Quick Answer: Clear aligners and invisible aligners are a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without metal wires or brackets. In Mumbai, the cost for domestic clear aligner brands starts from Rs. 80,000 onwards, while premium global brands like Invisalign start from Rs. 1,50,000 onwards. Treatment typically takes 5 to 8 months and involves wearing a new custom tray every 7 to 10 days. Aligners beat braces in almost every category except one: patient discipline.

What Are Clear Aligners and Invisible Aligners?

Clear aligners, also widely known as invisible aligners or invisible braces, are a modern orthodontic solution designed to straighten teeth and correct bite issues without metal brackets or wires. You wear a series of custom-fabricated, crystal-clear plastic trays. Each tray is slightly different, applying calculated pressure to move specific teeth by fractions of a millimeter at a time. They can correct crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

How Do Invisible Aligners Work?

Step 1: The 3D Intraoral Scan

The dentist uses a 3D intraoral scanner to capture a precise digital model of your teeth in about 5 to 10 minutes. No messy putty impressions required.

Step 2: Digital Smile Simulation

Specialized software maps the complete movement of every tooth and generates an animated simulation of your final smile before you even begin treatment.

Step 3: Custom Aligner Manufacturing

A complete series of custom aligners is manufactured in a laboratory. Each tray achieves the next incremental movement in your treatment plan.

Step 4: Wearing Your Aligners

Each aligner is worn for 1 week (7 days) or 10 days as prescribed, for 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only when eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing.

Step 5: Progress Monitoring

Brief clinic check-ins every 6 to 8 weeks confirm your teeth are tracking perfectly to the plan.

Step 6: Retainers for Life

On completion, custom retainers are made to permanently hold your new smile in place. This step is non-negotiable to prevent teeth from shifting back.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Case Complexity	Approximate Duration
Mild crowding or spacing	3 to 6 months
Moderate crowding or bite issues	6 to 12 months
Severe or complex cases	12 to 24 months

Most adult patients see their final result in 5 to 8 months.

Clear Aligners vs Braces

For the majority of adult patients, clear aligners are the superior choice.

Category	Clear Aligners	Traditional Braces
Appearance	Virtually invisible	Highly visible metal
Comfort	Smooth, no cuts or sores	Metal irritates cheeks
Diet	No restrictions	No hard or sticky foods
Hygiene	Brush and floss normally	Difficult around brackets
Speed	Often faster for mild to moderate	Typically 18 to 24 months
Clinic Visits	Every 6 to 8 weeks	Every 3 to 4 weeks
Emergencies	Rare, no wires to snap	Common breakages

Pros of Clear Aligners

Virtually Invisible: No one will know you are in treatment.
Superior Comfort: No sharp metal edges or broken wires.
Complete Dietary Freedom: Eat whatever you want.
Better Hygiene: Brush and floss completely normally.
See Your Result First: 3D simulation shows your final smile before you start.

The One Real Con

The only significant drawback is Patient Discipline. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours every day. If you frequently remove them, your treatment will stall or fail.

Clear Aligner Brands Available in India

Invisalign: The Gold Standard

Invisalign is the world most recognized aligner brand using patented SmartTrack material. It has treated over 17 million patients globally. In Mumbai, Invisalign starts from Rs. 1,50,000 onwards.

Domestic Indian Clear Aligner Brands

India has excellent domestic manufacturers at more accessible price points. Domestic aligner treatment starts from Rs. 80,000 onwards.

Cost of Clear Aligners in Mumbai (2025)

Aligner Type	Starting Cost	Best For
Domestic Clear Aligners	Rs. 80,000 onwards	Mild to moderate cases
Invisalign Lite	Rs. 1,50,000 onwards	Moderate cases
Invisalign Full	Rs. 2,00,000 onwards	Complex cases

Why Choose SRS Dental Care?

At SRS Dental Care in Bandra, we use advanced 3D intraoral scanners and work with both premium Invisalign and excellent domestic aligner systems. We offer flexible and easy installment (EMI) options to make your dream smile completely affordable. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward the smile you have always wanted.