Clear Aligners and Teeth Straightening
What are clear aligners?
Clear Aligners are thin, transparent trays designed to straighten teeth. They gently reposition crooked teeth into the desired position. These aligners are sometimes referred to as ‘invisible braces’ because these aligners are transparent and custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth, a bit like a thin mouthguard.
Do clear aligners actually work?
Yes, clear aligners are highly effective for straightening teeth and are one of the most popular courses of orthodontic treatment for adults. They can be removed and worn again easily all by yourself, letting you maintain your dental hygiene and eat your favourite foods without constraints.
However, not every case is suitable for clear aligners. Some complex cases may still require fixed orthodontic appliance (traditional braces) to achieve predictable results.
What’s the process?
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A 3D scan is taken for assessment.
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A 3D simulation of what your teeth will look like after treatment is presented. At this point, a detailed treatment plan will be given.
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The trays are ordered and some small tooth coloured composite resin ‘attachments’ are placed on teeth to help the aligners move the teeth in the desired directions. Small amounts of space may be made between teeth to ease crowding. And you are sent home with the first set of aligners.
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You need to wear each set of aligners for 20-22 hours for 7-14 days before switching to another set. You can expect to have a dental visit, review of progress and further aligners issued about every 2-6 weeks.
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At the end of treatment, the attachments are removed. Retainers are provided to hold the teeth in their new position.
How long is the treatment and what's the cost?
While it's hard to tell how long it the treatment will be without a full assessment, most cases take 3-12 months. The cost will depend on the complexity of the case. Most cases cost between $3000 to $8000.
Don’t put off getting the smile of your dreams, book your free consultation today on (03) 9583 1654.