A straighter smile tends to be a healthier smile. When you invest in teeth straightening treatments, you don’t just improve the symmetry and appearance of your teeth; you also reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. But is it possible to truly straighten teeth without braces? Absolutely.
Clear Aligners: Modern Tooth Movement Without Braces
Removable clear aligner systems are a popular option when you want to avoid any fixed brackets or wires on your teeth. Most of these systems use a BPA-free clear material that’s moulded to the shape of your mouth and digitally printed to guide your tooth movement.
Whenever you wear clear aligners, you’re straightening your teeth from every angle of your smile instead of just one side of your teeth like traditional braces. This design allows removable orthodontic trays to work efficiently, comfortably, and predictably.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
The typical clear aligner system will use a series of removable teeth straightening trays that you wear for 1-2 weeks at a time. You must wear them as directed, as it could cause unwanted side effects if you don’t (also delaying your treatment.)
Each pair of aligners is slightly different from the previous set. The digital mapping software programs the position of each tooth, printing a tray where the teeth are slightly closer to your desired goal. As you transition from one set of aligners to the next, your teeth are safely and slowly nudged toward the desired results. That’s why most invisible aligner systems have a virtual preview option so that you can see the planned movement before treatment ever starts.
Are All Clear Aligner Systems The Same?
No, they are not. While most clear aligners all use 3D scanning, they may be designed differently, have special features, or require more or less time than other orthodontic treatments.
When you’re considering how to straighten teeth without braces, it’s a good idea to compare at least two or three different options. That way, you can rank the various types of aligner systems when it comes down to costs, treatment timeframes, and the versatility of each brand.
SmilePath
SmilePath is the most affordable clear aligner brand in Australia. It provides clear aligners for $1499. You need to wear their aligners for a maximum of 20 hours a day. Their treatment process lasts for 4 to 6 months.
EZ Smile
EZ Smile provides the second most affordable clear aligners in Australia. their clear aligners cost $2149. You need to wear their clear aligners for 20+ hours a day and the whole treatment process can take up to 4 to 8 months.
WonderSmile
WonderSmile allows you to get a 3D dental scan for $80 if you are not interested in getting their impression kit. Their aligners can cost you $2690. You need to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and the whole process can last up to 6 months.
SmileDirectClub
SmileDirectClub is a well-established clear aligners brand in Australia. It provides the facility of getting free 3D dental scans done in their SmileShops. Their aligners cost $2825. The treatment process lasts for about 4 to 6 months.
Byte
Byte is known as a pioneer of at-home clear aligners in Australia. It has introduced HyperByte which is an acceleration device that helps to quicken your treatment. Their treatment takes a maximum of 4 months and you can get Byte’s aligners for $2749.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
Typically, most clear aligner systems take about the same amount of time to straighten your teeth. However, that isn’t always the case. Some are for minor tooth movement in the front of your smile, while others are for your entire mouth. Depending on which you choose, your treatment might only take six months or could take a year and a half. Every situation is different.
The good news is that regardless of the length of treatment, clear aligners get shipped directly to your home or picked up at your dentist’s office in advance. You change the trays out as directed, which saves you time and limits the number of dental visits you need. Most people who want to straighten teeth without braces enjoy the time they save by choosing clear aligners instead.
Do Clear Aligners Work As Well As Braces?
Yes, but there are a few exceptions to the rule. That’s why you’ll need a virtual consultation or in-person exam before starting any type of clear aligner treatment. If you have a severe crossbite or impacted tooth, for example, you may need to see a specialist in person before beginning any type of orthodontic therapy, even if you want to straighten teeth without braces.
Since clear aligners are digitally mapped out ahead of time, you can “see” where your smile will be before starting treatment. The predictable nature shows you what you can expect before committing to treatment, understanding how well the system should work for your teeth well ahead of time. Your aligners can also be adjusted mid-treatment in some cases to ensure everything stays on track.
Removable Orthodontic Devices
On occasion, removable appliances are used to help straighten teeth, especially during early oral development in young children. These growth modification devices help encourage healthy tooth eruption patterns and jaw shape, allowing for a naturally straighter smile as your child grows.
Not all dentists or orthodontists use such removable orthognathic appliances, but they’re an option if you are looking for an alternative to fixed braces.
Which Option is Right for You?
Not every person qualifies for every type of braces or clear aligners. When you consult with your dental care provider, they can recommend the best alternative teeth straightening method for your unique smile.
Why wait? Reserve a no-obligation consultation to find out more about the types of clear braces and aligners available to see which ones are right for you.