What is Invisalign?
So, what is Invisalign? When we think of straight teeth, we instantly think of the aesthetic side of things, but have you thought about the functional benefits of having straighter teeth? I remember being told at 18 that if I didn't intervene and have my teeth straightened, I would eventually lose my lower front teeth as they were so reclined and crowded that I was unable clean them effectively. I basically had the early stages of gum diseases simply because I couldn't physically get floss between my teeth, and I needed to take a proactive stance to fix it early. Cue having a consultation to get my teeth straightened. But it isn't just for fixing crowded teeth; Invisalign can also help to correct bite issues. Overbites, over-jets and cross-bites are all things we can treat with Invisalign.
How Does Invisalign Work?
To put it simply, Invisalign is a brand name for clear aligners. It is THE brand I guess you could say. Invisalign was the first completely-clear set of aligners ever made. In 1997, two University students came up with the concept - a series of clear aligners that would gradually move your teeth whilst still being discreet and unrestrictive to what you can and can't eat. And while there have since been other Clear Aligner brands appear on the market, Invisalign is still rated the number one brand for successful treatments.
Invisalign works by creating a series of ever-so-slightly changing aligners that slowly move your teeth, switching the aligners every two weeks. The more you wear your aligners, the faster the changes will happen. Because you are changing your aligners every two weeks, it makes Invisalign the more hygenic way of straightening your teeth.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
The most common reason people choose to have Invisalign over Traditional Braces is for aesthetics. Because the aligners are clear and virtually invisable, Invisalign Aligners are discreet and unnoticeable. Think back to when you were in School; if you could avoid having the bulky metal braces, why wouldn't you?
Aside from the aesthetic side of things, many of our patients find the Invisalign Aligners are more comfortable than the Traditional Metal Braces. If you had the choice of silky smooth plastic vs metal brackets and bands, which would you choose?
Invisalign Cost vs Traditional Braces Cost
Invisalign treatment is roughly 85% digital these days - from the digital scan to the fabrication of the aligners - This means spending less time with the clinician, which in-turn has made Invisalign the more cost-effective choice for treatment compared to Traditional Braces.
For example, Invisalign cases are usually $2900- $7900 vs the Traditional Orthodontic Braces where treatments are approximately $4000 - $9000.
If you have orthodontic cover on your private health, you should be entitled to claim back some of your rebate for Invisalign Treatment. Our friendly staff will be able to assist you with this and sometimes even be able to process the claim for you using our HiCaps terminal.
We offer Payment Plans over 24 months through National Dental Plan and OpenPay. We are committed to helping make dental treatment affordable for all.
Can Anyone use Invisalign?
Unfortunately not everyone is a suitable candidate for Invisalign. Gum disease and outstanding required dental treatment are just two of the reasons someone might not be suitable for Invisalign. Other reasons include severely crooked teeth and large overbites, but our clinicians are here to assess your suitability.
Things to Know Before Starting your Invisalign Treatment
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You need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily.
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Success is dependant on compliance. If you aren't wearing your aligners, your teeth will not move.
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You only remove the aligners to eat and to drink anything that isn't water.
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You will need to brush and floss after every meal.
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Certain foods and beverages will stain your aligners.
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You will be encouraged to use Invisalign Munchies to help seat your aligners and keep your progress moving.
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Treatment time varies from case to case - depending on complexity and compliance. Average treatment can be from 6 - 24 months.
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You will need to wear removable retainers of a night time following treatment. We highly encourage permanent retainers be fixed behind both your upper and lower front teeth.
Our Dental Practice, Waterways Dental offers Invisalign services on the Gold Coast. To find out more about Invisalign and how it can help you, contact our friendly staff on 07 5572 6522 or book a Complimentary Invisalign consultation appointment online.