--- type: Article title: "Clear Aligners" description: "Aligners and clear aligners in Cologne: dental trays for adults – process, duration, and costs. Made in our in-house master dental laboratory at JUST KFO." resource: https://www.just-kfo.de/en/competencies/transparent-braces/ language: en tags: [orthodontics, services] timestamp: 2024-08-09T10:32:37+02:00 --- # Clear Aligners Services · Clear Aligners Clear Aligners & Braces in Cologne – Costs & Experiences Straighten your teeth without anyone noticing: clear aligner trays, removable for eating and brushing, custom-made in our own in-house master dental laboratory in Cologne. Book an appointment onlineReaching your goal in 5 steps ★5,0 · 223 Google reviews At a glance Clear aligners correct misaligned teeth with a series of transparent, removable trays – nearly invisible, comfortable to wear and with no restrictions on eating or brushing. Well suited for adults and teenagers with a complete set of permanent teeth. For: adults & teenagersBenefit: invisible & removableFabrication: our own master dental laboratory in Cologne 5,0223 Google reviews Almost invisibletransparent trays 50 weeksopen per year In-house master dental laboratoryAligners made in Cologne 1 Consultation2 Scan3 Aligners Book an appointment online OverviewProcessFAQGood to know Clear aligners as an adult? Many people associate braces only with childhood or adolescence. But even as an adult, you can achieve straight teeth — with clear aligners (aligners/Invisalign). It is an esthetic correction with nearly invisible aligners. Depending on the case, treatment usually takes six to eighteen months; minor corrections in the front teeth are completed sooner, while comprehensive bite corrections take longer. Many adults choose clear aligners because they are practically invisible in everyday life and at work. Other points to consider with orthodontics for adults in Cologne – gums, existing dental restorations, coverage of costs – are covered on the separate page about this. Dr. Julia Steinmaier, specialist in orthodontics Your clear aligners at JUST KFO Clear aligners – also called transparent trays or invisible braces – correct misaligned teeth discreetly with removable, transparent aligners. Throughout this time you are cared for continuously by experienced orthodontists. We produce the clear aligners using 3D printing in our own master dental laboratory in Köln Rodenkirchen. Since 2001, our orthodontic practice has completed more than 8,500 aligner / Invisalign treatments with clear aligners. With us, your orthodontist in Cologne, you receive professional and personal care during and after treatment. Your clear aligners are waiting for you! Who are invisible braces suitable for? They are suitable for adults and children, although adults choose them more often – they are discreet and practical for everyday life. The aligner is simply placed over the rows of teeth and is far less visible than the wires of fixed braces. Typical cases: crowded teeth crooked teeth gaps between teeth Unlike veneers, this is not a purely cosmetic solution: it corrects the bite lastingly and also takes function into account. Clear aligners are well documented for mild to moderate misalignment; for complex skeletal discrepancies, fixed braces often remain superior.12 Reasons for clear aligners Besides being barely visible, clear aligners also offer these advantages: Correction of various types of misaligned teeth12 easier cleaning of the oral cavity thanks to proper tooth alignment improved oral hygiene and prevention of periodontitis and cavities minimal restrictions in daily life – neither when eating nor when speaking short adjustment period How long treatment with clear aligners takes depends on your individual situation. Treatment usually lasts six to eighteen months — provided you wear the aligners as discussed. Talk to us; we are happy to advise you on this form of tooth correction! Clear aligners in 5 steps A new sense of well-being – this is how your treatment with clear aligners works: Consultation & preliminary examinationA thorough examination of teeth, gums and temporomandibular joints – with an X-ray if needed. The initial consultation and treatment plan are without obligation. Digital 3D scanA precise scan of your teeth and bite. Using proven software, we plan the goal and course of your treatment virtually. Fabrication in our in-house master dental laboratoryYour aligners are made in our in-house master dental laboratory using 3D printing – from certified material, made in Germany. Wearing them day to dayThe clear aligners are almost invisible and interfere neither with speaking nor with eating. Regular check-ups follow your progress. Securing the resultTo maintain the result, you continue wearing the aligner at night at first – alternatively, we offer fixed retainers as well. Book an appointment now Before and After in Time-Lapse An example aligner treatment as a short sequence of images — from the initial findings to the result. ▶ Teeth Correction with Aligners: Before and After Click loads the video from YouTube (youtube-nocookie.com) Frequently asked questions / FAQ: clear aligners Tap a question to open the answer. How much do invisible braces cost? + The costs depend on dental findings, severity of the misalignment, treatment duration, and region. Typically, aligner treatment in Germany ranges between 2.500 and 8.500 euros, sometimes higher — and thus more than conventional fixed braces. Statutory health insurance does not cover aligner treatment; it is a private service. A private dental supplemental insurance may reimburse part of it, depending on the plan. We will outline what to expect in a written treatment and cost estimate after the examination. How long do you wear clear aligners? + Aligners (e.g., Invisalign, ClearCorrect) are worn at least 20–22 hours daily and removed only for eating, brushing, or activities such as playing wind instruments. Treatment usually lasts six to eighteen months, depending on the case, with regular monitoring appointments. Consistent wear leads to the best outcome and shortens treatment time. What does a clear aligner do for you? + A clear aligner (aligners/Invisalign) corrects misaligned teeth and bite problems and is barely visible while doing so. It can correct crowding, gaps as well as overbite and underbite. Straight teeth not only look better, they may also improve jaw joint function and help prevent gum disease. Because the aligner is removable, it is easy to clean and can be taken out briefly for special occasions. For very severe misalignments it is not always suitable – we clarify that beforehand. In a review of 32 studies, removable aligners performed measurably better than fixed brackets in terms of plaque, gum inflammation and pocket depth – because you can simply take everything out to brush your teeth. What are clear braces called? + They are usually called aligners or Invisalign. “Aligner” is the general term for clear trays, “Invisalign” is one particular brand of them. Are clear braces covered by health insurance? + No. Statutory health insurance does not cover aligners — neither for adults nor for children and adolescents. This applies even when a misalignment qualifies under the orthodontic indication groups (KIG 3–5): the covered service in such cases is treatment with fixed braces, not aligner treatment. Private dental supplemental insurance may reimburse part of it, depending on the plan — inquire about the terms before treatment begins. Do clear braces turn yellow? + Aligners can take on a yellowish discoloration over time – especially without regular cleaning or if you wear them while drinking coffee, tea or wine. Clean the aligners regularly and take them out for strongly colored drinks. Special cleaning tablets provide additional protection against discoloration. In a laboratory test, aligners remained nearly color-stable after twelve hours in tea or red wine – only coffee led to visible discoloration within that period, which is why you should take the aligner out to drink. How do you clean clear braces? + How to clean the aligner: take it out and rinse it under running water place it in lukewarm water with a cleaning tablet or mild dish soap and let it soak for about 15–30 minutes clean it gently with a soft toothbrush, including the corners rinse it again and put it back in Clean the aligner regularly, ideally twice daily and after meals. This is not cosmetic: in laboratory tests, yeast and caries bacteria colonize uncleaned aligners within three days, and buildup increases with wear time. Mold in the true sense does not form on an aligner — an unpleasant odor or cloudy film is a sign of this buildup and disappears with thorough cleaning. If it persists, contact the practice. Do clear aligners hurt? + At the start and with every new aligner, you may feel pressure or tension – similar to fixed braces. It usually eases within a few days. Speaking or eating can also feel a little unfamiliar at first, but this improves quickly. If pain persists, have the fit checked. A feeling of pressure is normal: it peaks about 24 hours after a new aligner is inserted and usually subsides within three to five days, with about one in nine patients reporting more noticeable discomfort. Can I take the appliance out for eating and brushing my teeth? + Yes, clear aligners are taken out for eating and brushing your teeth. Clean your teeth before putting the aligner back in so that no food debris gets trapped underneath. Important: wear the aligners at least 20–22 hours a day, otherwise the result will suffer. Do clear aligners get in the way when speaking? + At first, speaking may feel slightly unfamiliar. This usually passes within a few days to weeks, once your mouth has adjusted to the aligner. Speaking out loud or practicing a little helps. Major speech problems are not to be expected. In the beginning, S and sibilant sounds in particular may sound somewhat different; most patients speak completely normally again after seven to fourteen days, while some need a few weeks longer. Are clear aligners also suitable for children and adolescents? + Yes, provided all permanent teeth are already in place and jaw growth is complete – usually at 12–14 years of age. Which appliance is the best fit is decided by the specialist in orthodontics. With more pronounced misaligned teeth, fixed braces can be more effective. Fully transparent fixed braces do not exist. Is an X-ray necessary? + Yes, an X-ray is usually needed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. It shows the position of the teeth and jawbone that cannot be seen with the naked eye, and it helps detect problems early. A single dental X-ray involves about 0.01 millisieverts, which is roughly one two-hundredth of the natural background radiation of an average 2.1 millisieverts that you are exposed to in Germany every year anyway. We only use a three-dimensional scan when there is a clear clinical question, because its radiation dose is three to forty times higher than that of a standard panoramic X-ray. Insurance Coverage, Types, and Costs Does health insurance cover clear aligners? No. For children and adolescents with a recognized case (KIG 3–5), statutory health insurance covers standard care — and that means fixed braces, not aligner treatment. Aligners are a private service, for adults as well as for children and adolescents. Private supplemental dental insurance may reimburse part of the cost depending on the plan; clarify the terms with your insurer before treatment begins. What you can expect is set out in a written treatment and cost plan after the examination. What "clear" can mean Two different things are meant. Aligners are removable, clear trays that fit over the entire arch. Tooth-colored or clear brackets are fixed braces — less noticeable than metal, but they cannot be removed. Lingual braces (such as Incognito) do not fall into this category: they are also barely visible from the outside but are fixed to the inside of the teeth. Which type is suitable is determined by the clinical findings — not by appearance. What clear aligners cost The cost of clear aligners usually ranges between 2.500 and 8.500 euros, depending on the extent of correction; minor corrections of individual teeth may be lower. The aligners are typically worn 20 to 22 hours daily; you remove them for eating and brushing. You will receive the price for your case after the initial consultation with a digital scan — in writing, as a treatment and cost plan, with installment payment available on request. Fixed braces or aligners – which suits you better? Both paths lead to straight teeth. Which one suits you better depends on the misalignment, your daily routine and your wishes – here are the main differences at a glance: Fixed BracesAligners (Invisalign) VisibilityVisible (brackets) – ceramic is more discreetAlmost invisible RemovableNo, bonded in placeYes, at any time SuitabilityAlso complex misalignmentsMild to moderate misalignments Eating & careAvoid hard/sticky foods, cleaning takes more effortNo restrictions, easy cleaning Treatment time (depending on the case)approx. 1.5–2.5 yearsapprox. 6–18 months Cost / insuranceStatutory health insurance if medically indicated (children/adolescents)Private service, no insurance coverage An orthodontic examination will show which solution makes sense in your individual case. +Sources & studies Sources: Rossini, G., Parrini, S., Castroflorio, T., Deregibus, A., & Debernardi, C.L., 2015. Efficacy of clear aligners in controlling orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review. Angle Orthodontist, 85(5), S.881–889. https://doi.org/10.2319/061614-436.1 Kravitz, N.D., Kusnoto, B., BeGole, E., Obrez, A., & Agran, B., 2009. How well does Invisalign work? A prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy of tooth movement with Invisalign. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 135(1), S.27–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2007.05.018 Lombardo, L., Arreghini, A., Ramina, F., Huanca Ghislanzoni, L. T., & Siciliani, G. (2017). Predictability of orthodontic movement with orthodontic aligners: a retrospective study. Progress in orthodontics, 18(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-017-0190-0 Djeu, G., Shelton, C., & Maganzini, A. (2005). Outcome assessment of Invisalign and traditional orthodontic treatment compared with the American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 128(3), 292–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2005.06.002 Tamer, İ., Öztaş, E., & Marşan, G. (2019). Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and The Scientific Reality Behind Their Marketing: A Literature Review. Turkish journal of orthodontics, 32(4), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.5152/TurkJOrthod.2019.18083 Weir T. (2017). Clear aligners in orthodontic treatment. Australian dental journal, 62 Suppl 1, 58–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12480 Sheridan, J. J., LeDoux, W., & McMinn, R. (1993). Essix retainers: fabrication and supervision for permanent retention. Journal of clinical orthodontics : JCO, 27(1), 37–45. Kuncio, D., Maganzini, A., Shelton, C., & Freeman, K. (2007). Invisalign and traditional orthodontic treatment postretention outcomes compared using the American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system. The Angle orthodontist, 77(5), 864–869. https://doi.org/10.2319/100106-398.1 Eberting, J. J., Straja, S. R., & Tuncay, O. C. (2001). Treatment time, outcome, and patient satisfaction comparisons of Damon and conventional brackets. Clinical orthodontics and research, 4(4), 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0544.2001.40407.x Zheng, M., Liu, R., Ni, Z., & Yu, Z. (2017). Efficiency, effectiveness and treatment stability of clear aligners: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthodontics & craniofacial research, 20(3), 127–133. https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12177 Simon, M., Keilig, L., Schwarze, J., Jung, B. A., & Bourauel, C. (2014). Forces and moments generated by removable thermoplastic aligners: incisor torque, premolar derotation, and molar distalization. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 145(6), 728–736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.03.015 Gu, J., Tang, J. S., Skulski, B., Fields, H. W., Jr, Beck, F. M., Firestone, A. R., Kim, D. G., & Deguchi, T. (2017). Evaluation of Invisalign treatment effectiveness and efficiency compared with conventional fixed appliances using the Peer Assessment Rating index. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 151(2), 259–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2016.06.041 Schupp, W., Haubrich, J., & Neumann, I. (2010). Treatment of anterior open bite with the Invisalign system. Journal of clinical orthodontics : JCO, 44(8), 501–507. Schupp, W., Haubrich, J., & Neumann, I. (2010). Class II correction with the Invisalign system. Journal of clinical orthodontics : JCO, 44(1), 28–35. Ojima, K., Dan, C., Kumagai, Y., & Schupp, W. (2016). Invisalign Treatment Accelerated by Photobiomodulation. Journal of clinical orthodontics : JCO, 50(5), 309–320. Boyd R. L. (2008). Esthetic orthodontic treatment using the invisalign appliance for moderate to complex malocclusions. Journal of dental education, 72(8), 948–967. An urgent problem with your braces? Poking wire, aligner lost, retainer come loose? On our page First aid for problems with braces you will find quick self-help tips – and a clear answer on when to call us. Publications from our practice on this topic The digital workflow in in-office aligner therapyInf. Orthod. Kieferorthop. · 2020View publication →Aligner therapy for displaced caninesInf. Orthod. Kieferorthop. · 2020View publication →Mesial slider & aligners in the posterior regionUOO · 2021View publication →Complex cases: aligners & skeletal anchorageJournal of Aligner Orthodontics · 2022View publication →CA Pro film: new aligner sheetJournal of Aligner Orthodontics · 2022View publication →Shape Memory Aligner (3D printing)Journal of Aligner Orthodontics · 2023View publication →All publications → Aligners in Cologne: straightening teeth with clear trays Aligners, clear trays, transparent or invisible braces – these usually mean the same thing: a series of clear plastic trays that move the teeth step by step into the planned position. In Cologne, we mainly use them to treat adults who would rather not wear visible braces at work. Who aligners are an option for For mild to moderate misaligned teeth, aligners are the obvious choice: crowding and crooked front teeth, gaps, individual rotated teeth, a relapse years after the first treatment. Even with more pronounced findings, part of the correction can often be handled with aligners. What is possible in your case is decided by the clinical findings, not by preference – we tell you that openly at the initial consultation, even when the answer is “fixed braces”. Straightening teeth as an adult – the most common case in our practice A large share of our aligner patients in Cologne are between 25 and 50 years old. Many were treated once as a child and lost their retainer at some point. You wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day and take them out to eat, to brush your teeth, and for that important appointment. In conversation, hardly anyone notices them. Process, duration and cost It starts with a digital 3D scan – without impression material. From this we create the treatment plan, which shows you where each tooth will move before the first aligner is made. Depending on the findings, treatment usually takes six to eighteen months, with check-ups about every six to eight weeks. The cost depends on the scope of treatment; we go through the range and the payment options with you in writing before treatment begins, not only when the bill arrives. If we work with the Invisalignsystem, the same process applies. What sets this system apart from other aligners is explained on the page Invisalign in Cologne. Made in Cologne, not shipped away Our in-house master dental laboratory with 3D printing is in the same building. Aligners are made there instead of traveling back and forth between the practice and an outside lab for weeks – and if an aligner does get lost, a replacement is a matter of days, not weeks. Durchsichtige Zahnspange in Köln – so finden Sie zu uns Sie interessieren sich für Durchsichtige Zahnspange in Köln? Unsere Fachpraxis liegt im Kölner Süden – gut erreichbar aus der ganzen Stadt, mit eigenem Meisterlabor im selben Haus. Fachpraxis für KieferorthopädieHauptstraße 50 · 50996 KölnÖffnungszeiten werden geladen … Termin online buchen0221 – 93 53 02 0 Mit dem AutoKostenfreie Parkplätze im Innenhof – an der Schranke einfach klingeln. Über die Rheinuferstraße aus der Innenstadt, über die A555 aus Richtung Bonn, über die Rodenkirchener Brücke vom rechten Rheinufer. Mit Bahn und BusZwei Haltestellen in Gehweite: Bahnhof Rodenkirchen (Linien 16 und 17, Bus 130, 131, 134, 135) und Heinrich-Lübke-Ufer (Linien 16 und 17, Bus 130, 134). Jugendliche kommen so allein zum Kontrolltermin. Aus ganz Köln erreichbarKurze Wege aus Rodenkirchen, Sürth, Weiß, Hahnwald, Marienburg, Bayenthal, Raderthal, Zollstock, Rondorf und der Südstadt – über die Rodenkirchener Brücke auch aus Porz und dem rechtsrheinischen Köln, aus dem übrigen Stadtgebiet über Rheinuferstraße und Militärring. SprechzeitenMo–Do 8:00–12:30 und 13:30–18:00 Uhr, Fr 8:00–12:30 und 13:30–16:00 Uhr. Geöffnet an rund 50 Wochen im Jahr, Termine auch online rund um die Uhr. Ready for invisibly straight teeth? Schedule your no-obligation initial aligner consultation at JUST KFO – Dr. Steinmaier & Kollegen in Cologne. 0221 – 93 53 02 0 Mon–Thu 8:00–12:30 & 13:30–18:00 · Fri 8:00–12:30 & 13:30–16:00 Book an appointment online