When we have orthodontic issues the last thing we want to do is draw attention to them. Historically, this has been hard to avoid, as traditional metal braces used to be our only option. They developed a bad reputation over time, and it’s not hard to see why – patients would have to put up with at least 18 months to 3 whole years of being uncomfortable and self-conscious about their smiles! 

Nowadays, advancements in technology have made clear aligners accessible for all. Doing away with flashy metal wires, this tooth-straightening method has changed the face of orthodontics – literally! But the treatment process isn’t exactly well known. With so many outdated misconceptions about cost, comfort, and treatment duration, you may be wondering what type of clear aligner is best for you, and what their benefits are.

At Crestmead Dental, the team is dedicated to providing guidance and expertise in the field of clear aligners, ensuring patients have all the necessary information to make the best choice for their oral health.

What are the Advantages of Clear Aligners?

First thing’s first, it can be helpful to learn the benefits of an orthodontic treatment to get a sense for how suitable it might be. Clear aligner treatment offers several advantages over traditional braces, including:

• Appearance

Whether you have important life events coming up, or simply don’t like the thought of a mouth full of metal, clear aligners allow you to go about your life with no obvious changes in appearance. Unlike metal braces, they are virtually invisible when worn, blending seamlessly with the natural colour of your teeth.

• Removability

They also offer greater flexibility in your day to day activities. Because you can remove them at will, you’ll have none of the food restrictions or oral hygiene challenges that are commonly associated with traditional braces. Wearers can eat, brush and floss as usual, or take short breaks from time to time.

• Comfort

One of the most common complaints about old-fashioned braces was discomfort and irritation. Although the process of moving teeth sounds unavoidably painful, modern aligners provide a far more comfortable treatment experience without the need for tightening. Not only are they made out of smooth materials, but they also utilise advanced technology to create the perfect fit for your mouth.

• Improved Oral Health

Since clear aligners are removable, there is no obstruction when it comes to thorough cleaning. This makes it easy to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment, and reduces the risk of tooth decay or gum disease. They even help to save you money on visits to the dentist, with shorter treatment times and more cost-effective methods.

What are My Clear Tooth-Straightening Solutions?

For anyone who wants an affordable, comfortable, and discreet solution to their orthodontic problems, Crestmead Dental provides the very best in clear tooth-straightening. Depending on your circumstances, these experienced professionals will provide one of the following:

Invisalign:

Invisalign is one of the most popular and widely recognised brands of clear aligners. It utilises a series of custom-made, transparent aligner trays to gradually shift the teeth into their proper position with minimal discomfort. After a comprehensive examination, advanced 3D imaging technology is used to create digital representations of the treatment plan, allowing you to visualise your results before you even begin. 

Invisalign trays are worn for a few weeks at a time before being replaced with the next set in the series. The severity of your issues will determine the number of aligners you will need, and regular check-ups ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. So long as you wear your aligners for 22 hours or more every day, Invisalign can straighten your teeth discreetly in as little as 12 months. 

SmileFast:

If your orthodontic problems are a little more complicated, braces might be unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of clear, tooth-straightening technology. With SmileFast short-term braces, you get the final results of traditional braces, without the embarrassment of metal wires or the long, tedious treatment time.

In fact, the leading technology behind SmileFast can even lead to visible improvements in just 6 to 9 months. Clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires give you the confidence to smile with ease, while the invisible frame corrects minor to moderate dental misalignments unobtrusively. As a cosmetic procedure that mostly targets front teeth rather than jaw or gum issues, SmileFast is perfect for issues such as crooked teeth or crowded teeth.

How to Get Clear Aligners with Crestmead Dental

The process of getting clear aligners involves a comprehensive consultation with an orthodontist, customised treatment planning, aligner fabrication, daily use over the course of several months, and regular monitoring of tooth movements. But if this sounds like a lot to take in, don’t worry – friendly, caring professionals like the team at Crestmead Dental are here to do all the work for you, while you go about your life as usual.

For more information about how much clear aligners cost, what kinds of problems they can solve, or whether they’re right for you, just get in touch. Crestmead Dental provides a full range of orthodontic and dental care, from cosmetic procedures like crowns, bridges, veneers, fillings, and whitening, to general procedures like cleaning, root canals, tooth removals, dentures, children’s dentistry, and emergency appointments.

With a new patient examination offer that nearly halves the cost of your first consultation, Crestmead Dental is the affordable, high quality clinic for all your dental needs. And if you live in Marsden, Logan, or Browns Plains, they’re just around the corner. Call (07) 3805 7765 or book online to discuss the right clear aligner treatment for you.