Clear aligner teeth straightening: how it works
Clear aligners allow orthodontic treatment without fixed braces, using trays that are barely visible while you wear them.
In many cases, teeth can be straightened without metal braces. Clear aligner systems, such as Invisalign, use thin trays made of thermoplastic material; an Invisalign aligner, for example, is 0.76 mm thick on each arch (Olteanu et al., Medicina, 2025). Each aligner moves the teeth gradually toward their planned position. Dr Haim Aseriel assesses each patient before treatment to decide whether this approach suits the case; in complex cases, consulting an orthodontist is also recommended.
If you hear the Hebrew term יישור שיניים שקוף ללא גשר in Jerusalem, it means exactly this: clear teeth straightening "without braces" (locally, braces are called גשר).
Invisible braces: which options exist?
There are three main ways to straighten teeth without metal braces. Each suits a different patient profile, and choosing the right one affects the quality of the result.
- Clear aligners: removable trays, the least visible option.
- Lingual braces: brackets bonded to the inner side of the teeth, invisible from the outside but harder to clean.
- Clear braces (ceramic brackets): tooth-colored, less noticeable than metal brackets but more visible than clear aligners.
Which invisible braces are best depends on your case, not on a general ranking: clear aligners are a common choice for adults looking for a discreet, comfortable option.
Clear aligners, lingual braces or clear braces?
| Criterion | Clear aligners | Lingual braces | Clear braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Almost invisible | Not visible from the outside | Tooth-colored brackets, less noticeable than metal |
| Removable or fixed | Removable | Fixed | Fixed |
| Wear | At least 22 hours a day (AAO) | Throughout treatment | Throughout treatment |
| Hygiene | Aligners come out to eat and brush | Cleaning on the inner side of the teeth, harder | Cleaning around the brackets |
| Indications | Mainly mild to moderate alignment problems | Complex cases too, but not every case | Most cases suited to fixed braces, including complex ones |
| Who treats at the clinic | Dr Haim Aseriel (Invisalign, Spark) | An orthodontist | An orthodontist |
Are clear aligners right for everyone? Is there an age limit?
A systematic review including data from 480 patients found that patients starting clear aligner treatment were between 13 and 72 years old (Rossini et al., Angle Orthodontist, 2015). In other words, there is no meaningful upper age limit for the method.
Adults can be treated too, as long as the teeth and gums are healthy; the decision is made after an examination. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem, open Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00.
Clear aligners are mainly suited to mild to moderate alignment problems; they are not a solution for every case.
A severe skeletal problem, crooked teeth with extreme crowding, or the need for complex movements in several directions at once are usually less suited to aligners. In particular, extrusion (pulling a tooth out) is the hardest movement to control with clear aligners, with about 30% accuracy (Rossini et al., Angle Orthodontist, 2015). An early examination is essential to determine whether aligners fit your case.
Benefits of clear teeth straightening
Case from the clinic
A 35-year-old man came in for a consultation with one clear concern: he did not want to "look like he had braces" at work or with friends. Clear aligners answered that concern directly.
A nearly invisible appearance, comfort and easier oral hygiene are the main benefits of clear aligners.
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners come out for eating and brushing, which makes it easier to keep the gums healthy and prevents food from collecting around brackets.
How accurate are tooth movements with clear aligners?
In a follow-up study of 38 patients, the mean accuracy of Invisalign across all tooth movements was 50% of the planned movement (Haouili et al., Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 2020).
According to a systematic review, clear aligners level and align the dental arches well and are effective at intruding (pushing in) the front teeth, by 0.72 mm on average in the studies reviewed, but they are less effective at extruding teeth and rotating rounded teeth (Rossini et al., Angle Orthodontist, 2015).
Front teeth movement
In an earlier study of 37 patients, Invisalign treatment achieved a mean accuracy of 41% for front-tooth movements (Kravitz et al., Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 2009). The gap between plan and outcome shows why careful planning and follow-up matter.
Class II elastics
According to a review published in 2024, 92% of orthodontists use Class II elastics with clear aligners, compared with 37% of general dentists (Katib et al., Cureus, 2024): a real difference in treatment approach.
Clear aligner treatment, step by step
Clear aligner treatment at the clinic follows a few clear steps.
Case from the clinic
A 28-year-old woman wanted to straighten her front teeth slightly. At her first visit, she had a full digital scan and saw a 3D simulation of the expected result.
- Digital scan: the Shining 3D Aoralscan 3 intraoral scanner creates a 3D map of the teeth, without impression paste.
- Treatment planning: based on the scan, the tooth movements are planned step by step on the computer in the Invisalign or Spark system, and a series of custom aligners is made. The 3D simulation shows the plan, not a guaranteed result.
- Changing aligners: patients usually move to the next aligner every one to two weeks, according to the treatment plan (AAO; AlMogbel, 2023).
- Regular follow-up: periodic check-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments if needed.
- Retainer: at the end of treatment, a retainer keeps the result over time.
Dr Haim Aseriel, an English-speaking dentist in Jerusalem, follows each patient through every stage of treatment. He has been a certified Invisalign provider since 2014 and is also certified in Spark aligners (Ormco).
How many hours a day should you wear clear aligners?
Wear clear aligners at least 22 hours a day, and take them out only to eat, to drink anything other than water and to brush your teeth (AAO). In practice, patients who do not meet the required wearing time progress more slowly, and sometimes the next aligner no longer fits the teeth.
22hours
Minimum daily wear (AAO)
Good hygiene matters too: brush your teeth after each meal, before putting the aligners back in.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Before and after clear aligner treatment
Good preparation before treatment and following the instructions afterward determine whether the result lasts for years.
Before treatment, a thorough oral examination checks for active gum disease, untreated tooth decayor a need for root canal treatment. Teeth straightening for adults requires a healthy mouth as a starting point.
Not wearing a retainer as instructed after treatment is a common reason for teeth moving back toward their old position: teeth do not "lock" into place at the end of treatment, and the tissues that support them (the periodontium) tend to pull them back when there is no retainer. Follow-up visits after treatment, as recommended by your dentist, confirm that the result is stable. Read more about keeping teeth straight.
Invisible braces cost: what affects the price?
The cost of clear aligners is not fixed: it depends on the complexity of the case, the number of aligners needed and the total length of treatment.
Every patient starts from a different situation: slightly straightening two front teeth is very different from correcting moderate crowding in both jaws. After the consultation with Dr Haim Aseriel, each patient receives a detailed written estimate tailored to the case, and itemized receipts are available to submit to an insurer (coverage depends on your policy).
Clear aligners: frequently asked questions
There are three main ways to straighten teeth without metal braces. Clear aligners are removable trays and the least visible option. Lingual braces use brackets bonded to the inner side of the teeth, so they are hidden from view but harder to clean. Clear (ceramic) braces use tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable than metal ones.
Clear aligners are mainly suited to mild to moderate alignment problems and are not a solution for every case. A severe skeletal problem, crowding or spacing of more than 5 mm, or complex movements such as extruding teeth or rotating canines significantly are usually better treated with fixed braces. An examination determines whether aligners fit your case.
Clear aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day and removed only to eat, to drink anything other than water and to brush, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Wearing them less slows tooth movement and makes treatment longer.
Clear aligner treatment starts with a digital scan of the teeth and computer planning of their movement in the aligner system (Invisalign or Spark). The 3D simulation of the plan shows the goal of treatment, not a guaranteed result. A series of aligners is then made, and patients usually move to the next aligner every one to two weeks. Regular check-ups monitor progress, and a retainer is worn at the end of treatment to keep the result.
The cost of clear aligners (invisible braces) is not fixed: it depends on the complexity of the case, the number of aligners needed and the total length of treatment. After an examination and treatment planning, each patient receives a detailed written estimate.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, Clear Aligners – View source
- AlMogbel A, Journal of Orthodontic Science, 2023 – View source
- Rossini G et al., Angle Orthodontist, 2015 – View source
- Kravitz ND et al., American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2009 – View source
- Haouili N et al., American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2020 – View source
- Katib HS et al., Cureus, 2024 – View source
- Olteanu ND et al., Medicina (Kaunas), 2025 – View source
Invisalign is a trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
