Aligners Munich — Invisalign & ClearCorrect | Dr. Christina Dickel

Straight teeth without metal braces, brackets, or wires — aligners are the most modern and discreet form of orthodontic correction available. At our dental practice in München-Oberföhring, we offer two proven systems: as a certified Invisalign Provider and as a provider of ClearCorrect, we can recommend the individually right system for each patient — without brand bias, but based on your specific misalignment, your lifestyle, and your expectations.

All treatment planning at our practice is fully digital. With the iTero intraoral scanner, we capture a precise 3D impression of your teeth in just a few minutes — comfortably, without impression material, and immediately ready for analysis. Based on these scan data, we create a ClinCheck 3D treatment simulation together with you: before treatment even begins, you can see exactly how your teeth will move step by step into the correct position and what result to expect. This lets you make an informed decision — and together we can determine the optimal treatment plan.

Our practice is located in the heart of Bogenhausen/Oberföhring, easily accessible from across Munich's east and north. Dr. Christina Dickel and her team have extensive experience with aligner treatments — from simple front-tooth corrections to complex bite adjustments. We accompany you from the free initial consultation right through to final retention and beyond.

What sets us apart: we don't sell a system — we find the right system for you. Those who need Invisalign get Invisalign. Those who can be treated just as effectively with ClearCorrect — and save money in the process — get ClearCorrect. Honest, expert advice: that is our promise. Book your no-obligation consultation now.

As a practice certified for Invisalign and as a provider of ClearCorrect, we can offer you something that most dental practices cannot: a genuine, unbiased system selection. Both systems are medically excellent, scientifically proven, and deliver outstanding results when correctly indicated. But they differ — and you should know how.

During the initial consultation, we analyse your misalignment, discuss your priorities, and recommend the system that suits you — not the one that gives us the higher margin. In many cases both systems are equally suitable; then the cost savings with ClearCorrect can be the deciding factor. For complex bite issues or extensive rotations, Invisalign is often the better choice.

Aligners are a fascinating technology — but they are not a cure-all for every dental misalignment. An honest assessment of suitability is the first step towards a successful outcome. Here is an overview of who benefits from aligner treatment and where the limitations lie.

Well suited — these misalignments respond excellently to aligners:

• Crowding: Overlapping or displaced teeth, particularly in the front — one of the most common indications.
• Spacing: Gaps caused by missing teeth, too-narrow teeth, or diastema (a gap between the upper front teeth).
• Mild to moderate overbite: Upper front teeth that extend too far vertically over the lower teeth.
• Mild underbite: Protrusion of the lower teeth when the discrepancy is not too large.
• Rotations: Rotated teeth — front teeth in particular respond well to aligners; severe rotations (>45°) are more limited.
• Relapse after orthodontic treatment: Teeth that have drifted back to their previous positions after an earlier course of treatment.
• Adults and adolescents from approximately age 14: Aligners are particularly well suited to adult patients who want to avoid the appearance of metal braces.

Limited suitability or contraindication — when aligners are not the best choice:

• Severe skeletal discrepancies: Large jaw-size differences that require orthognathic surgery.
• Extreme rotations (>45°): Severely rotated back teeth are difficult to control with aligners.
• Vertical problems: Open bite with a skeletal cause frequently requires fixed braces or surgical intervention.
• Lack of compliance: Patients who do not wear their aligners for at least 22 hours per day will not achieve a good result. Aligners demand discipline and personal responsibility.
• Children in the mixed dentition phase: While primary teeth are still present, the dentition is generally too unstable for aligners.

As part of the free initial consultation, we analyse your individual situation with the iTero 3D scanner and give you an honest assessment of whether — and which — aligner system is suitable for you. If a different approach is better suited to your misalignment, we will tell you — even if it means that aligner treatment is not the optimal solution.

We value transparency: here is exactly what to expect from an aligner treatment at our practice — from the first consultation through to long-term retention. Total treatment duration ranges from 6 to 18 months, depending on complexity.

1. Free initial consultation (30 min): We assess your starting situation, discuss your wishes and expectations, explain both systems (Invisalign and ClearCorrect), and give you an initial assessment of suitability and likely treatment duration. No hidden costs, no sales pressure.
2. iTero 3D intraoral scan (15–20 min): Using the modern iTero intraoral scanner, we capture highly precise digital impressions of both jaws — without unpleasant impression material, in just a few minutes. The scan provides the 3D data used to manufacture your aligners.
3. Digital treatment planning with ClinCheck (1–2 weeks): Based on the scan, our lab partner creates a detailed ClinCheck 3D simulation: you see how each individual tooth moves step by step and what the final result will look like. Only once you are satisfied with the planned outcome do we release the aligners for manufacture.
4. Aligner fabrication (2–3 weeks): Your aligners are custom-made for you — each one precisely matches the planned tooth position for that treatment step. Depending on complexity, a treatment series comprises 10 to over 40 aligner pairs.
5. Treatment start & handover (45 min): At the first fitting, we walk you through everything you need to know: how to insert and remove the aligners, cleaning, the change interval (typically every 7–14 days), wearing time (at least 22 hours per day), and what to do if problems arise. You take your first series of aligners home with you.
6. Regular check-up appointments (every 6–8 weeks): We monitor treatment progress, confirm that teeth are moving as planned, and hand over the next aligner series. Where necessary, we adjust the treatment plan or add refinement aligners.
7. Retention — the most important stage: After the active treatment phase, you will wear a fixed wire retainer (bonded to the inside of your front teeth) and/or a removable Essix retainer. Retention is not an optional extra — it is critical for keeping your teeth permanently in their new position. We explain exactly how long and how often to wear it.

Questions about the process? Call us on 089 95760618 or book your free consultation online — we will take all the time you need.

The honest answer to the question of aligner costs is: it depends. The cost of aligner treatment is individual and depends on several factors that we can only specify after analysing your particular situation. That is why we work on the principle of "on request" — no list price that may not fit your situation, but a transparent cost estimate after the initial consultation.

These factors determine the cost of your aligner treatment:

• Complexity of the misalignment: An express aligner for minor front-tooth corrections requires significantly fewer aligners than a comprehensive bite correction. The number of aligners directly affects laboratory costs.
• Chosen system: Invisalign and ClearCorrect have different pricing structures. For comparable indications, ClearCorrect can be a more cost-effective option — we will advise you openly on this.
• Treatment duration and refinements: Sometimes additional refinement aligners are needed after the main treatment to fully achieve the planned result. Certain refinements are included in the Invisalign package.
• Retainers after treatment: A fixed retainer and/or Essix retainer are separate costs to factor in. Retention is not an optional extra — it protects your results permanently.
• Accompanying measures: In some cases, attachments (small composite buttons bonded to teeth), interproximal reduction (gentle slimming of contact points), or preparatory scale-and-polish are required.

Does health insurance cover the costs? For adults, statutory health insurance (GKV) generally does not cover the cost of orthodontic treatment with aligners — exceptions exist for children and adolescents with an orthodontic indication rating (KIG) of 3–5. Private health insurance and supplemental dental insurance policies with an orthodontic add-on reimburse 50–100% of costs depending on the tariff. Please check your insurance policy or ask your provider.

Instalment payment: The cost of aligner treatment does not have to be paid all at once. We offer individual payment plan options — just ask us. A radiant smile should not be a question of budget.

Your next step: book a free initial consultation. After the iTero scan and analysis of your misalignment, you will receive a comprehensive, transparent cost estimate — with no obligation.

Aligner treatment is not a quick fix — it is an investment in a permanently straight smile. We are honest with you: what you can realistically expect, what you cannot, and why the period after active treatment is just as important as the treatment itself.

Treatment duration and first results: The active treatment phase lasts 6 to 18 months depending on the misalignment. Express treatments for minor front-tooth corrections can be completed in 3 to 6 months. Most patients notice visible changes after just the first 4–8 weeks — particularly in the front-tooth area, as these teeth move faster. That is enormously motivating.

Why retention is critical: Teeth have a so-called "memory" — they tend to drift back towards their original position (relapse) if not permanently stabilised. This process is biologically inevitable and affects everyone, regardless of the aligner system used. The solution: retainers.

Your retainer options:

• Fixed retainer (bonded retainer): A thin wire permanently bonded to the inside of your front teeth. Invisible, easy to maintain (cleaned with floss or superfloss), and very effective. Recommended for the lower front teeth, often for the upper as well.
• Removable Essix retainer: A thin, clear tray — similar to an aligner, but passive. Typically worn daily for the first 6–12 months, then only at night. Ideal as a supplement to the fixed retainer, or as a stand-alone retention solution.

Our clear advice: wear your retainer consistently. The finest treatment means nothing if the result has disappeared a year later. At the final consultation, we will explain precisely which retainer is right for you and how to care for it.

Results achieved with aligners are permanent — provided retention is maintained. Many of our patients are genuinely amazed at how much a straight smile has transformed their confidence. That is what drives us.