1. clear plastic dental devices worn over teeth to gradually straighten them
Usage: medical; orthodontic
2. devices or tools that position or arrange things in a straight line or proper order
Usage: technical

Examples

• She wore her aligners for 22 hours each day as recommended by her orthodontist.
• The clear aligners were nearly invisible when she smiled.
• He switched to a new set of aligners every two weeks.
• The dental aligners gradually moved her teeth into the correct position.
• The factory used mechanical aligners to position parts on the assembly line.
• Optical aligners ensure the laser beam travels in a straight path.