What Do Clinical Studies on Nighttime Aligners Say?

The question isn't whether dental alignment works. This is a proven treatment with widespread use. The real issue comes down to how often the dental appliance is worn. Research shows that wearing aligners for longer periods of time corrects teeth faster. In fact, one study showcased shortened treatment time over traditional braces.

However, using teeth straightening therapies only at night can prolong treatment. With this being the case, why would anyone opt for this route? Even with clinical studies on nighttime aligners being rare, we can still make inferences from current research. In fact, it may be the case that nighttime aligners could result in quicker results.

Research shows that individuals who are supposed to wear dental appliances full-time rarely do so. The average wear time is less than 10 hours, which can make the treatment seem ineffective. Unfortunately, studies also show that a lack of expected results can cause individuals to prematurely end medical treatments.

By making compliance simpler and giving patients clear expectations of nighttime aligner results, orthodontists can improve dental outcomes.

Additional Insight Into Retainer Use

While there aren't many clinical studies on nighttime aligners, there is important research on retainers that offers additional insight. A study in the Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists compared part-time and full-time retainer wear. Since dental retainers are critical after aligner treatment, these insights are invaluable.

Researchers found that full-time and part-time retainer wearers experienced similar outcomes. In fact, the study says that "there was no significant change in any of the... study cast measurements" after six months. This is not to say that part-time versus full-time aligner use is identical. There will be variations in outcomes based on individual circumstances.

The most important thing to remember is that nighttime aligners will require longer treatment times than their full-time counterparts. However, many people gladly accept this opportunity cost. Being able to live a normal life – unaffected by daytime wear of restrictive aligners – is worth the prolonged treatment for many.

Further Research on Nighttime Aligners May Be Forthcoming

Tracking down clinical studies on nighttime aligners can be difficult. However, there is certainly relevant research available. More importantly, it seems that scientists are starting to recognize the clinical value of such studies. In fact, the Good Clinical Practice Network shows at least two promising studies that have been proposed or registered.

In one study, researchers planned on comparing nighttime aligners directly to standard daytime appliances. The objectives of this research were to focus on clinical outcomes, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. While the information on this study was updated as recently as July 2025, there's currently no additional information on its progress.

Another study, titled "Optimizing Aligner Wear Time and Change Frequency," was proposed several years ago. This research also planned to focus on the effectiveness of 12-hour versus 22-hour aligner use. While this study was last updated several years ago, it's important to remember that research often takes years to complete.

Put simply, there's promising research on the horizon for clinical studies on nighttime aligners.

Are Nighttime Aligners Right for You?

The academic literature on nighttime aligners certainly has room for improvement. However, it’s enough to show that patients are truly experiencing benefits from their use. Still, this doesn't necessarily mean these dental appliances are right for you. Certain considerations dictate whether you'll see benefits from nighttime aligners:

• Crowding or spacing is only mild to moderate
• You're prepared to wear dental trays consistently for 8-10+ hours every night
• You're okay with longer treatment times in exchange for more discreet treatment
• You don't need major bite corrections, tooth rotations, or root movements
• You're an adult or teen whose jaw is no longer growing quickly
• You want to avoid impediments during meals or social time

As long as you aren't experiencing significant crowding or other major dental issues, overnight teeth straightening may be a good decision. However, it's still important to speak with a dental professional. All the anecdotal experiences and clinical studies on nighttime aligners in the world mean nothing when it comes to your personal dental health.

A Smile Expert at SmileSet can help you decide whether nighttime aligners are right for you. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation and get started on the path to dental health today.