Clear Aligner Treatment Planning: Why "Just Align the Teeth" Isn’t Enough

Jesper Hatt DDS
May 10
3 min read

At AlignerService, we receive daily requests from dentists who say they “just want the teeth aligned nicely.” But as any experienced clinician knows, clear aligner treatment planning requires far more than a simple request.

Effective clear aligner treatment planning is a clinical discipline that takes into account the patient’s medical and dental history, facial aesthetics, functional dynamics, and biological limitations. Without this foundation, treatment outcomes become unpredictable—and compromises more likely.

Why Clear Aligner Treatment Planning Is Essential for Predictable Results

Planning isn’t just about filling out a form and crossing your fingers. It’s a clinical discipline that requires deep understanding of the patient’s:

Dental and medical history
Functional dynamics (occlusion, muscles, TMJ)
Aesthetic goals
Biological limitations

Without this, you risk missing the target – or worse, compromising the patient’s function and appearance.

It's not just about teeth – it's about the face

Start by visualising the ideal position of the maxillary incisors within the patient’s face. Not just dentally, but based on soft tissue, lip support, facial profile, and even speech.

Once the optimal goal is defined, backwards planning helps ensure a biologically and aesthetically realistic plan.

Then, assess the mandibular incisors and canines to achieve both functional and facial harmony. Occlusion matters, too – because aesthetics without function rarely lasts.

A well-planned case = better communication and predictable results

With clear aligners, we can visualise the entire treatment digitally – tooth by tooth, step by step. This demands precision, but also unlocks:

Clear patient communication
Timely adjustments
Full documentation of each decision

But what happens after the plan is made?

That’s just the beginning. Once your treatment plan is ready, you’ll receive an initial digital setup (e.g., ClinCheck). This includes movement suggestions from the aligner company or their AI system. In around 95% of cases, these suggestions are insufficient and require clinical correction to match your intended goals.

So it’s critical that you:

Review every movement critically
Assess whether the suggested movements support your goals
Adjust in collaboration with technicians or experts

Our advice for improving aligner treatment planning

This blog post provides only a broad overview. The true precision lies in the details – and in how you refine the digital setup based on a solid clinical plan.

✔ Start with the endpoint. Backwards planning creates clarity.

✔ Look at the face – not just the teeth. Maxillary incisor position is key.

✔ Identify limitations. Biology, compliance, and occlusion shape the framework.

✔ Use technology. Digital setups and smile design enhance clarity and communication.

✔ Seek support. Complexity should lead to collaboration, not compromise.

✔ Adjust the digital setup. AI is only as good as the clinician guiding it.

Need a second opinion on a case?

You can get free case selection support within 24 hours. One of our expert dentists will assess your submission and tell you whether your case is easy, moderate, complex, or should be referred to an orthodontist.

Complimentary case selection

Want to master aligner treatment planning yourself?

We recommend the Treatment Planning chapter in our book Mastering Aligner Orthodontics. You can also connect directly with one of our expert treatment planners. Sometimes, the small push makes all the difference.

Book cover of "Mastering Aligner Orthodontics" by Helle Hatt DDS and Jesper Hatt DDS

Ready to take your aligner treatments to the next level?

Our book Mastering Aligner Orthodontics offers step-by-step guidance for planning and executing successful aligner treatments – no matter which system you use.

From diagnosis to movement strategy and system-specific planning tips, you’ll get everything you need to improve predictability, efficiency, and outcomes.

Order your copy today - click here