Invisible braces are a series of transparent, custom-made trays (aligners) that move the teeth step by step into the planned position without metal brackets or wires. Treatment takes 6–18 months; you wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day and take them out only to eat and brush.
Who it is for
- Adults and teenagers with permanent teeth who have mild to moderate crowding, gaps between teeth, rotated teeth or minor bite irregularities.
- Patients who wore braces in their youth and whose teeth have shifted back (relapse).
- Patients who need a few millimetres of space or alignment of neighbouring teeth before prosthetic work or an implant.
- Anyone who, for professional or personal reasons, does not want visible fixed braces.
Invisible braces are not the right choice:
- for severe skeletal jaw discrepancies, where fixed braces or surgical treatment are needed,
- for teeth with badly damaged supporting tissue (active periodontitis), until it has been brought under control,
- with untreated decay or inflamed gums; these are treated first (see filling),
- for patients who honestly do not trust themselves to wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day. An aligner sitting in its case does not move teeth.
Compared with fixed braces, aligners are less noticeable, gentler on the gums and allow normal oral hygiene; on the other hand they demand discipline and have limits with complex root movements.
How it goes
- First examination and 3D scan (60 minutes). I examine the teeth, gums and bite, we take a panoramic X-ray or 3D CBCT if needed, and we scan the teeth with an intraoral scanner, with no impression material.
- Digital plan (1–2 weeks). Based on the scan we prepare a simulation of the movements from start to finish. On the screen you see the final position of the teeth, the number of aligners and the expected duration before you decide on anything.
- Fitting the aligners and placing attachments (45 minutes). On some teeth we bond tiny tooth-coloured composite attachments that give the aligner grip. I show you how to insert, remove and clean the aligners.
- Changing aligners and check-ups. You wear each aligner for 1–2 weeks, then move on to the next. You come for a check-up every 6–8 weeks; in between we follow progress with photos you send us when needed.
- Completion and retention. Once the teeth reach the planned position, we remove the attachments, polish the teeth and make retainers or a thin wire for the back of the front teeth. Altogether treatment takes 6–18 months, simple cases less.
Price
| Service | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Invisible braces | 1.500–3.900 € | 3D scan, digital plan, all aligners for both jaws, attachments, check-ups and the first set of retainers |
| Panoramic X-ray / X-ray | 25–80 € | check of roots, bone and any unerupted teeth before planning |
| 3D CBCT | 80 € | when planning larger movements or combining with implants |
| Filling | 80–130 € / tooth | treatment of decay carried out before treatment starts |
The price depends on the complexity of the case: minor corrections of a few front teeth with 10–20 aligners are at the lower end, comprehensive alignment of both jaws with complex movements at the upper. A written treatment plan with the final price is prepared at the first visit (50 € with a panoramic X-ray, 80 € with a 3D CBCT). Interest-free instalments via Leanpay for up to 24 months are available. The Slovenian health insurance ZZZS does not cover orthodontic treatment of adults with aligners.
After the procedure
Teeth that have been moved want to go back, which is why retention is part of the treatment, not an extra. For the first 6 months you wear the retainers all night, then for years at least a few nights a week. In my practice, those who give up retention usually see at least partial crowding return within two to three years.
Clean the aligners with a soft brush and cold water, never hot, because they warp. Drink only water while wearing them; sugary and coloured drinks get trapped under the aligner and can do more damage in a few months than years without braces. A regular check-up with cleaning every 6–12 months applies after completion too.
Why Koderman
- We plan the treatment on a 3D scan and, where needed, a CBCT, so you see the end result before starting.
- Orthodontics, prosthetics and implantology are under one roof, which matters when alignment is preparing space for a crown or an implant.
- No waiting lists, a first appointment usually within 7–14 days.
- Interest-free instalments for up to 24 months.
- We speak Slovenian, German, English and Croatian.
Frequently asked questions
How much do invisible braces cost in Ptuj?
1.500–3.900 €, depending on complexity. The price includes the scan, plan, all aligners, attachments, check-ups and the first set of retainers. You receive the exact price in the written plan after the first examination.
Does wearing invisible braces hurt?
For the first few days after each aligner change the teeth feel pressure and are tender when biting, a sign that they are moving. The feeling passes in two to three days and is milder than with fixed braces, since there are no wires irritating the mucosa.
How long does treatment take?
Most cases 6–18 months. Minor corrections of the front teeth can take only 3–6 months, complex alignment of both jaws up to two years. You see the duration in the digital plan before starting.
Are invisible braces as effective as fixed braces?
For mild and moderate irregularities we achieve comparable results. For large root movements, closing wide gaps or skeletal problems, fixed braces are more reliable, and I will tell you so openly at the first examination.
Can I eat and drink with the aligners in?
You take the aligner out for meals and for all drinks except water, then clean your teeth after eating and put it back in. This is exactly why total wear time must stay at 20–22 hours a day.
Does ZZZS or insurance cover invisible braces?
For adults, no. In Slovenia part of dental costs can be claimed as a special tax relief, but check the current FURS rules. Other payment options are described in our article on instalments and tax relief.
