommend braces, expanders, or surgical treatment instead—or a combination approach. This is why expert evaluation is critical before starting aligner therapy.

Treatment Time and Cost: What to Expect

Your consultation will also give you clarity on:

  • How long your aligner treatment will take (usually between 6 and 24 months)

  • How much it will cost, based on complexity and number of aligners needed

  • Financing or insurance options available for your case

Clear aligners are a personalized treatment—so your plan will be custom-tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Guess—Get Assessed

While most patients are good candidates for clear aligners, guessing isn’t enough. A consultation ensures that your treatment plan is:

✅ Safe

✅ Realistic

✅ Effective

✅ Built just for you

With the right diagnosis and expert guidance, you can begin your smile transformation with confidence.

🦷 Ready to See What Aligners Can Do for You?

Dr. Bak Nguyen has over 25 years of experience in orthodontics and smile design, helping thousands of patients achieve their goals using the latest clear aligner technology.

Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).

What are aligners made of - Invisalign plastic material - Clear correct - Straumann - BPA-free aligners - Medical-grade plastic in clear aligners - Clear aligners comfort - Invisalign durability - Biocompatible orthodontic plastic - Orthodontist Montreal - Clear braces material -Aligner composition