Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect more than your smile. Left untreated, crowding and poor alignment can make teeth harder to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum problems over time.
At Adelaide Smile & Implant Centre in Hindmarsh, our experienced team offers clear aligner treatment for teens and adults, including Invisalign and SureSmile, as a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
Virtually Invisible: Clear aligners are made from a smooth, transparent material that fits closely over your teeth. Unlike metal brackets and wires, they are difficult to notice during everyday wear.
Removable for Eating and Cleaning: Aligners can be removed when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment compared to fixed braces.
No Metal Brackets or Wires: Without metal brackets or wires, clear aligners are generally more comfortable and cause less mouth irritation than traditional braces, particularly during the early stages of treatment.
Custom-Made for Your Teeth: Each set of aligners is custom-made to your teeth using digital scanning technology. Aligners are worn in a planned sequence, gradually moving your teeth toward their desired position.
Suitable for Teens and Adults: Clear aligner treatment is well-suited to adult patients and older teenagers looking for a less visible orthodontic option that fits around their lifestyle and daily routine.
Each set of custom-made aligners applies gentle pressure to shift your teeth incrementally toward their correct position. You progress through a planned series of trays, each one moving your teeth a little further, until the desired alignment is reached.
Treatment follows a structured pathway from your first assessment through to wearing your aligners and maintaining the result long term.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will assess your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. Digital scans or X-rays may be taken to support treatment planning and determine whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for your case.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
A personalised treatment plan is developed, outlining the number of aligner sets required, the expected duration of treatment, and the planned movement of your teeth at each stage.
Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners
You will receive your first set of aligners and progress through each set at intervals advised by your dentist. Aligners should be worn for the recommended number of hours each day to achieve the planned teeth movement.
Step 4: Retention
Once your teeth have reached their desired position, a retainer is provided to maintain the result and keep your teeth properly aligned over time.
Your dentist will outline what to expect at each stage during your initial consultation.
Clear aligners may be suitable for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or alignment concerns. They are a popular choice for adult patients who prefer a less visible treatment option that can be removed when needed.
Clear aligner treatment may not be suitable for all cases, particularly where more complex bite correction is required. Our team will assess your dental needs and discuss whether Invisalign or SureSmile is appropriate, or whether an alternative orthodontic treatment option may better suit your situation.
Our dentists at Adelaide Smile & Implant Centre have completed additional training in clear aligner therapy and use advanced technology to support treatment planning. We offer Invisalign and SureSmile at our Hindmarsh practice on Port Road, accessible by car, bus, and tram.
Get in touch with the team at Adelaide Smile & Implant Centre to book your initial consultation.
Call us on (08) 8004 8013 or contact us via our contact form.
Our practice offers Invisalign and SureSmile, both using custom-made, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Your dentist will assess which system is most appropriate for your case at your initial consultation.
The timeline differs from patient to patient, largely based on the degree of alignment needed and how consistently the aligners are worn each day. Your dentist will give you a clearer indication of the expected duration as part of your treatment plan.
To stay on track, aligners need to be worn for most of the day, typically around 20 to 22 hours. Taking them out for meals, hot drinks, and your brushing and flossing routine is all that is needed.
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment concerns. For more complex bite issues, your dentist may recommend an alternative orthodontic option. A thorough assessment at your consultation will determine the most appropriate approach.
The cost varies depending on your individual case, the aligner system chosen, and the duration of treatment required. Your dentist will provide a detailed quote following your initial assessment.
Some patients notice a slight adjustment when they first begin wearing aligners. Most find that any changes to speech settle within a few days.
