Orthodontic aligner with isolated segments

An orthodontic aligner comprising:

• a first plastic segment having a first shape that fits over a first portion of a dental arch of a patient, wherein the first plastic segment is configured to apply a first force to a first set of teeth in the first portion of the dental arch;
• a second plastic segment having a second shape that fits over a second portion of the dental arch of the patient, wherein the second plastic segment is configured to apply a second force to a second set of teeth in the second portion of the dental arch;
• and
• a connector disposed between the first plastic segment and the second plastic segment, the connector configured to be disposed along a third set of teeth in a third portion of the dental arch without exerting a clinically significant force on the third set of teeth, wherein the connector spans a gap between the first plastic segment and the second plastic segment, the gap corresponding to the third set of teeth that are not to receive the clinically significant force, and wherein the connector comprises a flexible material that will perform at least one of flex, move or change shape responsive to applied forces.