Clear aligners – discreet braces in central Munich
Aligners are clear, removable plastic trays that straighten teeth almost invisibly. Each set is made for your teeth alone and moves them, step by step, into their planned position.
For adults especially, aligners are a practical way to improve the position of your teeth without disrupting daily life – they are barely noticeable at work, during sport or socially. At our practice at Gärtnerplatz, in the heart of Isarvorstadt, we plan and oversee your aligner treatment personally, from the first consultation right through to keeping the result.
Who are aligners suitable for?
Aligners can treat many of the same problems as fixed braces, for example:
- Crowding: rotated or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Mild to moderate bite problems such as an overbite or deep bite
- Teeth that have moved again – years after earlier braces, for instance
- Preparation for restorative work, for example to straighten tilted teeth before a crown or an implant
For very complex tooth movements, fixed braces with brackets may be the better choice. We will look at which method makes sense for you at your consultation. An overview of all the options can be found on our orthodontics page.
How aligners work
Treatment always begins with a digital scan of your teeth, from which each tooth movement is planned on a computer. The digital model is then sent to a specialist laboratory, which makes aligners that fit precisely. A separate aligner is made for each stage, moving the teeth a little further with gentle, even pressure, and you change to the next one at regular intervals.
To help the aligners grip the teeth effectively, small tooth-coloured attachments are often bonded to individual teeth. They are barely noticeable and are removed once treatment is complete.
Wearing time is the key to success: aligners should be worn for around 22 hours a day. They come out only for meals, for drinks other than water and for cleaning your teeth.
What does aligner treatment involve?
- Consultation and examination: we examine your teeth, gums and bite, talk through what you would like to achieve and check whether aligners suit your situation.
- Digital scan and diagnosis: with a digital scanner, we record your teeth precisely – no conventional impression material is needed. This digital model forms the basis for planning and making your aligners. Where the findings call for it, we also take photographs and X-rays.
- Digital planning and cost estimate: we plan the tooth movements on a computer and go through the course of treatment and the costs with you.
- Wearing your aligners: you wear the aligners and change them at the agreed intervals. At check-ups, we make sure your teeth are moving as planned.
- Keeping the result: once active treatment is complete, a retainer helps to preserve the result – either fixed or as a removable tray.
Benefits and limitations of aligners
Aligners have several advantages in everyday life:
- They are almost invisible.
- They come out at mealtimes, so you can generally eat whatever you like.
- You can clean your teeth and the spaces between them as usual.
- There are no wires or brackets to rub against your lips and cheeks.
On the other hand, success depends very much on your cooperation: if the aligners are not worn for long enough, the teeth will not move as planned. Aligners are also not the best answer for every misalignment, and we will always give you honest advice that is tailored to you.
Looking after your aligners
Please take your aligners out to eat and for any drinks other than water. Brush your teeth before putting them back in, so that no food is trapped underneath. Clean the aligners themselves with clear, cold water and a soft brush, and keep them in the case provided whenever you are not wearing them.
Frequently asked questions about aligners
Will people notice my aligners?
The aligners are transparent and fit snugly over the teeth, so in conversation most people hardly notice them. The small attachments are tooth-coloured and very discreet as well.
How many hours a day do I need to wear them?
Around 22 hours a day. They come out only for meals, for drinks other than water and for cleaning your teeth. Wearing them for less time can lengthen treatment or put the result at risk.
How long does aligner treatment take?
That depends on your starting point. Minor corrections may be complete within a few months; more extensive treatment takes longer. Once we have examined you and completed the digital planning, we can give you a realistic estimate.
Is aligner treatment uncomfortable?
The treatment is not usually painful. When moving on to a new aligner, many patients feel some pressure on their teeth for a day or two. This simply shows that the teeth are moving, and it usually settles quickly.
Will aligners affect my speech?
For the first few days, your pronunciation may sound slightly different while your tongue and lips get used to the aligners. For most people, this settles very quickly.
How much do aligners cost, and will my health insurance pay?
The cost depends on how much correction is needed and how many aligners are required. Once we have examined you and planned your treatment, we will give you a personal cost estimate. For adults, statutory health insurance does not generally cover orthodontic treatment. For children and teenagers with statutory health insurance, aligners are usually an additional private service. If you are privately insured, reimbursement depends on your individual policy.
What happens after treatment?
To stop the teeth drifting back to their old position, the result is held in place with a retainer. We offer both fixed retainers, on the inner surface of the front teeth, and removable retainer trays, and we will discuss with you which would suit you best.
Book a consultation
