Clear Aligners: Fully Digital Workflow for Tooth Correction
The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna uses a fully digital workflow for aligner therapy: from intraoral scan through virtual 3D treatment planning to precise aligner production. This approach is more precise, more comfortable and more transparent than classical methods.
Contents of this guide
Digital Aligner Therapy: What Sets It Apart
Aligners (clear braces) are transparent, removable plastic trays that move teeth gradually into the desired position. What distinguishes the Institute from classical aligner providers: the entire process — from diagnostics to progress monitoring — is fully digitally integrated.
Digital dentistry here does not merely mean using a scan instead of impression material. It means that diagnostics, planning, production and monitoring are connected in a continuous digital workflow — without media breaks, without manual transfer errors.
Intraoral Scan
Digital impression in 5 minutes. No impression material, no gag reflex, immediate 3D model.
Virtual Simulation
Every tooth movement is virtually planned and shown to the patient before treatment begins.
Digital Progress Monitoring
Regular scans document progress and enable early corrections.
Digital Workflow: From Scan to Aligner
Digital Intraoral Scan
Instead of classical impressions with impression material, a highly precise 3D scan of the teeth and jaw is created. The scan takes approximately 5 minutes, is completely comfortable and delivers a digital model with an accuracy of < 50 micrometres.
No gag reflex, no impression material, immediate digital model
Digital Diagnostics and Analysis
The digital model is combined with X-ray findings (possibly DVT) and photographic documentation. AI-assisted software analyses tooth positions, bite relationships and crowding. The result is a precise baseline for treatment planning.
Complete assessment without additional impressions
Virtual 3D Treatment Planning
Treatment planning is carried out entirely digitally: every tooth movement is virtually simulated, step by step, up to the planned final result. The patient sees an animation of the expected result before treatment begins.
Transparent communication: result visible before treatment begins
Aligner Production
Based on digital planning, individual aligner trays are produced from medical-grade plastic (BPA-free). Each tray moves teeth by approximately 0.25 mm. The number of trays depends on treatment complexity.
Individual fit through digital production
Treatment and Digital Progress Monitoring
Aligners are changed every 1–2 weeks. Regular digital scans document treatment progress and enable early adjustments. Deviations from the treatment plan are corrected through refinements.
Seamless digital documentation of treatment progress
Advantages and Limitations of Aligner Therapy
Advantages
- Nearly invisible — barely noticeable in everyday life
- Removable — no restrictions when eating
- Better oral hygiene possible than with fixed brackets
- More comfortable due to rounded plastic edges
- Digital simulation shows result before treatment begins
- Fewer emergency appointments than with classical brackets
Limitations
- Requires discipline: 20–22 hours daily wear
- Not suitable for severe skeletal malocclusions
- Complex rotations and bite corrections limited
- Poor compliance leads to worse results
- Not suitable for severe periodontitis findings
- Refinements (re-planning) may be necessary
Treatment Procedure
| Phase | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Anamnesis, clinical examination, discussion of treatment options | 45–60 min. |
| Diagnostics | Intraoral scan, X-ray (possibly DVT), photographic documentation, bite analysis | 30–45 min. |
| Treatment planning | Digital 3D planning, virtual simulation, presentation of planned result | 2–3 weeks |
| Aligner production | Production of individual aligner trays based on digital planning | 3–4 weeks |
| Treatment | Aligner change every 1–2 weeks, check-ups every 6–8 weeks | 6–24 months |
| Retention | Retainer (fixed or removable) to stabilise the result | Permanent |
Costs and Insurance
Treatment costs vary depending on complexity and the number of trays required. In Austria, statutory health insurance generally does not cover aligner treatments as they are classified as orthodontic treatment.
| Treatment Scope | Guide Price (€) | No. of Trays (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor correction (1–2 teeth) | 1,500–2,500 | 10–20 |
| Moderate correction | 2,500–4,500 | 20–40 |
| Extensive treatment | 4,500–7,000+ | 40+ |
Note: The guide prices are for orientation purposes. Actual costs are determined after digital diagnostics and individual treatment planning. Some private supplementary insurance policies reimburse parts of treatment costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of the digital aligner workflow over classical impressions?
The digital workflow (intraoral scan → 3D model → virtual simulation) is more precise, faster and more comfortable than classical impressions. Sources of error from distortion or air bubbles are eliminated. The virtual simulation shows the expected result before treatment begins.
Which malocclusions are suitable for aligners?
Aligners are suitable for mild to moderate malocclusions: crowding, gaps, mild rotations, mild bite corrections. Severe skeletal malocclusions, strong rotations or complex bite corrections require classical brackets or combined treatments.
How long does aligner treatment take?
Depending on complexity, 6–24 months. Minor corrections can be completed in 6–12 months. More extensive treatments take 18–24 months. Digital planning enables a precise prognosis before treatment begins.
How long must I wear aligners daily?
20–22 hours daily. Aligners may only be removed for eating, drinking (except water) and oral hygiene. Less wear time leads to worse results and extends treatment duration.
What happens after aligner treatment?
After treatment, retention is necessary to stabilise the result. Either fixed retainers (thin wire behind the teeth) or removable retainer trays are used. Retention is permanently necessary.
Further Guides
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Orthodontics at the Institute
Digital orthodontic diagnostics and treatment planning
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Intraoral Scan: Digital Impression
How digital impressions work
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Intraoral Scan Explained: What Patients Should Know
Procedure, advantages and applications for patients
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3D Treatment Planning
Virtual simulation before treatment
Clinical Partner
Consultation at Smile4Life
For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.
Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.