Yes. Retainers are a must after aligner treatment because teeth can move back after orthodontic treatment if they are not held in position. Your dentist should explain your retention plan before treatment finishes, including how often you need to wear the retainers and what long-term maintenance looks like.
If your case is more complex, or if your teeth and gums need treatment first, we will explain that clearly. Some patients are better suited to a different orthodontic option, and some need their oral health stabilised before any teeth-straightening treatment begins.
Yes. Clear aligners normally need to be worn for more than 22 hours a day, and should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and cleaning your teeth. Wear time matters, because poor compliance can affect how well treatment works.
Most people notice pressure or mild discomfort for the first few days after starting a new aligner. That is a normal part of teeth moving. It should be manageable and temporary. If something feels sharp, unusual or persistently painful, contact the practice so the team can advise you.
Treatment length varies from case to case, so there is no safe one-size-fits-all answer. In general, aligners are changed every 2 weeks and progress is reviewed during treatment. Your dentist can only give you a realistic timescale once your teeth and bite have been assessed properly.
Possibly, but suitability depends on your teeth, bite, gum health and how consistently you can wear the aligners. Clear aligners may help with crowding, spacing and bite, but they are not right for every case. A clinical assessment is the only reliable way to know.
Clear aligners are removable trays made from clear acrylic that are designed to move teeth gradually. You wear a sequence of aligners over time, with each one making a small planned change. They can be a discreet option for suitable patients who want to straighten their teeth without fixed metal braces.