At Crown Dental Group, our dentists offer our own Australian-made, customised clear aligners.
There are many options to straighten crooked teeth. The most recognised and traditional style of orthodontic treatment is metal braces, but what if you don’t want metal brackets in your mouth? Well at Crown Dental Group we offer clear aligners, the alternative option that will straighten your teeth with more comfort.
What are clear aligners?
A virtually invisible and hygienic treatment, the clear aligner system uses an innovative approach to straighten your teeth.
These treatments use a series of custom-made aligners that are removable and fit only you. All you have to do is to wear these aligners, made of plastic, over your teeth to gradually move them to the right spot.
Because of their near see-through appearance, people will more than likely not even notice you are wearing them, meaning you don’t need to feel embarrassed about your teeth, unlike braces.
How much does it cost?
Clear aligners sit in the middle to upper range of braces as far as costs go, but their benefits make up for their extra costs.
How do clear aligners work?
Initially, we will take a range of x-rays and impressions to help organise your treatment. These records are then used to create an in-depth 3D dental plan, and the customised aligners are sent back to us after being built. From there, your custom-made aligners will be given to you (typically 3-4 sets at a time) for you to wear everyday and change them at home every 2 weeks. You are required to visit your dentist roughly every 6-8 weeks for check ups and to get your next set of aligners. Once your treatment is finished, a retainer may be used to help hold your teeth in their new place.
Fixed Vs Clear Braces
Clear aligners offer a more discreet orthodontic treatment than conventional braces and in general, orthodontic treatment using clear aligners is faster than traditional braces. Treatment can be completed in as little as 6 months, whilst traditional metal braces take about 18 months on average.
Advances have been seen in both procedures, and the decision of choosing between them has never been more confusing to some of our customers, who might not really be sure one way or the other.
Clear aligners are less painful than fixed metal braces. They’re easily removable, making eating and cleaning your teeth a lot easier than with metal braces! Clear aligners also mean fewer visits to the dentist than you would need with braces! However, the clear aligners can easily be misplaced or lost, unlike fixed metal braces. Additionally, you must wear your clear aligners for 20 – 22 hours every day in order to stay on track with your treatment plan.
Colour
The most crucial aspect of clear aligners is that they do what they claim, which is to be an almost completely invisible orthodontic treatment that doesn’t indicate you’re wearing braces.
This is particularly vital for some of our older and more established consumers, who may not have had the option to get dental treatments when they were adolescents or may have been hesitant about it all along. Now that they’ve reached an older age, there is a stigma associated with wearing braces, which can influence their decision to use clear aligners.
Time
Braces and clear aligners are generally quite close in terms of expected treatment time. While traditional metal braces might take two years to complete, clear aligners can cut down treatment time considerably, with most cases taking around 18 months for a comparable 2-year case of braces.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable. This implies that the therapy is a full 24/7 route with regular cleanings and a few operations to perform. Despite this, clear aligners aren’t flawless, since clients who wear them must remove them for eating and brushing, which of course is not a hard thing to do.
Risk
While we do everything in our power to avoid it, some of our customers might experience an allergic reaction to metal braces. If this happens, it will require removal and sometimes minor corrective surgery.
For the most part, our customers only need to remember to take the clear aligners system out when eating or drinking, since chewing with the clear aligners system can cause the brace to lose its clarity and become more noticeable to others.
Cost
You will generally find that clear aligners sits in the middle to upper price of braces, but stepping up ‘clarity’ in braces leads to a higher price tag, something clear aligners does better and offers outright for patients.
On average, the cost of clear aligners is higher than traditional braces on average. At Crown Dental Group, we can help you decide on which treatment plan would suit you best. Severe overcrowding may mean that you have to get metal braces, clear aligners are not recommended for severely crooked or misaligned teeth.
Clear Aligners Rowville and Narre Warren Victoria
When you come into our practice, the team here at Crown Dental Group aim to ensure you feel comfortable and fully assured with your treatment and the processes involved. We want to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, whilst maintaining healthy oral practices.
If you’re ready to book your appointment with Crown Dental Group or wish to make an enquiry, contact our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment take?
Clear aligner treatment is an excellent investment in your smile, and the duration of your treatment will depend on your unique needs. Typically, treatment lasts between 6 and 24 months, with an average of 18 months. Your dentist, who is trained in orthodontics, will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals, ensuring that you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted within a timeframe that suits your schedule.
How do I take care of my aligners?
To ensure proper maintenance of your clear aligners, adhere to these guidelines:
• Clean and rinse your teeth before reinserting your aligners.
• Clean your aligners regularly using a soft-bristled brush and mild soap, avoiding hot water.
• Store your aligners in their case.
• Keep your aligners away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Avoid consuming any staining substances while wearing your aligners.
• Consult your dental specialist if your aligners are damaged or do not fit properly.
How often do I have to wear aligners?
The frequency of wearing clear aligners will depend on your individual treatment plan as well as your dentist’s recommendations. In general, clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only during meals and for brushing and flossing. Consistency is key when it comes to achieving the desired results, so it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully and wear your aligners as prescribed. Failure to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time could result in a delay in achieving your desired outcome or even the need for additional treatment.