Transform Your Smile: How Clear Aligners Work

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  • Alex Chang

    Alex Chang

    Content Contributor

    Tech enthusiast and SmilePath advocate, Alex Chang, combines his love for cutting-edge technology with a commitment to promoting dental well-being. Drawing on...

    Read More
  • Authored by
  • Dr. Narmeen

    Dr. Narmeen

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Narmeen is a dedicated and passionate orthodontist at SmilePath Australia, committed to creating confident smiles through exceptional orthodontic care. With her...

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  • Reviewed By
Smilepath clear aligners

There are around four million Americans wearing braces at any one moment.

This statistic emphasizes the value of ideal straight and aligned teeth as well as their function in society. Straight teeth are seen as being more successful and wealthier than crooked teeth in both their dating and work life.

As long as your teeth are healthy, you’re never too old to get braces! More and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth with braces, especially with clear aligners. Since many adults feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about wearing regular braces, clear aligners are a great (and effective) option.

If you are considering getting clear aligners, then this blog post is for you.

In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how clear aligners work and go through each step of the process. We’ll also talk about why clear aligners are a great choice for straightening teeth and why Smilepath is the best option for getting the smile you want.

Take a Free Smile Assessment to check your eligibility for clear aligners!

Background of Clear Aligners

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the history of clear aligners. In 1997, Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth created this new way to help people straighten their teeth without the noticeable metal braces. Instead of metal brackets and wires, clear aligners use see-through plastic trays that are much less obvious. Since then, over 6 million people have used this cool technology to get straighter, healthier smiles.

How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?

When you start clear aligner treatment, you’ll get a set of clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Each tray is shaped just a little differently and moves your teeth tiny bits at a time. When you wear each tray in order, your teeth will slowly shift into the right position.

Now, here’s a fun fact: our teeth aren’t just hard, white parts. The part we see is covered in enamel, and under that, inside the gums, the tooth is held in place by something called the periodontal ligament, which is like tiny ropes that keep the teeth connected to your jawbone. When you wear aligners, they put gentle pressure on your teeth, making the bone around them change shape just a bit. This lets your teeth move without hurting, one tray at a time.

Once your aligner treatment is done, the bone around your teeth needs a little more time to become strong again in the new position. That’s why it’s super important to wear a retainer afterward—it keeps everything in place while your teeth settle in!

Clear aligners
Clear aligners in a case

How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth?

With Smilepath, getting your teeth straightened with clear aligners is simple and involves just three steps! Here’s how it all works to help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming about:

1. Make a Mold of Your Teeth

The first thing you’ll do is create a mold of your teeth, called an impression. Smilepath sends a kit right to your house, so you don’t need to go to the dentist. You’ll use the kit to take a model of your teeth at home, which saves time and money. Once you’re done, send the kit back to Smilepath. If they find that clear aligners aren’t the best choice for you, they’ll give you a refund.

2. Get Custom Aligners

After Smilepath gets your impression, their team will make a treatment plan just for your smile. You’ll get a set of clear aligners designed to gradually move your teeth into place. You don’t need to visit the dentist—you’ll handle everything at home! These aligners are available starting $1020, and you even get a free teeth-whitening kit. There’s also a NightOnly option, so you can wear the aligners just while you sleep if that’s easier.

3. Start Seeing the Changes

Once your aligners arrive, you’ll start wearing them, and each one will move your teeth a little closer to the perfect smile. Every set of aligners is worn for about 10 days, and they slowly shift your teeth without any wires or brackets, so they’re comfortable to wear. By the end, your teeth will be aligned, giving you a smile you’ll be proud to show off!

Clear Aligners Cost in Australia

The cost of clear aligners in Australia can vary depending on the provider, treatment plan, and specific requirements for each patient. Typically, prices range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 8,000. This variation largely depends on whether the aligners are worn full-time or part-time, the duration of treatment, and additional services offered by the provider, such as consultations or follow-up support.

At Smilepath, we strive to make clear aligner treatment affordable and accessible. Our full-day clear aligners are available for just $73/mo, and the NightOnly option, for those who prefer wearing their aligners only at night, is priced similarly. This straightforward pricing means you can achieve a straight and confident smile without incurring high costs associated with traditional braces or dental visits.

In addition, many providers, including Smilepath, offer flexible payment plans to spread out the cost over time. With Smilepath’s easy three-step process, you can start your aligner treatment at a fraction of the typical price, without any hidden fees or surprises.

How Long Do Clear Aligners Take to Work?

Clear aligners usually straighten your teeth faster than regular braces. However, since everyone’s teeth are different, the treatment time can vary. For most people, Smilepath aligners take around 4 to 6 months to complete the job.

If you choose NightOnly aligners, it might take a bit longer—between 6 and 8 months—since you’ll only be wearing them for 8 to 10 hours each night. This option is great for those who prefer not to wear aligners during the day at school, work, or when they’re out.

Once Smilepath gets your impressions, they’ll let you know how long your treatment will likely take.

Get your dream smile in 6 months with the Smilepath All-day aligner plan Shop now!

Get Straight Teeth with Clear Aligners

Using clear aligners from Smilepath to straighten your teeth is simple, fast, and affordable. They are a great choice if you want to fix your teeth without using traditional braces.

With our custom treatment plans, you can straighten your teeth and get a beautiful smile for much less money than regular braces. It’s really that easy!

Ready to start your journey to a perfect smile? Just take a free assessment, and we’ll be excited to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do clear aligners really work?

Yes, clear aligners really work! They gently move your teeth into the right position over time, just like traditional braces.

How quickly do teeth move with aligners?

Teeth move slowly with aligners, usually a little bit every few weeks. Most people see a big change in 4 to 6 months.

Is aligner faster than braces?

Yes, clear aligners usually work faster than metal braces. They can straighten teeth in about 4 to 6 months, while traditional braces may take longer.

  • Alex Chang

    Alex Chang

    Content Contributor

    Tech enthusiast and SmilePath advocate, Alex Chang, combines his love for cutting-edge technology with a commitment to promoting dental well-being. Drawing on...

    Read More
  • Authored by
  • Dr. Narmeen

    Dr. Narmeen

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Narmeen is a dedicated and passionate orthodontist at SmilePath Australia, committed to creating confident smiles through exceptional orthodontic care. With her...

    Read More
  • Reviewed By
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