How do teeth aligners work? Your guide to straighter teeth at Markham Associates, Reading
- Written by: Markham Associates
- Date:
- Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth but want to avoid traditional braces, clear aligners offer a modern, discreet alternative. At Markham Associates Dental Practice in Reading, we provide 6 Month Smiles, a fast and effective aligner system designed to give you a straighter smile in as little as six months.
But how do teeth aligners work? And are they right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
What are teeth aligners?
Teeth aligners, often called clear aligners, are removable, nearly invisible trays that gently guide your teeth into a more aligned position. Unlike metal braces, aligners contain no wires or brackets, making them comfortable, discreet, and easy to clean.
At Markham Associates, we use the 6 Month Smiles short-term orthodontic system, which combines proven orthodontic techniques with clear aligners to deliver fast, predictable results.
How do teeth aligners straighten teeth?
1. Consultation and Digital Smile Assessment
Your treatment begins with a consultation at our Reading practice. During this visit, we take digital scans, photographs, and discuss your smile goals. This information is used to create your 3D treatment plan, showing how your teeth will move throughout the process.
2. Custom-Made Aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalised, a series of custom-made 6 Month Smiles aligners is created to fit your teeth perfectly. Each aligner applies gentle, consistent pressure, guiding your teeth into better alignment.
3. Gradual, Controlled Movement
You will wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks, depending on your personalised plan. Each aligner moves the teeth slightly, usually around 0.2–0.3 mm, until your smile reaches its final, improved position.
To achieve the best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
4. Attachments and Precision Enhancements
For some patients, small, tooth-coloured “attachments” may be placed on certain teeth to improve grip and control. These are subtle and help the aligners achieve more complex movements when needed.
5. Final Refinements and Retainers
Once your main aligner series is complete, we may recommend a few refinement aligners to perfect the final details of your smile.
At the end of treatment, retainers are essential. They help maintain your results and prevent teeth from shifting back over time.
What can 6 month smile aligners fix?
6 Month Smiles aligners can correct a wide range of mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Mild overbite or underbite
- Rotated teeth
- Slightly crooked front teeth
This makes them an ideal option for adults and teens looking for a fast, discreet way to improve their smile.
How long does it take to straighten your teeth with 6 month smiles?
As the name suggests, 6 Month Smiles often delivers results in around six months, although treatment times may vary depending on the complexity of your case.
During your consultation at Markham Associates Reading, we will give you a clear idea of your expected timeline.
Benefits of 6 month smiles aligners at our Reading practice
Choosing aligner treatment at our Reading practice offers several advantages:
- Discreet and comfortable: Clear, smooth aligners with no metal
- Fast results: Many cases completed in around six months
- Removable: Easy to clean teeth and enjoy meals normally
- Customised treatment: Digital planning for accuracy and efficiency
- Expert care: Treatment overseen by our experienced dental team
Are teeth aligners right for you?
Clear aligners are an excellent option for adults and teenagers seeking a straightforward, cosmetically focused solution to crooked or misaligned teeth.
If you’re looking for a fast, discreet way to straighten your smile, 6 Month Smiles at Markham Associates in Reading may be the perfect treatment for you. Feel free to come in for a consultation to discuss your plan and our talented dentists can talk you through your options.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do teeth aligners really work?
Yes, clear aligners are clinically proven to straighten teeth using controlled, gentle pressure. When worn consistently, they can effectively correct mild to moderate alignment issues.
2. How long do I need to wear aligners each day?
For best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene.
3. Are 6 Month Smiles aligners painful?
Most patients experience mild pressure when switching to a new aligner, but this usually fades within a day or two. Aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces.
4. Can aligners fix gaps between teeth?
Yes, aligners are excellent at closing small to moderate gaps. During your consultation, we’ll assess whether 6 Month Smiles is suitable for your case.
5. What happens after I finish my aligners?
You will receive retainers to maintain your new smile. Wearing them as instructed is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting.
Final Thoughts
Our team at Markham Associates is here to help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile. Book your aligner consultation today and discover how 6 Month Smiles can work for you.