How Nighttime Aligners Work

Nighttime aligners are specialized, clear aligners that are form-fitted to your mouth. These aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure over many hours to shift your teeth into ideal alignment.

Nighttime aligners are worn every night for at least 10 hours, which provides ample time for pressure to allow your teeth to move. The process is monitored by an orthodontic specialist. Over time, teeth begin to shift, and a new set of aligners is provided as patients progress through treatment.

The duration of treatment varies from person to person, depending on the current alignment of teeth. In most cases, the overall duration of treatment will take longer than traditional clear aligners due to the shortened wear time. (Traditional aligners are often worn all day, while nighttime aligners are only worn during evenings).

However, clear aligners worn at night are just as effective and offer a more flexible option for some patients. The typical treatment duration can range anywhere from 10 to 24 months, depending on the starting position of your teeth.

Benefits of Nighttime Aligners

Patients have lots of options when it comes to achieving a straighter smile. For some, the time commitment required for treatment with traditional aligners may not be feasible. In these scenarios, this treatment plan offers an effective and more flexible solution that provides convenience for individuals with busy lifestyles.

Convenience and Comfort

Unlike traditional clear aligners, patients only have to wear these aligners while sleeping, which means they don’t need to carry them around all day (such as to work or school). For many, the convenience factor is the primary reason to choose a nighttime aligner treatment.

Discreet Appearance and Reduced Impact on Daily Routines

Clear aligner therapy offers a discreet way to straighten teeth without the appearance of traditional metal braces. Invisible braces are far more discreet and only appear as a clear layer of plastic over your teeth. Nighttime aligners are often only worn while sleeping at home, which means individuals do not have to wear them throughout the day.

Traditional clear aligner treatments require carrying around a case throughout the day to remove aligners when eating or drinking. In contrast, nighttime aligner therapy makes at-home teeth straightening easier without this requirement.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While nighttime aligners are generally just as effective as daytime aligners, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Speak with a qualified dental professional to discuss the best orthodontic treatment plan for you.

Adherence to Wearing at Night

Aligner treatment at night may not be the best choice for all patients, as some may see better results with traditional daytime aligners. Some people who cannot adhere to wearing aligners during sleep or find themselves removing aligners during the night may need to wear aligners during the day to achieve their desired results.

Slower Treatment Time

Nighttime clear aligners are worn for fewer hours per day compared to traditional invisible braces (10 hours vs. 20 hours, on average), which can lead to a slower overall treatment time. Some individuals who want to get treatment completed as fast as possible may prefer traditional daytime aligners.

Suitability for Misalignment

Aligner treatment plans work best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, these aligners are not suitable for individuals with more severe issues, such as jaw misalignment. In these scenarios, other orthodontic treatment options like traditional braces may offer better results.

Who Should Consider Nighttime Aligners?

Nighttime aligners have both advantages and disadvantages to consider. So, how do you determine if they’re right for you? Some individuals who may be best suited for this treatment include:

• Smile transformation seekers: Individuals who want to achieve a straighter smile without committing to wearing clear aligners all day.
• Digital-first healthcare consumers: Nighttime aligners may work better for people who prefer remote dental care and virtual check-ups instead of visiting in-person orthodontists.
• Post-orthodontic patients: Post-orthodontic patients with mild to moderate crowding or alignment issues might benefit from aligners to make small adjustments to their smile.
• Teeth grinders and TMJ sufferers: Nighttime aligners can reduce teeth grinding at night. Individuals who suffer from TMJ disorders may find that these aligners reduce jaw clenching.

Choosing the Right Provider

Professional oversight is essential when undergoing a nighttime aligner treatment because it helps ensure the proper alignment of your teeth. Without the assistance of a qualified dental professional, improper tooth movement or gum damage can occur. Some factors to consider when selecting a nighttime aligner provider include:

• Oversight from a licensed dental professional (orthodontist or dentist)
• Customized, personalized treatment plans
• Offering BPA-free materials for clear plastic aligners
• Treatment and appointment accessibility (access like mail-in aligners, telehealth, and virtual appointments, etc.)
• Expertise, reviews, and experience
• Ongoing assistance and support

Exploring Nighttime Clear Aligners

Interested in clear aligner treatment to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of? SmileSet offers both traditional daytime aligners and nighttime clear aligner treatments to meet a variety of patient needs. Nighttime clear aligners offer a flexible, discreet treatment option that offers fewer lifestyle disruptions for those with busy schedules.

To learn more about nighttime clear aligner therapy, talk to our smile experts with a free, 15-minute consultation to discuss your path to a confident smile. Speaking with a dental professional can help you determine which type of clear aligner treatment will work best for your smile. Every smile is unique, requiring tailored solutions depending on your unique goals.