As captain of Hawthorn Football Club in the AFLW, Emily Bates is used to leading by example on and off the field. After seeing her ex-teammate Tahlia Fellows complete her own smile transformation with Urban Smile, Emily decided it was time to start her own clear aligner journey.
Can you tell us a bit about your smile journey so far?
My smile journey started after seeing my ex-teammate Tahlia Fellows go through the Urban Smile process and get incredible results. I’ve always wanted a perfect smile, but didn’t want to go through braces, so when I saw how discreet and effective clear aligners were, I was amazed.
What made you decide to start clear aligner treatment with Urban Smile?
Once I had my free consultation and saw what my smile could look like in less than 12 months, I was sold. The team explained how simple the process was with at-home scanning, and I knew it would fit easily into my busy lifestyle.
What are you hoping to improve about your smile with this treatment?
I’ve been playing in the AFLW for 10 seasons now. I’ve always noticed that my two front teeth sat slightly behind my canines, and after a few knocks on the footy field, they’d moved even further back. I just wanted to be able to look in the mirror or at a photo and not instantly notice that crookedness. Most of all, I wanted to smile confidently and be proud of it.
How did it feel seeing a visualisation of your smile transformation before you even started?
It was amazing and exactly what I needed to get excited about the process. Seeing what was possible, and that it could happen in under 12 months, had me all-in straight away.
You travel for games. How has the at-home scanning and remote monitoring worked for you on the go?
It’s been perfect for my schedule. Whether I’m in Melbourne or interstate for matches, I can scan from anywhere using the Dental Monitoring app. The Urban Smile team checks in on my progress remotely, so I never have to worry about missing appointments.
What does your weekly routine look like with your aligners and the Dental Monitoring app?
I do my dental monitoring scans on Friday mornings and usually get the all-clear by that evening, so I start each weekend with a fresh set of aligners. I clean them every few days using a sonic cleaner so they stay clear and fresh. I wear them 24/7, taking them out only to eat, floss, and brush, and I’ve actually started flossing way more than I used to, which is a great new habit!
How do you find wearing aligners during training and AFLW games?
Wearing my aligners during training and games has been seamless. They fit perfectly under my mouthguard, so I’m straightening and protecting my teeth at the same time. As my teeth have started to shift, I’ve remoulded my mouthguard to my new shape, which was super quick and easy to do.
What would you say to other athletes or anyone with a busy lifestyle who’s thinking about starting clear aligners?
Go for it. Book the consult, see what your smile could be, and just start. It’s so easy and absolutely worth it. Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do – life’s too short not to love your smile.
Now that you’re almost finished, what has surprised you most about the process?
I was blown away by how clever the Dental Monitoring app is. It’s basically like a game where you catch the dots while scanning your teeth, and my competitive side loves it. I was also surprised by how quickly you get used to wearing aligners. At first, I thought I had a lisp and that everyone would notice, but within a week, it felt totally normal. And when you wear them properly, the results come faster. My 12-month plan ended up finishing in just 10 months!
What are you most excited about once your treatment is finished?
I can’t wait to get my attachments off, feel my smooth teeth again, and get them whitened at Urban Smile. After that, I’m just excited to look in the mirror and see a smile I genuinely love. Less than a year of treatment for a lifetime of confidence, so worth it.
Ready to start your own smile journey?
Like Emily, you can achieve a confident, straighter smile without the hassle of braces. Book your free clear aligner consultation at Urban Smile today and see what’s possible.