The Role of Oral Health Therapists in Your Clear Aligner Journey at Urban Smile
At Urban Smile, Oral Health Therapists are an essential part of your clear aligner journey. They’re the friendly faces guiding you through each step, working closely with our Specialist Orthodontists to deliver expert, efficient and personalised care.
What is an Oral Health Therapist?
An Oral Health Therapist (OHT) is an AHPRA-registered dental practitioner with a dual qualification in dental hygiene and dental therapy. This unique training allows them to provide a broad range of care, from preventive treatments like professional cleans, gum health management, and fluoride applications, to restorative care such as fillings and fissure sealants.
Traditionally, OHTs worked alongside dentists to support patients of all ages. They are passionate about prevention, oral health education, and building long-term habits that keep smiles healthy for life. But in a modern orthodontic setting like Urban Smile, OHTs have an even more exciting role. They work closely with our Specialist Orthodontists, Dr Igor Lavrin and Dr Sarah Lawrence, to deliver high-quality, accessible, and efficient orthodontic treatment.
The Role of Oral Health Therapists in Clear Aligner Treatment
At Urban Smile, our OHTs are highly skilled in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. They are the friendly, approachable faces you’ll see throughout your smile journey, from your very first consultation through to the day you finish treatment. Their responsibilities include:
- Consultations & Diagnostics – Your OHT will take 3D scans, x-rays and digital records, and guide you through what to expect from clear aligner treatment. These records are then reviewed by our specialist orthodontists remotely, who design your custom treatment plan in real-time.
- Bonding Attachments – As directed by the orthodontist, OHTs place small, tooth-coloured attachments onto your teeth. These act like little handles, helping your aligners move teeth with precision.
- Interproximal Reduction (IPR) – When necessary and prescribed by the orthodontist as part of your clear aligner treatment plan, OHTs are trained to carry out IPR (a safe, precise polishing between teeth that creates space for movement).
- Fitting & Progress Checks – OHTs fit your aligners, make adjustments if needed, and check your progress throughout treatment to ensure everything is tracking as planned.
- Remote Monitoring Support – Using our AI-powered Dental Monitoring app, OHTs liaise with patients between visits. They review your weekly scans, answer questions, and provide reassurance while our orthodontists track your progress virtually.
- Education & Oral Health Guidance – OHTs are experts in preventive care, so they’ll help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy during treatment, helping you avoid issues like cavities or gum disease while wearing aligners.
Working Hand in Hand with our Specialist Orthodontists
Although OHTs carry out much of the hands-on treatment, every step of your care is overseen by our specialist orthodontists. Dr Igor Lavrin and Dr Sarah Lawrence design and monitor your treatment plan, provide all diagnoses, and make clinical decisions. Thanks to technology, this happens seamlessly and often within minutes of your OHT collecting your records.
This partnership allows our orthodontists to focus on the complex treatment planning while our OHTs carry out the practical aspects of care.
Why This Model Works for Urban Smile Patients
Getting started with orthodontics isn’t always easy. Specialist appointments can be tricky to book and the wait times? Way too long. That’s why we do things differently at Urban Smile. You can book straight in with one of our Oral Health Therapists who are trained in orthodontic care, while your treatment is still designed and overseen by our Specialist Orthodontists.
At Urban Smile, your Oral Health Therapist will be with you from your very first consult right through to your final smile reveal. With our Specialist Orthodontists carefully designing each step of your treatment behind the scenes, you can relax knowing your smile is in the best possible hands.
Ready to start your own journey? Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward your dream smile.