Invisalign
Invisalign
Invisalign Gosford, Erina, Central Coast
Aligners are discreet, as they are made of a transparent, custom-made thermoplastic material that other people hardly ever notice.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is basically an example of a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth as an alternative to braces. There are a variety of different companies that make clear aligners, but Invisalign has been around the longest and has put in the most research and development. It has such a strong public awareness campaign, many patients know about Invisalign before they even come to see us.
Invisalign came into existence at the end of the 1990s and initially was suitable only for very simple, straightforward cases. Since then, research and technology have improved so much that it can now treat the majority of cases. There are still some cases where braces are a better option, but in most situations you have a choice to go with Invisalign.
Who Can Have Invisalign Treatment?
Just like braces, aligners can be used as early as eight years old all the way through to adulthood. Our oldest patient currently undergoing aligner treatment is in her seventies. As a general rule, most adults prefer to use aligners rather than braces because they are transparent and therefore much harder to see. The other main advantage is that they are removable, meaning oral hygiene is simpler and your diet is not restricted.
Here are the common problems Invisalign can address:
Who Can Have Invisalign Treatment?
Just like braces, aligners can be used as early as eight years old all the way through to adulthood. Our oldest patient currently undergoing aligner treatment is in her seventies. As a general rule, most adults prefer to use aligners rather than braces because they are transparent and therefore much harder to see. The other main advantage is that they are removable, meaning oral hygiene is simpler and your diet is not restricted.
Here are the common problems Invisalign can address:
Reasons Why You’ll Love Invisalign:
Invisalign is much less noticable
Invisalign moves teeth using clear trays that are hardly noticeable. If you’d prefer to keep your treatment to yourself while working towards your smile goals, Invisalign trays are the way to go.
No food restrictions
If you would rather not have restrictions placed on your diet, then you should consider Invisalign. Just pop them out when you’re eating, clean your teeth, then pop those trays back in.
Invisalign trays are removable.
Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces
Invisalign looks so much better!
No food restrictions
If you would rather not have restrictions placed on your diet, then you should consider Invisalign. Just pop them out when you’re eating, clean your teeth, then pop those trays back in.
Invisalign trays are removable.
Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces
Invisalign Procedure
Initial consultation
From there, your teeth are then scanned using an intraoral camera. It allows your case to be entered into the design software so we can digitally plan your treatment.
First aligner
Follow-up visits
Initial consultation
From there, your teeth are then scanned using an intraoral camera. It allows your case to be entered into the design software so we can digitally plan your treatment.
First aligner
Follow-up visits
Risks & Recovery
Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign comes with potential risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Mild discomfort or pressure when changing to a new set of aligners
- Temporary irritation to the cheeks, lips, or tongue
- Short-term changes to speech, usually resolving as you adapt
- Risk of cavities or gum irritation if aligners are not cleaned properly
- Small chance of aligners warping if exposed to heat
Recovery considerations:
- Many patients adapt to aligner wear within a few days
- Aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning, so there is no dietary restriction
- Consistency is important, as aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day for the best results
- Regular reviews are scheduled to monitor progress and make adjustments if needed
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Timeframe Between Photos: 18 Months
Warning: The ‘before’ and ‘after’ images shown are of a real patient of our clinic. These images are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the results that all patients can expect. Results vary depending on individual circumstances, and all surgical and cosmetic procedures carry risks.
Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience.
What to Expect
You are expected to wear your clear aligners for 22 hours a day for the best results. You might experience minor speech distortions during the first few days of wearing your aligners as your tongue is adjusting to the new device. After your tongue is used to the aligners, the slight lisp will eventually diminish.
As the teeth are being moved, and it’s important to expect that there will be some discomfort while this is happening. This tends to be greater with braces compared to aligners. The main challenge with wearing aligners is that they must be worn properly and adequately to allow them enough time to move the teeth.
On average, Invisalign treatment takes approximately 12-16 months to complete. However, depending on the individual and the severity of the bite problem, treatment time can also be as short as a few months. It usually requires 14-36 aligners to achieve the final results but varies from each patient depending on the treatment plan.
There are no particular extra risks when using Invisalign compared with using braces. The main risk of orthodontic treatment is inadequate oral hygiene, which is significantly reduced when using aligners.
What to Expect
You are expected to wear your clear aligners for 22 hours a day for the best results. You might experience minor speech distortions during the first few days of wearing your aligners as your tongue is adjusting to the new device. After your tongue is used to the aligners, the slight lisp will eventually diminish.
As the teeth are being moved, and it’s important to expect that there will be some discomfort while this is happening. This tends to be greater with braces compared to aligners. The main challenge with wearing aligners is that they must be worn properly and adequately to allow them enough time to move the teeth.
On average, Invisalign treatment takes approximately 12-16 months to complete. However, depending on the individual and the severity of the bite problem, treatment time can also be as short as a few months. It usually requires 14-36 aligners to achieve the final results but varies from each patient depending on the treatment plan.
There are no particular extra risks when using Invisalign compared with using braces. The main risk of orthodontic treatment is inadequate oral hygiene, which is significantly reduced when using aligners.
I Want to Straighten My Teeth!
Teeth don’t always move in an expected way, and you need to be able to adapt and respond to these variations. This is why we see problems emerging with some of the DIY direct-to-consumer options.
If you would like to straighten your teeth, simply call us or complete the enquiry form below. We look forward to seeing you at Central Coast Orthodontics.
I Want to Straighten My Teeth!
Teeth don’t always move in an expected way, and you need to be able to adapt and respond to these variations. This is why we see problems emerging with some of the DIY direct-to-consumer options.
If you would like to straighten your teeth, simply call us or complete the enquiry form below. We look forward to seeing you at Central Coast Orthodontics.
Download Our Price List
We understand some people can be concerned about the cost of their or their child's orthodontic treatment. At Central Coast Orthodontics, we want to ensure every patient can access a treatment plan suited to their needs and budget.
Simply click the button below and we will provide you with a competitive quotation based on our professional assessment of your individual situation.
FAQ About Invisalign
Do clear aligners cause discomfort?
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience.
This product is not available for purchase by the general public.