Transparent orthodontics, often referred to as clear aligner therapy or branded systems like Invisalign, is a modern approach to orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made clear plastic trays to gradually reposition teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are removable, virtually invisible, and comfortable to wear, allowing patients to maintain a normal diet and oral hygiene routine. Transparent aligners are used to treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Treatment is planned digitally using advanced 3D software that allows patients to preview their expected results before starting. Transparent orthodontics appeals to both teens and adults looking for an aesthetic, flexible, and less invasive solution to straighten their teeth. At Archway Dental Group, we combine digital precision with clinical experience to offer personalised aligner treatments that are as effective as they are discreet.
Transparent Orthodontics
Transparent orthodontics refers to the use of clear aligners to gradually shift and straighten teeth. These aligners are made of medical-grade, BPA-free plastic and are custom-designed for each patient using 3D digital scans. Unlike traditional metal braces, transparent aligners are removable, allowing patients to eat, brush, and floss without restrictions. They offer a discreet, convenient, and comfortable alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances. The aligners are worn for 20–22 hours per day and changed approximately every two weeks to guide the teeth into their desired position. Transparent orthodontics is suitable for treating a variety of dental issues, including mild crowding, spacing, and bite misalignments. At Archway Dental Group, we provide tailored treatment plans using advanced digital tools to ensure predictable results and patient satisfaction. Transparent orthodontics is ideal for adults and teens who want an effective yet discreet way to improve their smile.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are the core component of transparent orthodontics. These are custom-fitted trays made from clear, thermoplastic material that gently move teeth into alignment over time. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next in the series. Because they are virtually invisible, clear aligners are a popular choice for adults and professionals seeking a more aesthetic treatment than traditional braces. They are also removable, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy your usual diet. The aligners must be worn consistently — ideally 20 to 22 hours per day — to achieve optimal results. Patients typically visit the dentist every 6–8 weeks to monitor progress. At Archway Dental Group, we use intraoral scanning and 3D planning software to produce aligners that are precise, comfortable, and tailored to your goals.
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment is a leading brand in transparent orthodontics, using custom clear aligners to move teeth gently and discreetly. The process begins with a digital scan of your mouth, followed by the creation of a virtual treatment plan that shows how your teeth will shift over time. The aligners are then manufactured and delivered in a series, each worn for about 1–2 weeks. Invisalign aligners are removable, BPA-free, and nearly invisible, making them a favourite among adult and teenage patients alike. They can address a range of concerns — from mild crowding to bite corrections — with fewer appointments and no metal wires. At Archway Dental Group, we offer Invisalign as part of our digital orthodontic services, ensuring a personalised, convenient, and clinically guided experience for every patient seeking a straighter smile with minimal disruption to daily life.
Invisalign Attachments
Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-coloured buttons made of composite resin, bonded to specific teeth to help the aligners apply the right amount of force during movement. These smart attachments act as grip points, allowing the aligners to rotate or shift teeth more precisely, especially for complex movements. Though they’re discreet, they play a crucial role in enhancing the efficacy of clear aligner therapy. Attachments are placed and removed by your dentist and do not damage the tooth surface. They may feel slightly raised under the aligners but do not affect comfort significantly. Not every patient needs attachments — their placement depends on your treatment goals and dental anatomy. At Archway Dental Group, we use precise digital planning to determine where and when attachments are needed for optimal results.
Invisalign Refinements
Invisalign refinements are additional sets of aligners provided after the initial treatment series if further adjustments are needed. Despite careful planning, teeth may move more slowly or differently than expected, or patients may desire even finer results. Refinements ensure that your smile outcome meets expectations. They involve new digital scans and a review of your progress, followed by the production of updated aligners. It’s common for patients to go through one or two refinement phases, especially in complex cases. At Archway Dental Group, we build refinements into our Invisalign packages, ensuring that your final result is as precise, symmetrical, and aesthetic as originally planned.
Invisalign Retainers
Invisalign retainers, typically referred to as Vivera retainers, are clear, durable retainers used to maintain your smile after treatment is complete. Just like aligners, they are custom-made from 3D scans and fit snugly over your teeth. Without retainers, teeth can gradually shift back — a process known as orthodontic relapse. Patients are advised to wear retainers nightly or as instructed to preserve the results of treatment long-term. Vivera retainers are made of a stronger material than standard aligners, offering excellent resistance to wear and tear. At Archway Dental Group, we provide a personalised retainer protocol and guidance on how to clean and maintain them effectively.
Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign for adults is a discreet and effective orthodontic solution tailored for professionals and individuals seeking to improve their smile without metal braces. It suits adults with mild to moderate issues like crowding, gaps, or bite alignment problems, and allows for minimal lifestyle disruption. Clear aligners are removable, making them ideal for busy schedules, work, and social occasions. Adults often appreciate the digital smile preview, the comfort of no wires or brackets, and the ease of maintaining oral hygiene. At Archway Dental Group, we regularly treat adult patients with Invisalign and create treatment plans suited to your professional and personal goals.
Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign for teens offers a flexible and aesthetic orthodontic solution tailored to growing mouths. These aligners come with compliance indicators — small blue dots that fade with wear — helping parents and dentists track usage. Invisalign for teens can treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns including crowding, spacing, and bite problems, and includes options for accommodating growing molars. Teens benefit from the aligners’ removability, which makes eating, brushing, and sports easier than with traditional braces. At Archway Dental Group, we help teenagers and their families navigate treatment comfortably and confidently with digital progress tracking and tailored care.
Invisalign vs Braces
Invisalign vs braces is a common question for patients considering orthodontic treatment. Braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth, while Invisalign relies on clear, removable aligners. Invisalign is more aesthetic, more comfortable, and easier to clean — making it popular among adults and teens. However, traditional braces may still be better for severe or complex orthodontic cases. Invisalign requires strong patient compliance, as the aligners must be worn consistently. At Archway Dental Group, we evaluate your goals and bite condition to help you choose the most effective solution — whether it’s clear aligners or traditional braces.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is a short-term aligner treatment designed for minor tooth movement, often involving 5–10 aligners over a few months. It’s ideal for patients who had braces in the past and experienced relapse, or those seeking minor cosmetic improvements like slight crowding or small gaps. The process is the same as full Invisalign — with digital scans, aligner delivery, and progress checks — but the timeframe and number of aligners are reduced. At Archway Dental Group, Invisalign Express offers a fast, discreet, and cost-effective option for small adjustments, all under the guidance of our expert clinicians.
Aligner Tracking App
An aligner tracking app is a digital tool used to monitor your treatment progress and keep you on track with aligner changes. Apps like My Invisalign offer features such as daily wear timers, reminders to switch aligners, virtual consultations, and photo tracking. These tools increase compliance, provide accountability, and enhance communication with your dentist. Some apps also allow visual progress previews, which can be motivating for patients. At Archway Dental Group, we encourage our patients to use an aligner tracking app to stay engaged, organised, and informed throughout their treatment journey.
Invisalign Aligner Case
An Invisalign aligner case is a compact, protective container designed to store your aligners when you’re not wearing them. Keeping aligners in their case prevents loss, damage, or exposure to bacteria — especially during meals or travel. It’s essential never to wrap aligners in napkins or leave them in open spaces where they might be misplaced. Cases are made from durable, hygienic material and are easy to carry in a bag or pocket. At Archway Dental Group, we provide every Invisalign patient with a professional-grade aligner case to support proper hygiene and longevity of the trays.
Orthodontic Attachments
Orthodontic attachments, used in transparent aligner systems like Invisalign, are small composite buttons placed on specific teeth to enable complex movements. These anchor points enhance aligner grip and enable movements such as rotation, extrusion, or intrusion that might be difficult with clear plastic alone. Attachments are tooth-coloured and blend in naturally. They are painless to apply and are removed after treatment. While not every tooth needs an attachment, their strategic use can significantly improve treatment outcomes. At Archway Dental Group, we use attachments as part of a digitally guided treatment plan to deliver efficient and predictable results.
Orthodontic Compliance
Orthodontic compliance is crucial for success in transparent orthodontics. Clear aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day, every day, for the treatment to progress as planned. Poor compliance can lead to delays, ineffective movement, or need for refinements. Because aligners are removable, patients need to be especially disciplined — particularly when travelling, eating out, or participating in sports. At Archway Dental Group, we emphasise compliance by offering education, digital progress tracking, and motivational support to ensure patients stay on course and get the best results from their aligner therapy.
Orthodontic Scans
Orthodontic scans are digital impressions of your teeth captured using an intraoral scanner, replacing the need for messy traditional moulds. These scans create a precise 3D model of your mouth, used for designing your aligners and simulating tooth movement. Scans are quick, comfortable, and highly accurate, reducing errors and improving patient experience. They also allow for instant smile previews, helping you visualise the results before starting treatment. At Archway Dental Group, we use the latest scanning technology to streamline the planning process and deliver highly customised clear aligners.
Clear Aligner Comfort
Clear aligner comfort is one of the most appealing aspects of transparent orthodontics. Aligners are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic that fits snugly over the teeth, avoiding the irritation caused by metal brackets and wires. Most patients adapt quickly and experience minimal discomfort. Some tightness may be felt when switching to a new aligner — a sign that the aligners are working. There are no dietary restrictions, and oral hygiene is easier compared to fixed appliances. At Archway Dental Group, we carefully plan aligner fit and monitor your comfort at each visit to ensure a smooth, pleasant experience throughout treatment.
Clear Aligner Staining
Clear aligner staining can occur if aligners are exposed to foods, drinks, or poor hygiene habits. Although aligners are transparent, they can become cloudy or yellowish over time if not properly maintained. The main culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Aligners should always be removed while eating or drinking anything other than water. Brushing your teeth before reinserting them and cleaning aligners regularly with a clear, non-abrasive cleanser can prevent staining. At Archway Dental Group, we provide patients with hygiene instructions and professional cleaning solutions to keep aligners as discreet and fresh as possible throughout treatment.
Aligner Cleaning Crystals
Aligner cleaning crystals are dissolvable tablets specifically formulated to sanitise and freshen clear aligners. Used in warm water, they help break down plaque, bacteria, and surface stains without damaging the aligner material. These crystals are an excellent supplement to daily brushing of aligners and are especially helpful for patients with tight schedules or complex aligner shapes. The solution penetrates small crevices, ensuring comprehensive cleaning. Regular use helps maintain clarity, hygiene, and odour control, keeping your aligners comfortable and nearly invisible. At Archway Dental Group, we recommend aligner cleaning crystals as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Aligner Speech Adjustments
Aligner speech adjustments are common in the first few days of wearing clear aligners. Some patients may notice a slight lisp or change in pronunciation, especially with “s” or “sh” sounds. This happens because the aligners slightly alter the space in the mouth. Most people adjust within a few days as the tongue adapts. Reading aloud, staying hydrated, and practising speech exercises can speed up adaptation. At Archway Dental Group, we reassure patients that speech changes are temporary and mild, and aligners will soon feel like a natural part of your mouth.
Orthodontic Monitoring
Orthodontic monitoring refers to the ongoing assessment of tooth movement and treatment progress during clear aligner therapy. With fewer in-office visits required compared to braces, clear aligner patients benefit from digital monitoring tools and periodic check-ins. This ensures aligners are working as planned and adjustments can be made promptly if needed. Tools like photo tracking apps or remote monitoring platforms enhance convenience without compromising care. At Archway Dental Group, we combine in-person assessments with digital tools to provide patients with flexible and effective monitoring, keeping treatment on track from start to finish.
Clear Aligner Breakage
Clear aligner breakage can happen due to improper handling, chewing on aligners, or exposure to heat. If an aligner cracks, it may lose its effectiveness in moving the teeth correctly. Patients are advised not to attempt repairs at home. Depending on the damage and treatment stage, you may be advised to switch to the next aligner or return to a previous one temporarily. At Archway Dental Group, we assess breakage on a case-by-case basis and can quickly order a replacement aligner if needed. Proper aligner care and handling reduce the risk of breakage and ensure consistent results.
Aligner Trimming and Fit
Aligner trimming and fit are key to comfort and effectiveness. Aligners are trimmed around the gum line to reduce irritation while still providing secure retention. If they feel sharp or uncomfortable, your dentist may make minor adjustments using a dental tool or smoothing file. A well-fitted aligner should cover the teeth snugly without rocking or excessive pressure points. Ill-fitting aligners can impact treatment progress. At Archway Dental Group, we use precise digital impressions to ensure optimal trimming and fit from the start, and we make refinements as needed during your treatment journey.
Midline Correction with Aligners
Midline correction with aligners involves adjusting the alignment of the centre of your top and bottom teeth. A misaligned midline can affect facial symmetry, bite function, and aesthetic balance. Clear aligners can shift individual teeth and entire arches, depending on the severity of the discrepancy. This may require attachments or elastics for more complex movement. At Archway Dental Group, we evaluate your midline alignment during planning and use digital simulations to ensure the midline is corrected as part of your overall treatment goals, contributing to a more balanced and harmonious smile.
Interproximal Reduction (IPR)
Interproximal Reduction (IPR) is a procedure used during clear aligner treatment to create small spaces between teeth, making room for movement. It involves carefully polishing down tiny amounts of enamel (usually less than 0.3 mm) between select teeth. IPR is safe, painless, and can prevent the need for extractions. It’s commonly used to address mild crowding or improve how teeth fit together. At Archway Dental Group, we perform IPR using specialised tools and only when necessary, ensuring tooth health is maintained while optimising aligner effectiveness and overall smile alignment.
H2 Aligner Tracking and Compliance
Aligner tracking and compliance are essential to the success of clear aligner treatment. Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours daily, and each new aligner in the series must be worn for the prescribed number of days — typically 7–14. Digital apps, wear-time trackers, and compliance indicators help patients stay on schedule. Skipping or delaying wear can derail treatment and lead to additional refinements. At Archway Dental Group, we support our patients with clear timelines, reminders, and check-in systems, making it easy to stay accountable and motivated throughout treatment.
Orthodontic Elastics with Aligners
Orthodontic elastics with aligners are small rubber bands used to help correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites. They’re attached to special cut-outs or hooks on the aligners and apply additional pressure to move teeth in specific directions. Elastics are typically worn full time and changed daily. While they may feel unusual at first, they are a powerful tool for achieving functional bite alignment. At Archway Dental Group, we incorporate elastics when needed to enhance results and address more complex bite discrepancies as part of your clear aligner treatment.
Aligner Wear Time
Aligner wear time is one of the most important aspects of successful clear orthodontic treatment. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, removed only for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing. Inconsistent wear can lead to delayed progress, discomfort, and a need for refinements. Aligners are designed to work in stages, and each tray relies on consistent pressure to move the teeth as planned. At Archway Dental Group, we help you stay on track with wear-time guidance, tracking tools, and progress assessments to ensure your smile stays on schedule.
Clear Aligner Smile Preview
A clear aligner smile preview is a digital simulation of what your smile will look like after treatment — shown before you even start wearing aligners. Using intraoral scans and advanced software, we create a virtual mock-up that predicts tooth movement at each stage of your aligner journey. This gives you confidence in the outcome and allows you to see how changes will affect your appearance. Smile previews also aid in treatment planning and help manage expectations. At Archway Dental Group, we offer detailed smile simulations during your consultation to ensure you’re fully informed and excited about your future smile.
