Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure what the journey actually looks like?
At Urban Smile, we’ve designed a clear aligner experience that’s simple, flexible and built around your lifestyle. From your first consultation to your final smile (and beyond), every step is guided by our Specialist Orthodontists and supported by smart technology.
Here’s what the full Urban Smile clear aligner process looks like.
1. Your Free Consultation
Every smile journey starts with a free consultation at one of our Melbourne studios.
During this appointment, our team will:
- Take a 3D scan of your teeth (no messy impressions)
- Assess your smile, bite and alignment
- Talk through your goals and lifestyle
- Confirm if clear aligners are right for you
You’ll also get a preview of how your teeth could move over time, so you can visualise your future smile before committing.
Here’s exactly what happens at a clear aligner consultation.
2. Understanding Your Treatment Plan & Payment Options
If you’re a suitable candidate, your Specialist Orthodontist will design a personalised treatment plan tailored to your smile.
We’ll walk you through:
- Your expected treatment timeline
- The complexity of your case
- What’s included in your treatment
- How much treatment will cost
We also offer flexible, interest-free payment options, making it easier to start when you’re ready:
- In-house direct debit plans
- Third-party options like Humm, Zip and Afterpay
Because your smile shouldn’t feel out of reach.
Here’s everything you need to know about our flexible clear aligner payment plans.
3. Your Start Appointment
Once you’re ready to begin, it’s time for your start appointment.
At this visit, we’ll:
- Fit your first set of custom aligners
- Place small tooth-coloured attachments
- Show you how to wear and care for your aligners
- Set you up on the Dental Monitoring app
You’ll leave with everything you need to get started confidently.
Want to know what it feels like? Here’s an Urban Smile Hawthorn patient’s firsthand account of their appointment.
4. Progressing With Dental Monitoring
One of the biggest advantages of treatment at Urban Smile is Dental Monitoring.
Using a smart app on your phone, you can:
- Send regular scans of your teeth
- Receive feedback from your orthodontist remotely
- Track your progress in real time
This means fewer in-studio visits and more flexibility, while still ensuring your treatment stays on track.
Getting started on your first scan? Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to nail Dental Monitoring.
5. Refinements (A Normal Part of the Process)
As you near the end of your first set of aligners, your orthodontist will assess your progress.
In many cases, we recommend refinements:
- A new set of aligners to fine-tune your result
- Small adjustments to get your teeth exactly where we want them
Refinements are a completely normal part of orthodontic treatment and help ensure the best possible outcome.
Want an in-depth look at the refinement process? Here’s a firsthand account from our patient, Megan.
6. Your Finished Smile
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Once your treatment is complete:
- Your attachments are removed
- Final photos and scans are taken
- You’ll see your new smile in full
It’s not just about straighter teeth, it’s about feeling more confident in your everyday life.
Look at our gallery of amazing smile transformations to see what’s possible at the end of clear aligner treatment.
7. Retainers & Whitening
Finishing treatment doesn’t mean the journey stops.
To maintain your result, you’ll receive:
- Custom retainers to keep your teeth in position
- Take-home whitening (Pola Night) to enhance your smile
Wearing your retainer as instructed is key to keeping your smile looking its best long-term.
Here’s everything you need to know to take care of your retainers for life.
8. Where To Next?
Now that your smile is complete, you might want to take things even further.
Many of our patients choose to:
- Refresh their smile with in-chair whitening
- Add a little sparkle with tooth gems
- Maintain their oral health with express teeth cleans
And down the track, don’t forget to check in for retainer replacements to keep everything on track.
Start Your Urban Smile Journey
The Urban Smile process is designed to be clear, convenient and completely tailored to you.
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, this is your sign to take the first step.
Book your free consultation and see what’s possible.