I have a confession: I stopped wearing my retainer 10 years ago. Now, just as my orthodontist warned back in high school, my teeth have moved.
Since I entered my 30s, I’ve embraced my #selfcare era and the next item on my list is my smile. Three years of braces felt like a lifetime for my teenage self, and I’m still haunted by memories of pokey wires and the panic of running out of protective wax. There’s no way I’m going through that again. Enter clear aligner treatment!
Why Urban Smile?
A couple of my friends have gone through clear aligner treatment recently, and the funniest part is I didn’t even realize they were wearing them until we went out for dinner! Right as we sat down with a glass of wine, one of them casually excused herself to take out her aligners, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed them the whole time. That’s the level of subtlety I’m looking for when it comes to straightening my own smile.
Another bonus? I recently had holiday plans fall through, leaving me with a refund ready to go toward something worthwhile—like finally achieving the smile I’ve always wanted.
Booking My Consultation
As an introverted Millennial, phone calls are just not my thing. That’s why I loved Urban Smile’s super easy online booking system. It completely satisfied my need to avoid picking up the phone! I booked my consultation online in just a few clicks for a Wednesday lunchtime at Urban Smile Hawthorn. So simple!
First Up: Meet the Dream Team
I was welcomed by Mim, the patient consultant and studio manager. She and I instantly hit it off as I shared my slightly embarrassing braces saga from high school. She made me feel relaxed and calm, and we even shared a few laughs. Her friendly energy totally put my nerves at ease.
Then I met Nizara, the Oral Health Therapist (OHT), who was incredibly gentle and thorough. She explained every step clearly and made sure I felt comfortable to ask questions at any point. From the get-go, I knew I was in great hands.
The Urban Smile Process: What Really Happens?
Let’s be real—the most uncomfortable part of the consultation was getting those dental photos taken, but even that wasn’t too bad. The team stretched my mouth a bit (hello, full smile exposure), but they gave me lip balm to use beforehand (and to take home!), which was a nice touch. They also took x-rays, and the weirdest part was when some tiny pieces had to rest in my ears. It was unexpected, but nothing painful at all. The real surprise was the 3D scan! I was kind of expecting something more invasive, but it was the easiest part of the whole process. Nizara was so quick, capturing every little detail of my smile in no time. Technology has come a long way!
The final 3D scan of my smile!
The Smile Assessment
After the scans and photos, Nizara gave my smile a full assessment. She looked at my gum health, measured my overbite (yep, it’s still there), and examined all the little factors that come into play when straightening teeth. We also talked about my smile goals, oral health, and what to expect from treatment.
All the info was then sent off to Dr. Lawrence, one of the Specialist Orthodontists at Urban Smile. By the end of the day, she reviewed my scans and came back with a full diagnosis and treatment plan. It was quick, easy, and super informative!
What’s Next?
With my smile in pretty decent shape (yay!), I just need to pop in to my dentist for my regular 6-month checkup before starting the Moderate tier of treatment. I’m looking at about 12 months of clear aligners to get everything straightened out. Honestly, I can’t wait to see the transformation!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been curious about clear aligners but unsure what to expect, I can tell you it’s a breeze. The consultation was relaxed, thorough, and—dare I say it—fun! The team made sure I was comfortable every step of the way, and now I’m already looking forward to the next part of my smile journey.
Ready to get started? Your Dream Smile could be just a consultation away. Book a Free Consultation today!