Get Straighter, More Beautiful Teeth with Clear Aligners in Atwell & Cockburn

Clear aligners are a modern and effective option for various dental concerns. They are designed to address issues that affect both the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth. Here’s a detailed look at the dental problems clear aligners can address:

• Crooked teeth:
  For those seeking a straighter smile, clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces. They gently guide crooked teeth into a more aligned position, improving your smile’s aesthetics and oral health.
• Overbite:
  An overbite, characterised by the upper teeth extending significantly over the lower teeth, can interfere with effective chewing and biting. Clear aligners can reposition these teeth, improving bite functionality and overall dental health.
• Underbite:
  In cases of an underbite, where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, there’s an increased risk of accelerated tooth wear and speech difficulties. Clear aligners can effectively manage this misalignment, promoting a more balanced bite and reducing potential complications.
• Crossbite:
  A crossbite, where some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth, can lead to chipping, excessive wear of the teeth, and even gum recession. Clear aligners are adept at addressing crossbites, helping to prevent further dental damage.
• Gaps in teeth:
  Spacing issues, such as gaps between teeth, can trap food and lead to gum disease. While clear aligners can close these gaps to create a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile, it’s important to note that there are limitations depending on the extent of the spacing.
• Open bite:
  Clear aligners effectively address open bites, where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet adequately. By moving the teeth into the proper position, they provide a proper bite closure, enhancing both aesthetics and function.
• Crowded teeth:
  Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all your teeth, leading to overlapping or twisting. This can make cleaning difficult and increase the risk of decay and gum disease. Clear aligners can reposition the teeth to alleviate crowding, improving oral hygiene and health.

If you’re experiencing any of these dental problems, scheduling your initial consultation at our clinic can be your first step. Our team of dentists can assess your oral health condition and determine if clear aligner treatment is the right choice for you.

Knowing the difference between clear aligners and traditional braces is important when considering orthodontic treatment. Both are effective in straightening teeth and improving smiles, but they offer distinct experiences and benefits.

• Appearance.
  Clear aligners, like ClearCorrect, are virtually invisible, making them a discreet choice for teeth alignment. These aligners match seamlessly with your natural smile, offering an aesthetic advantage, especially for adults.
  
  

  On the other hand, traditional braces are more noticeable, usually consisting of metal brackets and wires. While there are less visible options like ceramic braces, they still tend to be more apparent than clear aligners.

• Comfort and convenience.
  Known for their comfort, clear aligners for teeth are smooth and custom-fitted, reducing the risk of irritation to the cheeks and gums. They are also removable, allowing for easier cleaning and the freedom to eat without restrictions. Meanwhile, regular braces can sometimes cause discomfort due to the metal components. They also require dietary adjustments to avoid damaging the brackets.
• Treatment process.
  The treatment involves a series of aligner trays, each designed to make gradual adjustments to the teeth’s position. Patients generally switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks. In contrast, traditional braces require regular adjustments by a professional dentist. The wires and brackets are tightened periodically to guide the teeth into the desired position.
• Hygiene.
  Since clear aligners are removable, maintaining oral hygiene is more straightforward. You can brush and floss your teeth as usual without navigating around braces. Conversely, maintaining oral hygiene can be more challenging with traditional braces, as they require special tools to clean around the brackets and wires effectively.
• Treatment duration.
  The average treatment time with clear aligners can often be shorter than traditional braces, depending on the individual’s case. Many patients using this modern approach complete their treatment within 12 to 18 months.
  
  

  Alternatively, the duration of traditional braces treatment with braces varies widely but can sometimes be longer, especially in complex cases. Generally, the treatment with conventional braces can last between 18 months to three years.

• Customisation and precision:
  Clear aligners leverage advanced digital imaging and 3D modelling for precise treatment planning. Each aligner is custom-made, providing an exact fit and targeted tooth movement tailored to the individual’s dental structure.
  
  

  In contrast, while effective, traditional braces offer a more generalised approach. They rely on manual adjustments by the dentist and, although precise, may provide a different level of micro-adjustment than clear aligners do.

• Complexity of Orthodontic Treatment:
  Traditional braces are often preferred for more complex orthodontic cases. Their design allows for a broader range of adjustments, making them suitable for severe misalignments and bite problems.
  
  

  Clear aligners, on the other hand, are typically used for less complex cases. While effective for mild to moderate dental misalignments, they may not offer the same level of control as braces for intricate orthodontic challenges.

The duration of ClearCorrect aligner treatment varies depending on individual cases. However, many patients find that the average treatment time with clear aligners is shorter than that with traditional dental braces. Most individuals undergoing this advanced treatment option complete their journey towards a straightened smile within 12 to 18 months.

This timeframe, however, can differ depending on the complexity and specific orthodontic needs of each patient. Our dedicated team tailors every step of the treatment to provide effective care, aiming for optimal outcomes within this estimated treatment period.

To achieve optimal results, it’s recommended that patients wear their clear teeth aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day. This consistent wear is crucial for helping the teeth move according to the planned treatment schedule.

Furthermore, the aligners should be removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and for your oral hygiene routine. Adhering to this guideline is essential for achieving the desired outcome within the average treatment time and for the overall effectiveness of the clear aligner treatment.

Wearing ClearCorrect aligners, especially during the initial phase of treatment, may slightly affect your speech. Some patients at Atwell Smiles Dental report a temporary adjustment period where they experience a minor lisp or change in their pronunciation. This is a common and normal experience when starting with clear aligners for teeth, as your mouth adapts to having a new appliance.

Nevertheless, this adjustment period is generally brief, and most patients find that their speech returns to normal quite quickly as they become accustomed to the aligners. Regular speaking and practice can help expedite this adaptation process, leading to a smooth transition during your orthodontic treatment.

Undergoing treatment with a teeth aligner doesn’t require you to alter your lifestyle or significantly avoid most activities and sports. Yet, it’s essential to consider the nature of the sport or activity you’re engaged in. You can continue wearing your aligners as usual for non-contact sports and regular activities.

In the case of contact sports or activities with a risk of impact to the mouth, it’s advisable to remove the aligners and wear a protective mouthguard. This precaution helps to safeguard your teeth and the aligners. After the activity, you can simply put your clear aligners back in.

It is generally not recommended to smoke while wearing ClearCorrect aligners. Smoking can cause discolouration and staining of the clear aligners, which affects their discreet and virtually invisible appearance. Additionally, the heat and chemicals from tobacco may warp or damage the aligners, affecting their fit and effectiveness in aligning your teeth.

To help maintain the health of your teeth and the integrity of the aligners, it’s highly advisable to remove them if you choose to smoke. However, remember that frequent removal can reduce the overall wear time, which is crucial for the effectiveness of the treatment. It’s also essential to maintain good oral hygiene, as smoking can increase the risk of oral health issues.

It’s recommended to remove your clear teeth aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with the aligners can cause damage to them, as they are not designed to withstand the pressure and forces of chewing. Moreover, certain foods and drinks, especially those that are hot, coloured, or sugary, can stain the aligners or lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria.

To maintain the effectiveness of your clear aligner treatment and achieve optimal oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to take out the aligners during meals and snacks. After eating, brushing your teeth before reinserting the aligners is essential to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria, which could lead to dental issues. This practice helps in keeping both your aligners and teeth clean and in good condition throughout your treatment.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your aligners will help them remain clear, odour-free, and effective in aligning your teeth. As a guideline, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Regular cleaning:
  Clean your aligners each time you remove them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.
• Avoid coloured or abrasive cleaners:
  Use clear, gentle soap or a cleaner specifically designed for clear aligners. Coloured soaps can stain the aligners, and abrasive materials can create micro-scratches where bacteria can accumulate.
• Rinse after removal:
  Always rinse the aligners with water after removing them. This helps to remove saliva and plaque, and prevent dry saliva from building up on them.
• Brush and floss your teeth before reinsertion:
  To maintain oral hygiene and prevent trapping food particles or bacteria, brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
• Avoid harsh chemicals:
  Do not use alcohol-based mouthwashes or harsh chemicals to clean your aligners, as these can damage the plastic material.
• Store properly when not in use:
  When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in the case provided. This protects them from damage and prevents loss.

By following these care instructions, you can keep your clear teeth aligners in optimal condition, contributing to the effectiveness and comfort of your orthodontic treatment.

After completing your ClearCorrect treatment, the next step is to make your newly aligned smile remain stable. These are some of the things that happen in general:

• Evaluation.
  Your dentist will evaluate the final position of your teeth and determine if the desired outcome has been achieved.
• Retention phase.
  To maintain the alignment, you’ll likely be provided with a retainer. Retainers are crucial in preventing your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original position, a process known as relapse.
• Retainer usage.
  Initially, you may need to wear your retainer full-time, similar to how you wore your aligners. Over time, your dentist might reduce this to only wearing the retainer at night.
• Follow-up appointments.
  Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the stability of your teeth and the effectiveness of the retainer.
• Oral hygiene.
  Continue practising good oral hygiene to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
• Long-term care.
  Your dentist will provide guidance on long-term care and any specific instructions to maximise the lasting results of your treatment.

This post-treatment phase is essential in preserving the results of your clear teeth aligners treatment, helping you maintain a straight and healthy smile.

The cost of clear aligners in Atwell can range from $2,000 to $5,500, varying based on factors like the complexity of dental misalignment, the treatment duration, the dental clinic’s location, and individual case requirements.

Moreover, we provide a complimentary orthodontic consultation at Atwell Smiles Dental. This free initial consultation is an opportunity for a thorough assessment, allowing us to present a detailed cost breakdown specific to your treatment plan. Our approach provides you with all the necessary information to make a confident choice about investing in the health and aesthetics of your confident smile with ClearCorrect aligners.

Health fund cover for clear aligners, such as ClearCorrect, can vary depending on your specific policy and level of cover. Many health funds recognise clear aligners as a form of orthodontic treatment and may offer partial cover under their dental or orthodontic benefits. Then again, it’s essential to check with your individual health fund provider to understand the specifics of your cover, including any limits or waiting periods that may apply.

In line with this, our team is also available to assist with any queries related to health fund claims and cover for clear aligner treatments. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible, helping our patients access the orthodontic care they need with the support of their health fund benefits.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, we’re dedicated to making ClearCorrect treatment accessible for all our patients. We recognise that financial considerations are a crucial part of planning for orthodontic care, so we’ve established a variety of financing and payment options. Our goal is to offer flexibility and ease in managing the costs associated with your treatment.

We provide several payment plans to accommodate different financial situations, including Afterpay, Zip, Humm, Denticare, and smile.com.au. These options allow you to spread the cost of your ClearCorrect treatment over time, easing the immediate financial burden. Our team is here to guide you through these choices, helping you find a payment option that aligns with your budget and makes your journey to a better smile as smooth as possible.

Using ClearCorrect Aligners, like any orthodontic treatment, can come with some side effects, although they are generally mild and manageable. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:

• Discomfort:
  When you first start wearing aligners or switch to a new set, you may feel some pressure or discomfort as your teeth begin to shift. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days.
• Temporary speech changes:
  Some people notice a slight lisp or change in their speech when they first start wearing aligners. This usually improves as you get used to the aligners.
• Oral hygiene adjustments:
  Maintaining oral hygiene might require more effort. It’s important to brush and floss regularly to prevent food particles from getting trapped.
• Minor irritations:
  The clear aligners for teeth may cause slight irritation to the cheeks or gums initially, but this often goes away as your mouth adjusts to the aligners.

To have a positive experience with our ClearCorrect treatment, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided by our team of dental professionals and communicate any concerns with us.