Nighttime aligners — designed to be worn only while you sleep — have become a trendy alternative to full-time clear aligner treatment. But do they actually work?
Here’s what Canadian patients should know about this approach.
🔔 What Are Nighttime Aligners?
Nighttime aligners are removable trays worn 8–10 hours per night, compared to traditional clear aligners which are worn 20–22 hours per day. They’re marketed as a convenient option for busy adults who want more flexibility.
🤧 Are They Effective?
For mild cosmetic cases, such as minor spacing or slight crowding, nighttime aligners may offer some improvement.
For anything more complex (bite issues, tooth rotations, large gaps), full-time wear is more effective and predictable.
⚠️ Limitations of Nighttime Aligners
- Slower results compared to full-time aligners
- May not achieve the same level of precision or long-term stability
- Often not recommended by orthodontists for lasting corrections
🛌 What We Recommend
At McLevin Dental, we generally recommend full-time aligners for the best results. If you’re considering nighttime-only wear:
- Book a consultation to assess your case
- Make sure your expectations match the possible outcomes
Thinking about nighttime aligners?
Let McLevin Dental help you choose the safest, most effective treatment plan — so you can get the smile you want with no surprises.