Why are Clear Aligners becoming so popular among adults and children as a viable orthodontic treatment?
There are three main reasons why clear aligners are a great choice.
Firstly, as a method of straightening teeth, clear aligners work well. "They are a lovely way to straighten the teeth, very gentle with very good results" says Dr Wexler, one of Melbourne’s top orthodontic specialists.
Secondly, as a form of invisible braces, clear aligners are very discreet, with near invisibility and closely fitting over the teeth they are barely noticeable.
Thirdly, clear aligners can be used to treat a variety of oral issues. They are especially good for correcting mild to moderate imperfections such as mild overcrowding or small tooth spacing issues.
However, it is important to remember that clear aligners may not be a good fit for all oral and dental conditions. For the more pronounced concerns Lingual braces, Empower braces or the more traditional Damon braces may be recommended to repair extreme dental formations. Where appearance is a deciding factor, Lingual braces should certainly be considered. It is always worth speaking to your orthodontic braces specialist to find the most suitable solution.
What are Clear Aligners and what makes them such an appropriate orthodontic treatment?
Clear aligners are transparent plates moulded from an impression of the patient’s teeth. They are unique to each person and created using ICAT Dental 3D computer modelling making them are very comfortable to wear. They are not designed as an exact match of the teeth but instead incorporate slight changes as recommended by your orthodontist. By applying a small amount of gentle pressure on the problematic teeth they encourage them into correct alignment over time.
Suresmile, Invisalign, Spark, Elemetrix and 3M aligners are all transparent, they are all very difficult to see when worn and present a more discreet option than the more traditional metal braces.
With some clear aligners, there is some confusion around Suresmile vs Invisalign. Both forms of clear aligner are practically the same when it comes to performance, appearance and aesthetics.
How are Clear Aligners Worn?
Unlike lingual braces (also known as ‘behind teeth braces’), Damon Clear braces or more traditional metal braces - SureSmile aligners and Invisalign are not fixed to the teeth. Suresmile and Invisalign can be easily removed for cleaning which means they improve hygiene and provide greater comfort for the orthodontic patient.
Some people may be required to wear their clear aligners only at night, this makes them ideal for young adults who either cannot wear braces during the day because of their work, or who don’t want their friends to see their braces.
Removing your clear aligners outside of the scope of treatment is generally not a good idea. Your orthodontist will proscribe the correct number of hours per day to wear your aligners in order to best complete your treatment. Clear aligners, are one of the most comfortable orthodontic options around and are good for people who do not like the feel of more traditional metal braces.
How do Clear Aligners Work?
SureSmile aligners and Invisalign are used as progressive treatments that work over time. Your local family orthodontist will make fresh impressions of the teeth approximately every month to monitor their position as the treatment progress. This will take place at the clinic most convenient to you for complete ease and convenience.
If you are looking for fast braces with shorter treatment times, consider that it takes time for the body to adjust to the changes being imposed on it and for the teeth and jaw grow. While aligners may not be the fastest types of braces, they do take a gentler approach than traditional braces. Many young adults and teens find that a slower treatment time preferable in order to benefit from the discreet, subtle, and flexible features offered by clear aligners.
How Much do Braces Cost in Melbourne?
Costs vary depending on the treatment and the orthodontist. And while It is possible to find affordable braces the cost of Suresmile and Invisalign clear aligners are generally more affordable. Clear aligners are priced in the region of $400 to $4000 depending on how many iterations of aligners it will take to complete your orthodontic treatment. If you are comparing the prices of SureSmile and Invisalign, you will often find the cost of SureSmile is approximately the same as Invisalign as they are very similar products.
If the cost of braces is of concern for you and your family, please speak to Dr Wexler regarding a flexible repayment plan. As a Melbourne orthodontist, Dr Wexler is more concerned that patients receive correct treatment believing, as he does, in the value of good dental health. Dr Wexler will help patients out with repayment plans that fit a families dental health budget wherever he can. Dr Wexler considers repayment plans a responsible payment option, in that they allow patients to receive the treatments they require while making upfront cost of braces and dental treatments manageable and enabling you to pay for necessary treatment over a period of time that fits with your financial commitments.
Where is There an Orthodontist Near Me?
To find out more about the orthodontic braces in and around Melbourne, about SureSmile aligners and Invisalign, or about the cost of aligners or Damon braces, book an appointment with Dr Geoffrey Wexler’s family friendly team.
Dr Wexler is a highly experienced orthodontic specialist who understands and values good dental health. Specialising in clear aligners and other discrete yet highly effective orthodontic braces options for the teeth of children, teens, and young adults. Get in touch with Dr Geoffrey Wexler, one of the Melbourne’s best orthodontists, with practices in both Frankston and Toorak.
