Each set of aligners is designed to create specific tooth movements as planned by your dentist. You typically change to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks, with the exact schedule determined by your treatment plan. Treatment typically takes 12-24 months depending on individual circumstances, with most patients wearing between 18-30 sets of aligners during treatment.

Important considerations: Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day for treatment to progress as planned. Inadequate wear time may extend treatment duration or affect outcomes. Treatment success depends on patient compliance with the wearing schedule, and individual results vary based on many factors.

When considering orthodontic treatment, it’s important to understand the differences between available options:

Clear Aligners (such as Invisalign) are removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning, less visible than metal braces, and made of smooth plastic material. They’re suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic cases but require patient compliance with wearing 20-22 hours daily.

Traditional Metal Braces are fixed to teeth throughout treatment, effective for complex orthodontic cases, and don’t rely on patient compliance for wear time. They’re more visible than clear aligners and may be more cost-effective for some cases.

Ceramic Braces function similarly to metal braces but use tooth-coloured brackets, making them less visible whilst remaining fixed to teeth throughout treatment.

Lingual Braces have brackets placed on the back of teeth, making them not visible from the front. They’re suitable for complex cases though may affect speech initially.

Spark Clear Aligners are an alternative clear aligner system with custom-made aligners for gradual tooth movement and a removable design similar to Invisalign.

Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on your individual assessment, treatment needs, and circumstances.

Your first appointment includes a comprehensive oral examination where we discuss your treatment goals and assess whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for your case. We’ll explain the treatment process, timeline, and costs. Please note that not all orthodontic cases can be treated with clear aligners, and your dentist will advise if an alternative treatment would be more appropriate.

If clear aligner treatment is suitable, we use 3D digital scanning to create a model of your teeth and develop a personalised treatment plan. You’ll see a simulation of the proposed tooth movements and receive an estimated timeline. Treatment simulations show planned movements only—actual outcomes depend on various factors including treatment compliance and individual biological response.

At your fitting appointment, you’ll receive your first sets of aligners along with instructions on the wearing schedule (typically 20-22 hours per day) and guidance on care and maintenance. Throughout treatment, regular check-ups every 4-8 weeks allow us to monitor progress, provide new aligners, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

After completing treatment, retention is essential to maintain tooth positions. Initially, retainers are typically worn most of the day for the first 3-6 months, with a gradual transition to nighttime wear. Long-term nighttime retention is recommended indefinitely to prevent teeth from shifting, with regular check-ups and retainer replacement as needed (typically every 2-3 years). Failure to wear retainers as directed may result in tooth movement and loss of treatment results.

After completing treatment, retention is essential to maintain tooth positions as teeth naturally tend to shift over time without retention. Initially, retainers are typically worn most of the day for the first 3-6 months, with a gradual transition to nighttime wear. Long-term nighttime retention is recommended indefinitely to prevent teeth from shifting, with regular check-ups and retainer replacement as needed (typically every 2-3 years).

Important: Failure to wear retainers as directed may result in tooth movement and loss of treatment results.

Treatment costs vary based on individual requirements. Factors affecting cost include the complexity of tooth movement required, treatment duration, number of aligners needed, and any additional procedures required. We provide detailed cost information during your consultation, including all anticipated fees.

Payment options include:

• Private health insurance (orthodontic benefits)
• HICAPS facility for immediate insurance claims processing
• Payment plans through ZipMoney (subject to credit assessment, terms and conditions, and credit acceptance by ZipMoney)

For information about payment plans, please refer to our payment plan page or discuss options during your consultation.

As with any orthodontic treatment, clear aligner treatment involves certain risks and considerations that you should understand before proceeding.

Common side effects may include temporary tooth sensitivity or discomfort (particularly when changing aligners), gum or cheek irritation, temporary speech changes, and mild soreness of teeth and gums.

Treatment success depends on: wearing aligners 20-22 hours per day (failure to comply will extend treatment time or affect outcomes), removing aligners for eating and drinking (except water), maintaining excellent oral hygiene (inadequate hygiene increases risk of tooth decay and gum disease), and attending all scheduled appointments.

Treatment limitations: Clear aligners are not suitable for all cases. Complex tooth movements may require additional procedures such as attachment buttons, interproximal reduction, elastic wear, or transition to fixed braces.

Potential complications include tooth decay or gum disease, root resorption, temporomandibular joint issues, allergic reactions (rare), damage to existing dental work, incomplete correction requiring additional treatment, and relapse without proper retention.

Contact the practice immediately if you experience severe or persistent pain, damaged aligners, excessive tooth mobility, cuts or sores that don’t heal, signs of infection, or poor aligner fit.

Treatment outcomes vary based on compliance, individual biological response, and case complexity. Not all desired tooth movements may be achievable. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.