Medically reviewed by Dr. Aditi Jain, BDS, MDS · Periodontist & Oral Implantologist · with 15 years of experience·Last reviewed 11 June 2026
Invisible braces, also called clear aligners, are thin transparent trays that gently guide your teeth into better alignment without the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. At Surekha Dental Clinic in Mulund West, Mumbai, aligner treatment begins with a digital scan, and each tray in the sequence is worn for about two weeks before you change to the next. Because the trays are removable, you simply take them out to eat and brush, and most people find them comfortable to wear through the day. Clear aligners suit teenagers and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing or a slightly uneven bite who want a discreet way to straighten their smile. If you are wondering whether aligners are right for you, our friendly team is happy to talk you through it.
Clear aligners work beautifully for many people, but they are not the answer for every case. It helps to know who they suit and what to think about before you start.
They work best for mild to moderate problems such as crowded teeth, small gaps or a slightly uneven bite, rather than complex jaw or bite corrections
They rely on you wearing the trays for the hours the dentist advises each day, so they suit people who can be disciplined about it
You will need to remove the trays before eating or drinking anything other than water, and brush before you put them back in
Your teeth and gums should be healthy first, so any decay or gum problems are treated before aligner treatment begins
Small tooth-coloured attachments may be needed on some teeth to help the trays grip, and these stay on until treatment ends
A short consultation and scan let the dentist confirm whether aligners can achieve the result you are hoping for
Step by step
Here is exactly what happens during your invisible braces, step by step.
1Step 1 of 3
How does the dentist scan and plan your invisible braces?
Your invisible braces journey starts with a digital scan that maps your teeth in detail, so the whole treatment can be planned before a single tray is made. The dentist passes a small scanner wand over your teeth, and it captures a precise 3D model of both the upper and lower arches in a few minutes. There are no putty impressions to bite into, so the scan is quick and comfortable. From this 3D model, the lab designs the full sequence of aligner trays, mapping out the small step-by-step moves that will gently bring your teeth into line. You will usually see a preview of how your smile is planned to change. This stage is what makes each tray fit accurately, and it sets up the rest of your treatment.
2Step 2 of 3
Why are tooth-coloured attachments placed on the teeth?
Once your trays are ready, small tooth-coloured attachments are added to certain teeth so the aligners have something to hold onto. These attachments are tiny buttons of composite, the same tooth-coloured material used for fillings, and they give the clear trays the grip they need to make precise movements. The dentist places a thin clear template over your teeth, dots the composite into the right spots through it, and hardens each one with a curing light. The attachments are colour-matched to your teeth, so they are barely noticeable when you smile and talk. They stay on for the treatment and are gently polished off at the end. With the attachments in place, your teeth are ready for the first tray to be fitted in the next step.
3Step 3 of 3
How are the aligners fitted and the teeth gently spaced?
With the attachments set, your first transparent aligner tray is fitted over the teeth so the treatment can begin. The dentist seats the clear tray over your teeth and the attachments, checking that it sits snugly and feels comfortable. Where the plan needs a little extra room for a tooth to move, a thin metallic strip is gently slid between two teeth to create a tiny amount of space, a step called interproximal reduction, or IPR. Only a whisker of enamel is removed, and only where it is needed. You then wear each tray for about two weeks before changing to the next, and your teeth straighten a little with every tray. Before you leave, the team shows you how to fit and care for your trays at home.
Frequently asked questions about invisible braces
Do invisible braces hurt?
No, invisible braces are not painful for most people. You may feel mild pressure or tenderness for a day or two each time you change to a new tray, because that is the gentle force moving your teeth. This usually settles quickly, and there are no sharp wires or brackets to rub against your cheeks.
How long does aligner treatment take?
It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Mild cases can finish in several months, while more involved cases take longer, as each tray is typically worn for about two weeks. After scanning your teeth, the dentist at Surekha Dental Clinic will give you a clear, realistic timeline for your own smile.
How long do the results last?
Straightened teeth can stay in their new position for many years when they are looked after. Teeth naturally tend to drift back, so the dentist will give you a thin retainer to wear as advised after treatment. Wearing your retainer is what helps keep your well-aligned smile looking its best over time.
Are clear aligners safe?
Yes, clear aligners are a safe, well-established way to straighten teeth when they are planned and monitored by a dentist. The trays apply gentle, controlled pressure, and any small enamel reduction is done conservatively only where needed. Regular check sittings at Surekha Dental Clinic keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Are invisible braces better than metal braces?
Neither is simply better; they suit different needs. Clear aligners are discreet and removable, which many adults and teenagers prefer, and they work well for mild to moderate cases. Some complex bites are still treated more predictably with fixed braces. The dentist will advise which option fits your teeth after an examination.
How much do invisible braces cost in Mumbai?
The cost of clear aligners depends on how many trays your case needs, how long treatment runs, and whether attachments or IPR are involved. For a clear estimate for your smile, please call Surekha Dental Clinic on +91 98334 88847 or use the booking form. A written cost is provided after a short examination, with no obligation to proceed.
