What clear aligners are and who they suit
Clear aligners are a series of removable, transparent plastic trays made to fit your teeth. Each tray is designed to move the teeth by a small, planned amount. You switch to the next tray in the sequence, usually every one to two weeks, following a digital plan prepared before treatment begins. Over the months, those small movements add up until the teeth reach the planned final position.
How they differ from fixed braces
- Fixed braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that the dentist adjusts. They work around the clock without any effort from you. They are more visible, cleaning around the brackets takes extra care, and some hard or sticky foods are best avoided.
- Clear aligners come out for eating and brushing, so you can clean your teeth in the usual way and eat normally. They are much less noticeable. But they only work while they are in your mouth.
Wear-time discipline
This is the part that matters most. Aligners usually need to be worn for around 20 to 22 hours a day. They come out only to eat, to drink anything other than plain water, and to clean your teeth and trays. Missed hours slow the movement. The next tray may also stop fitting well, and the plan may need to be revised. If you know you will struggle to keep them in, tell the dentist at the start, because fixed braces may be the more practical choice for you.
Who they tend to suit
Aligners generally work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing and many alignment problems. They suit teenagers and adults who can commit to the wear time. Teeth and gums need to be healthy first, so any decay or gum disease is treated before the trays start. Severe skeletal differences between the jaws and some complex tooth movements may call for fixed braces or another approach. Only an examination can tell which option fits your case.
Signs that call for an examination — and when it is urgent
Book an orthodontic consultation if you notice any of these:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth that are hard to clean
- Gaps between teeth that bother you
- An uneven bite, front teeth that don't meet, or upper teeth that cover the lower ones heavily
- Teeth that have shifted after earlier orthodontic treatment, or a retainer that no longer fits
- Discomfort in the jaw when chewing, which is worth having assessed
If you already wear aligners, get checked if a tray cracks or stops seating properly, an attachment comes off, or a sore spot does not settle.
Aligners themselves are rarely an emergency, but dental infections can be. Call 911 or go to an emergency department if you have any of these:
- Facial swelling that is spreading
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A high fever with tooth pain
A tooth that is knocked out or broken in an injury needs same-day dental care.
How the steps usually go, from examination to follow-up
- Orthodontic assessment and records. The dentist examines your teeth, gums and bite, asks about your health, and takes photos and X-rays as needed. Any decay or gum problems are dealt with first.
- Digital scan and treatment plan. Your teeth are scanned to build a digital model, and the tray sequence is planned from it. The first scanning and planning visit typically takes about 60 minutes. Overall treatment usually runs 6 to 18 months, depending on the case.
- Attachments when needed. Small tooth-coloured bumps may be bonded to some teeth to help the trays grip and guide movement. They are removed at the end.
- Tray sequence and monitoring. You change trays on schedule and attend regular check-ups. These visits confirm that the teeth are tracking the plan. Extra refinement trays are sometimes needed.
- Retention phase. Once the teeth reach their position, a retainer holds them there. Teeth naturally tend to drift back, so this stage is essential.
Clear aligners at Arafat Dental Clinics in Tabarbour
Dr. Mohammad Arafat Hasan founded Arafat Dental Clinics and has 15 years of experience in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. His aligner work rests on focused training:
- A Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Damascus University
- A Clear Aligners (Invisalign) Certification from Align Technology Academy in 2020
- An Advanced Implantology Course with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) in 2018
- Microscope-Assisted Endodontics training with the Jordanian Academy of Dentistry in 2022
This broader background is useful in aligner cases. Fillings, gum care or other work often needs to happen before the trays begin.
For this treatment, the clinic offers:
- Clear aligners
- Orthodontic consultation
- Dental retainer installation
- Braces check-ups
Fixed orthodontic braces are also among its main services, so both options can be discussed at the same visit. The clinic publishes 120 dental services in total and treats adults and children.
Here is what you can check about the clinic and the dentist:
- Both profiles are verified by ClinicsJo.
- Dr. Arafat has 3 approved reviews with an average rating of 5.
- The clinic has 2 approved reviews, also averaging 5.
- He consults in Arabic and English.
- The clinic opened in 2022 and is open six days a week, including evenings.
- The first consultation is free.
Questions to ask the dentist before starting
- Is my case suitable for aligners, or would fixed braces work better, and why?
- What exactly will move, and what will the end result look like on the digital plan?
- Roughly how many trays and how many months should I expect?
- Will I need attachments, and on which teeth?
- How often will I come in for check-ups?
- What happens if a tray is lost or broken?
- What type of retainer will I need afterwards, and for how long?
- What does the cost cover? The cost is set after the examination and explained before treatment starts.
Aftercare and realistic expectations
- New trays: a feeling of pressure or tightness for the first day or two of each new tray is common.
- Eating and drinking: take trays out to eat or drink anything except plain water. Brush before putting them back so food and sugar aren't trapped against your teeth.
- Cleaning trays: rinse and clean them gently each day. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
- Storage: keep the trays in their case whenever they are out of your mouth.
- Schedule: stick to the tray-change schedule and keep your check-up appointments.
- After treatment: wear your retainer as instructed, often for the long term.
Results depend on your starting point, how well your teeth respond, and above all on daily wear. No dentist can guarantee a timeline or an outcome. A clear plan and steady follow-up give you the best chance of reaching the goal you agreed on together.
Booking, getting there and opening hours
Arafat Dental Clinics is at the Journalists Roundabout, Al-Tamimi Complex, first floor, in Tabarbour, Amman.
- Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 to 22:00
- Closed: Friday
Use the contact button on this page to book your free first consultation. If you have previous X-rays, an old retainer or records from earlier orthodontic treatment, bring them along. A list of any medicines you take is also helpful.