Al Viney is no stranger to high-pressure environments. A dual Australian Paralympian who has represented the nation at Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, Al is also a Strength & Conditioning Coach, presenter, advocate, and content creator, roles that regularly place her in front of cameras, audiences, and demanding schedules.
While her focus has always been on performance, preparation, and recovery, Al began to notice how subtle aspects of her smile, minor alignment concerns, jaw tension, and how her teeth appeared while speaking were affecting how she felt in the spotlight. It wasn’t about changing her smile, but about feeling more comfortable, relaxed, and confident in it.
Approaching her smile journey the same way she approaches elite sport, Al saw clear aligner treatment as an investment in herself. Just like training and recovery, it was about consistency, evidence-based support, and long-term wellbeing, all without adding extra stress to an already full life.
We caught up with Al partway through her clear aligner journey to learn more about what inspired her to get started, how it’s fitted into her elite training schedule, and the changes she’s already noticing.
What inspired you to start your smile journey with Urban Smile, and how has it felt tackling it alongside your training and other commitments?
I had been feeling the weight of wanting to do something about my smile for a long time. I had googled some other options, but they just felt too clinical and didn’t offer any flexibility in the process. I was a little overwhelmed … until I came across Urban Smile.
I liked that Urban Smile felt professional but was human and fun. The colours really caught my eye, and once I was in the door, the friendly team and compassionate approach were what aligned with me. It was very “let’s do this properly.” And I have always felt valued and cared for.
Balancing my aligners with training, study, work, and travel honestly hasn’t been hard. It was very easy to make it part of my routine. It just becomes another small habit – just like stretching or packing my training snacks. It hasn’t added any stress to my life, which was important to me.
You’ve mentioned jaw tension affecting your focus in the past. Have you noticed any changes there since starting treatment?
I’ve become more aware of how much I used to clench, especially under pressure and during the night. Since starting treatment, that tension has eased almost entirely, and I feel more relaxed through my jaw and neck, which definitely helps with focus, especially in training and competition.
It is actually one of the best results I’ve had – my teeth are healthier for it and my jaw aches and tension headaches have disappeared. The aligners are just really comfy, and despite it not being the main focus of the aligners, it’s been an excellent outcome for me.
What has surprised you most about the journey so far?
How low-maintenance the process and product is!
I expected it to feel more intrusive, but it really hasn’t. The aligners are comfortable, discreet, and easy to manage. You forget you’re wearing them most of the time, which is ideal when you’ve got a full schedule.
I do most of my training in them and have no issue at all. I also find that when I’m wearing them and speaking at keynote events, I am better at articulating my words and taking time with my sentences. It’s such a great experience.
How has integrating the aligners into your routine fit with life as an elite athlete, advocate, and creative person?
Honestly, it’s fitted in better than I thought.
I’m already very structured with my time as I manage my training, recovery, work, family time, etc. so adding aligners just became part of that system. It doesn’t compete with my life or priorities – it just fits in perfectly alongside it.
And it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything I love, which matters.
Have you noticed any changes in your confidence when you’re in the spotlight?
Yes, in subtle ways, but when you look back, it’s actually in really important ways.
It’s not about suddenly being “more confident,” but feeling more at ease. When you’re speaking, filming, or doing media, not worrying about your smile at all is freeing. You can just be in the moment.
How did knowing an orthodontist designed your treatment plan make you feel going into it?
In one word – reassured. As an athlete, I’m very big on evidence-based support, whether it’s physios, coaches, or doctors. Knowing an orthodontist was behind the plan gave me confidence that this wasn’t generic. It was tailored and properly thought through, which again matters as someone who likes to see a periodised and well-thought-out program. Results come from consistency and planning, and Urban Smile gave me both of those things.
What would you say to someone busy who’s wondering if they can fit clear aligner treatment into their life?
If you can brush your teeth, you can do this. It sounds simple, but it’s true. Once you build the habit, it doesn’t take extra mental energy. You don’t need “more time” you just need consistency. Urban Smile makes that so easy.