Clear aligners: Invisalign, Spark, Angel

How clear aligners work

A clear aligner is a thin plastic shell, made to measure, that fits over your teeth. Treatment uses a series of them. Each one is slightly different from the last, so your teeth shift gradually. You may also hear them called aligner trays.

We offer Invisalign, Spark and Angel aligners. Which one you use depends on your case and is decided at the first consultation. Dr Michael Taieb, dentist and specialist in orthodontics, draws up your treatment plan from digital scans of your teeth. The plan sets where each tooth should be at every stage. In some cases, small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments are bonded to a few teeth to help the aligners move them.

Adults, teenagers, children: aligners or braces?

Many adults choose aligners because they are discreet. For teenagers, they are one option alongside metal or ceramic braces. In children and teenagers who are still growing, they can also correct the position of the teeth and improve how the jaws fit together.

Aligners do not suit every case, and some tooth movements are better handled with fixed braces. We decide based on:

• the tooth movements needed
• how your upper and lower jaws fit together
• growth, in children and teenagers
• whether you can wear them day and night
• your own preferences

Braces and our other appliances are described on the orthodontics for adults and orthodontics for children pages.

Treatment step by step

First consultation

An examination and a talk about your goals, in English or French (CHF 105). You can book it online or by phone.

Records

Photos, X-rays and digital scans.

Treatment plan and estimate

You receive the plan and a written estimate (devis), with no obligation to proceed.

Start of treatment

We give you your first aligners and show you how to wear and clean them.

Follow-up

You move on to each new aligner on the agreed schedule. We check your progress at regular appointments.

Retention

At the end of treatment, you wear a retainer.

Wearing and cleaning your aligners

Wear your aligners day and night. Take them out to eat, then brush your teeth before putting them back in. They only move your teeth while they are in your mouth, so wearing them consistently matters.

• Clean them every day with a soft toothbrush and cold or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can warp them.
• When they are out of your mouth, keep them in their case.

Some discomfort is common when you move to a new aligner and usually settles within a few days. If you lose or break an aligner, or one no longer fits well, call us on +41 22 365 15 40.

How long treatment takes

It depends on the tooth movements needed and how consistently you wear your aligners. We estimate the duration at the first consultation and refine it in your treatment plan.

Regular check-ups let us make sure your teeth are following the plan. The practice is at Rue Juste-Olivier 8 in Nyon, a two-minute walk from Nyon railway station and the Perdtemps car park.

Cost and insurance

The cost depends on how complex your treatment is and how long it lasts, so we can only estimate it after an examination. Before treatment starts, you receive a written estimate based on the tariff of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO), with no obligation to proceed. You can pay in instalments.

Dr Taieb is recognised by invalidity insurance (AI) and supplementary health insurers.

Our fees and insurance page has more detail.

After treatment: your retainer

Once moved, teeth tend to drift back towards where they were. A retainer helps hold them in place. Wear it as we advise. If it breaks, gets lost or no longer fits well, call us on +41 22 365 15 40.