Clear aligners are effective for many orthodontic cases, but they are not the right tool for every situation. For severe crowding, significant bite corrections, and movements that require precise force control, traditional braces may produce a more predictable result.
Ivy Dental offers clear aligner treatment. We do not offer fixed braces. When braces are the better option for your case, we will tell you honestly and refer you to an orthodontist rather than fit aligners that underdeliver.
Cases where aligners may still work well
Clear aligners are well-suited to:
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Minor bite refinement
- Tooth rotations under approximately 20 degrees
- Cases where the patient can reliably wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day
- Adults and older teenagers who prefer a discreet treatment option
For these cases, aligners can achieve excellent results with the convenience of being removable for eating, brushing, and professional situations.
Cases where braces may be more predictable
Braces may be the better choice when:
The crowding is severe. Significant overlap, impacted teeth, or teeth that need to be moved long distances respond more predictably to the continuous, precise force that fixed brackets and wires provide.
The bite needs significant correction. Deep overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites often require movements that are at the edge of what aligners can achieve. Braces offer more mechanical control for these corrections.
Large rotations are needed. Teeth that are significantly rotated - particularly premolars and canines - are difficult to derotate with aligners alone. Braces apply force more effectively for rotational movements.
Vertical movements are required. Intruding (pushing up) or extruding (pulling down) teeth is one of the more challenging movements for aligners. Braces handle vertical force application more reliably.
Compliance is a concern. Aligners only work when they are worn. If you know you are likely to remove them frequently, forget them at meals, or lose them, the treatment will stall. Braces are fixed to the teeth and work continuously regardless of patient behaviour. This makes them more reliable for teenagers and anyone who is honest about their likelihood of compliance. For tips on maintaining compliance if you do choose aligners, see our aligner compliance guide.
What Ivy offers and does not offer
Ivy Dental provides clear aligner treatment at Everton Park and Nundah. We assess suitability carefully and will not recommend aligners for cases where the outcome would be compromised.
We do not provide fixed braces; this reflects our clinical scope. Complex orthodontic treatment may be better managed by a specialist orthodontist with access to fixed appliances, temporary anchorage devices, and specialist training in cases that go beyond what aligners can manage.
When referral makes sense
We refer to orthodontists in Brisbane when:
- The case requires fixed braces for optimal results
- The complexity is beyond what aligners can predictably deliver
- A combined orthodontic and surgical approach is needed
- The patient is a child or young teenager who would benefit from interceptive orthodontics
Referral is not a lesser outcome. It is the right outcome. An orthodontist with fixed braces will produce a better result for a complex case than aligners forced to do a job they are not designed for.
Book an aligner assessment at Ivy Dental
What happens after braces or aligners
Regardless of which treatment you choose, retention is essential. After teeth have been moved into new positions, they have a natural tendency to shift back. A retainer holds them in place while the bone and ligaments stabilise. Most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer indefinitely at night.
If you have completed orthodontic treatment and need a retainer, or if your existing retainer has been lost or damaged, Ivy Dental can fabricate a replacement. For more on retainer types and costs, see our retainer replacement guide.
Aligner costs at Ivy Dental in Brisbane
Clear aligner treatment at Ivy Dental starts from $6,500. Your written quote confirms monitoring appointments, aligner stages, refinement limits, retention, and any possible additional fees. The actual cost depends on the diagnosis and planned treatment. For more detail, see our aligner cost guide.
Indicative pricing. Your quote may differ based on clinical assessment.
How to avoid choosing the wrong treatment
The biggest risk in orthodontic treatment is choosing the modality first and the provider second. If you have already decided you want aligners before being assessed, you may end up with a treatment plan that compromises on the result to fit the tool. If your concern is crooked teeth, there are several approaches worth considering.
Start with the question "what does my case need?" rather than "I want aligners." If the answer is aligners, we can help. If the answer is braces, we will tell you and connect you with the right specialist.
Next step
Book an assessment and we will evaluate your case honestly. If aligners are appropriate, we will plan the treatment. If braces would produce a better result, we will tell you directly and arrange a referral.
Book an aligner suitability assessment | Call (07) 3266 7120
For a detailed comparison, see our aligners vs braces page.
