CLEAR ALIGNERS IN WANNEROO

Clear aligners in Wanneroo work by applying a consistent, controlled force to your teeth in carefully planned directions. This teeth-straightening method involves using a series of trays, each slightly different from the last, to guide the teeth through small changes over time. These changes are designed in advance using digital treatment planning, based on your dental records and clinical assessment.

As you move through the sequence of aligners—typically changing them every one to two weeks—your teeth continue to adjust according to the prescribed movements. Regular dental visits allow your practitioner to review progress and determine whether modifications are needed. Over time, this process supports the alignment of teeth into a more ideal position.

Clear aligners may be suitable for both adults and teenagers, depending on the type and complexity of the dental alignment concern. They are often used to address mild to moderate orthodontic problems such as crowding, spacing, or bite irregularities. For teenagers, suitability also depends on developmental and clinical factors.

These are some of the key factors considered for teenagers:

• Most or all permanent teeth should have erupted before starting treatment.
• The stage of jaw growth may influence whether aligners are appropriate.
• Good oral hygiene should be consistently observed throughout the treatment period.
• The teenage patient should be able to wear aligners as directed, usually 20–22 hours per day.
• The alignment concern should be indicated for clear aligner therapy, based on clinical assessment.

A dental consultation is necessary to assess whether clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option. Traditional braces may be indicated in certain cases, particularly when managing complex conditions or initiating early orthodontic intervention.

Like other removable orthodontic options, these nearly invisible braces need to be worn consistently each day to be effective. Most aligner treatment plans recommend wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This allows the aligners to apply consistent force to guide tooth movement as planned. Aligners should be removed for eating, drinking most liquids other than water, and for daily oral hygiene.

Wearing them for fewer hours than advised can delay progress or affect the outcome of treatment. Your dental practitioner will provide guidance on daily wear time, review your progress during follow-up appointments, and advise if any changes to the schedule are needed.

Aligner sets are usually changed every one to two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Each new set of aligner trays is slightly different and designed to continue guiding your teeth towards the desired position. The timing may vary based on how your teeth respond to movement and the recommendations made by your dental practitioner.

Regular check-ups are essential for checking your progress and for confirming whether you’re ready to move on to the next set. In some cases, the wear schedule may be adjusted to suit individual needs or to optimise results. Your practitioner will outline specific guidelines to support you in following the treatment plan.

The length of aligner treatment varies from person to person and depends on several factors. Some factors include the type of tooth movement needed and how consistently the aligners are worn. While treatment duration is different for everyone, the following timeframes are provided as a general guide:

• Mild cases may take around 6 months.
• Moderate orthodontic problems often range from 9 to 12 months.
• More complex alignment or bite issues may take 12 to 18 months or longer.

These estimates are not fixed timeframes. Your dental practitioner will assess your individual needs during the consultation and provide a treatment plan. Progress will be monitored through follow-up appointments, where adjustments may be made if necessary.

Some individuals may notice a slight change in speech, such as a mild lisp, when they first begin wearing clear aligners. This is generally temporary and tends to improve as the mouth adjusts to the aligners, usually within a few days to a week.

Because aligners are thin and custom-fitted, they are designed to minimise interference with natural speech. If any issues persist, your dental practitioner can assess the fit and provide advice to help with adaptation during the early stages of treatment.

Clear aligners must be removed prior to eating or drinking, except for plain water, as some foods and beverages can cause staining or damage. Here are some examples of how it can affect the aligners:

• Consumption of coffee, tea, or red wine may discolour the aligner’s material, reducing its transparency.
• Soft drinks and fruit juices contain sugar and acid, which can be trapped under the aligners and contribute to tooth decay.
• Hot beverages may warp the plastic, affecting the fit and effectiveness of the aligners.
• Sticky or chewy foods can leave residue on teeth, increasing the risk of plaque when aligners are reinserted.
• Hard foods may lead to dental discomfort if teeth are moving and are more sensitive during treatment.

After eating or drinking, it’s recommended to brush or rinse your mouth before putting your aligners back in. This helps support oral hygiene and prevents plaque build-up that could impact treatment. Your dental practitioner will provide advice tailored to your care needs.

Keeping your clear aligners clean is important for maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding discolouration or plaque build-up. Aligner trays should be cleaned daily using appropriate techniques and products that won’t damage the material. Regular cleaning also helps reduce odour and bacterial accumulation throughout your treatment.

Some general care tips include:

• Rinse aligners with lukewarm water after removing them to prevent drying and odour.
• Use a soft toothbrush (separate from the one used for your teeth) and mild, non-abrasive liquid soap to clean the aligners gently.
• Avoid using toothpaste, as some formulations may be too abrasive and cause scratches, leading to a cloudy appearance of the aligners.
• Soak aligners occasionally in a cleaning solution recommended by your dental practitioner.
• Store aligners in their case when not in use to protect them from damage or loss.
• Avoid exposing aligners to heat, including hot water, which can cause warping.

Your dentist will provide personalised care instructions and recommend suitable products to use during treatment.