Orthodontic treatment is an important process for many people to correct their bite and the positioning of their teeth. We are a proud Platinum Invisalign dentist, helping you get the beautiful smile you deserve.
Invisalign braces are removable orthodontic appliances that use a series of custom-fit, virtually invisible trays to achieve straighter teeth. These clear aligners are made of flexible thermoplastic material and are an entirely removable orthodontic option. Their clear design ensures you can receive treatment without it being noticeable.
Invisalign aligners exert gentle pressure on your teeth to guide them into correct position when they are misaligned. As you go through treatment and your teeth move, you will receive new aligners so that your teeth can continue moving into the right position. Unlike fixed orthodontics, Invisalign is a convenient option that does not disrupt your eating and teeth cleaning habits.
Invisalign treatment is best for treating mild and moderate misalignment issues, such as crowded teeth, gapped teeth and minor malocclusions. It is also possible to treat more severe cases with the use of supportive elastics or rubber bands. While it is a desirable orthodontic treatment due to its efficiency and discreet appearance, it is unfortunately not suitable for every patient.
Teeth position constantly changes as the jaw grows, so children under 7 should not get Invisalign. It is more common for teens and older children because patients must be mature enough to wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day. If there are still any baby teeth present, your dentist will not recommend getting aligners. If your child’s jaw is not developing correctly, your dentist will recommend an alternative course.
The virtually invisible aligners are a perfect option for adults hoping to receive orthodontic treatment discreetly. As a removable option, they offer a convenient alternative to fixed braces. With shorter appointment times and fewer checkups, Invisalign suits the busier schedule of most adults.
We follow a comprehensive process to ensure we offer treatment in a way that Oakleigh families can trust!
We recognise that going through orthodontics can create anxiety for some people, and want to do our part to make it as easy a process as possible. As a platinum Invisalign provider, we have expert specialists committed to making you feel comfortable and helping you achieve your dental goals.
We separate ourselves from other dentists by ensuring we are as dedicated to patient wellbeing and comfort as to achieving results. Book an Invisalign consult today and we’ll help you find your dream smile.
It’s important to clean your aligners along with your teeth every night. To properly clean your aligners, rinse them with water and then brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a gentle liquid soap or regular toothpaste. After brushing, rinse again thoroughly and make sure you don’t use the same brush you use for your teeth.
Cleaning Invisalign will remove food particles or debris that have been collected. It is possible to purchase cleaning products from the chemist or supermarket. Our staff will guide you with brands and types.
The length of treatment will depend on each case, but a typical course will take between 6 and 12 months. Invisalign treatment for adults tends to take longer than for teenagers, as their jaws are less responsive.
Most people use Invisalign for crooked teeth to make them straighter and improve their appearance. It can also be used for an overbite or other malocclusion treatments. Many people also use Invisalign for crowded teeth or to treat gaps. However, issues with higher levels of complexity or severity may require stronger treatment methods.
Sometimes elastics are used as an additional tool to help with more severe cases. Invisalign can also be used before restoring a gap to reposition the teeth and give us ideal space for a replacement tooth. This results in a more uniform and symmetrical look.
Treatment will not improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. For that, you should consult a cosmetic dentist for treatments such as veneers or teeth whitening.
The total cost will vary based on how long you are undergoing treatment, and how many sets of aligners you need. More severe cases take longer to fix, and therefore require a more extensive treatment course. For a detailed price breakdown, have a chat with our friendly team.
Because Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to position and straighten teeth, you can keep your active lifestyle. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners have no metal bands or wires to irritate your mouth. Similarly, since Invisalign is removable, you have fewer limitations on what you can eat during treatment. You can take the clear aligners out for special events or if you’re going to indulge in a sticky, gooey snack.
Whether you get traditional braces or Invisalign depends on how extensive your orthodontic needs are. Your dentist will be able to guide you towards the best treatment for you.
You should not eat anything while wearing your aligners as the thin plastic may break or develop holes in it. Unlike fixed orthodontic treatments though, you can continue to eat as you normally would because the trays can — and should — be removed when you want to eat.
Invisalign chewies are soft plastic cylinders that patients bite down on to ensure their aligners are fully fit on their teeth. Your aligners will only fix your teeth’s positioning if they are sitting properly. The chewies provide an easy way to remove the space between your teeth and the aligners.
As with other orthodontic treatments, you will need to wear a retainer once your course is finished. This is to prevent your teeth from moving back to the position they were in before Invisalign.
It will take around 9 to 12 months of wearing your retainer nightly before there is enough bone to stabilise your teeth’s new position. After this time, you may only have to wear the retainer once every couple of nights, but for long-term stability, we recommend our patients wear retainers routinely for their lifetime — even if it is only once or twice a week at night time.
Aligners should only be taken out when eating or when going through your regular teeth cleaning routine (brushing and flossing), and should be stored in a case when not being worn. Other than that, your aligners should remain in throughout the day and while you sleep, as the best benefits occur when you wear the aligners for more than 20 hours per day.
Wearing Invisalign should not cause you pain but it may create soreness in your mouth. This is due to the pressure being exerted on your teeth to move them. Discomfort should only last for a few days with each new set of retainers, but your dentist can teach you how to relieve pain, including by drinking cold water or using over the counter pain relievers.