Clear Aligners at Brisbane Smile Boutique

A Complete Guide to Invisalign, Spark and Linea
(What They Are, How They Work and What to Expect)

Clear aligners are one of the most advanced and discreet ways to straighten teeth. At Brisbane Smile Boutique in Spring Hill, aligner treatment is planned and overseen by experienced female clinicians Dr Leila Haywood and Dr Diane Nguyen, with preventive support from Oral Health Therapist Alex Forbes. The team provides a refined, precise and personalised aligner experience for patients across Brisbane, offering systems including Invisalign, Spark, and Linea.

Below is a full outline of how the process works from start to finish and answers to every common question patients ask.

What Clear Aligners Are

Clear aligners are a series of thin, custom-made plastic trays that gently move teeth into better alignment. Each aligner applies light, controlled pressure to achieve specific tooth movements.

Key features:

• Nearly invisible

• Removable for eating, drinking and brushing

• Smooth, comfortable material

• Gentle, predictable movements

• Suitable for adults and many teenagers

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, aligners are used to correct:

• Crowding

• Misaligned teeth

• Gaps

• Overbite

• Crossbite

• Open bite

• Rotations

• Mild to moderate bite issues

The Clear Aligner Systems We Offer

1. Invisalign

The most globally recognised aligner system.
Material: SmartTrack, a patented medical-grade thermoplastic known for flexibility and resilience.
Strengths: Comfort, predictable movement, sophisticated planning software, strong track record.

2. Spark Aligners

A newer premium system with excellent clarity and edge comfort.
Material: TruGEN and TruGEN XR, known for being exceptionally clear and stain-resistant.
Strengths: High clarity, excellent stain resistance, effective for complex movements, smooth edges.

3. Linea Aligners

A locally made, high-quality Australian system.
Material: Medical-grade BPA-free clear plastics.
Strengths: Good for mild-to-moderate cases, reliable turnaround, local manufacturing.

Step-by-Step: The Aligner Treatment Process

(As performed at Brisbane Smile Boutique)

1. Comprehensive Consultation

Your dentist performs:

• Full examination

• Photographs

• Clinical bite assessment

• Discussion of goals

• Explanation of timelines, costs and suitability

A personalised, honest assessment is provided so you can make an informed decision.

2. Digital Scans and Records

Using advanced intraoral scanners, the team captures a detailed 3D model of your teeth—no gooey impressions.

These scans are used to plan tooth movements with absolute precision.

3. Digital 3D Treatment Planning

Your dentist designs a step-by-step digital map showing:

• How each tooth will move

• Bite changes

• Predicted outcome

• Attachments required

• Estimated number of aligners

• Approximate treatment time

This planning ensures clear expectations and predictable results.

4. Approval and Aligner Manufacturing

Invisalign

Manufactured overseas (typically 3–4 weeks turnaround).

Spark

Also manufactured overseas (usually 3–4 weeks).

Linea

Manufactured in Australia (approximately 1–2 weeks).

Once the aligners arrive, we schedule your first fitting.

What Attachments Are

Attachments are small, tooth-coloured resin shapes bonded temporarily to the teeth.

They give the aligners a grip point to:

• Rotate teeth

• Upright roots

• Close spaces

• Improve complex movements

They are matched to your enamel shade and blend naturally.

Attachments are not permanent, do not damage teeth and are removed at the end of treatment.

What IPR (Interproximal Reduction) Is

IPR involves gently polishing tiny amounts of enamel between teeth—usually between 0.1mm and 0.3mm.
It is:

• Safe

• Painless

• Often essential for solving crowding

• A way to create space without removing teeth

IPR is only performed where necessary and always conservatively.

Wearing Your Aligners

For effective treatment:

• Wear aligners 20–22 hours per day

• Remove only for eating, drinking anything except water and brushing

• Change aligners weekly or fortnightly depending on your plan

• Keep previous sets in case of emergency

Your dentist will advise the best changing schedule for your case.

Attachments and Aligner Fitting Appointment

At this first active appointment:

• Attachments are placed

• Your first sets of aligners are fitted

• Your wear schedule is explained

• Chewies may be given to improve seating

• Care instructions are provided

Regular Check-Ins

Most reviews occur every 6–8 weeks, either in person or through digital monitoring tools, depending on the system and case.

These appointments allow your dentist to check:

• Tooth movement

• Tracking

• Fit of aligners

• Comfort

• Progress compared to the digital plan

Refinements

Refinements are extra sets of aligners to perfect the final result.

Common reasons refinements are needed:

• Minor teeth not tracking perfectly

• Bite polishing

• Final detailing

• Patient-specific goals for more precision

Refinements are normal and expected in most cases.

Treatment Timeline

Depends on complexity:

• Minor cosmetic cases: 3–6 months

• Moderate cases: 6–12 months

• Complex cases: 12–24 months

Your dentist will provide accurate estimates at your consultation.

Retainers After Treatment

To keep your new smile stable, retainers are essential.

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, patients typically receive:

• Fixed lingual wire retainers (optional depending on case)

• Clear removable retainers for night wear

Long-term retention ensures results remain stable for years.

Common Questions Patients Ask

Do aligners hurt?

Most patients experience mild pressure during the first few days of each new aligner—this is normal and temporary.

Will I speak differently?

Some patients notice slight lisping for 24–48 hours, which quickly resolves.

Can I whiten my teeth during aligners?

Yes, in many cases whitening gel can be used inside aligners. Your dentist will advise.

Can aligners fix my bite?

Mild to moderate bite issues can be corrected, depending on the case. Severe bite issues may require alternative approaches.

How long each day do I wear them?

20–22 hours is essential for proper movement.

Can I drink coffee with aligners in?

No. Remove aligners for any coloured or hot drinks to avoid warping and staining.

Why Patients Choose Brisbane Smile Boutique for Aligners

Patients appreciate:

• Skilled female dentists experienced in aesthetic and functional alignment

• Clear, thorough treatment planning

• Gentle and supportive care

• Boutique environment in Spring Hill

• High-end technology for accurate results

• Full preventive support from Oral Health Therapist Alex Forbes

• Availability of Invisalign, Spark and Linea to suit different needs

Your smile is treated with both clinical precision and artistic attention to detail.