Clear aligners are a series of removable, near-invisible trays that gradually guide teeth into a better position. For many patients, aligning the teeth first is the more conservative path, and can reduce or remove the need for veneers altogether.
Firstaligning your own teeth is often the most conservative first step, preserving more natural tooth
Dr Aodhan Docherty · Registered Dentist, AHPRA DEN0001938737 · Circular Quay, Sydney. Orthodontic treatment is elective. Suitability is assessed in person. Invisalign is a registered trademark of Align Technology; brand named for identification only.
Clear aligners by Dr Aodhan Docherty
Important. Clear aligner results depend on wearing the trays as directed and on individual factors. Teeth can move back without a retainer, and not all cases are suitable for aligners. Outcomes vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. The information on this page is general only and not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment.
Our approach
Move the tooth, don’t mask it.
Where teeth are crooked or crowded, moving them into position is often kinder to the tooth than covering them. Dr Aodhan frequently recommends aligning first, because it can mean less intervention overall and, in some cases, a beautiful result with no veneers at all.
Masking with restorations
Aligning first
Covers the existing position
Corrects the underlying position
May remove natural tooth
Removes no tooth structure
Fixed result from day one
Removable trays, taken out to eat and clean
Restoration to maintain long term
Often needs only a retainer afterwards
Aligners suit many cases but not all. Complex bite or jaw problems may need fixed braces or a specialist orthodontic referral, which Dr Aodhan will advise on honestly.
Recognised by the field
Invited to China as a key opinion leader for Angel Aligners.
Dr Aodhan was invited by Angel Aligners, one of the world's largest clear aligner manufacturers, as a key opinion leader, joining clinicians from around the world to share technique and help shape how aligner treatment is taught. It's the kind of recognition that comes from doing the work well, and it's the same standard of care your treatment is planned to.
What it treats
Well suited to everyday cases.
Clear aligners work well for common alignment concerns. Where a case is more complex, Dr Aodhan will tell you directly and, if needed, refer you to a specialist.
Good candidates
Aligners work well for
Mild to moderate crowding.
Small gaps and spacing.
Teeth that have shifted over the years.
Tidying alignment before whitening or bonding.
Removable & discreet
May need more
When we may refer
Significant bite or jaw discrepancies.
Severe crowding or rotations.
Cases better suited to fixed braces.
Situations needing specialist orthodontics.
Honest advice, always
The process
A clear path to a straighter smile.
No treatment is recommended before a proper assessment, and you see a digital preview of the predicted movement before you commit to starting.
01
60 minutes
Consultation & scan
Meet Dr Aodhan for an examination and a digital scan. He confirms whether aligners suit your case.
02
Planning
Digital plan
A digital plan maps the predicted tooth movement so you can preview the likely outcome before you begin.
03
Months
Wear your aligners
You wear each set as directed, usually changing trays on a set schedule, with periodic checks to track progress.
04
Ongoing
Retain
Any final refinements are made, then a retainer holds your result. Teeth drift back without one.
Recent cases
Before & after
About these images. All photos are of actual patients who have given written consent. They are not edited, filtered or enhanced. Each outcome is relevant only to the individual shown and is not a guarantee of result for any other patient.
20 cases shown
← Swipe to see more cases →
Common questions
The things patients ask.
It varies with the complexity of your case, but many clear aligner treatments take somewhere between a few months and around eighteen months. Dr Aodhan gives you a realistic estimate after assessing your teeth. The time depends heavily on how consistently the aligners are worn.
Most patients feel some pressure or tenderness for a day or two when they move to a new set of aligners, which is a sign the teeth are moving. This usually settles quickly. It is generally described as mild and manageable.
Clear aligners typically need to be worn around 20 to 22 hours a day, taken out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth. Results depend strongly on wearing them as directed. They only work while they are in.
Often it is the better path. Straightening teeth first can mean a more conservative result, with less or no tooth preparation needed for veneers afterwards. Where that applies to you, Dr Aodhan will recommend it, even though it means a longer overall journey.
Aligner cost depends on the number of aligners and the complexity of the movement required. An accurate figure is only possible after an assessment. At your consultation you receive a clear, written plan and cost to take home.
Yes. For patients who choose to proceed, we offer an interest-free payment plan to make treatment more manageable. Eligibility and terms are confirmed in person at your consultation.
They can. Teeth naturally tend to drift, so wearing a retainer after treatment is essential to hold the result. Dr Aodhan will explain the retention plan as part of your treatment.
Important to know
Before you proceed.
Clear aligners are a well-established treatment, but they have limits and depend partly on you. These points are part of the conversation we have with you in person before treatment is planned.
01
Depends on wearAligners only work while worn. Inconsistent wear slows or compromises the result and can extend treatment time.
02
Relapse without a retainerTeeth tend to drift back over time. A retainer is needed afterwards to maintain the result.
03
Not for every caseComplex bite, jaw or severe crowding problems may need fixed braces or a specialist orthodontic referral.
04
Temporary discomfortPressure, tenderness or a short-term lisp can occur, particularly when starting a new set of aligners.
05
Attachments & oral careSmall tooth-coloured attachments are often needed, and good hygiene during treatment is important for gum and tooth health.
06
SuitabilityActive decay or gum disease must be treated before starting. The outcome depends on your individual anatomy and response.
Any orthodontic treatment carries risk, including rare effects on the roots or nerves of the teeth. Before proceeding we recommend seeking a second opinion from a suitably qualified dental or specialist orthodontic practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals, and the cases shown on this website are examples for those specific patients only and are not a guarantee of result. Costs are not covered by Medicare or private health funds.
Get started
Ready when you are.
Start with a free, no-obligation consultation. Pick a time on the booking page and you'll meet Dr Aodhan at Circular Quay.
