According to a recent survey, 55 per cent of Australians would like to improve their smiles. Part of that includes having straighter teeth. Straight teeth are not just an exercise in vanity, though there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, straighter teeth are often healthier, more comfortable, and easier to keep clean. You can reduce uneven wear, cracks, chips and jaw joint pain when your teeth work in harmony.
So many options are available today!
- Metal braces
- Clear braces
- Clear aligners
- Cosmetic braces
You have decided to straighten your smile, but when you envision it, having a mouth full of brackets and wires might seem unappealing, especially if you have an active social life or are a busy professional.
At Lumino Smiles, we offer orthodontics with Invisalign® clear aligners to help patients achieve their best smiles without the hardware.
How Do I Know If Invisalign Is Right for Me?
The first step to getting treatment with Invisalign is to arrange a consultation at our Pascoe Vale dental clinic. Dr Kiaee will perform an exam, including an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joint health. Most people can have orthodontics with Invisalign; the rare exception might include someone with complex bite disorders.
Why Do People Like Invisalign?
Clear aligners have many benefits:
- Discreet treatment – Most people will not notice your aligners.
- Improved comfort – There's no irritating hardware to rub against your delicate tissue.
- Unlimited diet – Eat your favourite foods with no restrictions.
- Similarly priced – Invisalign is comparable to braces.
- Removable – You can remove your aligners for a special event.
Of course, to achieve the benefits of Invisalign, you will need to follow your dentist’s instructions and dedicate yourself to treatment compliance.
What’s Involved with Invisalign?
We need to gather the data necessary to provide an accurate treatment plan. We will take photos, x-rays and moulds of the teeth. Then, we will transfer that data to an Invisalign laboratory to create the aligners.
Sometimes, we will apply small attachments, called buttons, to the teeth to assist in tooth movement. These small attachments are tooth-coloured and discreet. We will remove those once treatment is complete.
Once we receive your clear aligners, we will review how to use them and when to change them. Some general rules of thumb for Invisalign include:
- Wear aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
- Keep your aligners clean.
- Arrange regular check-ins with your dentist.
- Keep your trays away from pets and hot vehicles.
- Change your Invisalign aligners every 1-2 weeks (or as directed).
We will go over your personalised treatment plan and other recommendations when we see you.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
As with traditional braces, treatment times with Invisalign vary. It depends on how much tooth movement is required to achieve the best results. We will review treatment times at your consultation appointment, but you can generally count on 1-2 years for full treatment.
Some patients may achieve good results in nine months, while others may need to wear their aligners for over two years.
Can Teenagers Get Invisalign?
Yes! Teens are great candidates for Invisalign because it helps them achieve a great smile while navigating those awkward teen years where they already feel self-conscious about their appearance, smiles and pretty much everything.
Of course, your teen must be dedicated to their orthodontics by following the instructions carefully. Teens can be forgetful and sometimes a little rebellious. So parental monitoring and regular visits to Lumino Smiles are in order.
Will I Need a Retainer after Invisalign?
Yes. As with all orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear a retainer after Invisalign. Don’t worry; the aligners are similar to clear aligners, so they are discreet. Initially, you will need to wear a retainer for most of the day, eventually graduating to nighttime-only use.
What about DIY Clear Aligners?
Your smile is too important to risk to an internet kit. When performed incorrectly, bone loss can occur with orthodontics. In extreme cases, incorrect ortho can lead to lifelong repercussions. It is always best to seek orthodontics from a qualified and trained dentist or orthodontist. While some of the online offers can seem enticing, there is a reason they cost less. Professional supervision means your treatment can be adjusted to meet your body's changing needs.
Invisalign Clear Aligners in Pascoe Vale
Have you decided on Invisalign, or are you just curious? We welcome your call to arrange a consultation to help you achieve the healthy, straight smile you want to show the world.