Comfortable, Discreet, and Effective
At Colac Smiles, we provide custom-made clear aligners to straighten your teeth comfortably and discreetly. Made from smooth, clear plastic, these aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are nearly invisible, so you can maintain your confidence throughout treatment.
Clear aligners are removable, making eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing simple, while gently guiding your teeth into their ideal position. This makes them a popular choice for patients who want a subtle orthodontic solution without interrupting their daily life.
Benefits of clear aligners include:
Nearly invisible for a confident smile
Removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning
Smooth, comfortable fit to minimise irritation
Precise, custom-made aligners for gradual, effective tooth movement
We help patients in Colac, Elliminyt, Winchelsea, Birregurra, Barongarook, Apollo Bay, Cororooke, Beeac, and Warrion achieve comfortable, discreet, and effective results with clear aligners tailored to each smile.
Clear Aligners vs Braces
Clear aligners may be preferred when:
A discreet appearance is important
You want the flexibility to remove your appliance
Oral hygiene is a priority
Braces may still be recommended for more complex tooth or bite movements. We’ll always guide you toward the option that delivers the safest and most predictable outcome.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Clear aligners are particularly popular with adults who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention. Many patients choose aligners to address long-standing alignment concerns or minor shifting that has occurred over time.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just cosmetic — improved alignment can make teeth easier to clean and reduce long-term wear and gum problems.
Your Clear Aligner Journey
Your path to a straighter smile is simple, personalised, and closely monitored:
• Consultation: We assess your oral health, listen to your goals, and decide if clear aligners are right for you
• Custom Plan: Using 3D scans, we create a digital model and treatment plan showing how your smile will improve
• Aligner Creation: High-quality aligners are made and worn in stages, usually about two weeks per set
• Wearing Your Aligners: Aligners should be worn 20–22 hours daily, removed only for meals and oral care
• Regular Check-ins: Brief visits monitor progress and ensure treatment stays on track
• Final Reveal: Retainers are provided at the end of treatment to keep your smile aligned
At Colac Smiles, we provide a supportive and professional experience from start to finish. Our skilled dentists use the latest orthodontic techniques and digital imaging to ensure your treatment is precise, comfortable, and effective. We tailor every step of your journey to your needs, giving you confidence that your smile transformation is in expert hands.
Important Information About Orthodontic Treatment
All dental procedures involve some risk. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from a qualified health professional. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage you to ask your dentist questions and clarify any concerns before starting treatment.
The length of orthodontic treatment varies depending on case complexity and how closely aligners are worn as directed. Orthodontics is a long-term process, and retainers must be worn indefinitely afterward to maintain tooth position. Some adjustments to eating habits may be needed, though most people continue their usual daily activities during treatment. Any discomfort is generally temporary as you adapt to the appliance, but individual responses can differ.
Proper care and maintenance of your appliance are essential. Your dentist will provide a personalised plan, which may involve costs beyond your initial treatment fee.
Treatment Considerations
Not wearing aligners as instructed, missing appointments, or certain tooth shapes can prolong treatment or reduce effectiveness.
More complex cases (e.g. severe open bite, overjet, or narrow jaws) may require additional treatment beyond aligners.
Extra devices such as elastics, bonded buttons, or other appliances may be necessary for more difficult tooth movements.
General health conditions and some medications can influence treatment outcomes.
Functional Adjustments
Mild tenderness is common when changing to a new aligner.
Gums, cheeks, or lips may feel irritated at times.
Your bite may change during treatment, occasionally causing temporary discomfort.
Aligners can briefly increase saliva, cause dryness, or affect speech (a minor lisp usually resolves within one to two weeks).
Retention & Tooth Stability
Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift after treatment. Wearing retainers as instructed helps prevent relapse.
Oral Health Risks
Decay, gum disease, or enamel markings (such as white spots) may occur if oral hygiene is poor or sugary foods and drinks are consumed while wearing aligners.
Gum and bone health may be affected in some cases.
Where teeth were crowded for a long time, small triangular spaces (“black triangles”) may appear after alignment.
Attachments & Adjustments
Attachments may be placed on teeth to assist movement and will be removed at the end of treatment. Occasionally, they can detach and require replacement.
Minor recontouring (slenderising) of teeth may be necessary to create space.
Aligners may show slight surface wear in patients who grind their teeth, though this rarely affects strength or performance.
Bite Adjustments
At the end of treatment, a minor “bite adjustment” may be required for comfort and function.
Surgical & Pre-existing Considerations
In some cases, oral surgery may be needed to correct severe crowding or jaw imbalances. This carries its own risks, including those associated with anaesthetic and healing.
Teeth that have been traumatised or heavily restored may be more vulnerable during treatment. In rare situations, further treatment such as root canal therapy, restorations, or even tooth loss may occur.
