Teeth straightening · Cologne
Perhaps a gap bothers you. Perhaps your teeth have shifted again. We listen, examine your bite and discuss what clear aligners can change — and where their limits lie.
Understanding tooth movement
Aligners are clear, removable trays. An individually planned series moves the teeth step by step. We assess during your examination whether this treatment is appropriate for your teeth.
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Aligners can gradually move teeth in some cases of crowding. Available space, the movements required and the overall bite are decisive. Sometimes additional measures or a different treatment are appropriate.
What we examine firstSome gaps can be reduced through tooth movement. First, we consider their cause, tooth shapes and the available space. This helps establish whether aligner treatment suits your concern.
Options and limitationsTeeth can shift again even after previous straightening. We check their current positions and any existing retainers. Any possible new treatment includes a plan for long-term stabilisation from the outset.
Why retention is part of treatmentAligners are removed for eating and oral care. They need to be worn consistently for the rest of the day. We discuss wear time, cleaning and check-ups before you decide.
Daily wear and careYour topic selection is not stored or transmitted.
We start with the whole picture
Crowding, a gap or a rotated front tooth may prompt an aligner consultation. To reach a decision, we also consider how the upper and lower jaws bite together and the health of your teeth and gums.
Aligners are custom-made. Each tray is part of a planned series intended to move teeth gradually. Diagnostic assessment shows which movements appear achievable and whether aligners alone might be sufficient.
Some findings require different or more extensive orthodontic treatment. Tooth roots can also shorten during correction with aligners. Inadequate cleaning can lead to tooth decay. We discuss the limitations and your individual risks before treatment begins.
Depending on the plan, small tooth-coloured composite additions may be needed on individual teeth. These attachments support certain tooth movements. We explain in advance whether and where they would be needed.
For some crowding, limited enamel reduction between teeth may be considered, also known as IPR or ASR. This removes tooth substance to create space. It is not an automatic part of every treatment: the need, extent and alternatives are discussed individually.
The treatment journey
Digital planning describes the aim and intended steps. We check how your teeth actually move during treatment.
We discuss your concern and examine tooth positions, your bite and the supporting tissues. A digital scan and any further records required for your findings form the basis for planning.
You learn which changes are planned, which additional measures may be considered and what to expect in terms of time and effort. Stabilisation after active treatment is also planned at this stage.
At the start, we check the fit and show you how to insert, remove and clean the aligners. You change them according to the instructions agreed with us. The right timing depends on the treatment plan and progress.
At appointments, we check the fit, tooth movement and bite. A new scan, an adjustment to the plan or further aligners may be needed. A simulation is not a promise of a particular final outcome.
Everyday life with aligners
Daily wear time depends on the system used and your treatment plan. The ClearCorrect instructions linked below specify at least 22 hours a day. Aligners are removed for eating. Before starting, consider how this fits with your meals, work and oral care.
Consistent use and agreed check-ups are part of treatment. If your aligners do not fit or wearing them is difficult, please speak to us.
After eating, clean your teeth and the spaces between them before reinserting your aligners. The linked manufacturer instructions specify a toothbrush and cold water for ClearCorrect. Follow the product and care instructions discussed with you for your aligners. Avoid hot, sugary or staining drinks while wearing them.
Store removed aligners in the case provided. Regular dental checks and individually tailored professional dental cleaning remain important during teeth straightening.
Wear and care: ClearCorrect patient instructions.
After tooth movement
Planning does not end with the last active aligner. Teeth can shift again. That is why retention — stabilising the position achieved — is part of the plan from the outset.
We agree individually which retainers would be suitable and how you should wear them. This is a long-term phase; retainers also need care, checks and replacement where necessary. Contact the practice if a retainer no longer fits or is damaged.
If changes to tooth colour or tooth edges are planned later, we coordinate the sequence with retention. Possible treatment with Veneers also belongs in a coordinated plan.
Duration & costs
The extent and duration depend on the planned movements, starting conditions and progress. After the examination, we give you an estimated timeframe. A fixed number of months for every patient would not reflect individual treatment.
Private aligner treatment is charged according to the German dental fee schedule (GOZ). Before treatment begins, you receive a treatment and cost plan for diagnostics, active treatment and retention, as well as any additional services. Purely cosmetic services requested by you and their fees are agreed in writing in advance. Use this plan to clarify possible reimbursement with your insurer before starting; reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Information to help you decide
Consider wear time and the period afterwards.
Even if only one front tooth bothers you, tooth positions, gums and your bite are examined. Not every desired movement can be achieved with aligners.
Removable aligners only work when worn consistently. Discuss the planned schedule and consider how meals and cleaning fit around it.
Small bonded attachments or other measures may be necessary. Before treatment, ask which are planned and why.
A digital preview does not replace progress checks. Fit and tooth movement need monitoring; poorly fitting aligners or persistent discomfort should be discussed.
Teeth can shift again after active treatment. Retainers and their checks therefore belong in the treatment plan from the beginning.
Frequently asked questions
Pressure, sensitivity or pain can occur, particularly when changing to a new aligner. Irritation in the mouth is also possible. Please contact us if symptoms are severe or persistent, or if your aligners fit poorly. We discuss your individual risks before treatment begins.
Aligners are clear and often discreet. They may nevertheless be noticeable depending on the light and viewing angle; attachments may also be visible. Speaking and wearing them can take some getting used to initially.
People use this term to search for different methods. Aligners are removable trays that fit over the teeth. Lingual braces, by contrast, are fixed to the inner surfaces of the teeth. We provide advice on aligners; fixed braces behind the teeth require a suitably specialised orthodontic consultation.
The British Orthodontic Society explains the different types of braces.
Even a small aesthetic concern requires consideration of the entire bite. The examination shows whether a limited correction is possible or whether other teeth would need to be included.
Contact the practice so that we can agree on the next steps. Do not move several stages ahead yourself or alter the aligner. Keep the aligners you last wore available in case we need further information.
We discuss the planned tooth movements with you. For broader aesthetic questions, Smile Design can also help communication. The records and visualisations that would be useful depend on the findings.
Consultation in Cologne
During the examination, we assess whether aligners are an option for your tooth positions and everyday life.
Book an aligner consultationOr call us on 0221 669 401 80.