Clear Aligners
Scarborough

How do clear aligners actually straighten teeth?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable trays shaped to your teeth at each stage of treatment. You wear each set for about one to two weeks, roughly 20 to 22 hours a day, and each tray applies gentle, controlled pressure that moves your teeth a fraction of a millimetre. With periodic check-ins at AF Dental, we track your progress and adjust the plan until your teeth reach their ideal positions.

Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?

Clear aligners work very well for mild to moderate crowding, gaps between teeth, and some bite issues in teens and adults. They are generally NOT the best choice for severe bite problems, very rotated or tall teeth, or cases needing major jaw correction — traditional braces handle those more predictably. A scan and assessment at our Scarborough clinic will honestly tell you which option suits your case.

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Most treatments take between 6 and 18 months, depending on how much movement your teeth need. The biggest factor is you: wearing the trays 20 to 22 hours daily keeps treatment on schedule, while skipping hours stretches it out. After active treatment, retainers are essential — teeth naturally want to drift back, and retainers protect your investment.

Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?

Take your aligners out for every meal and for anything other than plain water — food particles and coloured drinks can stain the trays and trap sugar against your teeth. Brush or at least rinse before putting them back in. Also avoid hot drinks with the trays in place, since heat can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Each new set of trays typically feels tight or puts mild pressure on your teeth for a day or two — that sensation is actually a sign the aligners are working. It is rarely more than mild discomfort and fades quickly as your teeth adjust. Sharp or persistent pain is not normal, so tell us if you experience it.

Does CDCP or my insurance cover clear aligners?

To be honest, orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners is generally NOT covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which focuses on essential dental care rather than orthodontics. Some private dental plans do include orthodontic benefits, so it is worth checking the details of your own plan. AF Dental will walk through your options and give you an exact written quote at your consultation — just call our Scarborough office.

Comprehensive dental solutions in Scarborough: From preventative cleanings and exams to complex restorative surgery and dental implants. Trust AF Dental for specialized, comfortable family dentistry.