Clear Aligner Treatment at Noosa Hinterland Dental
Clear Aligner Teeth Straightening for Adults and Teenagers
Clear aligners move teeth gradually using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Because they’re clear and you can take them out to eat and clean your teeth, they suit many people’s lifestyles.
At Noosa Hinterland Dental in Pomona, we offer clear aligner treatment, including Invisalign®, for teenagers and adults. We’ll assess your teeth and bite, explain whether clear aligners are suitable for you, and talk through what’s involved, the timeframe and the cost.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner treatment uses a series of thin, clear trays made to fit your teeth. Each set moves your teeth a small step, and you change to the next set as planned. Your treatment is mapped out digitally before you start, so you can see how your teeth are planned to move.
Clear aligners are usually less noticeable than braces, although they’re not completely invisible. Some people need small tooth-coloured bumps, called attachments, on certain teeth to help the aligners grip and guide the teeth.
There are several clear aligner brands, including Invisalign. Your dentist will suggest the system that suits your treatment.
For treatment to work as planned, aligners need to be worn for around 20 to 22 hours a day.
What Can Clear Aligners Help With?
Clear aligners can be used for many common alignment and bite concerns, including:
- Crowded teeth: when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to line up
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite: when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth more than usual
- Underbite: when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite: when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Open bite: when the front teeth don’t meet when you bite together
Many of these can be treated with clear aligners, but not all. Some cases are better suited to braces, and some need a referral to a specialist orthodontist. We’ll explain what applies to you.
What to Expect
- Consultation and scan. We examine your teeth, gums and bite, and take a digital scan, photos and X-rays.
- Your treatment plan. We map out your tooth movements and explain the number of aligners, the estimated treatment time and the cost.
- Wearing your aligners. You wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush your teeth. You move to each new set as planned.
- Check-ups. We see you regularly to check progress. Sometimes a few extra aligners are needed to fine-tune the result.
- Retainers. Once treatment is finished, retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions.
It’s normal to feel some pressure or tenderness for a day or two with each new set of aligners, and some people notice a slight change in their speech at first.
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is important, as food and plaque trapped under the aligners can increase the risk of decay and gum problems.
Clear Aligners or Braces?
Both move teeth gradually, and the right choice depends on your teeth, your bite and your lifestyle.
Clear Aligners
- clear and removable
- taken out to eat and clean your teeth
- need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day
- suit many, but not all, cases
Braces
- fixed to the teeth, so there’s nothing to remember to wear
- suit a wide range of cases, including more complex ones
- need extra care when cleaning and eating
Your dentist will talk you through which option is suitable for you.
Clear Aligner Costs in Pomona
The cost depends on how complex your treatment is and how many aligners you need. After your assessment, you’ll receive a written treatment plan and quote, which sets out exactly what’s included.
Payment Options
Payment plans are available through DentiCare to help spread the cost. If you’re interested, our team will explain how the plans work, including the terms and conditions and who is eligible, when you ask.
Some private health funds include orthodontic cover, so it’s worth checking with yours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Usually 20 to 22 hours a day. We’ll explain the wear schedule for your treatment.
Yes. We offer Invisalign as well as other clear aligner systems. Your dentist will explain which system is suitable for your treatment.
Most people feel some pressure or tenderness for a day or two when they start a new set of aligners, which usually settles quickly.
They’re clear and usually less noticeable than braces, but they’re not completely invisible, especially if attachments are used.
You take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than water. Brush your teeth before putting them back in.
It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Simple cases can take a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or more. We’ll give you an estimate as part of your plan.
Yes, many teenagers have clear aligner treatment, as long as they’re able to wear their aligners consistently. We’ll talk this through with you and your child at the assessment.
Yes. Age alone isn’t a barrier, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
Your teeth may not move as planned, and treatment can take longer. If you’re having trouble, let us know and we’ll help get you back on track.
Yes. Teeth can move after treatment, so retainers help keep them in their new positions. We’ll explain how and when to wear yours.
Talk to Us About Clear Aligners
If you’re thinking about clear aligners, book a consultation at our Pomona practice. We’ll look at your teeth and bite, explain whether clear aligners or another option is suitable, and go through the timeframe and costs. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
We welcome patients from Cooroy, Noosaville, Eumundi and across the Noosa Hinterland and Sunshine Coast.