Having a friendly photogenic smile can improve your self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall appearance. If you're afraid to smile because of crooked teeth, Invisalign® can help.
National Dental Care offers the revolutionary treatment Invisalign® that can straighten misaligned teeth. These clear aligners are the most advanced aligners on the market.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® treatment uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. They are much more flexible and less noticeable than other dental realignment solutions, such as traditional metal braces.
National Dental Care can help transform your appearance and achieve your ideal smile. Discover why these invisible aligners are the clear choice for your oral health in more ways than one.
Find your local dental practice and get in touch for more information about Invisalign®.
How does Invisalign® work?
Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation where your dental professional will use specialist technology to scan your teeth and show you a visualisation of what Invisalign® could do for your smile.
Should you choose to go ahead, your orthodontist will use the scans of your teeth to create a series of aligners - trays - that you will wear for at least 22 hours per day during your treatment.
Every few weeks, you will switch to the next aligner in the series, slowly moving your teeth into a straighter, more aligned position, and working your way towards the final aligner and the smile you’ve always envisioned having.
Throughout this time, you will have regular check-ins with your orthodontist to assess your progress.
Once your teeth are in their final position, you will switch to a retainer that will ensure your teeth remain in place and do not move back to their original positions.
Advantages of Invisalign® treatments
Most people won't know you're wearing an Invisalign® tray because it's almost invisible. They are comfortable and easily removable, so you can easily slip them off for meals.
Even though they are sometimes known as ‘invisible braces’, Invisalign® actually offers even more benefits than standard braces:
- Improved oral health
Tightly spaced, crowded teeth can be difficult to clean. This problem can lead to plaque buildup and bacterial infections. Invisalign® can correct spacing problems that lead to these issues. - Prevention of jaw disorders
Invisalign® can treat poor jaw alignment that can cause dental issues. You can avoid expensive restorative orthodontic therapies and treatments with these invisible aligners. - You can hardly see them
Invisalign® trays have a cosmetically appealing, transparent design that allows patients to receive their treatments discreetly. - Easy to maintain
It's simple and easy to use. You can remove aligners to brush your teeth, clean the trays, and replace them once you're finished. - Fewer food restrictions
Invisalign® is designed so you can eat your favourite foods without issues. For example, it is not recommended to eat certain sticky sweets and other treats with traditional braces, and some foods such as popcorn and apple can be difficult as it gets stuck in normal braces. This isn’t an issue with Invisalign®. - Invisalign® is comfortable for healthier teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, occurs when your jaw doesn't fit together because of crooked teeth. Invisalign® can correct crooked teeth and help with bruxism as a result.
Invisalign® treatment schedules and guidelines
The average Invisalign® treatment will vary depending on the state of your teeth and oral health. Most treatments last 12 to 24 months if you follow your dentist's treatment plan.
These are recommended guidelines you should follow when using Invisalign®:
- Wear Invisalign® aligners at least 22 hours a day
- Brush your teeth before replacing your aligners to prevent a buildup of bacteria
- Clean your aligners regularly
- Change your Invisalign® trays as directed by your dentist
- Visit your National Care Dentist every four to six weeks
- Establish a retention plan for a successful post-treatment
Comparing Invisalign® vs braces
Both Invisalign® and braces have the same goal - to straighten and align your teeth for better oral health and a more confident smile. However, they achieve this in different ways.
With braces, your orthodontist will attach semi-permanent brackets to each tooth, which will be attached by a wire that works to slowly move your teeth into place. You will wear these braces until treatment is complete, which is usually 12-24 months. These braces are obvious whenever you open your mouth to eat or speak.
With Invisalign®, you will wear a series of clear trays custom-made for your mouth that will slowly move your teeth into place. You can take the trays out when you eat and drink, or for special occasion photos. It takes about the same amount of time as braces, but Invisalign® is not immediately obvious when you open your mouth - someone would have to be quite close to see the tray.
The right option for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Invisalign® is typically more expensive, but the extra cost may be worth it if you would prefer a more discreet treatment.
What costs to expect from Invisalign®
The cost of Invisalign® in Australia will depend on a number of factors, but it generally falls between $6,000 and $9,000 for most treatments.
It will depend on how many aligners you will need to reach your oral health goals, how complex the changes are, and how many appointments and adjustments you need with your dentist or orthodontist.
Some of your Invisalign® costs may also be covered by dental insurance, so be sure to check with your provider.
Your Invisalign® dental appointments
Here’s what you can expect at your Invisalign® appointment at National Dental Care:
- A dentist or orthodontic specialist will examine your teeth to see whether this treatment plan is right for you (your initial consultation on average takes 15-30 minutes)
- You will have regular progress appointments every four to six weeks to ensure your treatment is on track (your progress appointments will last less than 30 minutes)
- You may be asked about your dental and medical history
- You don't need to make any special preparations for your appointments
- You will need to remove your clear aligners for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing
- Rinse your aligners every night to keep them free of bacteria
We can help you get the smile of your dreams using the Invisalign® system. Our mission is to provide Australians with superior dental services underpinned by a strong culture of ongoing training and clinical support.
Our dentists, hygienists, and therapists are highly qualified and experienced. Discover why National Dental Care is one of the fastest-growing dental groups in Australia.
Find your nearest dental office and get in touch today to schedule an appointment.