Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment
Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment
Treatment uses a planned sequence of custom-made removable aligners to gradually move the teeth towards their intended positions.
At Station St Dental, we approach clear aligner treatment as orthodontic treatment rather than simply a cosmetic procedure. Tooth movement needs to be considered alongside the health of your teeth and gums, your bite, existing restorations and your longer-term dental needs.
For appropriately selected patients, clear aligners can provide an excellent way to improve both the alignment and appearance of the smile while preserving natural tooth structure.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners can be used to manage many common orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Teeth that have moved following previous orthodontic treatment
- Certain bite discrepancies
- Tooth positions that compromise the appearance or function of the smile
Not every orthodontic problem is ideally treated with aligners. More complex tooth movements or bite problems may be better managed with conventional orthodontics or specialist orthodontic care.
Part of our assessment is determining whether aligners are genuinely appropriate for the result you are trying to achieve.
Your Clear Aligner Assessment
Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation and dental assessment.
This may include:
- Examination of your teeth, gums and bite
- A high-resolution digital intraoral scan
- Clinical dental photography
- Appropriate dental X-rays
- Assessment of existing fillings, crowns and other restorations
- Discussion about what you would like to change
Healthy teeth and gums are important before orthodontic movement begins. Any active dental or periodontal problems generally need to be addressed before proceeding with treatment.
Digital Treatment Planning
A digital treatment simulation can show the intended sequence of movement and provide an indication of the proposed final tooth positions.
This is an extremely useful planning and communication tool, but it is important to understand that a digital simulation is a treatment plan rather than a guarantee of the biological response of individual teeth.
We review the proposed movements clinically before treatment begins and monitor progress throughout treatment.
What Is Treatment Like
Clear aligners are removable and designed to fit closely over the teeth.
Each aligner is worn for the prescribed period before progressing to the next stage in the sequence. For treatment to progress as planned, aligners need to be worn consistently for the recommended amount of time each day.
Because they are removable, you can take them out for eating and clean your teeth normally. This can make maintaining oral hygiene considerably easier than with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Small tooth-coloured attachments may sometimes be placed on selected teeth to help the aligners achieve particular movements.
Depending on the case, minor adjustments between teeth or other techniques may also form part of treatment.
More Than Straight Teeth
For some patients, improving tooth position is the only treatment required.
For others, orthodontic alignment can form part of a broader aesthetic or restorative treatment plan.
Moving teeth into better positions before restorative treatment can sometimes allow us to achieve the desired result more conservatively -reducing the amount of natural tooth structure that would otherwise need to be altered.
For example, clear aligner treatment may be considered before:
- Composite bonding
- Ceramic veneers
- Replacement of missing teeth
- Other restorative or aesthetic treatment
This reflects an important part of our treatment philosophy: where appropriate, move the tooth ratherthan unnecessarily remove healthy tooth structure to disguise its position.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Many adults who consider orthodontic treatment aren’t looking for dramatic change. They may simply have noticed increasing crowding, movement of previously straight teeth or one or two positions within their smile that have bothered them for some time.
Clear aligners can be particularly attractive in these situations because treatment is discreet and can often be incorporated into normal professional and social life.
Age itself isn’t necessarily a barrier to orthodontic treatment. What matters more is the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone and whetherthe proposed movements are appropriate.
After Clear Aligner Treatment
Teeth have a natural tendency to move following orthodontic treatment.
Retention is therefore an important part of treatment, and retainers will generally be required after active tooth movement has been completed.
Why Choose Station St Dental?
Truly Holistic Dental Care
Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry
To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.
A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment
Family-Focused Dentistry
It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.
Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.
We Also Accept All Major Health Funds
