Here’s my perspective as a dentist on the success rates of clear aligners:
After almost 15 years of practicing dentistry, I’ve seen firsthand how clear aligner treatment can successfully transform smiles when used consistently and as directed. In my experience, aligners like Invisalign have about an 80% success rate when my patients commit to the process.
Of course, success looks different for every smile – some just need minor alignment, while others require complex bite adjustments. But based on clinical trials published in orthodontic journals like the AJO-DO and my own observations, clear aligners achieve the desired results for about 8 in 10 patients.
The key is staying diligent about wearing your aligners. Data from Invisalign shows that patients who wear their aligners for 20+ hours daily have over a 90% success rate. But outcomes plummet if aligners are forgotten or skipped too often.
Can you eat with clear aligners?
I make sure to have frank conversations about the commitment required. For teens, they’re often excited to avoid a “metal mouth” which boosts compliance. But we discuss how missing aligners delays progress.
Of course, each smile has its own nuances that impact results. But by using advanced 3D modeling, new materials, and attachment designs, aligners are highly effective for all but the most complex cases. As long as my patients stick to the program, I feel confident their new smile is well within reach.
