Clear aligners are a way to straighten teeth without brackets and wires. At BWG Dental Centre, Dr. Rebeca Riojas-Ozturk, a general and family dentist, offers Invisalign clear aligners to suitable teens and adults at our office at 88 Barrie Street in Bradford.
This page walks through what aligners are, who they tend to suit, who may be better served by another approach, and what treatment looks like from the first scan to the retainer at the end. If you are weighing aligners against braces, our article Invisalign or braces as an adult: questions to ask at your consultation is a good place to start.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are a series of thin, removable plastic trays made to fit your teeth closely. Each set is shaped slightly differently from the one before. Wearing them in order applies gentle, steady pressure that moves teeth a small amount at a time.
Invisalign is one brand of clear aligner. Because the trays are clear and sit snugly over your teeth, they are much less noticeable than metal braces for most people. You take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss, which is one of the main reasons people choose them.
Could clear aligners work for me?
Aligners are often used for:
- teeth that are crowded or overlapping
- gaps between teeth
- teeth that have shifted since earlier orthodontic treatment, for example after a retainer was no longer worn
- some bite problems, depending on how they are caused
They also suit people who are ready to wear the trays consistently. Aligners only move teeth while they are in your mouth, so the day to day commitment matters as much as the plan itself.
The only way to know whether aligners suit your teeth is an examination. Some cases that look simple are not, and some that look complicated turn out to be well suited.
When might another approach be better?
Clear aligners are not the right tool for every case. Your dentist may suggest a different path if:
- your bite problem comes mainly from the position of the jaws rather than the teeth
- the teeth need large or complex movements
- there is untreated tooth decay or gum disease, which needs attention before any tooth movement
- a younger patient’s jaws are still growing in a way that needs to be guided
- you would find it hard to keep the aligners in for most of the day
In some of these cases braces are a better fit. For more complex cases, we will refer you when a specialist’s care is needed, and we will explain the reasons in plain terms so you can make an informed choice.
What happens at the consultation?
Your first visit is a chance to talk about what bothers you about your smile and what you would like to change. Dr. Riojas-Ozturk then checks your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints, and x-rays may be taken if they are needed to see the roots and bone.
Healthy teeth and gums come first. If a cavity or gum problem turns up, we treat that before planning any movement.
If aligners look like a reasonable option, your dentist explains what they can and cannot be expected to do in your case, roughly how long treatment may take, and what the alternatives are. Results vary from person to person, and we will be honest about what is realistic.
We will explain costs, coverage and payment options at your consultation.
How does the digital scan work?
Instead of biting into trays of impression putty, your teeth are recorded with our iTero digital scanner. A small wand is moved around your mouth and captures a series of images. A screen next to the chair turns those images into a three-dimensional model of your teeth and gums as the scan goes.
Many patients find this more comfortable than traditional impressions, especially people with a strong gag reflex. You can also see your own teeth on screen, which makes it easier to understand what your dentist is describing. Read more about the oral health scan.
How are the aligners made and fitted?
The digital model is used to plan the movement of each tooth and is sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom aligners are made. At your next visit you receive your first aligners and learn how to put them in, take them out and clean them.
Many treatment plans use small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to certain teeth, often called attachments. They give the aligners something to grip so they can move those teeth more effectively. They are removed at the end of treatment.
How many hours a day do I wear them?
Aligners are designed to be worn most of the day and night. You take them out to eat, to drink anything other than plain water, and to brush and floss. Then they go straight back in.
Your dentist will tell you how many hours a day your plan needs and how often to change to the next set. Leaving the aligners out for long stretches is the most common reason treatment falls behind.
What is daily life like with aligners?
For the first day or two of each new set, teeth often feel tight or tender. This usually settles as the teeth adjust. Some people also notice a slight change in their speech for the first few days, which tends to fade quickly.
A few habits make treatment easier:
- brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in, so food is not trapped against your teeth
- rinse and clean the aligners as your dentist shows you
- keep them in their case when they are out, since trays wrapped in a napkin are easily thrown away
- keep up your regular checkups and hygiene visits during treatment
How often do I come back to the office?
You return for check visits during treatment so your dentist can see how the teeth are moving, check the fit of the aligners and hand over your next sets.
What are refinements?
Teeth do not always move exactly as planned. Near the end of treatment, your dentist may take a new scan and order a further set of aligners to fine-tune the position of some teeth. This is called a refinement and is a normal part of aligner treatment for many patients. Your dentist will discuss whether refinements are included in your treatment plan.
What happens when treatment ends?
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward where they were, particularly in the months after they have been moved. A retainer holds them in their new position.
Your dentist will recommend a retainer and explain how often to wear it. Many people wear a retainer at night for the long term. Keeping up with it is the single most important thing you can do to protect the time and effort you put into treatment.
Can teenagers have clear aligners?
Yes, many teens can. The same questions apply: whether their teeth and jaws suit aligners, and whether they will wear them consistently. For younger patients whose jaws are still growing, your dentist will look carefully at whether aligners, another approach or a referral makes more sense.
Does insurance or the CDCP cover clear aligners?
Some private dental plans include orthodontic coverage, often with a lifetime limit, while others do not. Check the details of your own plan, and we can help you understand what it says.
As of September 2026, the Government of Canada lists orthodontic services as not currently available under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Read more on our CDCP page.
Frequently asked questions
Are clear aligners noticeable?
They are clear and fit closely over your teeth, so most people find them much less noticeable than metal braces. If attachments are used, they are tooth-coloured.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
It depends on how far your teeth need to move and how consistently the aligners are worn. Your dentist will give you an estimate at your consultation, and results vary.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people feel pressure or tenderness for a day or two after switching to a new set. This usually settles as the teeth adjust.
Can I eat with my aligners in?
No. Take them out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water, then brush before putting them back in.
Do I need a retainer afterwards?
Yes. Teeth tend to drift after they have been moved, so your dentist will recommend a retainer and explain how often to wear it.
How much does Invisalign cost at BWG Dental Centre?
Every case is different. We will explain costs, coverage and payment options at your consultation.
To arrange a consultation with Dr. Riojas-Ozturk, call (905) 775-7005 or use our appointment request form. You can also see our full list of services.
*Invisalign and iTero are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.*
