Clear Aligners · Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Clear Aligners in Castlebar
If crowding, gaps or the position of your teeth bothers you, clear aligners can provide a discreet, removable way to straighten selected cases. The first step is a careful assessment to understand what you'd like to change and whether aligner treatment is appropriate for you.
Serving patients in Castlebar and across County Mayo
Could clear aligners be suitable for you?
Clear aligners may be considered for selected cases. They are not the right solution for every orthodontic concern, and part of the assessment process is determining what is actually appropriate for your individual situation.
Crowding
Teeth that are overlapping or have insufficient space
Spacing
Gaps between teeth
Rotated teeth
Individual teeth that are turned out of position
Orthodontic relapse
Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Selected bite concerns
Certain bite and alignment issues, where clinically appropriate
Not every orthodontic problem can or should be treated with clear aligners. Some patients may be better managed with fixed orthodontic treatment or referral to a specialist orthodontist. The purpose of the initial assessment is to understand what is appropriate.
Start with an assessment, not a product
At Breaffy Dental, we do not begin by assuming that somebody needs clear aligners. The first step is understanding your situation.
- What concerns you about your teeth
- Your current dental health
- Your gum health
- Tooth position and bite
- Your previous dental treatment
- What you are hoping to achieve
Diagnosis comes first. Treatment decisions follow from that.
What happens at a clear aligner assessment?
An assessment appointment allows us to understand your concerns and examine your teeth properly. It may include:
- A discussion of your concerns and what you are hoping to achieve
- A dental examination
- A gum health assessment
- An assessment of your bite and tooth positions
- Clinical photographs
- A digital scan of your teeth, where appropriate
- Other clinical records where required
- A discussion of possible treatment options and whether clear aligners are appropriate
If clear aligners are not the right option for you, we will say so. Alternatives can be discussed honestly.
How clear aligner treatment works
Treatment follows a structured process. The number of aligners and the overall duration depend on your individual case.
- 1
Assessment
A thorough examination to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate and to understand your dental health, bite and tooth positions.
- 2
Records and digital planning
Clinical photographs, a digital scan and any other required records are taken. These are used to plan the proposed tooth movements digitally. A records and planning fee of €150 applies to this appointment.
- 3
Review of the proposed treatment
The planned treatment is reviewed with you before any aligners are made. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and understand what is proposed.
- 4
Aligner delivery
Your custom aligners are made and fitted. You will receive clear instructions on how to wear and care for them.
- 5
Monitoring and adjustments
Regular review appointments allow us to check progress. Additional aligners or refinements may be required depending on how treatment progresses.
- 6
Retention
After the last aligner, retainers are normally required to help maintain the achieved position. Teeth can move after treatment without retention.
Could clear aligners work for your teeth?
An assessment is the first step — it does not commit you to any treatment.
What are clear aligners actually like to wear?
Clear aligners are removable, but successful treatment depends on wearing them consistently as prescribed. Here's what day-to-day treatment usually involves:
- Wearing removable, transparent aligners over your teeth
- Wearing them for the prescribed number of hours each day — compliance matters for treatment to progress as planned
- Removing them for eating and drinking (other than water)
- Maintaining good oral hygiene, including cleaning your teeth before replacing the aligners
- Changing to the next aligner in the series according to your treatment plan
- Attending monitoring appointments throughout treatment
- Sometimes having small tooth-coloured attachments bonded to certain teeth to help with specific movements
- Sometimes having a small amount of enamel carefully removed from between teeth (interproximal reduction) to create space — this is done in very small amounts where clinically appropriate
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment duration varies between patients. It depends on the amount of tooth movement required, the complexity of the case, your biological response to treatment, your compliance with wearing the aligners, and whether additional aligners or refinements are needed.
A more meaningful estimate can usually be discussed after assessment and digital planning. We do not quote a standard treatment duration because it would not be accurate for most patients.
Clear aligners and other options
Clear aligners are one option for addressing tooth alignment. Depending on your situation, other approaches may be equally or more appropriate:
No treatment
In some cases, the most appropriate decision is to monitor rather than treat.
Fixed orthodontic treatment
Traditional fixed braces can address a wider range of tooth movements and may be more appropriate for certain cases.
Specialist orthodontic treatment
For more complex cases, referral to a specialist orthodontist may be recommended.
Restorative or cosmetic treatment
In selected circumstances, restorative options may be considered alongside or instead of orthodontic treatment.
We will discuss the options that are relevant to your situation honestly. The right choice depends on your individual circumstances.
Who provides clear aligner treatment at Breaffy Dental?
Clear aligner treatment at Breaffy Dental is provided by Dr David O'Malley. Dr O'Malley is a general dentist — he is not a specialist orthodontist. He provides clear aligner treatment within the scope of general dental practice.
Where a case is more complex or where specialist orthodontic expertise would be more appropriate, Dr O'Malley will discuss this and referral can be arranged. We believe it is important to be straightforward about this.
About our teamClear aligners as part of your overall dental health
Tooth alignment should not be considered in isolation. Before and during clear aligner treatment, other aspects of your dental health may need attention — including the condition of your teeth and any existing restorations, your gum health, your oral hygiene, your bite, and planning for long-term retention.
Because clear aligner treatment at Breaffy Dental is provided within a general dental practice, these areas can be considered and managed as part of your overall care.
What happens after the last aligner?
Completing a course of clear aligner treatment is not the end of the process. Teeth have a natural tendency to move after orthodontic treatment, and retainers are normally required to help maintain the position that has been achieved.
- Retainers are typically required after treatment is complete
- Continued dental care and hygiene appointments remain important
- Monitoring of the result over time is advisable
We cannot promise permanent stability. Long-term retention requires ongoing commitment.
Fees
The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on the treatment required. A written treatment plan with full costs is provided before any treatment is agreed.
Clear aligner treatment
€395/month for 12 months
Treatment fee €4,740 (€395 × 12 months). Records and treatment planning: €150 (not credited against treatment). Total including records and planning: €4,890. More limited or more complex cases may differ — a written estimate is provided before treatment begins.
A considered approach to clear aligner treatment
Assessment before treatment
We assess suitability carefully before recommending any treatment.
Attention to dental and gum health
Tooth alignment is considered alongside your overall dental health.
Digital planning
Treatment is planned digitally, allowing the proposed movements to be reviewed before aligners are made.
Clear explanation
We explain what treatment involves, what it can and cannot achieve, and what the alternatives are.
Honest discussion of alternatives
If clear aligners are not appropriate, we will say so.
Ongoing dental care
Treatment is provided within a general dental practice, so your broader dental health can be managed alongside.
Retention and maintenance
We discuss retention from the outset, not as an afterthought.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about clear aligner treatment at Breaffy Dental in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Wondering whether clear aligners could be suitable for you?
An assessment allows Dr O'Malley to understand your concerns, examine your teeth and bite, and discuss whether clear aligners or another option may be appropriate for your situation. Requesting an assessment does not commit you to any treatment.
Requesting an assessment does not commit you to any treatment.