Why they work, and what makes them succeed
Clear aligners, sometimes called invisible braces, move teeth the same way braces do: a gentle, sustained force makes the bone remodel and the tooth shifts. Each tray in the series is shaped a little differently from the last, and you change to the next every one to two weeks, as planned.
Two things decide whether they work. The first is case selection: mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and relapse after earlier braces are the cases they handle best. The second is wear. Trays must be in your mouth 20 to 22 hours a day and come out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean. The clear aligners vs braces guide sets out the comparison in more detail.
What clear aligners cannot fix reliably
Severe crowding, which often needs extractions and a degree of root control that aligners find harder.
Large bite corrections, such as a big overbite or underbite caused by the jaws. Some can be improved with attachments and elastics, but the further a case is from mild, the less predictable aligners become.
Heavily rotated or tilted teeth, particularly rounded canines and premolars, and teeth that need to move bodily through bone.
Cases where the teeth are small, short or worn, which limits how well the trays can grip. Fixed braces are the more reliable option in these situations, as described in types of braces.
None of this means aligners are poor treatment. It means a case should be matched to the right tool.
Disadvantages, stated plainly
Discipline. Aligners only work while they are in. Averaging fewer hours does not just slow things down: the teeth stop following the plan, and the case needs refinement trays or a restart. If you know you will not keep them in, braces are the better choice.
Cost. In Lucknow in 2026, a full aligner course is ₹60,000 to ₹2,50,000, compared with ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 for metal braces. The clear aligner cost page sets out what drives the difference.
Daily upkeep. They need to be cleaned, kept in their case, and taken out for every meal and drink other than plain water, which can stain and trap sugar against the teeth.
Lost or broken trays. They need replacing, and a gap in wear can set the schedule back.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Mild pressure or tenderness for two to three days when you start a new tray is normal, and it eases as the teeth settle. It is usually milder than fixed braces, and there are no brackets to rub the cheeks, though the plastic edges can irritate the tongue and gums at first.
Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the label, can help if needed. The cautions given in do braces hurt apply. Sharp or worsening pain is not normal, and should be mentioned to your clinician.
Who should be careful
Treatment should be planned after an in-person examination and X-rays, because gum health, bone support and the bite all affect what is safe to attempt. Mail-order aligners that skip this stage carry real risk, including root shortening and bite problems.
After treatment, retainers are needed just as they are with braces, and it is worth asking if they are included. For how treatment at this clinic is arranged, see the clear aligners page.
Common questions
Do clear aligners really work?
Yes, for suitable cases. Mild to moderate crowding, spacing and relapse are well handled when the trays are worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Severe or complex cases are less predictable, which is why a proper assessment comes first.
What are the disadvantages of clear aligners?
They need strict wear, cost more than metal braces, must be removed for meals and drinks, and are less predictable for severe crowding and big bite corrections. Lost or broken trays can delay treatment. They also need cleaning daily.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Usually a mild pressure or tenderness for two to three days with each new tray, often milder than with braces. The plastic edges can irritate the gums or tongue at first. Pain that is sharp or keeps getting worse should be checked.
Are invisible braces the same as clear aligners?
In everyday use in India, yes: people searching for invisible braces usually mean clear aligners. Ceramic and lingual braces are also sometimes called invisible, but they are fixed braces rather than removable trays.
How long do I need to wear aligners each day?
20 to 22 hours. They come out for eating, for drinking anything other than water, and for cleaning. Wearing them for fewer hours does not just slow things down: it can make the teeth stop following the planned movement.
Do I need a retainer after clear aligners?
Yes. Teeth move back towards their old position after any orthodontic treatment, including aligners. Ask whether retainers are included in the price. They cost ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 in Lucknow in 2026 when quoted separately.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.