At a glance
Who it is for
What happens
Visits and time
Cost
Learn how clear aligner treatment is assessed and planned, including regular checks and retainers afterwards.
Overview
Clear aligners are removable appliances used to move teeth through a planned sequence. Suitability depends on the position of the teeth, the bite, the supporting tissues and the movement required.
A consultation considers whether aligners, another orthodontic approach or no treatment is appropriate. Digital planning is a tool for discussing the proposed movement, not a guarantee of the final result.
Reasons to seek care
An assessment may be useful for crowding, spacing, movement after earlier orthodontic treatment or a concern about how the teeth meet. Some complex bite or jaw problems need a different approach or referral.
Tell us about previous retainers, gum problems, dental work, travel and whether regular appliance wear and follow-up are practical for you.
What care involves
The dentist reviews the teeth, gums and bite and takes appropriate records. Digital tooth scans and side-view X-rays of the teeth and jaws are available where clinically indicated. The selected system and treatment scope are identified before you begin.
Small attachments, elastics or limited reduction between selected teeth may be part of a plan; not every patient needs all of these. You receive instructions for daily wear, changing aligners and cleaning that match your treatment.
Care process
Assessment and records
Your dentist reviews your oral health, the movement needed and the suitability of the proposed system.
Plan and consent
We discuss your goals, limitations, attachments or other procedures, costs and expected monitoring before you agree to treatment.
Wear and review
You wear the aligners as directed and attend reviews so your dentist can assess whether further records or refinement stages are needed.
Retain the result
We plan retainers and longer-term checks with you, as teeth can move after active treatment finishes.
Ask your dentist which clear-aligner system is proposed and why it suits your treatment.
Why patients choose Tokyo Expat Dental
Explained in English
Care planned with you
Instrument hygiene
Easy to reach
Risks and limitations
Possible effects include soreness, speech changes, irritation and difficulty maintaining hygiene. Orthodontic treatment can involve gum recession, tooth decay or loss of minerals from tooth enamel if hygiene is poor, shortening of tooth roots, incomplete movement, bite changes and relapse. Refinements or an alternative approach may be necessary.
Inconsistent wear or missed reviews can compromise progress. Retainers require ongoing use and replacement as advised.
Alternatives
Alternatives can include fixed braces, another appliance, referral or leaving the teeth as they are. A restoration or whitening changes a different aspect of the smile and does not substitute for every orthodontic need. Your dentist can help you compare what each option involves, including ongoing care and how noticeable the appliance is.
Fees and treatment time
We will explain the suitable options and provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before treatment begins.
Express (up to 5 stages, single arch): ¥199,900
Lite (up to 10 stages, both arches): ¥349,900
Moderate (up to 20 stages, both arches): ¥549,900
Comprehensive (up to 40 stages, both arches): ¥799,900
Comprehensive orthodontic examination: ¥29,900
First refinement (additional aligners): Free
Second and subsequent refinements: ¥39,900 per refinement
Replacement aligner (lost or damaged): ¥9,900 per aligner
Clear retainer (per arch): ¥24,900
Hawley retainer (per arch): ¥34,900
The prices above apply to shape-memory direct-printed aligners. The comprehensive orthodontic examination includes cephalometric and panoramic X-rays, CBCT and an intraoral scan. One refinement is included free of charge with each aligner plan; retainers are charged separately. We will explain the suitable plan and full estimate after your assessment.
Diagnostic imaging and other examinations may incur additional charges unless expressly included in a treatment package. Your estimate will confirm what is included, any separate charges, and the expected appointments and timing.
All prices are in Japanese yen (JPY) and include 10% consumption tax. Fees may vary with case complexity and individual requirements.
In Tokyo for a short time?
Tell us your travel dates when you book so we can discuss what fits your stay and whether further appointments will be needed. We provide reports to support international insurance claims; cover depends on your policy.
After your visit
Follow the care and review instructions your dentist gives you. Please contact the clinic if you have a question or your symptoms change.
For difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 119 for an ambulance. Seek urgent care from a service that is open rather than waiting for an online reply.
Related treatments
Shape-memory aligners
Clear, removable trays made with shape-memory material. Find out whether they suit you and how treatment is planned.
General dentistry and dental checkups
Checkups, tooth-coloured fillings and advice for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Night guards and teeth grinding
Assessment of grinding and clenching, with a custom night guard where it is suitable.