As a Studio Manager at Urban Smile, no two days are quite the same! A big part of our role is helping patients feel informed and supported throughout their clear aligner journey. And before treatment even begins, there are a few questions we hear all the time.
Here are five of the most common.
Top Questions Patients Ask Before Starting Clear Aligners
1. Will clear aligners be as effective as braces?
Clear aligners can be an effective treatment option for many orthodontic concerns, but they’re not suitable for every patient or every type of tooth movement. The right treatment depends on your teeth, bite and individual orthodontic needs.
At Urban Smile, one of our Specialist Orthodontists will assess your case and determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option for you. If you proceed with treatment, wearing your aligners as directed is an important part of keeping your treatment on track.
Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise whether treatment is suitable for you.
2. How do clear aligners actually move teeth?
Patients are often curious about how clear aligners actually move their teeth. Each aligner applies gentle, controlled forces to gradually guide your teeth according to your treatment plan. For certain tooth movements, small attachments may be bonded to your teeth to help the aligners apply force more effectively and precisely.
3. How long until I can get started?
Once you decide to proceed with clear aligner treatment, our Specialist Orthodontists will create your customised treatment plan and send these to the lab to be manufactured. This typically takes around 4-6 weeks, although timing can vary.
Once they’re ready, we’ll book your fitting appointment, where we’ll place any required attachments and fit your first aligners. We’ll also get you set up with Dental Monitoring and show you how to complete your regular scans from home.
4. Will my health insurance cover clear aligners?
If you’re unsure about your insurance benefits, we can provide a treatment quote to share with your health fund. While most patients prefer to contact their provider directly, we’re here to assist in maximising your rebate.
Health funds vary in their inclusions, so we recommend checking your orthodontic cover before your consultation. For clear aligner treatment, quote item 825 per arch. Entitlements typically renew annually with a lifetime maximum claimable amount.
We accept all major credit cards and also offer flexible payment options, including buy now, pay later plans. Our team can help you combine payment methods to suit your needs.
5. Why Urban Smile?
At Urban Smile, every smile is expertly designed by our Specialist Orthodontists.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive free consultation, including 3D digital scans and a personalised treatment plan, designed by our Specialist Orthodontists.
Our approach combines in-studio appointments with convenient at-home monitoring through the Dental Monitoring app, giving you greater flexibility throughout treatment. Between studio visits, regular scans allow our clinical team to monitor your tooth movement and treatment progress remotely.
Thinking about clear aligners? At Urban Smile, our Studio Managers are here to make your journey smooth and stress-free, ensuring you feel informed and excited every step of the way. Book a free consultation with your nearest studio in Brunswick, Hawthorn or Waurn Ponds.
Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise whether treatment is suitable for you.