Achieve Your Dream Smile with Clear Aligners in Joondalup

Clear aligners are custom-made, virtually transparent trays designed to gradually straighten teeth. They are an alternative to traditional metal braces and are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic. They fit snugly over the teeth and are replaced every few weeks to gently shift teeth into their desired positions.

The treatment process for custom-made clear aligners involves sequential, precise movements. Each set of custom aligners for teeth is crafted to apply controlled forces to specific teeth. These forces are strategically directed to move teeth horizontally, vertically, or even rotate them when needed. As teeth move, the bone surrounding the tooth root changes shape, allowing teeth to shift gradually and achieve a straight smile.
gradually and achieve a straight smile.

Clear aligners and traditional dental braces both improve misaligned teeth and bite problems, but their effectiveness can vary. While a series of aligners use modern technology to address various orthodontic issues, they have limitations and are functional in certain cases. They are particularly successful in addressing front teeth crowding and minor spacing problems.

Traditional braces may be more suitable for complex cases, such as severe crowding or significant bite issues. Braces provide more control over tooth movement, making them a preferred choice for achieving significant improvements in dental alignment. The choice of orthodontic treatment depends on your specific dental needs and treatment goals. A consultation with a dentist can give you further insights about clear aligners, explain their effectiveness over braces, and help you choose.

It’s normal to experience a slight lisp when first wearing your clear aligners. This occurs because the aligners slightly change the space within the mouth, affecting how the tongue interacts with the teeth and aligners. You may notice struggles or changes with how you pronounce “S” and “Z” sounds. As the tongue adjusts to the new shape and fit of the aligners, the lisp diminishes. Many individuals find that speech impediments improve within a few days to a few weeks. Practising speaking with the aligners can help you during this adjustment period, allowing for a smoother transition to normal speech.

Clear aligner treatments come with specific restrictions to achieve optimal results. Here are the main restrictions and their detailed explanations:

• Wearing time:
  Consistent wear is crucial for the progress of orthodontic treatment. You must wear your aligners for teeth for a recommended period, generally within 20 to 22 hours daily. Take them out of your mouth only when necessary, such as for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
• Proper care and cleaning:
  Plastic aligners need regular cleaning to maintain your oral hygiene and prevent them from staining. This involves brushing them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing them with lukewarm water. We highly recommend avoiding using non-abrasive toothpaste, as other products can be harsh on the aligner materials.
• Handling:
  Proper techniques for removing and wearing your clear teeth aligners are essential to avoid damaging them. Use your fingertips to carefully take them out without twisting.
• Dietary restrictions:
  To prevent damage or discolouration, avoid eating or drinking anything except water while wearing the aligners. Always take them out of your mouth before meals and snacks.
• Dental check-ups:
  Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the progress of your treatment and make adjustments as needed. These appointments are essential for keeping the treatment on track.

These guidelines help maintain the integrity of your clear teeth aligners and support optimal treatment outcomes. During your consultation with the dental professional, they will discuss the restrictions with clear aligners.

Properly cleaning your clear aligners is crucial to keeping them in good condition and functional as needed. Here are the recommended methods:

• Rinse regularly:
  Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them to prevent saliva and plaque buildup.
• Brush gently:
  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your clear teeth aligners gently.
• Soak daily:
  Soak your aligners in a clear aligner cleaning solution to help disinfect and minimise stains.
• Avoid hot water:
  Do not use hot water to clean your aligners, as it can warp the plastic, compromising their fit.
• Clean your teeth:
  Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and aligners.

Following these steps is essential to keeping your aligners clean. For individualised tips, you can talk to one of the dentists at Joondalup City Dental. Our team can give you more tips on how to clean your aligner trays properly.

Patients undergoing clear aligner therapy need to visit their dentist every 10 to 12 weeks. However, this frequency varies for each person and typically depends on the individual case or severity of the problem. These appointments are essential, as they allow your dentist to monitor treatment progress and make necessary adjustments.

Compared to traditional braces, which require more frequent visits for tightening and adjustments, clear teeth aligners usually require fewer dental clinic visits. This reduced need for frequent appointments makes clear aligner treatment a convenient option for many individuals.

Generally, clear aligners cost between $2,000 and $5,500, but the fee varies significantly from patient to patient based on the individual case. Factors influencing clear aligners cost include the severity of orthodontic problems, aligner treatment duration, specific oral health needs, the clinic’s location and others.

We recommend consulting your dentist for a personalised quote to understand the estimated cost of your clear aligners in Joondalup. At our dental clinic, we provide a custom treatment plan, including the possible fees associated with your aligners, based on assessment. Please don’t hesitate to contact Joondalup City Dental for more information about clear aligners cost.

Private health funds offer to pay a portion or full of the cost of clear aligners, depending on the policy. Generally, a higher level of dental plan is required since orthodontic treatments are considered major dental work. That being said, if you have a high level of plan or dental cover, you may be eligible to claim benefits.

There is no “one size fits all” standard in health fund cover for dental procedures. It’s important to check with your health fund provider to understand the details and requirements needed to be eligible to claim benefits. This will help determine any out-of-pocket expenses that might be incurred. Additionally, our team at Joondalup City Dental can answer your questions about how the health fund works for clear aligners. We also offer various payment plans to help you manage the cost of your aligner treatment.

It’s normal to experience discomfort when starting clear aligner treatment. Listed below are some ways to manage it:

• Over-the-counter pain relief:
  Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
• Rinse with warm salt water:
  Gargling with a warm salt water rinse can help soothe sore spots in your mouth. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth gently.
• Apply cold compresses:
  Applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth may help reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Switch aligners before bed:
  Starting a new set of custom aligner trays before bed allows your mouth to adjust while you sleep, which can help reduce the risk of feeling pain.
• Eat soft foods:
  Stick to soft foods to minimise discomfort during the first few days of wearing new orthodontic aligners.
• Use orthodontic wax:
  Try to apply orthodontic wax to the edges of your aligners to help prevent irritation to your gums and cheeks. However, we highly suggest consulting your dentist for suitability and proper ways to use an orthodontic wax.

These methods can help ease any discomfort, making the adjustment process smoother. If pain persists, please consult your dentist for advice.

Wearing retainers is crucial to maintaining your new, beautiful smile upon completion of treatment. These devices help keep teeth in their positions by preventing them from shifting back. It is usually recommended to wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to night-time wear as advised by your dentist.

Proper dental care and cleaning of your retainers are essential to prolonging their lifespan and maintaining optimal dental hygiene. Regular check-ups are also important to monitor the alignment and condition of your teeth and retainers.