2 days ago
Best dentist-approved teeth straightening treatment that is surprisingly affordable: Urban Smile
It's official, straightening your teeth just got a glow-up.
Say goodbye to awkward metal braces and waiting months for an orthodontist appointment.
There's a new name in town shaking up smiles, and you'll find it on your local high street.
Urban Smile is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Specialist Orthodontists Dr Igor Lavrin and Dr Sarah Lawrence, who between them have over 40 years of experience and credentials from Harvard, Melbourne and Otago universities.
They're ditching the traditional clinic feel for bright, modern studios that feel more like your fave skincare boutique than your average dentist's office.
And the big idea? Making professional, orthodontist-designed clear aligners more affordable, accessible and way more convenient, all without compromising on care.
What makes Urban Smile different?
First off, every smile plan at Urban Smile is created by a Specialist Orthodontist, not a general dentist. That's important, because while your dentist is great for cleans and fillings, orthodontists go through an extra three years of training to specialise in bite correction and teeth straightening.
Urban Smile patients won't meet the orthodontist in person, but they'll still be guided through treatment remotely and that's exactly how the prices stay so affordable.
On average, their aligner treatment is 25 per cent cheaper than traditional orthodontics.
Oh, and consultations? They're completely free. You'll get a full set of X-rays, 3D scans (no gooey moulds here), and detailed photos, all done in-studio. The specialist team then creates a fully personalised plan using a mix of high-tech tools and decades of experience.
How do clear aligners work?
If you've never used aligners before, think of them like a nearly invisible, removable version of braces.
You'll wear each set of trays for around a week at a time, for 20 to 22 hours per day.
The best part? No food restrictions. You simply pop them out before eating, then put them back in after a quick rinse or brush.
From overbites and gaps to crowding or ' snaggle' teeth, these custom-made trays gradually move your teeth into their new, straighter positions using gentle, targeted pressure.
Urban Smile offers three treatment types, Lite, Moderate or Advanced, selected by your orthodontist based on what your teeth need.
Plans also include advanced attachments (to help with more complex movement), IPR (that's a fancy term for creating a bit of space between teeth when needed), bite correction, a take-home whitening kit and even an aftercare retainer.
High-tech, high-convenience
The big game-changer? Everything's monitored remotely. Each week, you'll scan your smile using the Dental Monitoring app on your phone.
You'll get a ping when it's time to scan, and the clinical team checks your progress and lets you know when to move to the next set. If you've got questions, just message them in the app.
Why it matters
Urban Smile was launched in 2022 after Dr Lavrin and Dr Lawrence grew increasingly concerned about patients arriving at their Collins Street practice needing corrective treatment after using cheap online aligners.
Most had gone without X-rays, professional oversight or any clue if their teeth were even healthy enough to move safely. Some were left with poor results, or worse, damage that needed urgent repair.
That's why Urban Smile exists. It bridges the gap between online convenience and professional care. It gives you the expertise of a specialist, without the hefty price tag or hassle of regular in-person appointments.
