Clear aligners: how they work, what they cost and who they suit
Clear aligners — often called invisible braces — straighten teeth with a series of thin, removable, custom-made trays. Here's what they can and can't do, how long they take, how they compare with braces, and what they cost.
By the Archly clinical team · Updated 14 October 2026
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays made to fit your teeth exactly. Each tray is shaped slightly differently from the last, so as you move through the series — usually changing to the next one every one to two weeks — your teeth move a small, planned amount at a time.
Before anything is made, the whole movement is planned on a 3D model of your teeth. That means you can see the planned result before treatment starts. At Archly, Ihsan Mustafa Chaudhary designs each plan and Dr. Ahmed Mujtaba Ghauri reviews and approves it.
Aligners work best when worn 20–22 hours a day. You take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush. Some plans use small tooth-coloured "attachments" on a few teeth to help the aligners grip and steer the movement.
What can clear aligners fix?
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked front teeth
- Mild to moderate overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Teeth that moved after braces
- Uneven spacing after tooth loss (case by case)
Aligners aren't right for everyone. Very severe crowding, some jaw-related bite problems and certain tooth positions are better treated with fixed braces or by a specialist in person. Tooth decay and gum disease need treating before any tooth movement. A free Smile Check tells you whether aligners are likely to work for you.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how far your teeth need to move. As a rough guide:
Your 3D plan shows the number of aligners and the estimated time for your teeth specifically. Wearing aligners for fewer hours than advised is the most common reason treatment takes longer. Afterwards, a retainer keeps your teeth in their new position.
Clear aligners vs braces
Both move teeth with gentle, steady pressure. The main differences are how they look, how you live with them and which cases they suit.
| Clear aligners | Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| How they look | Clear and hard to notice | Metal or ceramic brackets on the teeth |
| Removable | Yes — take out to eat and brush | No — fixed until treatment ends |
| Eating | No food restrictions (aligners out) | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss as normal | Harder to clean around brackets and wires |
| Appointments | Mostly online check-ins with photos | Regular clinic visits to adjust wires |
| Best for | Mild to moderate crowding, gaps and many bite issues | All cases, including very complex ones |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, short pressure with each new tray | Wires and brackets can rub; tightening soreness |
How much do clear aligners cost?
Prices vary a lot between providers and countries. At Archly, the price depends only on how many aligners your dentist-approved plan needs, and DHL Express shipping to your door is included:
You see your exact number of aligners and your price with your 3D plan, before you pay anything. A video consultation with our dentist costs $25, the same anywhere in the world. Import duty in some countries may be charged on delivery — see shipping & refunds.
Getting clear aligners online, safely
Online aligners save clinic visits, but tooth movement is still a medical treatment. Here's what to look for — and how we do it:
- 1A real dentist approves every planDr. Ahmed Mujtaba Ghauri reviews your photos and approves every 3D plan before aligners are made.
- 2Your teeth and gums are checked firstWe ask about pain, gum health and previous treatment, and may ask for more photos, X-rays or a local check-up.
- 3You see the plan before you payYou get a private 3D plan page and approve it — or ask for changes — before production.
- 4Someone follows your progressYou send check-in photos during treatment so we can spot problems early.
See the full process on how it works, or look at real patients' 3D plans.
Clear aligners in Lahore & worldwide
Archly's clinic is in Lahore, Pakistan. Patients in Pakistan can have their whole treatment with us, including video consultations with prescriptions where needed.
We also treat patients worldwide — in the UK, the US, the Middle East and beyond. You do the Smile Check, impressions and check-ins from home, and your aligners arrive by DHL Express. For patients outside Pakistan, consultations are a second opinion (our dentist can't prescribe medicine there), and we recommend keeping up regular check-ups with a local dentist.
Common questions
Are clear aligners the same as invisible braces?
Yes. "Invisible braces", "clear braces" and "clear aligners" usually mean the same thing: a series of thin, removable, see-through trays custom-made to move your teeth gradually.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people feel pressure or mild soreness for a day or two when they start a new aligner. That's a sign the aligner is working. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough, and the feeling fades quickly.
How many hours a day do I need to wear aligners?
Usually 20 to 22 hours a day. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth.
Can I get clear aligners without visiting a clinic?
Yes. With Archly you start with photos, take impressions at home (or send a scan from a local clinic), and a licensed dentist approves your 3D plan before anything is made. Some people need an in-person check first — for example if they have gum disease or tooth decay — and we'll tell you if that's the case.
Do you offer clear aligners in Pakistan?
Yes. Our clinic is in Lahore, Pakistan, and we also ship worldwide with DHL Express. Prices are in US dollars and include shipping.
Will my teeth move back after treatment?
Teeth naturally tend to drift back. Wearing a retainer as advised after treatment is the best way to keep your new smile.
More answers on our FAQ page.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Whether aligners are right for you depends on an assessment of your teeth. See our medical disclaimer.