A&M Dental Group · Balcatta

Clear Aligners in Balcatta

Considering treatment for crowded teeth, gaps or an uneven smile? Clear aligners are one option for moving teeth. At A&M Dental Group, we assess your teeth, gums and bite and discuss whether aligners may suit your needs.

Understand the process, daily commitment and alternatives before deciding on treatment.

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Always follow the directions for use.

THE BASICS

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are thin, removable trays made to fit your teeth. A sequence of trays applies planned pressure to move teeth over time. They are less noticeable than metal brackets, but they are not invisible.

Aligners are removed for meals and cleaning and worn for the rest of the prescribed time. Treatment requires assessment and ongoing supervision; it is more than ordering a set of trays.

Suitability depends on the movements needed, your oral health and your ability to follow the plan. Braces or referral to an orthodontist may be more appropriate.

SUITABILITY FIRST

What concerns may clear aligners address?

An assessment can help identify whether aligners are appropriate for your particular concern. Not all tooth or jaw movements can be managed in the same way.

01 / CROWDING

Crowded or overlapping teeth

Some crowded teeth can be considered for aligner treatment. Available space and the movement required affect the options.

02 / SPACING

Gaps between teeth

Some spaces may be managed with aligners. Your dentist first considers the cause of the gap and surrounding teeth and gums.

03 / ALIGNMENT

Rotated or uneven teeth

Selected alignment concerns may be suitable. The position and shape of individual teeth can affect the treatment plan.

04 / BITE

Some bite concerns

How the upper and lower teeth meet needs careful assessment. More complex bite or jaw concerns may require other treatment or specialist referral.

Active decay or gum disease may need care before teeth are moved. Age, developing teeth, previous dental work and medical history also matter.

YOUR FIRST VISIT

What happens at an aligner assessment?

01 · Your concerns

Discuss what you would like to understand, any previous orthodontic treatment and your medical and dental history.

02 · Teeth, gums and bite

Examine your oral health and how your teeth meet, rather than assessing appearance alone.

03 · Records if needed

Photographs, an intraoral scan and X-rays may be recommended according to clinical need.

04 · Discuss options

Explain suitability, alternatives, limitations, risks and the commitment involved before you choose whether to proceed.

A STAGED PROCESS

Clear aligner treatment at A&M

Your plan is individual. The sequence, number of trays and appointment schedule can change according to your needs and progress.

01 / Assess

Examination and suitability

Identify the concern and any dental care needed first. Consider aligners, other options or referral.

02 / Plan

Digital records and planning

Our intraoral scanner can record visible tooth surfaces and the bite. Separate imaging may be needed to assess roots and supporting structures.

03 / Fit

Aligner fitting and instructions

If treatment is suitable and agreed, check the trays and explain insertion, removal, daily wear and care.

04/ Review

Scheduled progress checks

Review fit, tooth movement and oral health. Change trays only on the schedule your clinician provides.

05/ Adjust

Further planning if needed

Additional scans or aligners may be needed if movement differs from the plan. Other options may be discussed.

06/ Retain

Retainers and ongoing care

Discuss retention after active treatment. Teeth can move again, so follow the prescribed retainer and review schedule.

EVERYDAY COMMITMENT

Living with clear aligners

01

Follow your wear schedule

Many systems require around 20–22 hours daily. Follow the instructions for your prescribed system; extra time out can affect progress.

02

Remove for meals

Remove trays to eat and for drinks other than water. Ask your clinician about your product instructions.

03

Keep teeth and trays clean

Brush and clean between teeth. Clean trays as instructed and avoid hot water that may distort them.

04

Attend your reviews

Report a lost or cracked tray, poor fit, a detached attachment or persistent pain. Do not skip ahead without advice.

Always follow the directions for use.

CHOICE MATTERS

Clear aligners and other options

There is no single best option for everyone. Your clinician can explain the approach that fits the tooth movements and your circumstances.

Design

Clear aligners: Clear removable trays; attachments may be visible.

Fixed braces: Brackets and wires attached to teeth; different designs are available.

Suitability

Clear aligners: Depends on the required movements and individual circumstances.

Fixed braces: May be recommended depending on the movements and treatment needs.

Daily Commitment

Clear aligners: Requires consistent prescribed wear and careful tray handling.

Fixed braces: Remains attached; requires cleaning around brackets and care with food.

Daily Commitment

Clear aligners: Retention and ongoing review are needed.

Fixed braces: Retention and ongoing review are needed.

Monitoring without active treatment may also be discussed in some situations. A&M can explain when an orthodontist's assessment is appropriate. This comparison does not imply that A&M provides every type of braces.

INFORMED DECISIONS

Risks, limitations and retainers

Pressure, tenderness, irritation or temporary speech changes can occur. Poor cleaning can contribute to decay and gum problems. Orthodontic tooth movement can also involve root shortening, gum recession or changes to the bite; individual risks need assessment.

Teeth may not move exactly as planned. Additional treatment or a revised approach may be needed, and treatment time can change..

Retainers are part of the plan

Teeth can move after treatment. Retainers help maintain tooth positions when used as prescribed. Discuss long-term wear, cleaning and replacement, and contact the clinic if a retainer breaks or no longer fits.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Clear aligner FAQs

That requires an examination of your teeth, gums and bite. The movements needed, oral health and daily wear commitment affect suitability. Some concerns require braces or specialist care.
There is no fixed duration for everyone. It depends on the planned movements, tooth response, wear and reviews. Your clinician discusses an estimated schedule after assessment; it may change.
No. Trays and attachments may be noticeable. Pressure, tenderness or irritation can occur. Contact the clinic if discomfort persists, becomes severe or the tray does not fit.
Follow your clinician’s schedule. Do not assume every tray is changed at the same interval or that online monitoring replaces in-person reviews.
A scan records visible surfaces. If a simulation is prepared, it shows planned movement rather than a guaranteed result. Roots and supporting tissues may need separate imaging.
Some plans use attachments, elastics or carefully planned enamel reduction between teeth. Your dentist explains any proposed additional steps and seeks consent before proceeding.
Some teenagers may be suitable, depending on growth, tooth development and ability to follow instructions. Contact the clinic to discuss age suitability and whether specialist assessment is needed.
Contact the clinic for instructions. Do not move to another tray, modify it or stop the plan for an extended period without professional advice.
Retention is generally needed after orthodontic treatment. Your clinician explains the type and wear schedule. Tooth positions can change if retainers are not used as advised.

VISIT A&M DENTAL GROUP

Questions about straightening your teeth?

Suite 4, Level 1, 275 Wanneroo Road, Balcatta WA 6021
Call (08) 6285 9007 or book an appointment online.

We welcome enquiries from Balcatta and nearby suburbs, including Stirling, Westminster, Nollamara and Osborne Park.

Treatment needs and outcomes vary. Always follow the directions for use.

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