Invisalign FAQs: What is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are the gold standard in clear aligner orthodontic treatment. Since its inception over 20 years ago, Invisalign aligners have grown and evolved to become the most popular way to correct tooth alignment concerns. Improvements in technology over the years has also meant a larger number of people have been able to have Invisalign clear aligners as the usages for Invisalign treatment have increased. Invisalign clear aligners can help to treat misaligned teeth, severe crowding, crooked teeth and gaps between teeth.

These days most people probably know of someone who has had Invisalign clear aligners, because wearing aligners is becoming more and more common. In fact, they are starting to become more popular than traditional braces for straightening teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. The journey begins with a consultation with an Invisalign-trained orthodontist or dentist, who will assess your teeth and determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you. If you’re a good candidate, the orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan using advanced 3D imaging technology. This plan will map out the exact movements of your teeth and generate a series of custom-made aligners tailored just for you.

Each aligner is designed to apply gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into their desired positions. You’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. Made from a clear, BPA-free plastic, these aligners are virtually invisible when worn, allowing you to achieve straight teeth without the hassle and discomfort of traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, you can enjoy a discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment experience.

Why Invisalign treatment?

Part of the reason Invisalign aligners are popular is that they can be more comfortable than traditional braces. One of the primary benefits of Invisalign aligners is that it is removable so you can eat and drink what you like without worrying. You can even chew gum! That’s right, there’s no food restrictions. The Invisalign aligners are also virtually invisible so most people won’t know you are even straightening teeth. You can get straight teeth with minimal disruption to your lifestyle, making Invisalign treatment very popular with many adults and young people.

If you have considered Invisalign clear aligners for yourself, this blog post is dedicated to you, as we answer the top 6 Invisalign FAQs we get from the patients we see at our Claremont dental clinic.

Invisalign Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Metal Braces

Invisalign clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, and for good reason. While both options can effectively straighten teeth, there are some key differences that set them apart. Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to apply pressure to the teeth, which can be uncomfortable and quite noticeable. In contrast, Invisalign clear aligners are removable, comfortable, and virtually invisible, making them a more appealing option for many.

One of the standout advantages of Invisalign is the ease of maintaining oral hygiene. With traditional metal braces, food particles can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires, leading to tooth decay and other oral health issues. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making it much easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods and maintain good oral hygiene without the worry of damaging your braces.

Top 6 INVISALIGN FAQs you must know the answers to

Can I get Invisalign treatment?

Yes, the majority of people can have Invisalign clear aligners to correct their tooth alignment concerns. It is important, however, that you have a consultation with our Invisalign-accredited Claremont dentists who can listen to your concerns and explain all the options to you so you can make the best decision for yourself. There aren’t many people who can’t have Invisalign treatment, but if you fall into that category, we can discuss a referral to an Invisalign treating Orthodontist nearby.

**How much will Invisalign cost?**

The price of the Invisalign treatment will depend on the complexity and duration of your concerns. Once our Claremont dentists have assessed your individual concerns, we can give you a better idea of the cost and duration of your treatment plan. We recommend you book a consultation to get the most accurate information. That said, as a rough guide, the cost for Invisalign clear aligners usually ranges from $6500-$8500. If you have Orthodontic cover through your private health insurance, you may receive a rebate from them. Medicare does not cover the cost of any Orthodontic treatment in Australia.

Do you have a payment plan for Invisalign treatment?

We sure do. We know that the price of Invisalign treatment is not cheap, and for most people it is a significant investment of money. Once you consent to starting Invisalign treatment and sign the paperwork, you will pay a 50% deposit to cover Invisalign cost. After that, the remainder is divided by 6 and you pay it off evenly on the first day of every month.

How long will Invisalign treatment take?

This will vary according to your treatment needs, but Invisalign treatment time roughly ranges from 6 months to 2 years. The Invisalign aligners are an advanced clear aligner system that gradually straighten your teeth using leading clear retainer materials. The treatment time is generally equal to or slightly longer than traditional braces. Because every part of Invisalign treatment is digitally planned, it allows for more predictable tooth movements to gradually shift teeth into ideal alignment.

Will Invisalign clear aligners be visible?

You may be surprised that most people don’t even notice if someone is wearing Invisalign clear aligners. This is one of the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment. The Invisalign aligners are literally clear so they are difficult to spot unless you are really close to someone who has an Invisalign aligner in their mouth. Invisalign clear aligners are removable aligners, so you will need to take them out to eat and drink. This also means you can eat while in treatment without having to worry about pesky metal brackets breaking or poking your mouth like traditional metal braces. Additionally, if you have any special occasions coming up, you needn’t worry about anybody noticing your Invisalign aligners because they are virtually invisible.

You also won’t need to worry about food getting stuck in between your teeth like with normal braces, and it’s much easier to maintain good oral hygiene because Invisalign clear aligners are completely removable aligners.

What’s the first step in starting Invisalign treatment?

We recommend booking a personalised consultation for Invisalign with our Invisalign-accredited Claremont dentists. At this appointment, they will determine your Invisalign treatment suitability, smile concerns, and discuss details regarding the treatment time and what costs you can expect. They may even do a complimentary 3D scan of your teeth to explain what treatment options there are and what is achievable with wearing Invisalign clear aligners. You will then be able to see your own specific digital treatment plan and find out how many aligners you will need to straighten your teeth. You can also see the individual tooth movements from their initial position to the final result of the the completed orthodontic treatment.

Regular appointments are then generally booked every 6 weeks with your Invisalign doctor. Your treating doctor will check that your aligners fit correctly, you are wearing Invisalign effectively, and your tooth movement is gradually shifting as planned.

Caring for Your Aligners

To get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to properly care for your aligners. Here are some tips to keep your aligners clean, comfortable, and effective:

• Clean your aligners regularly with an aligner brush and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
• Don’t chew gum while wearing your aligners, as it can stick to the plastic and cause damage.
• Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage.
• Store your aligners in a protective case when not in use to keep them safe and clean.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products while wearing your aligners, as it can stain the plastic and affect their appearance.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your aligners remain in good condition throughout your treatment. Always follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist or dentist for the best results and a smooth Invisalign journey.

Want to know more?

Found our Invisalign FAQs helpful and want to get started? Book a complimentary consultation appointment today with an Invisalign doctor at our Claremont dental clinic to find out more about your teeth straightening options by clicking on this link here. Our team can help to answer any questions you have and support you along your Invisalign journey. Many of our team have had the Invisalign system to achieve straight teeth, so have experienced it for themselves. In fact, you can read more about Claudia’s Invisalign treatment journey right here. There’s 4 separate posts to document her Invisalign journey, so make sure you follow along from start to finish!