Clear aligners
A typical case, in 6 steps over 4 visits. Typically up to 9 months for a few slightly crooked teeth, several months more for bigger issues. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Clear aligners · Visit 1
Photos and scan
Digital pictures of the mouth are taken. The teeth are scanned with an optical scanner, or molds are made with impression material.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Photos and scan
Digital pictures of the mouth are taken. The teeth are scanned with an optical scanner, or molds are made with impression material.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Treatment plan
The orthodontist maps how the teeth will move, and a lab makes a series of custom aligners from this plan.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Attachments and first aligners
Tiny attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners move them. Then the first aligners are fitted.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Wearing the aligners
Aligners are worn 22 to 23 hours a day. They come out only for meals and for brushing and flossing.
Visit 2 · Source 1
New aligners and checkups
Each set is replaced with the next about every two weeks, and follow-up visits check the fit. Mild crowding may take up to nine months, and bigger changes take several months longer.
Visit 3 · Source 1
Retainer
When treatment ends, a retainer is worn to keep the teeth from shifting back to their old positions.
Visit 4 · Source 2
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically follow-up visits, with a new aligner about every 2 weeks. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically up to 9 months for a few slightly crooked teeth, several months more for bigger issues. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically held in place with a retainer worn full-time for 4 to 6 months, then at night long term. Source 3 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: aligners worn 22 to 23 hours a day and taken out to eat, brush and floss. Source 1 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 4 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D8090).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Clear aligners. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/clear-aligners. Accessed November 6, 2026.
- Teeth braces. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Teeth retainer. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D8090.