---
title: "What Is Clear aligners? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Clear aligners are a series of removable, see-through plastic trays, each shaped a little differently, that move teeth into new positions step by step."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Orthodontics

# Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a series of removable, see-through plastic trays, each shaped a little differently, that move teeth into new positions step by step.

Aligners are made from a scan or impression of your teeth. You switch to a new tray about every two weeks, and each tray moves your teeth a small amount. The FDA says clear dental aligners are removable and worn over your teeth to straighten them. Cleveland Clinic says you usually wear them 22 to 23 hours a day, taking them out to eat and to brush and floss. Small tooth-colored bumps called [attachments](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/aligner-attachments) may be bonded to teeth to help them grip. A [retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer) is worn afterward. Aligners work only if you wear them as directed. Your dentist will talk with you about whether they fit your bite. See [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/invisalign) and our [clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners) page.

[Town Center Dental can helpClear Aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners)

## Related terms

-   [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/invisalign)
-   [Aligner attachments](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/aligner-attachments)
-   [Retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer)
-   [Interproximal reduction (IPR)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/interproximal-reduction-ipr)
-   [Braces](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces)

## Sources

1.  [FDA: Braces Have Changed: What to Know about Traditional Braces and Clear Aligner Options](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/braces-have-changed-what-know-about-traditional-braces-and-clear-aligner-options)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)