{"id":1210,"date":"2026-09-15T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hernandezyespuelas.com\/how-invisible-orthodontics-works\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T13:46:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T12:46:26","slug":"how-invisible-orthodontics-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hernandezyespuelas.com\/en\/how-invisible-orthodontics-works\/","title":{"rendered":"How does invisible orthodontics work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Invisible orthodontics moves the teeth through a sequence of custom-made clear aligners. But treatment is not simply a matter of putting in a new aligner every week and waiting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each aligner applies planned forces to particular teeth, the bone gradually remodels and, throughout treatment, the orthodontist checks whether the actual movement matches the one designed digitally<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does invisible orthodontics work? The quick answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each aligner has a shape slightly different from the current position of your teeth. When you put it in, it generates controlled forces that encourage small tooth movements, step by step<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you work through the sequence of aligners, we carry out the movements needed to bring the teeth closer to the planned position. In some cases we also use attachments, elastics or other auxiliaries<\/strong> to gain more control over certain movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens<\/th>What it is for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
We scan your mouth<\/td>Record the starting position of the teeth and bite<\/td><\/tr>
We plan the movements<\/td>Decide where each tooth should go<\/td><\/tr>
We make a sequence of aligners<\/td>Carry out the movements gradually<\/td><\/tr>
We add attachments or auxiliaries if needed<\/td>Improve control over certain movements<\/td><\/tr>
We review progress<\/td>Check that the teeth are following the plan<\/td><\/tr>
We refine if necessary<\/td>Adjust movements that are not yet complete<\/td><\/tr>
We fit retainers<\/td>Hold the teeth in their new position<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This means treatment does not depend on the aligners alone. Diagnosis, planning, follow-up and the patient’s cooperation are all part of how invisible orthodontics works<\/strong>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How an aligner can move a tooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A tooth is not rigidly fixed to the bone. Between the root and the bone there is a tissue called the periodontal ligament<\/strong>, which allows the tooth to respond to orthodontic forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we apply the right force, the tissues around the root begin to adapt. The bone gradually remodels and lets the tooth change position in a controlled way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The force the aligner generates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each aligner is made with a small difference from the position your teeth are in at that moment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you put it in, the aligner tries to adapt to that new planned position and puts pressure on specific points of the tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every tooth has to move in the same way or at the same time. An aligner may be designed, for example, to rotate one tooth, tip another or slightly shift a group of teeth<\/strong>, while others stay relatively still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once that stage is over, the next aligner introduces another small change and the sequence continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontal ligament and bone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The force of the aligner is transmitted from the crown of the tooth to the root and the tissues around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put simply, the process works like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

aligner force \u2192 periodontal ligament response \u2192 bone remodelling \u2192 gradual tooth movement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the side the tooth is moving towards, the ligament is compressed and the bone is resorbed to make way for it. On the opposite side, the ligament is stretched and new bone forms to support the tooth in its new position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why orthodontics is not simply a matter of \u201cpushing\u201d a tooth through the bone. There is a biological process behind every movement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tooth<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why teeth cannot move all at once<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moving a tooth takes time because the periodontal ligament and the bone have to adapt to the forces we are applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using more force does not necessarily mean getting a faster result. Orthodontic forces need to be controlled and sustained for the right amount of time to encourage gradual, safe movement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why aligners are worn following a set sequence and schedule. Changing them early in the hope of speeding up treatment can mean the tooth has not finished the planned movement and the next aligner does not fit properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital planning: what we see before we start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before making the first aligners, we need to know where the teeth are, how they fit together and where we want to move each one<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital technology lets us record the starting situation and plan treatment very precisely, but it is still the orthodontist who decides which movements to make, in what order and with what tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D intraoral scan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first step is to record the shape of the teeth and arches digitally with a 3D intraoral scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scanner produces a digital model of the mouth that lets us analyse the position of the teeth, the space available and the relationship between the upper and lower arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as being more comfortable than traditional impressions in many cases, this record is the basis on which we design the sequence of movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designing the movements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once we have the initial model, we plan how we want to move each tooth and in what order<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not just a case of asking the software to \u201cstraighten all the teeth\u201d. We have to decide which movements are needed, how much space we need, how the bite should end up and which teeth can act as anchors while others move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Hern\u00e1ndez & Espuelas we work with digital planning tools linked to systems such as Invisalign and Spark to design these sequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For certain movements we may also decide from the outset that we will need attachments, elastics or other auxiliary elements<\/strong> to improve control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simulating the result<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Digital planning lets us see a representation of how we want the position of the teeth to evolve and the result we are aiming for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a very useful tool for understanding the treatment, but one important point needs making: the simulation shows the planned result, not an exact guarantee of how each tooth will respond biologically<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teeth move within living tissue, and they do not all respond in exactly the same way to the same force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we keep carrying out check-ups during treatment. We compare what was planned with what is actually happening and, if a movement has not come through as we expected, we can adjust the plan, use auxiliaries or carry out a refinement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology lets us plan very precisely, but clinical follow-up is still essential to turn that digital plan into a real result<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does each aligner move all the teeth at once?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not necessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it may look as if each aligner is acting on all your teeth at the same time, the plan can organise the movements in sequence. Some teeth move while others stay relatively still and act as anchors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This matters because moving a tooth means generating forces, but also controlling how the rest of the arch reacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some stages, for example, we may need to open up space first, keep some teeth stable and move others later. In other cases there can be several movements at once, as long as the biomechanics allow us to stay in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This concept is known as movement sequencing<\/strong> and is closely related to anchorage: while some teeth move, others can help provide the stability needed for that movement to happen correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So each aligner should not be thought of as a tray that \u201cmoves everything a little\u201d, but as a specific stage within a planned sequence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What attachments are and why some patients need them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clear aligners have a smooth surface, and that limits how well they can grip certain teeth to produce certain movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why, in some treatments, we place attachments<\/strong>, small bumps that increase the aligner’s control over particular teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What an attachment is<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An attachment is a small piece of composite, usually tooth-coloured, that is temporarily bonded to the surface of the tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does not move the tooth by itself. Its job is to create a shape the aligner can push against to apply a particular force more effectively<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its size, position and shape are decided during planning, depending on the movement we want to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Canine<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why it improves movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An aligner can easily push a tooth in some directions, but certain movements need an extra point of contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The attachment changes the outer shape of the tooth and gives the aligner more grip and greater ability to control the direction of the force<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be useful, for example, when we need to improve a rotation, control the inclination of a tooth or support more complex movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So attachments are not a purely cosmetic add-on, nor do they mean treatment is proving harder than expected. In many cases they are part of the biomechanics planned from the start<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does every patient wear attachments?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether they are needed depends on which teeth we want to move and what kind of movement we need<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some treatments may need only a few attachments and others several spread across different teeth. They can also change during treatment if the phase of movements changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why two people wearing clear aligners can have treatments that look quite different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are they still invisible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The aligners are still clear, but attachments can make the treatment somewhat more noticeable up close<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because they are made of tooth-coloured composite, they usually blend in quite well. However, when there are several attachments or they are seen at close range, they can be noticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we prefer to talk about invisible or very discreet orthodontics<\/strong>, without creating the expectation that absolutely nothing will be visible at any point during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why elastics or mini-screws are sometimes needed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The aligner cannot always generate every force we need to correct a bite on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In certain cases we add auxiliary elements that provide extra forces or anchorage points<\/strong> and complement the work of the aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elastics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elastics are generally used to create forces between the upper and lower arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can help us work on the relationship between the two arches and certain bite problems<\/strong>, as well as supporting movements that would be harder to achieve with the aligner alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To do this, they can be hooked onto features built into the aligners, onto specific attachments or onto other small accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with the aligners themselves, the result also depends on the patient wearing them for the prescribed time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mini-screws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Orthodontic mini-screws are small devices that can be placed temporarily in the bone to provide a stable anchorage point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This allows us to apply forces to certain teeth without relying so much on other teeth for support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are not part of every invisible orthodontics treatment. We use them only when the plan requires extra control to achieve certain movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What movements invisible orthodontics can achieve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today aligners can carry out every movement orthodontic treatment needs, complex cases included. The key is planning each movement properly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means invisible orthodontics can treat every kind of misalignment and bite problem, from the simplest to the most complex. Some movements need attachments, auxiliaries, overcorrections or refinements, which is why we plan them from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alignment and crowding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Displaced teeth and crowding, from mild to severe, are treated successfully with aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the space available, we may need to create space before or during the movement<\/strong>, for example through controlled dental expansion, interproximal reduction or movement of other teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning is not just about straightening every tooth: we also have to preserve a functional bite and respect the limits of the surrounding bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing gaps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aligners can also be used to close gaps between teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With small gaps, the movement can be relatively simple. When the gap is larger or comes from an extraction, we need to carefully control how the crowns and roots move<\/strong> to avoid unwanted tipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why some gap closures may need attachments, elastics or other resources for greater control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rotations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rotating a tooth means turning it around its own axis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aligners correct rotations, including the most marked ones. When the shape of the tooth offers little surface to grip, the aligner needs an extra anchor point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In these cases, attachments can help create more effective contact points between the aligner and the tooth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a rotation does not come through fully as planned, it may need adjusting during a refinement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intrusion and extrusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Intrusion means moving a tooth further into the bone, while extrusion moves it in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both are achieved with aligners, with good control of force and anchorage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In extrusions the aligner needs to grip the tooth to \u201cpull\u201d it, and we use specific attachments for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Torque and root movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moving the visible part of the tooth is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many treatments we also need to control the inclination and position of the root within the bone<\/strong>, which is known as torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of movement is especially important for achieving a stable bite and a good final position of the teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With aligners it is planned and achieved just as with braces. As with any technique, it demands more control than simply moving the crown, and for that we use attachments and, if needed, auxiliaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental expansion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aligners can also be used to gradually widen the shape of the arch through controlled tooth movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here it is important to distinguish between dental expansion and skeletal expansion<\/strong>. They are not the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aligners can change the position of the teeth within certain limits, but they should not be seen as a tool capable of producing any bone change simply by widening the arch in the simulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why, before planning an expansion, we assess the position of the roots, the bone available and the type of problem we want to correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean when a tooth is \u201cnot tracking\u201d the aligner?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During treatment we want the teeth to gradually reproduce the movements designed in the digital plan. When this happens correctly, we say that the teeth are following, or tracking, the aligner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aligner should fit the surface of the teeth and the attachments quite precisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a gap starts to appear between the aligner and a particular tooth, especially one that grows as you move through the aligners, it may mean that that tooth is not reaching the planned position<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can happen for several reasons: a particularly difficult movement, not wearing the aligners enough, a lost attachment or simply because the biological response has not been exactly what we planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A small, one-off gap does not automatically mean there is a problem. That is why we do not recommend trying to judge your treatment just by looking at the aligner at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is exactly what check-ups are for: we check how the aligners are fitting, whether the attachments are still correctly in place and whether the actual movements match the plan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we see that a tooth is falling behind, we may decide to keep an aligner in for longer, use an auxiliary or take a new scan and plan a refinement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refinements: why a second set of aligners may be needed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finishing the first set of aligners does not necessarily mean the orthodontic treatment is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The digital plan sets out where we want to take each tooth, but the actual movement may not reproduce exactly 100% of what we had planned on the computer<\/strong>. Teeth are surrounded by living tissue and can respond differently depending on the type of movement, the anatomy and cooperation during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why, at certain stages, we may need to adjust the plan before considering the treatment finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a refinement is<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A refinement involves taking a new record of the current position of the teeth<\/strong>, usually with another intraoral scan, and comparing it with the result we want to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From that new situation we plan the movements still outstanding and make an additional set of aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does not mean starting treatment from scratch. A refinement builds on everything already achieved and is used to correct small outstanding movements, improve the bite or finish positioning certain teeth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it may be needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because there is an important difference between planned movement and biological movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The software can tell us exactly where we want to place a tooth, but afterwards we have to check how much of that movement has actually come through in the mouth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some rotations, root movements, intrusions, extrusions or expansions can be more demanding than others. It can also happen that a tooth has progressed correctly for most of the treatment but needs an extra adjustment at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why check-ups are so important: they let us spot these differences before piling more movements onto a position that no longer fully matches the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does it mean the treatment has failed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Needing refinements does not necessarily mean the treatment has gone wrong<\/strong>. It is a common possibility in aligner orthodontics precisely because it lets us adapt the treatment to how the teeth have actually responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What matters is not finishing with exactly the number of aligners first calculated, but making sure that the final position of the teeth and the bite meet the goals set at the start<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aligners need to stay on the teeth long enough to exert the planned forces and let the tissues respond gradually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why the general recommendation is to wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day<\/strong>, taking them out mainly to eat, drink anything other than water and clean your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not just about \u201cclocking up hours\u201d. Wear time is directly linked to the sequence of the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an aligner is worn for far fewer hours than planned, the tooth can fall behind the programmed movement<\/strong>. When it is time to put in the next aligner, it may not fit properly, because it is designed on the assumption that the previous movement has already happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

fewer hours of wear \u2192 incomplete movement \u2192 poorer fit of the next aligner \u2192 greater risk of losing tracking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this happens, it may be necessary to keep an aligner in for longer, go back in the sequence or draw up a new plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the patient’s consistency is not a minor detail. It is part of the biomechanics of the treatment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How often aligners are changed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no universal schedule for changing aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The orthodontist sets the pace of change depending on the system used, the planned movements and how the treatment is progressing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients may be told to change roughly every week, while for others it may be better to keep each aligner for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The schedule can also be changed during treatment if certain movements need more time or if we see that the teeth are not fully following the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it is not a good idea to change early just because the aligner no longer feels so tight. An aligner feeling more comfortable does not necessarily mean the biological movement has finished<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens if you skip an aligner or change too soon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jumping straight to a later aligner to try to \u201cmake up time\u201d is not a good strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each aligner is made based on the position the teeth should have reached with the previous one. If we skip a stage, the new aligner may try to apply a larger movement than planned<\/strong> and not fit properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something similar can happen if we switch aligners several days ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you lose an aligner, you should not decide on your own whether to go back to the previous one or move straight on to the next. The decision depends on how far into that aligner you were, how the next one fits and whether the teeth had completed the planned movement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best thing is to contact the clinic and follow our instructions before continuing the sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How treatment works, step by step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although invisible orthodontics is based on a sequence of aligners, treatment starts well before you receive the first aligner and continues after you wear the last one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each phase has a specific role within the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Infographic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Diagnosis and bite assessment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First we study the position of the teeth, how the two arches fit together and what problem we want to correct<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not enough to see whether the teeth are straight. We also need to assess the bite, the space available, the position of the roots and other factors that may affect the movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Intraoral scan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using an intraoral scanner, we obtain a three-dimensional digital model of the teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This record is the starting point for planning treatment and, in many cases, replaces conventional putty impressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Digital planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the digital model we design which teeth need to move, in which direction and in what order<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also decide whether we will need attachments, elastics or other auxiliaries and look at how we want the bite to end up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Making and fitting the aligners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once the plan is approved, the sequence of aligners is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each aligner incorporates a small part of the total movement<\/strong> and is worn for the prescribed time before moving on to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this stage we also place the attachments or other planned elements when they are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Changes and check-ups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The patient changes aligners at home following the agreed schedule, but keeps coming in for check-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During these visits we check the fit of the aligners, how the movements are progressing and the condition of the attachments and the bite<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital planning does not replace this clinical follow-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Refinements if needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If movements are still outstanding at the end of a series, we can take a new scan and make additional aligners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim is to adjust treatment to the actual position of the teeth and complete the necessary movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Retention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the active phase of orthodontics ends, the teeth need to be held in their new position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this we use retainers<\/strong>, whose job is to stop the teeth from drifting again while the tissues settle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retention is not optional just because you have worn aligners: it is part of orthodontic treatment, just as it is after braces<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long does invisible orthodontics take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no universal timeframe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The time needed depends on the bite problem, how many teeth have to move, how difficult those movements are and how each patient responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Correcting mild crowding does not take the same time as closing large gaps, controlling roots, changing a bite or carrying out movements that need elastics or other auxiliaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another big factor is how consistently you wear your aligners<\/strong>. If they are worn for fewer hours than prescribed, the teeth can fall behind the plan and treatment takes longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refinements can also add time, even though they are a normal part of adjusting the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So rather than giving a generic range before examining your mouth, we prefer to estimate the duration after the diagnosis, once we know which specific movements we will need to carry out<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does invisible orthodontics hurt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Invisible orthodontics should not cause intense pain, but it can cause pressure or temporary sensitivity<\/strong>, especially after starting treatment or switching to a new aligner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That feeling appears because the aligner starts exerting a new force on particular teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is common for the teeth to feel a little more sensitive when chewing during the first few days of a new stage. This usually eases as the aligner settles and the teeth move towards the planned position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There may also be an initial period of getting used to the attachments, or some slight discomfort if an edge of the aligner rubs against the soft tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why we prefer to talk about temporary pressure and discomfort<\/strong> rather than presenting invisible orthodontics as a completely painless treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you can eat and drink with aligners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the practical advantages of invisible orthodontics is that the aligners come out when you eat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means you can keep eating almost exactly as you did before treatment, without the usual restrictions that can come with fixed appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you are wearing the aligners, water is the best thing to drink. To eat or have other drinks, you take the aligners out and put them back in afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever possible, it is a good idea to clean your teeth before putting them back in, so that food debris or sugars do not get trapped between the aligner and the tooth surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to clean your aligners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aligners also need daily cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be rinsed with cold or lukewarm water and gently cleaned following the instructions given. Avoid very hot water<\/strong>, because it could alter the material and change the shape of the aligner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to clean the case and keep up good oral hygiene before putting them back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventing plaque, debris and stains from building up helps keep the aligners clearer and reduces odour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Invisalign and Spark work the same way?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Invisalign and Spark use the same general principle: a sequence of clear aligners that applies controlled forces to move the teeth gradually<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In both cases we take a digital record, plan the movements and make custom aligners that the patient wears in sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, they are not exactly the same system. There may be differences in the aligner material, the planning software, the design of certain features and the tools available to the orthodontist<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So rather than treating one brand as better across the board, we assess which system can best help us carry out each patient’s plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Hern\u00e1ndez & Espuelas we provide invisible orthodontics<\/a> with Invisalign and Spark, which lets us plan treatment around the diagnosis rather than limiting it to a single brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to know if your teeth can be corrected with clear aligners?<\/p><\/path><\/svg>

Book your FREE first appointment and we will review your case with no obligation<\/p><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What we assess before recommending invisible orthodontics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before making the first aligner we need to know what bite problem there is, the condition of the roots and bone, and which movements will be needed to correct it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why treatment starts with a clinical examination and the records needed to study the mouth as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We use photographs and an intraoral scan to analyse the position of the teeth, and we can add X-rays or other tests to the study when they are needed to see the position of the roots and the structures around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then we make the diagnosis and design the digital plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We do not choose the treatment just because the patient wants to \u201cwear Invisalign\u201d. First we study which movements you need and which auxiliaries will be required<\/strong>, and we explain the differences between braces and Invisalign<\/a> so you can decide with all the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Hern\u00e1ndez & Espuelas, Dr Santiago Espuelas works with systems such as Invisalign and Spark, which means treatment can be chosen and planned for each individual case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invisible orthodontics works when planning, biology and consistency go together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Invisible orthodontics is not just about swapping one aligner for the next. Each aligner is part of a sequence of forces designed to move particular teeth<\/strong>, and the result depends as much on the planning as on how your tissues respond and on you wearing the aligners properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology lets us design the movements very precisely, but the mouth is still a biological system. That is why check-ups, attachments and any refinements are not secondary details: they are part of how we keep the treatment under control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When digital planning, clinical follow-up and the patient’s consistency work together, we can keep adapting the treatment to how the teeth are actually responding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are thinking about invisible orthodontics, you can book a first visit through our website<\/strong><\/a>. At our dental clinic in Ibi<\/a> we will study your bite, scan your mouth digitally and explain which movements would be needed before deciding on treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently asked questions about invisible orthodontics<\/h2>\n\n\n