What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners offer a modern, effective, and discreet solution for straightening teeth while enhancing your overall facial appearance. Custom-designed and made from high-quality materials, these nearly invisible aligners are suitable for patients of all ages, whether you're a teen or an adult.

In addition to correcting misalignment and bite issues, clear aligners help improve facial symmetry and balance, resulting in a more harmonious and confident smile. Comfortable and removable, they fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, allowing you to maintain oral hygiene and enjoy your favourite food.
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Clear Aligners provide a comprehensive solution that addresses both oral health and facial aesthetics, giving you the confidence to look and feel your best.

​Tooth Angels Dental Surgeons provides two clear aligner options:

Invisalign®: A leading orthodontic solution utilising custom-made, transparent aligners crafted from SmartTrack material to deliver more predictable tooth movements.
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Smartee®: Founded in 2004, Smartee integrates material science, 3D printing, and advanced digital systems to deliver highly customised aligners specifically designed for every patient.

When to consider having Clear Aligners?

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Why Clear Aligners Are the Preferred Choice for Many Patients​

1. Value Aesthetics
Clear aligners are nearly invisible, offering a discreet teeth-straightening option without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces, making them ideal for those who prioritise aesthetics.

2. Desire Comfort
Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, clear aligners are designed to minimise irritation and provide a comfortable orthodontic experience compared to the brackets and wires of braces.

3. Prioritise Removability
Clear aligners are removable, allowing you the flexibility to eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease. This convenience fits seamlessly into daily routines.

4. Emphasise Oral Hygiene
Removable aligners make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. You can brush and floss thoroughly, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and other dental issues during treatment.

5. Seek Personalisation  
Each set of aligners is custom-designed using advanced 3D imaging technology to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

6. Prefer Predictable Results
Clear aligners offer a visualised treatment plan that outlines the anticipated tooth movements, allowing you to track your progress and stay informed about the results.

7. Avoid Dietary Restrictions  
Unlike braces, clear aligners impose no dietary restrictions. You can enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about damaging orthodontic appliances.

8. Minimise Discomfort  
Clear aligners use gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth, resulting in less discomfort during adjustments compared to traditional braces.

9. Embrace Convenience
Perfect for busy lifestyles, clear aligners provide a versatile solution that integrates effortlessly into your daily activities, from work to social events.

10. Address Various Orthodontic Issues  
Clear aligners can effectively correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, offering a comprehensive solution for different needs. 

By addressing both functional and aesthetic goals, clear aligners provide an efficient and comfortable alternative for achieving a confident, aligned smile.

What Teeth Problems Can Clear Aligners Treat?

Facially Driven Clear Aligner Treatment:
Enhance Your Smile and Facial Aesthetic

At Tooth Angels Dental Surgeons, we believe that a truly beautiful smile is about more than just straight teeth—it’s about achieving harmony and balance with your unique facial features. Facially driven clear aligner treatment focuses on aligning your teeth while enhancing your overall facial aesthetics and natural beauty.

Correcting Severe Class II Malocclusion
In cases of severe Class II malocclusion, where the upper teeth and jaw are significantly misaligned with the lower teeth, clear aligners can address both dental and facial concerns. Class II malocclusion often leads to pronounced overbites, causing facial asymmetry, jaw discomfort, and an unbalanced smile. Clear aligners work to gradually reposition teeth and correct the bite, improving functionality, appearance, and facial balance.

A Holistic, Personalised Approach
Our approach goes beyond straightening teeth. We assess your facial proportions, including the relationship of your eyes, lips, and contours to your teeth, to create a smile that enhances the natural symmetry of your face. This holistic method ensures that your smile design complements your unique features.

Achieving Facial Harmony
By integrating clear aligners with facial aesthetic considerations, we tailor your treatment to suit your individual needs. Clear aligner systems are designed to correct severe misalignments and jaw issues, delivering functional results while enhancing the beauty and balance of your smile and face.

With facially driven clear aligner treatment, you’ll achieve a smile that’s not only straight but also aligned with your natural features, enhancing your confidence and overall appearance.

Would the Clear Aligner Treatment
​be as effective as braces?

When considering orthodontic treatment, both clear aligners and traditional braces are effective options for straightening teeth and correcting misalignments. However, the choice often depends on the complexity of the case, treatment goals, and lifestyle preferences. Below is a comparison of clear aligners and the different types of braces to help you make an informed decision.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners use advanced 3D imaging to create custom-designed trays that gradually guide teeth into their proper positions. Initially recommended for mild to moderate cases, recent advancements in clear aligner technology have expanded their effectiveness to include more complex orthodontic issues, such as severe misalignments and bite corrections. Both brands, Smartee® and Invisalign® are able to treat more complex tooth problems and issues.
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Clear aligners are removable, making them convenient for eating, drinking, and maintaining oral hygiene. However, they require strict compliance—aligners must be worn for at least 20–22 hours a day to achieve the desired results. This treatment is best suited for motivated patients who can commit to consistent wear. Patients must also remember not to remove the aligners for more than an hour each time, as their teeth might shift slightly and wearing the clear aligners again may cause some discomfort.

Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain the gold standard for orthodontic treatment and are highly effective for correcting all types of dental issues, including complex cases like severe overcrowding, extreme bite problems, and teeth rotations.
Metal braces use brackets and wires to apply consistent pressure to teeth, gradually moving them into alignment. Periodic adjustments by an orthodontist ensure steady progress. Although reliable and versatile, metal braces are visible and require dietary restrictions to avoid damage to brackets and wires.

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets, making them less noticeable. This aesthetic advantage makes them popular among adults and teens who want effective orthodontic treatment without the appearance of traditional metal braces.
However, ceramic braces are more delicate and prone to staining, so they require careful maintenance. They are best suited for mild to moderate cases or for patients who prioritise aesthetics during treatment.

Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the back (lingual side) of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. They are effective for correcting complex orthodontic cases, similar to metal braces. However, due to their position, they can be more challenging to clean and may affect speech and comfort initially. Lingual braces are ideal for patients who want a discreet treatment option but are comfortable with additional care and adjustment time.

Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are a modern alternative to traditional braces. Instead of elastic bands, they use a built-in sliding mechanism to hold the archwire in place. This system reduces friction, allowing teeth to move more freely and potentially shortening treatment time.

Self-ligating braces are available in both metal and ceramic options, offering a blend of efficiency and aesthetics. They also require fewer adjustments, making them a convenient choice for busy patients. Self-ligating braces can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild to severe cases.

What Is The Effectiveness And Differences Between The Different Teeth Straightening Treatments?

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The choice between
clear aligners and braces ultimately depends on individual needs, preferences, and the orthodontic issue being addressed.

At Tooth Angels Dental Surgeons, we provide a comprehensive range of orthodontic options, including clear aligners, traditional braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.

Our experienced team carefully evaluates your dental condition and goals to recommend the most suitable treatment plan, ensuring the best possible outcome for your smile.

Type	Best For	Advantages	Considerations
Clear Aligners like Smartee® and Invisalign®	Mild to moderate misalignments, requires motivated and disciplined patients​	Removable, discreet, and custom-fit	Requires strict compliance and discipline
Metal Braces	​Complex cases, severe misalignments	Durable, effective for all cases	It's very visible, many dietary restrictions
Ceramic Braces	Aesthetic preference, mild to moderate cases	Less visible than metal braces	Fragile, prone to staining
Lingual Braces	Discreet treatment for complex cases	Invisible from the front	Harder to clean, initial speech discomfort
Self-Ligating Braces	All cases, patients seeking shorter treatment	Efficient, fewer adjustments, less friction	May still be visible, depending on material

What Are The Benefits of Clear Aligners like 
Smartee® and Invisalign®

Invisible

Clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces.

​This helps to enhance your confidence and the treatment feels more bearable.

Comfortable and easy to clean

Crafted from smooth, BPA-free plastic, Clear aligners offer a comfortable and irritation-free orthodontic experience.

​Aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, providing greater flexibility in daily activities.

​Aligners also exert gentle pressure on the teeth, resulting in less discomfort compared to the adjustments required with traditional braces.

Improved Oral Hygiene

With the ability to remove the aligners, maintaining good oral hygiene is easier compared to traditional braces, reducing the risk of issues like cavities and gum disease.

Predictable

Aligner treatment allows for a clear visualization of the planned tooth movements, providing a predictable outcome and enabling you to see your progress.

Each set of aligners is custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology, ensuring a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique dental needs.​

No Restrictions to your diet

Unlike traditional braces that come with dietary restrictions, clear aligners let you enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging braces or wires.

Suitable for all ages

Clear aligners are well-suited for teens and working adults, offering a discreet and convenient orthodontic solution that aligns with various lifestyles.

Clear aligners can effectively address a range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, making it a versatile choice for all.​

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent plastic trays designed to fit snugly over your teeth. They apply gentle, deliberate pressure to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions, improving both alignment and appearance.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners use advanced 3D imaging to plan the movement of your teeth in stages. You will wear each set of aligners for a prescribed period (typically two weeks), gradually guiding your teeth closer to their ideal alignment.

How Long MUST I wear The Clear Aligners Everyday?

Clear aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing or flossing your teeth. Removal time should not exceed one hour. Failing to wear them for the required time may delay your treatment.

Are Clear Aligners Suitable For EveryOne?

Clear aligners are ideal for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. However, complex orthodontic issues, such as severely crowded teeth or ankylosed teeth, may require alternative treatments like traditional braces. Best to consult your dentist to determine suitability.

What Are the risks associated with clear aligners?

Some potential risks include:

• Soreness or irritation in the mouth, especially when switching aligners.
• Alterations in your bite, which may require adjustments. 
• Relapse of tooth movement if retainers are not worn post-treatment.
• Increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease if oral hygiene is neglected.
• Teeth that have been overlapped may reveal gum attachment loss (e.g., black triangles).
  
• Root resorption (root shortening) or nerve death may occur, especially with previously compromised teeth.
  

How often should I change my Aligners?

Typically, aligners are switched every two weeks or as directed by your dentist. Regular wear is essential to ensure the aligners fit properly and treatment progresses as planned. Always follow your alignment schedule as failure to do so may render the other trays unusable if the teeth are not shifting as planned. Refinements may be needed when that happens, and that will incur extra cost.

Can clear aligners fix bite issues?

Yes, clear aligners can address certain bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, the extent of correction depends on the severity of the condition. Your dentist will advise you on the best course of treatment.

What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?

If an aligner is lost or damaged, wear the previous aligner while waiting for a replacement. Replacement aligners typically cost $200 per set. Always keep your previous aligners as a backup.

Do I need to wear a retainer after Clear aligners treatment?

Yes, retainers are essential to maintain your new smile. For the first year, retainers must be worn for 22 hours per day. After that, nightly wear for life is required, for at least 12 hours, to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

How often do I need to visit the dentist while wearing clear aligners?

Follow-up visits are typically scheduled every 4–8 weeks to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Regular attendance is crucial for successful treatment.

If I have existing dental work like fillings, crowns or veneers, would I be able to wear clear aligners?

While rare, aligners may occasionally dislodge restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings. If this happens, consult your dentist immediately for repair or replacement.

Can Clear Aligners be worn to correct teeth which has shifted back after braces treatment?

Yes, clear aligners can often correct minor shifts that occur after previous orthodontic treatments, provided retainers are worn consistently.