5 Biggest Myths We Hear About Clear Aligners In Pune

By Author: 32smiles
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Clear aligners have revolutionised the way people in Pune—and across the globe—achieve a straighter smile. They offer discretion, comfort, and predictability.
Yet, despite their popularity, many myths persist, often holding people back from exploring this highly effective treatment. As experts in clear aligner therapy, we’re here to debunk the biggest misconceptions we hear from patients in Pune every week.
Myth 1: Clear Aligners Only Work for Minor Cases (Gaps or Slight Crowding).
The Pune Fact: Modern aligners can fix most moderate to severe cases, including complex bite issues.
While early versions of clear aligners were indeed limited to minor cosmetic fixes, technology has evolved dramatically. Today's advanced systems, like Invisalign, use sophisticated features that allow them to handle complex movements previously reserved only for metal braces:
Attachments (Buttons): Small, tooth-coloured dots bonded to the teeth act as grips, giving the aligners more leverage for difficult movements like significant rotation or extrusion (pulling a tooth out).
Precision: Digital 3D scanning ...
... and computer-aided treatment planning map out every movement, giving the orthodontist unparalleled control over the final result.
Bite Correction: Aligners can effectively correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites, especially when used in conjunction with elastics that are attached to the aligners.
Expertise Insight: The key is not the product, but the orthodontist's expertise. A certified and highly experienced provider knows how to use these tools to treat severe cases successfully.
Myth 2: Clear Aligners Are Too Expensive in Pune and are only for the Elite.
The Pune Fact: Costs are competitive with advanced braces, and financing makes them accessible to most budgets.
This is the most common myth we hear. While the absolute cost of premium aligners is higher than basic metal braces, the gap is much smaller when compared to modern alternatives:
Treatment Type
Traditional Metal Braces
Clear Aligners (In-house/Lite)
Premium Clear Aligners (Comprehensive)
Lingual Braces (Hidden)

The Accessibility Factor: Most Pune clinics offer No-Cost or Low-Cost EMI plans that allow you to spread the investment over 12, 18, or 24 months. This structured payment is often easier to manage than the full, upfront cost of metal braces.
Myth 3: Treatment Takes Much Longer Than Traditional Braces.
The Pune Fact: For similar cases, clear aligner treatment is often faster or takes the same amount of time.
The overall treatment time is determined by case complexity, not the device.
Speed: Clear aligners often achieve results in 6 to 18 months, whereas traditional braces can take 18 to 36 months for a full comprehensive case.
Efficiency: Aligner trays are pre-programmed to move teeth precisely. By switching to a new tray every 1-2 weeks, the tooth movement is continuous and controlled.
Compliance is Key: If you wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your treatment will proceed exactly as planned. If you are inconsistent, however, treatment will slow down. This is the one major factor that is purely in the patient's control.
Myth 4: You Have to Change Your Diet and Avoid Pune's Street Food.
The Pune Fact: There are ZERO food restrictions, which is one of the biggest benefits!
This myth stems from the experience of traditional braces wearers, who must avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods (like hard chikki, sticky toffees, or biting into whole apples) to prevent breaking brackets or wires.
With clear aligners, you simply remove the trays before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Eat What You Want: Enjoy Vada Pav, Bhel Puri, or any hard snack without worry.
Hygiene Advantage: Since you remove the aligners, you can brush and floss your teeth perfectly after every meal, drastically reducing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities often associated with fixed braces.
Myth 5: It’s the Same to Use an At-Home Aligner Kit as Visiting an Orthodontist.
The Pune Fact: Professional oversight is non-negotiable for safety and successful results.
While many brands sell direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners, the crucial difference lies in diagnosis and supervision.
Feature
Expert-Supervised Aligners (e.g., 32 Smiles/Invisalign)
DIY/Mail-Order Aligners
Diagnosis
Full X-rays (OPG) and 3D scans ensure the root and jaw are healthy before starting.
Often rely only on patient-taken impressions/photos.
Treatment Planning
A qualified orthodontist customises the plan, addressing the bite (occlusion) and not just the aesthetics.
Technicians or general dentists often handle planning, focusing mostly on the front teeth.
Refinements
Included in comprehensive packages. If the teeth don't track, the orthodontist orders a new set of trays at no extra cost to get the job done.
Refinements may not be included, or they may cost extra, leading to incomplete results.
Safety
The orthodontist monitors for gum recession, root damage, or other complications at every check-up.
No in-person safety checks throughout the treatment.

5 Biggest Myths We Hear About Clear Aligners in Pune
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FAQs
1. Do clear aligners actually work for complex cases?
Yes. With attachments and advanced planning tools, modern aligners correct crowding, rotations, and bite issues—similar to braces.
2. How long does aligner treatment take in Pune?
Most cases take 6–18 months, depending on complexity and your compliance with wearing the trays 20–22 hours daily.
3. Are clear aligners more expensive than braces?
Aligners cost more than basic metal braces but are comparable to ceramic, lingual, or advanced braces—especially with EMI options.
4. Can I eat normally with clear aligners?
Absolutely. Remove your aligners before meals. There are zero food restrictions compared to traditional braces.
5. Are at-home aligners safe?
No. Without in-person orthodontic supervision, risks like gum issues, misalignment, and incomplete correction are much higher.