Invisalign Clear Aligners to Straighten Your Teeth
If you’re thinking about improving your smile, you’re not alone. Invisalign clear aligners have gained popularity across the globe in recent years due to their ability to improve crooked teeth without traditional metal braces.
Instead, the Invisalign system uses nearly invisible aligners to straighten your teeth. Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can still enjoy your favourite foods without worrying about damaging traditional braces and maintaining good oral hygiene is much easier. Plus, they're comfortable to wear.
Invisalign uses a set of clear, custom-made aligners that work by gradually moving your teeth into their desired position over time, leaving you with straighter teeth.
If you’re not smiling because of crooked teeth, Invisalign may be the solution for you!
Visit Cambridge City Dental to Learn More About Getting Your Own Invisalign® Clear Braces in Perth.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Invisalign Treatment
To know for sure whether Invisalign is a suitable treatment for you, it’s important to see a dentist who is an Invisalign provider. Generally speaking, the following people may be suitable to start Invisalign treatment:
Teenagers and adults: Invisalign can be suitable for both teenagers and adults who have all their permanent teeth erupted. Adults may prefer the virtually invisible clear aligners as an alternative to traditional braces.
Mild to moderate orthodontic issues: Invisalign is effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. However, severe cases may require alternative orthodontic treatments.
Commitment to compliance: Invisalign patients should be committed to wearing the aligners as directed by their dentist, to ensure the right treatment outcomes are achieved.
Good oral hygiene habits: Since Invisalign aligners are removable, candidates should have good oral hygiene habits and be willing to brush and floss regularly to maintain oral health during treatment
Non-smokers: Smoking can stain and damage Invisalign aligners, so candidates who smoke may need to consider alternatives or be willing to quit during treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Starting the Invisalign treatment process involves visiting an Invisalign dentist to discuss whether the Invisalign system is right for you. At Cambridge City Dental, we regularly fit Invisalign aligners for our patients. At your initial appointment, we will discuss your current smile and what results you will be able to achieve. If you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, we will create a treatment plan with your goals in mind.
At your second appointment, we will take photographs and impressions of your current smile. These will be sent off and digitised into a 3D image (ClinCheck®). This 3D imaging technology will allow us to depict the precise series of movements required for your Invisalign treatment.
Once you have agreed to the proposed treatment plan, your set of customised Invisalign aligners will be produced. Each aligner will be slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into their desired final position.
To see the results, an Invisalign aligner must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Each new aligner set also has to be worn for two weeks before being switched to the next set. Once your Invisalign treatment has begun, you’ll need to schedule regular dental check-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that everything is going according to plan.
Invisalign Clear Aligners vs Traditional Metal Braces
When comparing Invisalign clear aligners to traditional metal braces, several factors come into play.
Appearance
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for individuals who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment option. On the other hand, traditional metal braces are more noticeable due to the metal brackets and wires.
Removability
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This makes eating and maintaining oral hygiene much easier since you can simply take them out before meals and brush and floss normally. Metal braces are fixed onto the teeth and cannot be removed until the end of treatment. However, it's important to note that the success of Invisalign treatment relies on wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day, typically 22 hours, to ensure optimal results.
Effectiveness
Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces are effective at correcting various orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, and bite problems. However, there are some situations where traditional metal braces or other orthodontic treatments may be more appropriate. For example, severe bite issues or complex tooth movements may require the use of braces with brackets and wires that allow for more precise control over tooth movement, which Invisalign cannot provide.
Treatment duration
Braces tend to offer faster treatment over Invisalign in certain cases due to their fixed nature and the ability to apply more targeted force to the teeth. Additionally, braces are always working because they are fixed onto the teeth, whereas with Invisalign, treatment progress can be influenced by how consistently the aligners are worn. It's important to note that the speed of teeth straightening can vary depending on individual factors, such as the complexity of the case and the patient's responsiveness to treatment.
Cost
Invisalign is generally a similar cost to braces. The technology and materials used in creating Invisalign aligners are advanced and costly compared to the stainless steel brackets and wires used in traditional braces. Additionally, the manufacturing process for Invisalign involves the creation of custom-made aligners for each individual patient, which requires specialised equipment and expertise, adding to the overall cost.
Ultimately, the decision between Invisalign clear aligners and traditional metal braces should be made in consultation with a dentist who can evaluate your individual needs and preferences to determine which treatment option is best suited for you. Some people’s teeth may be better suited to traditional braces whilst others may benefit from Invisalign.
Traditional Metal Braces
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Caring For Invisalign Clear Aligners
Caring for your custom clear aligners is essential to ensure optimal treatment throughout your Invisalign journey as well as maintaining excellent oral health throughout the treatment.
To keep your aligners clean and clear, it's important to brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them with cold water every time you remove them from your mouth. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
Additionally, avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners to prevent staining and bacteria buildup.
Be sure to store your aligners in their case when not in use to prevent loss or damage and to keep them clean from debris and bacteria.
Finally, ensure you’re regularly brushing and flossing your teeth before reinserting your aligners to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Book an Appointment With Cambridge City Dental to Discuss Your Suitability For Invisalign in Perth
Invisalign is a revolutionary clear braces system that can provide you with similar outcomes to various other orthodontic treatments whilst being virtually invisible. If you’re considering Invisalign in Perth, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with one of the friendly dentists at Cambridge City Dental.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your case, the duration of treatment, and your location. In Australia, the average Invisalign cost ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. Average treatment time is between 12 to 14 months, however, it can vary from anywhere between six months to two years depending on the desired final teeth position and how that compares to the positioning of your teeth prior to starting Invisalign treatment. If you have private health insurance, you may also be eligible for rebates under orthodontic treatments which further reduces the Invisalign cost. The cost is spread out over the course of treatment.
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Most people will experience temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This feeling is only a short-term effect and is perfectly normal. If you have Invisalign aligners and are experiencing severe pain, we recommend booking an appointment with your dentist.
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You can remove your Invisalign aligners at any time, but it's important to wear them for the recommended amount of time each day for effective treatment. In general, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for about 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing.
Consistently wearing your aligners as prescribed by your orthodontist is crucial for achieving the desired results within the estimated treatment timeline. If you don't wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time, it can prolong your treatment and affect the outcome.
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Similar to other forms of orthodontic treatments, the Invisalign aligners may affect your speech temporarily. Initially, you might notice some slight changes in your pronunciation of certain sounds or a slight lisp as your tongue adjusts to the presence of the aligners. This is because the aligners are made of a smooth, clear plastic material that covers your teeth and can slightly alter the way your tongue moves inside your mouth. However, as you wear the aligners consistently, your tongue and mouth muscles adapt, and any speech issues usually diminish over time.
If you experience persistent speech issues or discomfort, it's important to let your dentist know as they can provide advice or make necessary adjustments to your plan to minimise the impact.
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Invisalign clear aligners are generally suitable for most teenagers over the age of 14, provided that their second molars have fully erupted. This ensures that the majority of the permanent teeth are in place, allowing for effective teeth straightening treatment with the Invisalign aligners.
However, the decision to start treatment should be made in consultation with a dentist, who can assess the individual's dental development and maturity level to ensure they are ready for the responsibilities of wearing removable aligners as directed.
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If your policy has orthodontic coverage, this should be covered to a similar extent as traditional braces. As dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy and provider to provider, you should check with your health fund as to what benefit will be received. Your dentist will also provide you with a quote that can be given to your health fund provider to determine your rebate.
Contact Cambridge City Dental to learn more about getting your own Invisalign® clear braces in Perth.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.