CLEAR ALIGNERS RESHAPE ADULT ORTHODONTICS IN MALAYSIA

Orthodontic treatment, particularly among adults in Malaysia, is gaining traction, driven by the emergence of aligner technology or clear braces that offer a more flexible approach without compromising professional appearance.

The availability of such treatment comes at a time when modern work environments increasingly demand face-to-face interaction with clients, whether on-site or online, making a confident smile more than just a cosmetic element — it directly influences self-esteem.

Yet, many working adults continue to postpone orthodontic care due to time constraints, financial considerations and concerns over appearance, especially if they have to wear conventional metal braces.

Lily (not her real name), a professional in the creative industry with extensive work and social commitments around the Klang Valley, acknowledged this dilemma, admitting that it took her years before she felt ready to begin orthodontic treatment.

“After gathering all the necessary information, I eventually decided on clear aligner treatment to correct my spaced teeth. The physical design of the aligners is almost invisible and easy to remove, allowing me to continue working while fitting regular treatment into my daily schedule without disruption,” she told Bernama, reflecting a shift in how working adults now perceive orthodontic care.

EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY

 Dr Clear Aligners Vice President of Operations Dr Arlena Lee said growing awareness of oral health and personal appearance has become a key driver encouraging adults to pay closer attention to dental alignment.

“In the past, braces were often associated with teenagers. Today, more adults are prioritising teeth alignment. Clear aligner technology, in particular, has helped bridge the gap between orthodontic needs and the demands of modern lifestyles.

Orthodontist provides a digital treatment plan that displays the gradual movement of the teeth from the beginning to the end of the treatment before starting to print a set of aligners that need to be worn consistently.

“Compared with metal braces, aligners are nearly invisible and removable, allowing patients to adapt treatment flexibly to their daily routines without disrupting work, social engagements or professional meetings,” she told Bernama in a recent interview.

In Malaysia, clear aligner treatment is currently offered by only a limited number of technology providers and is delivered through registered dental clinics under the supervision of licensed dentists. The use of medical devices in such treatments is also subject to regulatory standards, including oversight by the Medical Device Authority (MDA).

Dr Lee further stressed the importance of seeking orthodontic care through legitimate channels and under professional supervision, noting that unmonitored treatment carries risks such as uncontrolled tooth movement, prolonged discomfort and potential oral health complications.

“Therefore, the public is advised to consult registered dental clinics to ensure their treatment meets safety standards and is appropriate for their individual dental conditions,” she emphasised.

FROM EXAMINATION TO A DIGITAL TREATMENT PLAN

Explaining the treatment process, Dr Lee said it begins with a clinical examination, X-rays and a 3D intraoral scan. This scanning method replaces traditional dental impressions, which are often considered uncomfortable and time-consuming.

Based on the scan data, dentists develop a digital treatment plan that illustrates the gradual movement of teeth from the beginning to the end of treatment, before printing the series of aligners that must be worn consistently. This approach allows patients to better understand their treatment journey while reducing the need for frequent in-clinic visits.

Increased awareness of oral health and personal appearance is a major factor driving adults to become increasingly concerned about teeth alignment.

“Treatment monitoring can also be conducted periodically through digital systems, including a mobile application called Clear Monitor, which enables dentists to assess progress without requiring patients to visit the clinic each time,” she explained, adding that patients must wear retainers after completing their aligner sets to maintain their new smiles and prevent teeth from shifting back.

“Our treatment generally lasts between 6 to 18 months, depending on the case complexity. Some case is up to 24 months for far more complex dental misalignment. Faster results can be achieved as little as 6 to 9 months for simpler cases,” she said.

In terms of comfort, aligners do not involve brackets or wires like traditional metal braces, which often cause oral irritation. Although users are advised to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, the option to remove them offers relief for patients with unpredictable schedules. Each set of aligners is replaced gradually, typically every 10 to 15 days, supported by a digital monitoring system.

The company also adopts German technology that complies with international standards set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (CE), enabling safe and effective treatment for mild to complex cases. High-quality materials are used to produce the aligners, including flexible, durable medical-grade plastic.

Notably, the integration of digital technology in orthodontic care not only enhances precision and comfort but also improves efficiency while aligning with patients’ current needs.

“It also reflects a broader transformation within the dental industry toward patient-centred care, in line with ongoing digitalisation in the healthcare sector,” she added.

She said demand for such treatment has shown positive growth, with more than 30,000 patients having undergone aligner treatment with the company as of the third quarter of 2025, since Dr Clear Aligners began operations in 2020.

Dr Lee said the company, which originated from Singapore, is now focused on providing services across the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are also one of several reputable providers in Malaysia and are particularly popular among mid- to high-income individuals seeking a modern alternative to metal braces,” she added.

She noted that the growing uptake further reinforces the importance of oral healthcare awareness among adults.

 Dr Lee said that while aligner technology has been part of dental practice for more than 20 years, the company is among the fastest-growing Asian-for-Asian aligner brands in Malaysia, despite having been founded only in April 2020.

She added that the company was incorporated in Malaysia in October 2021 and is now headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, noting that many other providers in the market are overseas brands from Western countries and mainland China.

COMPARING ALIGNERS WITH OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENTS

Despite growing acceptance, confusion remains among the public regarding the difference between orthodontic treatment using aligners and cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers. Dr Lee explained that the main distinction lies in treatment objectives.

Orthodontic treatment aims to correct tooth position and alignment to ensure proper chewing function, speech and long-term oral health, whereas cosmetic treatments like veneers focus primarily on external appearance without addressing the root causes of misalignment.

Seek consultation at a registered dental clinic to ensure that the treatment you receive meets safety standards and is appropriate for your dental condition.

“While aligners work by gradually moving teeth into better positions, veneers only alter the front surface of teeth. Therefore, not all cases can be addressed through cosmetic treatment alone without a comprehensive orthodontic assessment,” she said.

Patient safety also remains a key priority in aligner-based orthodontic care. Generally, this treatment is commonly used among teenagers and adults whose dental structures are fully developed, although suitability depends on individual clinical evaluations.

For children whose jaws are still developing, she stressed that orthodontic treatment requires a more specialised approach and close supervision by licensed dentists to ensure safe and effective outcomes. Among senior citizens, comprehensive assessments are necessary to determine treatment suitability based on oral health conditions and jaw stability.

Other challenges include misconceptions about treatment, uncertified products such as dangerous DIY aligners that damage the reputation of legitimate care, and limited dental education. As such, Dr Lee emphasised that local providers must adopt proven aligner systems under qualified supervision, alongside continuous technical support to safeguard patient wellbeing.

She also believes aligner technology can have a positive impact on Malaysia’s dental industry. With increasing demand from adult patients, clinics can introduce more modern technologies, raise treatment standards and provide ongoing training for existing dentists.

“With technological advancements and treatment approaches that better fit contemporary lifestyles, orthodontic care is expected to become more accessible to wider segments of society in a safe and gradual manner. At the same time, this development has the potential to support sustainable growth of the local orthodontic industry, with a stronger human-centric focus aligned with future generations,” she added.