Invisible Braces

Invisalign clear aligners, Sydney City & Bondi Junction

Invisalign clear aligners can straighten teeth without the need for braces with metal brackets or wires and are virtually invisible.

What is Invisalign?

Unlike conventional braces, invisible aligners are custom-made medical grade plastic trays. They are designed to slip easily over your teeth, putting a light pressure against them to guide the teeth into position. The aligners themselves are visually unnoticeable because they are clear; and they fit to the exact shape of your smile.

How does Invisalign work?

The invisible aligners use a series of clear removable plastic aligners to straighten teeth discreetly and operate without metal wires or brackets. The aligners are custom made to fit each and every one of your teeth. The custom-made nature of this device means that you can experience increased comfort whilst wearing the aligners. Because the aligners are transparent and shaped to fit your smile, they will be virtually unnoticeable to others.

“The good news for adults now is that there are discreet treatments. Although the aligner treatment is not suitable for all patients, invisible aligners can provide a method of straightening your teeth for less complex alignment concerns.”

Dr Kerry Lester, Specialist Orthodontist

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The aligners are worn full time and can be removed to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth. Every four to six weeks you will visit your orthodontist to collect a new set of aligners which are programmed to move your teeth little by little to achieve your desired result. For suitable candidates, this is a lifestyle-friendly orthodontic treatment as aligners have a number of benefits such as:

  • Enjoy your favourite sticky and crunchy foods
  • As the aligners are removable it is possible to take them out to eat particular foods that may not be desirable to consume when wearing a fixed appliance.
  • Maintain proper oral hygiene
  • You can maintain a thorough cleaning routine whilst wearing the aligners as you can remove them to brush and floss as you normally would. It is essential to retain an excellent oral hygiene routine in order to protect your smile while you are receiving orthodontic treatment.
  • A distinct advantage of the aligners is the fact that this orthodontic appliance can be removed for special occasions.

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment time is often between 12 to 24 months, depending on your particular oral condition. To receive the desired results, it is often essential that you wear your aligners between 20 – 22 hours per day.

Who is a suitable candidate for Invisalign?

Suitable candidates can range from teenagers and adults; however, the success of this treatment is dependent on the patient’s compliance to wear their appliance at the designated times.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Typically, Invisalign braces will cost more than traditional metal braces. On average traditional braces are estimated to cost between $2,500 and $6,000, in comparison to Invisalign which can cost between $3,500 and $7,000. While Invisalign treatments can sometimes be slightly more than traditional braces, the extra freedom that comes from clear aligners – i.e. being able to eat your favourite food, as well as being almost completely invisible – often makes up for the price difference.

As with all treatments, the overall cost will depend on your specific case and how complex it is, how long your treatment may take, and the experience of your Invisalign provider. A few other factors that can impact the overall price of your Invisalign treatment include:

  • how much alignment your teeth require
  • the total number of aligners you’ll need over the course of your treatment
  • number of adjustments required
  • level of insurance cover

How do you take care of your aligners?

Taking care of your Invisalign aligners is simple if you follow a few key steps.  This is important to help ensure your aligners remain invisible, but also that the treatment is effective.

For example, to help keep your aligners clean, always brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back on. This will help keep food debris and germs from staining your aligners. It can help to rinse your aligners each time they’re removed before putting them back on too and it’s recommended you regularly soak the aligners in specialised aligner solution that is provided to you as part of your treatment. Importantly, try to avoid placing your aligners under extremely hot water, as this can warp the plastic and misshape the aligners.

As well as keeping your aligners clean, keeping your own dental hygiene routine is vital. By brushing and flossing regularly, you’ll help keep plaque and bacteria from building up underneath your aligners. Lastly, avoid foods that have a propensity to stain both your teeth and aligners alike such as coffee, chocolate and red wine.

Invisalign at Ortho3

During your consultation, we will discuss your orthodontic treatment plan and identify if invisible aligners would be a desirable option for you.

The good news for adults now is that there are discreet treatments. Although the aligner treatment is not suitable for all patients, invisible aligners can provide a method of straightening your teeth for less complex alignment concerns.

If you have any questions about our Invisalign treatment, or would like to make a booking, contact us at Ortho3 today.