Clear Aligners
DISCREET ORTHODONTIC CARE
A straighter smile with less visual interruption.
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic trays designed to gradually move teeth into better alignment. They are popular with teens and adults who want a more discreet alternative to traditional braces.
At Prosth & Co. on the Upper East Side, treatment is planned with attention to tooth position, bite function, smile aesthetics, and long-term retention.
WHO MAY BE A CANDIDATE
Treatment starts with your bite and goals
Clear aligners can be effective for selected cases. More complex tooth movement or jaw concerns may require traditional braces or specialist care.
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Spacing or gaps
- Selected bite concerns
- Relapse after previous orthodontic care
- Cosmetic alignment goals
- Commitment to wearing trays as directed
HOW ALIGNERS WORK
A planned series of small movements
Each tray applies gentle pressure to guide selected teeth. Your provider will explain wear time, tray changes, progress checks, and retention.
01
Consultation
Exam and discussion of alignment and bite goals.
02
Digital Scans
Digital impressions or scans capture the current tooth positions.
03
Planning
A digital treatment sequence is created for the prescribed movement.
04
Aligner Series
Custom trays are worn in sequence as directed.
05
Progress Checks
Visits monitor movement and allow the plan to be reviewed.
06
Retention
Retainers help maintain the final position after active treatment.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Clear aligners vs. traditional braces
The right option depends on the type and complexity of tooth movement, your goals, and how treatment fits your routine.
Clear Aligners
- Nearly invisible trays
- Removable for meals and cleaning
- Requires consistent daily wear
- Best for selected cases
- Fixed brackets and wires
- Works continuously
- Requires cleaning around brackets
- Often suited to more complex movement
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Why patients choose aligners
- Discreet appearance
- Removable trays
- Easier cleaning than fixed brackets
- Fewer food restrictions
- Digital treatment planning
DAILY RESPONSIBILITY
What treatment asks of you
- Wear aligners for prescribed hours
- Remove trays for meals and non-water drinks
- Brush before reinserting trays
- Keep aligners clean
- Attend progress visits
- Use retainers after treatment
TIMELINE AND RETENTION
Treatment time is individualized
Treatment time depends on the complexity of tooth movement and patient compliance. Some cases are completed in several months, while others take longer.
After active treatment, retainers help maintain the result. Your dental team will explain wear and replacement guidance.
Clear aligner planning at Prosth & Co.
Treatment is planned with attention to alignment, bite function, smile aesthetics, patient comfort, and the retention needed to protect the result.
Trust Your Smile to Us
Prosth & Co. is your destination for world-class prosthodontic care on Manhattan’s vibrant Upper East Side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners are removable, transparent trays that apply gentle, controlled pressure to move teeth into alignment. At Prosth & Co., orthodontist Dr. Scott Noh plans your treatment digitally and you switch to a new tray every one to two weeks, with periodic check-ins to track progress.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Most adults finish in 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the case. Mild crowding or spacing can take as little as 4 to 6 months. Wearing trays 20 to 22 hours per day keeps you on schedule.
Clear aligners vs. braces — which is better?
Aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and easier to clean around, which suits many adults. Traditional braces handle complex movements — rotations, severe crowding, bite corrections — more predictably. Dr. Noh will tell you honestly which option fits your case; many patients qualify for both.
How much do clear aligners cost in NYC?
Your exact cost depends on your individual situation. After your exam, we provide a written treatment plan with exact pricing, and our front desk helps you maximize your insurance benefits and arrange financing if needed. Fees vary with treatment length and complexity. Many dental insurance plans contribute to orthodontic treatment, and we offer payment plans.
Do clear aligners hurt?
You’ll feel pressure for the first day or two of each new tray as teeth move — most patients describe it as tightness, not pain. It’s a sign the aligners are working, and it fades quickly.