Discreet Appearance
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention.
Clear Aligner Treatment:
A Discreet Path to Your Confident Smile
Clear aligners are a discreet, removable way to straighten mild to moderate crowding, spacing, relapse, and bite concerns without the look of traditional braces.
At BIG Dental, your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite, and smile goals before planning a dentist-supervised aligner journey that fits your daily routine.
What It Is
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic solution designed to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. They are custom-made, transparent dental trays that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each set is typically worn for 20-22 hours a day and replaced every 1-2 weeks.
Key features of clear aligners:
1. Removable: Can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
2. Discreet: Virtually invisible, making them ideal for adults and teens.
3. Customised: Crafted using advanced 3D scans for precise and predictable results.
4. Comfortable: Smooth, gentle material reduces irritation to gums and cheeks.
At BIG Dental, we use dentist-guided digital planning to ensure every aligner fits perfectly and moves your teeth safely and effectively.
Benefits
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer numerous advantages over traditional braces, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten their teeth. Key benefits include:
Comfortable to Wear
Made from smooth, medical-grade materials, clear aligners are gentle on gums and cheeks, reducing the irritation often caused by metal braces.
Removable
You can remove aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, making oral hygiene easier and allowing you to enjoy all your favourite foods.
Predictable Results
Digital treatment planning ensures that each aligner moves your teeth gradually and precisely, delivering reliable results.
Fewer Dental Visits
Each aligner is tailored to your teeth, ensuring a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique dental needs.
Shorter Treatment Time in Some Cases
For mild to moderate issues, clear aligners can be a faster alternative to braces, with a treatment duration typically ranging from 6 to 18 months.
Suitable For
Who are ALIGNER For?
Clear aligners are suitable for teens and adults who want a discreet and comfortable way to straighten their teeth without metal braces.
Mild to moderate crowding
Gaps or spacing between teeth
Mild bite issues such as overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
Relapse cases - people who had braces before but teeth shifted again
Busy lifestyles that prefer removable, lower-maintenance treatment
Professionals who want a subtle, nearly invisible option for orthodontic correction
Patients who struggle with oral hygiene using traditional braces, as aligners allow easier brushing and flossing
Clear aligners are not suitable for very complex bite corrections or severe jaw issues. In those cases, traditional braces or specialist orthodontic treatment may be recommended.
At BIG Dental, your dentist will assess your teeth, X-rays, and bite condition to determine whether clear aligners or another treatment would give you the best, safest results.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Choosing Your Path to a New Smile
Clear aligner
Confident Smile, Invisible AlignersBenefits
- Virtually invisible, perfect for those concerned about appearance.
- Smooth and comfortable, reducing gum and cheek irritation.
- Removable for meals and oral hygiene, with fewer dietary restrictions.
- Require fewer in-office visits while still being closely monitored.
Traditional metal braces
Classic Orthodontic SolutionBenefits
- Fixed metal brackets and wires, very noticeable.
- Can irritate soft tissues and cause discomfort, especially after adjustments.
- Food restrictions apply, and oral hygiene is more challenging.
- Often needed for complex bite issues or severe tooth movements.
You want a discreet, professional-looking treatment for work or social situations.
You prefer a removable option that allows normal eating and oral hygiene.
You have mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues.
You seek a treatment plan with fewer in-office adjustments.
When Traditional Braces May Be Necessary:
Severe bite issues (e.g., complex overbite, underbite, crossbite)
Complex tooth movements requiring highly specialised orthodontic techniques.
At BIG Dental, our dentists assess your teeth and bite comprehensively to recommend the best approach for your specific needs.
Before Treatment
Things to Consider Before Getting Clear Aligners
Before starting clear aligner treatment, it's important to understand how they work, what to expect, and whether they are the right option for your teeth and lifestyle. Clear aligners can be highly effective, but they require commitment and careful planning.
Here are the key factors to consider:
- Suitability: Best for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or minor bite issues.
- Wear Time: Must be worn 20-22 hours per day for effective results.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss after every meal to prevent staining or decay.
- Treatment Duration: Typically 6-18 months, depending on complexity.
- Lifestyle: Removable, but requires regular cleaning and a carrying case.
- Cost: Professional treatment is an investment in your smile and confidence.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups ensure progress stays on track.
Process
Our 5-Step ALigner Process
Initial Consultation
Dentist evaluates teeth, bite, and goals to determine clear aligner suitability.
X-rays & 3D Digital Scan
Detailed imaging captures teeth, roots, and jaw structure for precise treatment planning.
Treatment Planning & Discussion
Dentist explains tooth movements, duration, aligners, and any additional procedures before starting.
Aligner Fabrication & Treatment
Personalised aligners worn 20-22 hours daily, changed every 1-2 weeks with regular check-ups.
Final Retainer & Maintenance
Custom retainer preserves your new smile long-term, ensuring lasting results.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What clear aligner brand is used at BIG Dental?
At BIG Dental, we use Angel Aligners, a professional-grade clear aligner system. Angel Aligners are customised for each patient, designed to provide precise tooth movement, exceptional comfort, and predictable results. They are dentist-supervised, meaning your treatment is carefully monitored every step of the way to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
What are Angel Aligners?
Angel Aligners are transparent, removable trays that gradually straighten your teeth. They are made from advanced, medical-grade materials, with smooth edges to minimise irritation. Unlike direct-to-consumer aligners, Angel Aligners are managed by orthodontic experts, ensuring every step of your treatment is safe, personalised, and effective.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, controlled pressure on your teeth. Each aligner tray is slightly different, guiding teeth into their ideal position over time. You typically wear each tray for 20-22 hours per day, changing to the next one every 1-2 weeks. Regular dentist check-ups ensure the teeth move according to plan.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case. For mild to moderate alignment issues, it usually ranges from 6-18 months. During your consultation, your dentist will provide a personalised timeline based on your goals and the complexity of your bite.
Are Angel Aligners as effective as traditional braces?
Yes. For most mild to moderate cases, Angel Aligners provide similar results to braces. They are also discreet, removable, and more comfortable. However, severe bite issues or highly complex tooth movements may still require traditional braces.
Can I remove my aligners for eating and cleaning my teeth?
Absolutely. Aligners are fully removable, which allows you to eat, drink, brush, and floss as normal. However, for optimal results, aligners must be worn 20-22 hours daily. Removing them less frequently can slow progress and compromise results.
Will my teeth feel sore or uncomfortable?
Some mild pressure or soreness is normal when starting a new set of aligners. This is a sign that your teeth are moving correctly. Most patients report the discomfort only lasts a few days and is much less than the discomfort from traditional braces.
Do I need X-rays for Angel Aligner treatment?
Yes. X-rays and 3D digital scans provide a complete view of your teeth, roots, and jaw. This ensures your aligners move teeth safely and accurately and helps your dentist monitor progress throughout treatment.
How much do Angel Aligners cost?
Costs vary depending on your case and treatment complexity. At BIG Dental, we provide a personalised quote after a thorough consultation and assessment. The cost reflects a dentist-supervised, professional-grade treatment with precise results.
Who is suitable for clear aligners?
Ideal candidates are adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or minor bite issues. Patients must be committed to wearing aligners consistently and maintaining good oral hygiene. A consultation at BIG Dental will confirm whether you're suitable.
What is the difference between Angel Aligners and other clear aligner brands?
Angel Aligners are doctor-led, highly customised, and made with advanced materials for precise, comfortable tooth movement. Unlike many direct-to-consumer brands, treatment is monitored by trained orthodontists, ensuring safety and clinical excellence. They often provide better control over complex movements and are designed for long-term results.
Can I use clear aligners if I have dental restorations or missing teeth?
Yes, but your dentist will assess your specific situation. Some restorations, implants, or missing teeth may require adjustments to the treatment plan. A thorough consultation ensures the aligners are still effective and safe.
Will my teeth stay straight after treatment?
To maintain your new smile, a custom retainer is provided at the end of treatment. Wearing your retainer as instructed ensures long-term stability of your straightened teeth.
