If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, you’ve probably noticed there’s no shortage of clear aligner providers to choose from.
From dental clinics to specialist orthodontic practices, clear aligner treatment is available in a range of settings. And while the aligners themselves might look similar, the way your treatment is planned and managed can differ.
So, does it really matter who’s behind your clear aligner treatment?
The short answer: A Specialist Orthodontist has completed additional training focused specifically on diagnosing and treating problems with tooth alignment and bite relationships. This expertise is particularly relevant to clear aligner treatment, where careful planning, controlled tooth movements and ongoing monitoring all play an important role.
What Is a Specialist Orthodontist?
A Specialist Orthodontist is a qualified dentist who has completed further university training in orthodontics, a recognised dental specialty in Australia.
While general dentists provide a broad range of oral healthcare services, Specialist Orthodontists focus specifically on the alignment of teeth, bite correction and the relationship between your teeth and jaws.
Their additional training covers areas including:
- Orthodontic diagnosis: Identifying crowding, spacing, bite concerns and the underlying causes of misalignment.
- Tooth movement: Understanding how teeth respond to orthodontic forces and how different movements can be achieved.
- Treatment planning: Developing an individual approach based on the position of your teeth, your bite and your treatment needs.
- Bite relationships: Assessing how your upper and lower teeth fit together, not just how straight they appear.
General dentists can also provide clear aligner treatment, and many have undertaken additional training in this area. The distinction is that a Specialist Orthodontist has completed a formally recognised specialist qualification dedicated to orthodontics.
Why Does Specialist Training Matter for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners might seem straightforward. You wear a series of transparent trays, changing them periodically as your teeth gradually move.
But there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
Before your first aligner is made, your provider needs to assess where your teeth are now, where they need to move and how those movements can be achieved.
For example, you might want to straighten a couple of crowded front teeth. However, moving those teeth could also affect how your upper and lower teeth come together.
This is why orthodontic treatment involves more than simply creating space or straightening individual teeth.
It’s About Planning the Right Tooth Movements
Not all teeth move in the same way, and some movements are more challenging to achieve with clear aligners than others.
Depending on your orthodontic needs, your treatment plan may incorporate techniques such as:
- Attachments: Small tooth-coloured shapes bonded to selected teeth to help aligners apply forces for specific movements.
- Interproximal reduction (IPR): Carefully polishing small amounts of enamel between selected teeth, where clinically appropriate, to create space for alignment.
- Elastics: Small orthodontic rubber bands that may be used to help adjust how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
These aren’t necessary for every patient. Your orthodontist will determine whether they’re appropriate as part of your individual treatment plan.
Want to understand what’s involved? Read our blog on why straightening teeth is more complex than you think.
It’s Also About Knowing When Clear Aligners Aren’t Suitable
Clear aligners can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including certain types of crowding, spacing and bite problems.
However, they aren’t appropriate for everyone.
Some complex tooth movements or significant jaw discrepancies may be better managed with braces, additional orthodontic appliances or other treatment approaches.
An important part of orthodontic assessment is identifying these limitations and explaining the options available, rather than assuming clear aligners are the answer for every patient.
Meet the Specialist Orthodontists Behind Urban Smile
At Urban Smile, every clear aligner treatment plan is designed by one of our Melbourne-based Specialist Orthodontists, Dr Igor Lavrin or Dr Sarah Lawrence.
Together, they co-founded Urban Smile in 2022 with the aim of making specialist-designed clear aligner treatment more accessible.
Dr Igor Lavrin completed his Master’s degree in Orthodontics at Harvard University. Alongside his clinical experience, he has been involved in orthodontic education, research and clear aligner training internationally.
Dr Sarah Lawrence completed her specialist orthodontic training at the University of Melbourne and has worked in private orthodontic practice since 2004. She also has a strong interest in digital orthodontic technology and postgraduate orthodontic education.
Both have previously worked as clinical consultants and lecturers for Invisalign in the Asia-Pacific region.
Together, Dr Lavrin and Dr Lawrence have designed more than 5,000 clear aligner treatment plans.
You can learn more about their qualifications and experience on our Meet Our Specialist Orthodontists page.
How Does Specialist Orthodontic Care Work at Urban Smile?
One of the things that makes Urban Smile different is how we’ve structured our treatment process.
Our Specialist Orthodontists design your clear aligner treatment remotely, while our trained clinical team provides your in-person care at our Hawthorn, Brunswick and Waurn Ponds studios.
Here’s what that looks like throughout treatment.
1. Your Initial Assessment
Your free consultation includes digital photographs, X-rays, a 3D scan and an assessment with an Oral Health Therapist.
These records provide information about your teeth and bite and are reviewed by a Specialist Orthodontist to assess whether clear aligners are suitable.
2. Your Personalised Treatment Plan
If clear aligners are appropriate, Dr Lavrin or Dr Lawrence will design your treatment plan.
This includes planning the sequence of tooth movements and determining whether additional techniques, such as attachments or IPR, may be required.
Your treatment plan is based on your individual orthodontic needs, rather than a standard approach for every patient.
3. Monitoring Your Progress
Teeth don’t always move exactly as predicted, which is why monitoring is an important part of orthodontic treatment.
At Urban Smile, we combine in-studio appointments with weekly DentalMonitoring scans through a smartphone app.
These scans help our clinical team and Specialist Orthodontists assess how your teeth are tracking and identify when further review or adjustments may be needed.
Digital monitoring supports your treatment between appointments, but doesn’t replace in-person care when clinically necessary.
Learn more about how clear aligner treatment works at Urban Smile.
What Should You Ask Before Choosing a Clear Aligner Provider?
Whether you’re comparing clear aligner providers in Melbourne, Geelong or elsewhere, it’s worth understanding exactly what’s included in your treatment.
Here are five useful questions to ask:
- Who will assess my orthodontic needs and design my treatment? Understand your provider’s qualifications, experience and involvement in treatment planning.
- How will my bite be assessed? Your treatment plan should consider how your teeth fit together, not just their appearance.
- Will I need attachments, IPR or other techniques? Ask what movements are planned and whether any additional procedures are recommended.
- How will my progress be monitored? Find out how often your treatment will be reviewed and who you can contact if something doesn’t feel right.
- What happens if my teeth don’t move as planned? Ask about treatment adjustments, refinements and any additional costs that may apply.
These questions can help you compare providers based on the care and support offered, rather than focusing on the aligners alone.
For more information about treatment, costs and appointments, explore our Clear Aligner FAQs.
Considering Clear Aligners? Start with a Free Consultation
Choosing a clear aligner provider is about more than finding a treatment that fits your budget or lifestyle. It’s also about understanding who’s responsible for planning your treatment and how your care will be managed along the way.
At Urban Smile, our clear aligner treatment is designed by Specialist Orthodontists and supported by our clinical team through in-person appointments and digital monitoring.
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, a free consultation can help you understand your orthodontic needs, whether clear aligners are suitable and what your treatment may involve.
Visit us at our Hawthorn, Brunswick or Waurn Ponds studios.
Book your free clear aligner consultation to explore your options.
Consultation required to assess suitability for treatment. Treatment recommendations and outcomes vary depending on individual orthodontic needs.
