Straight teeth without braces? That used to sound like a dream. Now, clear aligners have made it standard. But if you’re thinking about starting treatment, or are already midway, you probably have a few questions.
We’ll get into the frequently asked questions about clear aligners in just a second. But here’s what matters first: not all aligners are the same. And not all advice is helpful. So let’s cut through the noise and get into the stuff that actually affects your treatment, results, and wallet.
1. What happens if I don’t wear my aligners 22 hours a day?
Most providers recommend 20–22 hours of wear time daily. That means you’re only taking them out to eat, drink (anything besides water), and brush. But what if you’re only wearing clear aligners 18 hours a day? Or less?
The truth is, inconsistent wear slows your progress and can throw off your treatment entirely. Your teeth need sustained pressure to move. If you’re regularly at 16 or 18 hours, your next set of trays may not even fit correctly. The result? Extended timelines, added refinements, or starting over.
OrthoFX offers more flexibility with our AirFlex™ Aligners, which are FDA-approved for 50% less wear time. Instead of 22 hours a day, some patients only need to wear them for around 12 hours or as instructed by their doctor.* Even with that reduction, consistency is still key. The aligners work when you wear them as prescribed, so know that the recommendation is not a suggestion.
2. My teeth aren’t perfect after clear aligners. Is that normal?
This one depends on what you mean by “perfect.” Small imperfections, like minor spacing or edge alignment, might not be fully corrected in the first round. It doesn’t always mean something went wrong.
With most treatments, refinement aligners are used to fix these small issues. FXClear™ and AirFlex have been proven to require fewer refinements than the leading aligner brand. Rescue™ Aligners are specifically used to recover treatment if it goes off-track, not as a routine part of refinements.
Refinements ensure your treatment reaches the best possible result efficiently.
3. Are clear aligners safe? What about the plastic?
We get this question a lot: Is invisible plastic toxic? Totally fair concern. The good news is that clear aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic that’s FDA cleared. They’re biocompatible both acutely and chronically, rated USP Class VI, and have passed all ISO 10993 testing.
These materials are hypoallergenic, do not cause allergic reactions or hormonal disruptions, and have been safely used in dental appliances and medical devices for years. They also release no microplastics, so wearing them as directed is safe for months at a time.
The key is keeping them clean: lukewarm water, mild soap, no hot beverages while wearing them, and following instructions. You’re safe. Just don’t cut corners on hygiene.
4. How are OrthoFX clear aligners different from others?
Clear aligners generally do the same thing: apply force to gradually shift teeth. What sets OrthoFX apart is the way that force is applied. FXClear and AirFlex aligners deliver consistent, gradual forces throughout the entire stage, which increases both comfort and treatment efficacy.
Other brands often apply a strong force at the start of each stage, which can cause discomfort, and then the aligner becomes largely passive for the remainder of the week. With OrthoFX, every aligner is actively moving teeth as intended, making the experience smoother and more predictable.
You also don’t need to come in every two weeks; FXOnTrack Remote Monitoring ensures your treatment stays on track without constant office visits. And the aligners themselves? FX Clear is engineered for comfort, clarity, and stain resistance. Subtle perks that make a big difference over several months.
5. Are clear aligners expensive? What if I can’t pay up front?
Many people wonder about cost. Clear aligners are generally comparable in price to traditional braces, so you can get discreet, comfortable treatment without a big premium.
And with FXPay, OrthoFX offers flexible payment plans for nearly every credit score, making it even more accessible.
You can:
- Pre-qualify in seconds (no impact on your credit)
- Get approved for up to $10,000
- Start with $0 down
- Choose plans with 0% APR
- Pay early with no penalties
- Avoid hidden or application fees**
It’s simple: select financing at checkout, fill in a few details, and check your custom plan instantly.
Final Thoughts
Clear aligners are a commitment, but they don’t need to be confusing. Whether it’s how long to wear them or how to pay for them, it’s worth knowing what to expect before you start. Still have questions? Ask your provider. Or if you’re considering OrthoFX, take the Smile Quiz or use the Doctor Locator to find an OrthoFX provider near you and get answers tailored to your case.
Your smile deserves better than guesswork.
Footnotes:
*FDA-cleared for at least 9-12 hours of continuous daily wear or as instructed by your doctor. **Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Making minimum monthly payments during the promotional period will not pay off the entire principal balance. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full before the expiration of the promotional period.
