Smile & alignment

Clear Aligners & Braces

Understand planned tooth movement, monitoring and retention.

A transparent dental aligner held in a hand
AI-generated conceptual illustration. Anatomy and equipment are simplified.

What it does

Orthodontic treatment changes tooth position and bite. An examination and appropriate records help determine whether braces, clear aligners or another approach fits the problem.

Explore the source material ↗

Watch the explanation

See the procedure in motion

How braces move crowded teeth

Colgate Professional

Connects to YouTube when you choose to load.

How braces move crowded teeth

Watch an animation of planned tooth movement using fixed braces.

This video shows braces, not removable aligners. Movement is sped up; treatment requires professional planning and monitoring.

If the player is unavailable, use the direct video link. Videos are external educational resources, not endorsements or personalized treatment advice. Publishers may include advertising; availability and captions vary. Loading connects to the video host and may share connection information or use cookies. Privacy notice.

What usually happens

The sequence and number of visits depend on the individual case.

  1. Assess

    Discuss the bite and the changes treatment is intended to make.

  2. Plan

    The clinician selects appliances and a monitoring schedule.

  3. Move and monitor

    Teeth are moved gradually and progress is checked.

  4. Retain

    Retainers help maintain the result after active treatment.

Options to discuss

Braces

Fixed appliances allow controlled movement.

Clear aligners

Removable appliances must be worn as directed.

Other care

Some bite problems need additional treatment.

Benefits, limits & trade-offs

An attractive digital simulation is a plan, not a guaranteed result. Ongoing supervision and cleaning matter.

Watch & explore further

Open the publisher’s page for videos, animations or more detailed reading.

External media opens only when you choose a link. Publishers may show advertisements or use cookies. Links do not imply endorsement or a partnership. Illustrations on Teeth.com are AI-generated, simplified explanations, not patient images.

Questions for your dentist

  • Who monitors my progress in person?
  • Why are aligners or braces appropriate for my bite?
  • Does the fee include refinements and retainers?

Take the next step

Look for offices offering this care

Search for clear aligners & braces in your area, then confirm the service with the office.

Adds the plan name to your search; it does not verify in-network status. Check your insurer’s directory and confirm your exact plan with the office. Do not enter member or policy numbers.

Opening Google Maps shares your search terms with Google. Results and rankings come from Google. Teeth.com has not verified these offices, their equipment, training or availability. A listing is not a recommendation.

Before you book

  • Confirm that the office offers the specific procedure or technology you want to discuss.
  • Ask who performs the treatment and about their relevant training and experience.
  • Discuss whether it suits your situation, alternatives, the total fee and follow-up care.