Because clinical confidence begins with clarity. And clarity begins with understanding.

Clear aligners are not new anymore. But some of the ideas we hear about them still feel like we're back in 2000.

Even today, in 2025, there are persistent myths that quietly influence how dentists think about clear aligner therapy. These myths limit how we diagnose, what we treat, and how confident we feel when it’s time to plan a case.

At The CLEAR Institute, we believe one thing above all:

There is no secret recipe. But there is science. There is clinical reasoning. And everything can be learned.

Also… a word of caution:

Be very careful with those who claim to have found “the system that always works.” That usually means one of three things:

1. They’re not doing enough cases
2. They don’t recognize what is right and what is wrong
3. Or worse... they’re just not telling the truth

We don’t need magic. We need clarity.

Let’s look at 5 myths still holding back clear aligner success, and how to move past them with purpose.

Myth 1: “Clear aligners can’t move roots”

This one refuses to die.

Yes, aligners can move roots. But not by accident.

Root control depends on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Solid anchorage planning
• Thoughtful staging
• And the right force systems

You don’t need brackets to move roots. You need to understand biomechanics.

The teeth don’t know if you’re using aligners or wires. They only respond to the forces applied.

And here’s the real secret: Your ability to move roots predictably is not based on luck. It’s based on your confidence, your knowledge, and your ability to plan it properly in a virtual setup.

That takes time. It takes reps. And it’s absolutely learnable.

Myth 2: “If you need refinements, you failed”

Let’s be honest.

This belief is rooted in pride, not logic.

Refinements are not a sign of failure. They are a normal phase of treatment.

The goal is not to eliminate refinements completely. The goal is to reduce unnecessary ones by diagnosing properly, staging wisely, and managing expectations.

We often say: a good refinement is better than a bad outcome.

Refinements show that you’re paying attention. They allow you to adapt, optimize, and finish stronger.

The question isn’t “Did I need a refinement?” The question is “Why did I need it, and what will I do differently next time?”

Myth 3: “Aligners can’t treat complex malocclusions”

Wrong.

We’ve treated Class II with mandibular advancement. We’ve treated deep bites, open bites, class III cases, orthognatic surgery cases...

Complex does not mean impossible. It means customized.

But here’s the truth: Most failed aligner cases weren’t too complex. They were simply misdiagnosed. Or poorly planned. Or both.

If your virtual setup ignores skeletal patterns, muscle forces, airway issues, or patient-specific habits... you’re not treating the case. You’re just moving teeth.

What works for complex cases?

• Clear objectives
• Proper staging
• Auxiliary support
• And the humility to ask for help when needed

You don’t have to treat everything right now. But don’t avoid complexity just because it feels uncomfortable. You can grow into it with the right education and support.

Myth 4: “There’s only one right way to treat with aligners”

If someone says, “This always works,” be skeptical.

There are principles in clear aligner therapy. Absolutely. But there are many ways to apply them.

Clinical experience, patient-specific goals, anchorage preferences: they all matter.

There is no universal checklist. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

What works in your hands may be different than what works in mine. And that’s not a problem. That’s the art of it.

The moment someone starts selling a rigid recipe, run. Because rigid recipes don’t leave room for thinking. And aligner therapy requires thinking.

At The CLEAR Institute, we don’t teach protocols. We teach principles. Because when you understand the “why,” you can build your own “how.”

Myth 5: “Diagnosis doesn’t change much in aligner treatment”

This one is dangerous.

Diagnosis changes everything.

The software doesn’t diagnose. The virtual setup doesn’t tell you what the patient actually needs. That’s your job.

And here’s what happens when we skip the hard part:

• We avoid vertical discrepancies because they make us uncomfortable
• We ignore muscle behavior because we don’t know how to assess it
• We downplay airway or skeletal issues because we don’t want to deal with them

But diagnosis is not about what feels good. It’s about what is true.

Your treatment is only as good as your diagnosis.

And yes, it takes time. Yes, it takes mental effort. But once you commit to diagnosing with honesty and depth, everything else gets easier.

You don’t need to know everything. But you do need to see what matters.

Final Thoughts

These myths aren’t harmless. They shape how we practice, what we offer, and how confident we feel in the process.

Success with clear aligners is not about magic. It’s not about luck. It’s about clarity.

And clarity only comes when we’re willing to let go of old stories, and replace them with understanding.

We’ll cover more myths in upcoming articles. There are plenty more to address: From attachments to retention, overengineering to overpromising.

But if this helped you shift your perspective, even a little, then we’ve already made progress.

Have fun Making the MOVE, and make some myths disappear while you're at it 😉

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Let’s stay at the forefront of advancements in clear aligner technology together!