The Complete Guide to Invisalign:
Your Path to Straighter Teeth
This article explains Invisalign treatment and the questions to discuss with your dentist when considering orthodontic care.
Clear aligners and fixed braces are different orthodontic options. A dentist can discuss suitability, comfort, risks and limitations for your circumstances.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to move teeth over time in suitable cases. The proposed movements and likely limitations require individual assessment.
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Clear aligners are removable, while fixed braces remain attached during treatment. Both require appropriate home care and clinical review. Suitability, visibility and comfort depend on the individual case.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign treatment process begins with assessment of your oral health, teeth and bite. Clinical records support an individual plan. Wear and change aligners according to the treating clinician’s instructions.
Treatment considerations
Clear aligners are removable appliances. Follow your clinician’s instructions for wear, eating, cleaning and review. Pressure, tenderness, mouth irritation and speech changes can occur.
A preview can help you discuss a proposed treatment, but it does not predict or guarantee the final result. Appointment frequency depends on the individual plan.
Clear aligners can cause discomfort, and the response to treatment varies. Ongoing review and retention are important.
How to Know if Invisalign is Right for You
Clear aligners may be suitable for selected spacing, crowding or bite concerns. Some movements may not be achieved, and refinements or another treatment approach may be needed.
Before jumping on board with the invisible aligners, it’s advisable to undergo a thorough consultation with an experienced Invisalign dentist. This initial assessment will help to determine whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign and what to expect from the treatment process.
Is Invisalign Allowed for Everyone?
Invisalign isn’t for everyone, but advancements in its technology mean it can handle more cases than ever before. Your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and recommend the best course of action for you.
Cost Considerations
The cost of Invisalign treatment is typically comparable to traditional braces. Factors such as the complexity of your case and the length of your treatment will affect the total cost. However, many dental practices offer payment plans to make Invisalign treatment more affordable.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Treatment length depends on the individual plan and response. Overall treatment length cannot be guaranteed.
Follow the prescribed wear and review schedule. The treating clinician can assess progress and discuss any changes to the plan.
The Invisalign Experience at Cosmetique Dental™
Cosmetique Dental™ provides Invisalign consultations. With nine locations across Australia, including seven in Sydney and two in Canberra, our dental team can discuss treatment options relevant to your needs.
Our Invisalign Service
We hold Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider status and have completed more than 400 cases. Provider status does not guarantee an individual treatment outcome.
Our Comprehensive Invisalign Consultation
Your Invisalign consultation includes assessment of oral health, teeth, gums and bite, and discussion of suitable options, risks and limitations.
Our Commitment to Your Smile Journey
The dental team can answer questions about treatment, assess progress and discuss discomfort or other concerns. Comfort and outcomes vary.
Discuss Your Treatment Options
At Cosmetique Dental™, treatment begins with an individual assessment. Invisalign is used to move teeth according to an individual orthodontic treatment plan. Your dentist can explain the expected changes, risks, limitations and alternatives.
To discuss whether Invisalign may be suitable for you, book a consultation with Cosmetique Dental™. Our team explains the Invisalign process, reviews progress and discusses the expected changes and limitations with you.
Risks, care and alternatives
Clear aligners move teeth over time in suitable cases. Treatment requires assessment of the teeth, gums, bite and supporting bone. It may require attachments, elastics, enamel reduction between teeth, extractions or additional orthodontic treatment; any enamel removal is irreversible.
Risks and limitations: Pressure, tenderness, mouth irritation and speech changes can occur. Tooth decay, gum inflammation or recession, root shortening and loss of tooth vitality requiring further treatment are possible. Some movements may not be achieved, and refinements or a change of treatment may be needed. Risk varies with dental health, previous trauma and the movements planned.
Treatment and recovery: Follow the prescribed daily wear, cleaning and review schedule. Discomfort may be more noticeable during the first few days after starting or changing aligners, but persistence and severity vary. Contact the practice for severe or worsening pain, persistent ulcers, loose or damaged appliances, or a sudden bite change. Overall treatment length cannot be guaranteed.
After treatment, long-term retention and review are usually needed. Teeth can still move over time. Alternatives may include braces, another suitable orthodontic approach or no treatment, depending on the clinical assessment.