How much does Orthoclear cost?

Treatment with Orthoclear costs from €799 and includes your full set of clear aligners, monitoring by an orthodontist, and premium whitening. To make treatment even more affordable, we offer custom financing plans from as low as €26/month.

Why wouldn’t someone be a candidate for Orthoclear clear aligners?

There are three main reasons you wouldn’t be a candidate: Because your case falls beyond the range of the mild to moderate malocclusions we treat. (The term malocclusion, literally “bad bite,” refers to an imperfection in the way your teeth come together when your jaw is closed.) We don’t treat severe alignment and spacing issues, and we can’t offer bite correction. In any case where you’d be better served by in-office dental or orthodontic treatment with close monitoring than by remote treatment with Orthoclear, we’ll be completely up front about it — we always want you to get the best possible care. Because you either haven’t been to the dentist recently or have upcoming dental work scheduled. We require your primary oral care needs to have been addressed prior to treatment. A dentist will make sure you don’t have any cavities or decay and that your gums are healthy enough for orthodontic teeth movement. Because you have a permanent retainer.

Can you treat people under 18 years old?

If you’re between the ages of 13 and 17, located near a Studio equipped with a panoramic x-ray machine, and have lost all of your baby teeth, the answer is likely yes. Book an appointment, and be sure to bring a photo ID, smartphone, and your parent or guardian with you.

What is the process to get Orthoclear aligners?

Here’s how it works: First, you get your teeth scanned at a Studio location near you. The appointment is free, and you only have to come in once. After the studio visit, your diagnostic records are submitted to an orthodontist in our network. After they’ve reviewed your records and approved you for treatment, your treatment plan will be designed. Once that’s complete, you’re sent a fully interactive 3D preview of your teeth moving into place. At that point, you can approve your plan and order your aligners. They’ll come with premium whitening. Don’t live near a Studio? No problem, you can get started from anywhere. Just order an at-home starter kit.

What is your Starter Kit refund policy?

When you order your starter kit, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form. Once you sign that form, your purchase is non-refundable unless your assigned orthodontist determines that Orthoclear is not the right treatment option for you. In that case, you’ll be refunded in full.

Do you have a referral program?

Yes, we do. When you invite your friends to try Orthoclear, they’ll get a free starter kit or scan. You’ll get a €100 Amazon gift card via email 5-7 business days after they receive their aligners. Note: Referred friends must be new customers. Referral discount cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Referral benefits cannot be retroactively applied to customers who’ve already created an account with Orthoclear. Referrers are eligible to receive a maximum of 5 Amazon gift cards.

Do you ship internationally?

Never say never, but not right now. Only in EU.

Can I talk to my orthodontist directly?

Our care team typically acts as the liaison between you and your orthodontist. If you have any concerns about your treatment, reach out via live chat and they’ll loop him or her in right away.

Can I just have treatment for my top or bottom teeth only?

No, we only treat both arches at once. If we treated just one or the other on its own, we wouldn’t be able to make sure that your occlusion (your bite) was healthy at the end of treatment — in other words, we wouldn’t be able to guarantee that your teeth fit together properly when you bite down.

Is Orthoclear treatment covered by my insurance?

Only if your benefits include orthodontic treatments. Also keep in mind that most policies have a 1 year waiting time.

Where are the SmileStudios?

We have SmileStudio locations across the country, with more locations coming soon. To find a studio near you, check our Appointments page.

How do I make an appointment?

Just go to our Appointments page and scroll down to the list of locations.

Can I walk in without making an appointment beforehand?

Absolutely! That said, we take appointments on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you don’t have an appointment, we might not be able to see you right away.

How long does an appointment take?

An appointment takes about 30 minutes. It includes collection of your dental and medical history, photos of your face and mouth, and a 3D scan of your teeth.

Is there a cost for an appointment/missed appointment?

Appointments are free, with no commitment to purchase aligners. We may charge you up to €20 if you don’t show up to your appointment and did not cancel in advance.

What do I need to prepare before my studio appointment?

You need to have seen a dentist within the past 12 months to make sure you don’t have any cavities or decay and that your gums are healthy enough for orthodontic teeth movement. You also need to have had any permanent retainers removed

How does a scan work?

An intraoral digital scanner works by projecting a beam of structured light onto the teeth and gums and using high-resolution cameras to capture the distortions it undergoes when it hits them. The scanner takes thousands of pictures every second, which are then meshed together into a high-definition 3D image that serves as a replica of your mouth. So the scan itself is an optical impression, with beams of light and image-capture software taking the place of putty in the process. A scan isn’t invasive or painful at all, and it only takes a few minutes. You do have to keep your mouth open the entire time, but if your jaw starts to get tired or uncomfortable, just let the care specialist know and they’ll give you a break. One other thing about a scan: You’ll actually see the images of your teeth start to show up on a monitor in real time, which is extremely cool.

Is there an orthodontist on site at the Studio?

No, there isn’t. But our care specialists are experts on the photo and 3D scan process, and your diagnostic records — the photos and the digital model of your teeth created by the scan — will be sent to an experienced, orthodontist in our network for assessment and treatment planning. So while you won’t see your orthodontist in person, they’ll still be the one administering your care.

Is a scan of my teeth better than an impression of my teeth?

One is no better or worse than the other, since either will produce the diagnostic records that enable an orthodontist to review your case and design your treatment plan.

Will I see a model of what my teeth would look like?

Not immediately. But after your studio visit, an experienced orthodontist in our network will design and engineer your individualized treatment plan and a fully interactive 3D preview of the results in as little as two weeks.

How long after my scan will I receive my aligners?

Before you can get your aligners, you’ll need to approve your treatment plan, which will be created and sent to you in as little as two weeks after your studio visit. Once you approve your treatment plan, your aligners will be custom-fabricated and shipped to you within three weeks.

What if I purchase my aligners and then find out I’m not a candidate?

If you find out you’re not a candidate, you’ll be refunded the full purchase price of your aligners.

Does booking a studio appointment mean I have to buy aligners?

No. Booking a studio appointment does not come with any commitment to purchase aligners.

Is the 3D scan of my teeth an X-ray?

No. An intraoral digital scanner works by projecting a beam of structured light onto the teeth and gums and using high-resolution cameras to capture the distortions it undergoes when it hits them. The scanner takes thousands of pictures every second, which are then meshed together into a high-definition 3D image that serves as a replica of your mouth.

Can I eat and drink in my aligners?

Take your aligners off for eating. We recommend that you rinse them off with cool water and brush and floss your teeth when you’re finished to keep your aligners as clear as possible. Drinking is ok with your aligners in. When it comes to hot liquids like tea and coffee, don’t worry. As long as they’re not scalding, they’ll be just fine. But if you like your coffee piping hot, maybe take them out first.

Why were my photos rejected?

We ask you to retake your photos when they won’t be able to serve as viable diagnostic tools for your orthodontist. That would be the case for one of two reasons: because the quality of the photos themselves is too low, or because they don’t show your teeth and gums fully enough. For example, your photos would be rejected if they were too dark, too blurry, or had too much flash. They would also be rejected if they didn’t show key details like the occlusal surfaces (the part of the teeth you use to chew) or your gumline (the line where the gums and the teeth meet).

Can I talk to my orthodontist directly?

Our care team typically acts as the liaison between you and your orthodontist. If you have any concerns about your treatment, reach out via live chat and they’ll loop him or her in right away.

When do I get my treatment plan?

You’ll typically get your treatment plan 2-3 weeks after your studio visit.

When do I start seeing results?

The rate at which you’ll start seeing results varies on a case by case basis, since no two treatment plans are the same. But generally speaking, you’ll notice movement almost right away.

Can I play musical instruments with my aligners?

Yes — your aligners won’t be in the way at all.

How long is the treatment?

Treatment with Orthoclear takes 6 months on average. But more complex cases take longer. Review your 3D treatment plan for details.

Can I exercise with aligners?

Absolutely. The aligners will have no impact whatsoever on your ability to exercise.

What if I lose an aligner?

If you lose an aligner, contact our care team immediately. Depending on your case, you may be able to move on to the next step in treatment. In certain cases, you may need to purchase a replacement step for €99. It’s important that you reach out so your account can be updated to reflect your current step.

When do I change my aligners?

You change them every 2 weeks for a new set.

Will the aligners cause soreness?

You can expect a little bit of discomfort as you get used to wearing your aligners — after all, you’ll have something completely new and unfamiliar in your mouth for extended periods of time. Beyond that general adjustment period, there’s also typically some soreness during the first few days you wear each new set of aligners. When pressure is applied to a tooth to initiate movement, the periodontal ligament surrounding it is stretched on one side of the root and compressed on the other. That causes inflammation as the body tries to heal, but it will only last for a few days before the much less uncomfortable bone-remodeling phase of each step of treatment begins. One good way to deal with soreness is to use the Chewies that come with your aligners — just put them in the affected area of your mouth and bite down repeatedly. That will exercise the periodontal ligament and help get rid of the inflammation. You can also bite down into the aligner without the Chewies to do the same thing.

Should I keep my old aligners?

Yes, we recommend that you keep all of your aligners throughout treatment.

Are the aligners really invisible?

They’re as invisible as something can be. You would often have no idea that people are wearing them.

What if I have to get dental work done while in treatment?

If you need to get any dental work done that would impact your treatment, reach out to our care team. No need to contact us for regular cleanings.

Do Orthoclear aligners use attachments or buttons?

Yes. Attachments and buttons allow for dramatic tooth movement, but they require in-office treatment and supervision. Therefore, only in our L package these will be included.

How do aligners work?

Aligners work by using carefully calibrated force to move your teeth into a new position, forcing the body to adapt by remodeling the bone. Each set of aligners is a unique 3D-printed model of the teeth designed to move them into different positions along the way to the desired end result. When pressure is applied to a tooth, the periodontal ligament surrounding it is stretched on one side of the root and compressed on the other. Then, following the inflammation that occurs during the body’s initial attempt to heal, two kinds of bone cells are produced: osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts break down existing bone on the compressed side of the periodontal ligament, while osteoblasts build new bone on the stretched side. The individualized treatment plan your orthodontist prescribes will harness these biomechanical processes to straighten your teeth gently and gradually. Each step — that is, each new set of aligners — will move them only in small, conservative increments. Eventually your teeth will have moved fully into place, and the active phase of treatment will be complete. Next comes the passive healing phase, when force is no longer being applied to the teeth. During this phase, which can last months, it’s crucial to wear your retainer as prescribed. If you don’t, your teeth will start to shift back to their original position.

How is my treatment plan made?

The process starts with a 3D scan of your teeth at a Studio location. After your studio visit, your diagnostic records (the 3D scan, 8 intraoral and extraoral photos, and a dental and medical history questionnaire) are submitted to an orthodontist in our network. Once they’ve reviewed your records and approved you for treatment, your treatment plan will be designed. If you get the at-home starter kit instead of going to the studio, the process is basically the same. The only difference is that your treatment plan is designed using a model of your teeth made by digitizing putty impressions, not an intraoral scan.

Does the whitening foam hurt your gums?

No. Our gentle whitening foam contains a lower dose of hydrogen peroxide than other whitening agents, so it won’t make your gums or teeth sensitive or sore. You can use it up to four times daily, as directed on the accompanying instructional card.

How long do I need to wear the retainer for?

You’ll need to wear your retainers for the 6 week passive healing phase of your Orthoclear treatment, and then for 8 hours per night indefinitely. For the first two weeks after active treatment, wear your retainers for 22 hours a day. For the third and fourth weeks, wear your retainers for 18 hours per day. For the fifth and sixth weeks, wear them for 12–14 hours per day. Make sure you keep wearing them for 8 hours at night indefinitely, because if you don’t, your teeth will start to shift back toward their original position.

Am I a candidate?

To determine your candidacy for treatment, book a free appointment at a Studio location near you or order an at-home starter kit. An orthodontist in our network will review your diagnostic records (a 3D scan or impressions of your teeth, 8 photos, and a dental and medical history questionnaire) and decide whether or not Orthoclear is right for you.

How do Orthoclear Retainers work?

Retainers work by keeping your teeth in their new position during the passive healing phase of treatment, then indefinitely after that. Remember that treatment doesn’t end when the active bone-remodeling phase is complete — your teeth are constantly shifting, and if you don’t wear your retainers as prescribed, they’ll start to shift back toward their original position. Most patients will only need to wear their retainers at night after the first two weeks, when they need to be worn 22 hours a day. But as long as you keep using them, your teeth will stay where they were at the end of the active phase of treatment.

What should I expect when I receive retainers?

Your last set of aligners will serve as your first set of retainers. If you order new retainers, they’ll cost €99 and look exactly the same as the aligners you wore in your last step of treatment.

How long do the retainers last?

We recommend that you change your retainers every six months.

Do you offer whitening?

Yes! Our gentle whitening foam whitens your teeth and freshens your breath at the same time. But keep in mind that it’s specifically for use with aligners, not a free-standing product. One bottle is included free with your aligners, and you can purchase additional bottles after that for €25 each. Because our whitening foam contains a lower dose of hydrogen peroxide than other whitening agents, it won’t make your teeth or gums sensitive or sore. You can use it up to four times daily as directed on the accompanying instructional card.

How do I clean and/or sanitize my aligners?

To clean your aligners, just rinse them with cool water. You can also use toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning. Never rinse your aligners with hot water or soak them in mouthwash or denture cleaner.

Can I get extra whitening?

Yes! You can purchase additional bottles of whitening foam for €25 each.

Can I kiss with my aligners?

Yes, but that’s really none of our business.

What if I have concerns about the way my teeth are moving or my treatment?

If you have any concerns, reach out to our care team. They’ll review your case and loop in your orthodontist, who will review your previous scans and determine the best course of action.

How do the retainers look?

The retainers look exactly the same as your last set of aligners.

What should I expect at the end of treatment?

Your treatment is finished as soon as you’ve completed your last aligner step. You’re done with the active phase of tooth movement and you’ll begin the passive healing phase of treatment. In the six-week passive healing phase, you’ll use your last set of aligners as your retainers. Follow this schedule of wear. For the first two weeks, wear them 22 hours a day. For the third and fourth week, wear your retainers for 18 hours per day. For the fifth and sixth weeks, wear them for 12–14 hours per day. After those six weeks, switch to wearing your aligners for 8 hours at night indefinitely. If you deviate from this schedule, your teeth may revert back to their original positions.