ALIGNERS
What are Clear aligners?
Clear aligners provide an alternate option for straightening teeth besides traditional braces. Clear aligners are custom made thin plastic trays that are worn over the teeth to straighten them. The aligners should always be worn, other than when eating and drinking.
Clear aligners are one of the most popular courses of orthodontic treatment for adults, these aligners are sometimes referred to as ‘invisible braces’ due to their subtle appearance. This is because these aligners are transparent and custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth, a bit like a small mouthguard.
For many people, clear aligner treatment is synonymous with Invisalign, Spark, and Clear Correct, which are the most popular brands of these aligners available in Australia.
How do Clear aligners work?
After the initial assessment, a customised treatment plan will be created by our dentists, specially trained for clear aligner treatment. From there we will send it to the lab, and they will produce a series of clear aligner trays. These aligners will need to change every 2 weeks, this gentle process will allow your teeth to gradually move to the desired place. You will need to have regular appointment so your treatment can be monitored, and your next aligners issued. We keep the process as simple as we can, with as little disruption to you as possible. So, it really is never too late to have straight teeth.
Do clear aligners work for everyone?
Unfortunately, no. While they are suitable for most people some people will not be suited to them, whether you’re suited to clear aligner treatment depends on your case and the types of movements you need to undertake. Certain complex tooth movements require a fixed orthodontic appliance to achieve the required results.
If you’re not likely to consistently wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day, you may not be a good candidate for this type of treatment. You will need to book in for a consultation to see if the treatment option is right for you.
How long do clear aligners take to straighten teeth?
The average treatment period for these aligners is 9-18 months but will vary from case to case, depending on the tooth movements that need to take place. If however, you do not wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day, your treatment will be compromised and your treatment time may need to extend. Every mouth is different, so it’s important to book a consultation where you will be able to get an estimate of how long it will take to straighten your teeth with clear aligners.
Are clear aligners really invisible?
Not entirely – that would be impossible! Clear aligners are made of transparent medical-grade plastic that is much more difficult to detect than traditional metal braces. They’re certainly not invisible, but they're not highly noticeable either.
Do clear aligners work as well as braces?
While these aligners might seem like the magical option for adults wanting to get an amazing smile, they’re not always the best option. In some cases, braces may produce a superior treatment result due to the type of tooth movements required and the benefits of a fixed appliance. With expert planning and clinical knowledge, both aligners and braces are effective ways of straightening teeth so it’s important to speak to your dentist about what’s best for you and your smile in the long term.
Why not book an appointment today?