January is traditionally seen as a time for fresh starts, with many people using the new year to reset routines and address long-delayed priorities. Health appointments typically rise after the festive season as people focus on wellbeing beyond diet and exercise, including skin, mental health and dental care.
Tapping into this annual reset, Melbourne-based orthodontic practice Urban Smile has launched a New Year promotion offering $500 off clear aligner treatment. The discount is available for a limited time with the code SMILE2026, valid until 31 January 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.
The offer applies to double-arch clear aligner treatments, which are priced between $4,180 and $6,980. A consultation is required to assess patient eligibility, and standard terms and conditions apply.
Clear aligners have become one of the most popular orthodontic options for adults in 2025, reflecting a broader shift away from the idea that teeth straightening is only for teenagers. Many adults prefer aligners because they are discreet, removable and easier to fit around work, social events and family commitments.
The transparent trays are typically worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and can be removed for meals, drinks other than water, and special occasions, reducing self-consciousness during treatment.
Urban Smile reports a growing number of adult patients choosing to improve their smiles later in life. Specialist Orthodontist Dr Sarah Lawrence says age is not a limitation.
“One of our patients is in her 70s and is excited to straighten her teeth ahead of her daughter’s wedding next year,” Dr Lawrence said. “Confidence really does not have an expiry date.”
A common source of confusion for people considering aligners is the difference between treatment provided by a dentist and that overseen by an orthodontist. Dentists focus on general oral care such as cleans, fillings and routine check-ups, while orthodontists complete an additional three years of specialist training after a five-year dentistry degree.
This extra expertise is important for safely moving teeth, correcting bite issues and protecting long-term oral health.
At Urban Smile, all treatment plans are designed and monitored by specialist orthodontists Dr Igor Lavrin and Dr Lawrence, who have more than 40 years of combined experience. Their model allows orthodontists to review cases remotely, reducing wait times for appointments and lowering costs. The practice says fees are, on average, about 25 per cent lower than traditional orthodontic care.
While straight teeth are often associated with appearance, orthodontists stress the functional benefits. Proper alignment can reduce uneven tooth wear, ease jaw discomfort and make chewing more comfortable. Straighter teeth are also easier to clean, supporting better oral health over time.
Teeth naturally continue to shift and crowd with age, meaning early intervention can help prevent more complex problems later on.
Urban Smile also uses technology to reduce the need for frequent in-clinic visits. Patients complete weekly scans at home using an AI-powered dental monitoring app and a scan box attachment for their smartphone. The scans track tooth movement, aligner fit and oral hygiene, alerting clinicians early if treatment is not progressing as planned.
Founded in 2022 in Hawthorn by Dr Lavrin and Dr Lawrence, Urban Smile was created in response to concerns about poorly monitored online aligner treatments. The practice now operates clinics in Brunswick, Hawthorn and Waurn Ponds.
In addition to clear aligners, Urban Smile offers services such as in-chair whitening, express cleans, replacement retainers and cosmetic tooth gems.
With free one-hour consultations that include 3D scans, dental photographs and X-rays, flexible payment options and private health insurance acceptance, the practice says January is an ideal time for patients to invest in their smiles.
With the $500 discount available for a limited period, Urban Smile expects strong interest from adults looking to begin the year with a renewed focus on confidence and oral health.