Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. They are custom-made, removable trays crafted from transparent, medical-grade plastic material that fit snugly over your teeth. Using advanced 3D digital planning, a series of aligners is created, with each set making small, precise movements to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position.
You will typically change to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks as your teeth move. Treatment length varies depending on your individual needs.
Clear aligners work well for a range of orthodontic concerns, including:
They are most commonly used in adults and older teenagers whose teeth and jaws have finished growing. Clear aligners can also be used in younger patients with mixed (baby and adult) teeth in selected cases.
More complex orthodontic issues, such as severe crowding, significant jaw misalignment, or large rotations of teeth (particularly canines), may be better suited to traditional braces, as aligners can have limitations in achieving these movements reliably.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and recommend whether clear aligners are the right option for you.
| Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces | |
| Appearance | Nearly invisible; made of clear plastic | Metal or ceramic brackets and wires bonded to teeth |
| Removability | Removable for eating, drinking and brushing | Fixed to teeth for the duration of treatment |
| Comfort | Generally associated with less pain and fewer oral soft tissue irritations | May cause initial soreness and irritation from brackets/wires |
| Oral hygiene | Easier to maintain as aligners are removed for brushing and flossing | Requires more effort; brushing and flossing around brackets |
| Eating | No food restrictions as aligners are removed during meals | Certain hard or sticky foods should be avoided |
| Patient compliance | Requires self-discipline; must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day | No compliance requirement as braces are fixed |
| Periodontal health | Studies show lower plaque and bleeding scores during treatment | May be associated with higher plaque accumulation around brackets |
| Quality of life | Associated with better oral health-related quality of life during treatment | May have more impact on daily comfort and appearance |
If you have any questions about whether clear aligners are right for you, please don't hesitate to ask at your next appointment.
WESTFIELD KNOX
Westfield Knox Shopping Centre (Walk through from Priceline Pharmacy or MedCentral Knox) 1060/425 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South VIC 3152
OPENING HOURS
Weekdays: 9am to 5pm
Open Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Principal Dentist
Speaks English and Vietnamese
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Raymond has spent several years working across both private and public practices in metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. This diverse experience has strengthened his ability to connect with individuals and families from all walks of life, allowing him to deliver care that feels both personalised and accessible.
With a strong focus on family dentistry, Dr Raymond is experienced in both general and cosmetic dentistry, supporting patients at every stage of life. He is particularly proficient in wisdom teeth extractions, and has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and smile makeovers – including porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges.
Known for his calm and reassuring manner, Dr Raymond is especially attentive to patients who may feel anxious about dental visits. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment designed to ease concerns and build trust over time. His goal is to make every appointment a positive experience and believes that visiting the dentist should feel comfortable, not confronting.
Outside the practice, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Emily was born in Melbourne and was raised in the local Knox area. She previously worked in private practices across Melbourne, and has worked for the public sector at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
She also gained a significant amount of experience working previously as the Hospital Dental Officer at Monash Medical Centre where she treated medically compromised, special needs and cancer patients.
She enjoys most aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and working with children. She has a special interest in the area of orthodontics (braces, clear aligners and early intervention) and can provide Myobrace treatment.
Dr Emily is currently undergoing a Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics to further her passion in this area.
She loves helping her patients with clear aligner treatment so that they can smile confidently.
In her spare time, Dr Emily enjoys going out for good food, spending time with family and going on nature walks with her dog Chino.
Dr Lilian Phu graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her passion for helping people achieve their dental and oral health goals is reflected by the quality, care and attention she gives to each patient she encounters. Additionally, her friendly and bubbly nature will be sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face.
Dr Lilian is also a preclinical supervisor for dental students at Melbourne University, sharing her knowledge with the future generation of dentists.
In order to deliver the best dental care to her patients, she regularly attends continuing education courses and is currently undertaking a two-year postgraduate course in orthodontics. Dr Lilian has a special interest in implants and clear aligner treatment, and can talk to you about how you can improve your smile.
Outside of dentistry, she enjoys digital drawing and spending time with her loved ones including a dog and three cats.
Speaks English
Edward is a kind and caring dentist who is dedicated to providing his patients with high quality dental care while prioritizing patient comfort to ensure that his patients have a positive experience.
Edward believes in taking a more patient-centered approach to dental care, whether it be by providing information to patients about prevention of dental disease, or by providing and explaining all available treatment options so that patients can be fully informed about their oral healthcare.
Outside of work, you’ll find Edward playing volleyball or in the kitchen as he enjoys cooking dishes from many different cuisines from around the world.
