How to Straighten Your Smile Without Traditional Braces

Thinking about a straighter, more confident smile? Gone are the days when traditional metal braces were your only option. Advances in technology and orthodontics mean that your options for orthodontic care are now greater, including the popular choice Invisalign, which has already changed the smiles of over 4.5 million people in 50 countries worldwide.

So… how does Invisalign work?
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable dental trays called ‘aligners’ (you may hear Invisalign referred to as ‘a clear aligner system’). Aligners are custom made for each individual patient with each aligner worn for approximately two weeks.  Each individual aligner is slightly different to the one before. By changing aligners every two weeks or so, your teeth are moved gently into the desired location. The whole process is guided by your specialist orthodontist or Invisalign-trained dentist.

Invisalign may be an option for you if:

• Your teeth are crowded
• You have gaps between your teeth
• You have been told by your dentist that you have an overbite, under bite, open bite or cross bite 

Sounds simple enough. But what are some of the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces?

• Aesthetically, Invisalign is a lot more discreet than metal braces. Being clear, the aligners are barely noticeable when they are in your mouth.
• Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat and drink, and to brush and floss your teeth – reducing the traditional problem of having to be careful with what foods you consume while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• No wires or metal brackets means your cleaning regime is much easier, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• If you have a special occasion (such as a wedding), your Invisalign aligners can be removed easily for short periods – as long as they are placed back in as soon as possible. To ensure that you get the best treatment outcome from your Invisalign aligners, you want to keep them in place as prescribed by your dentist.
• Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, so the irritation and discomfort often associated with metal brackets and wires is avoided.

What is the Invisalign process?

Step One: Have an Invisalign Consultation with your dentist or specialist orthodontist
Dentists with appropriate training and all specialist orthodontists are able to offer Invisalign to their patients. They will discuss with you what you would like to achieve with your smile and will then be able to advise if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. If you are, impressions of your teeth will be taken and sent off to Invisalign for processing. Many Pacific Smiles Dental dentists offer Invisalign treatment. Find your local Pacific Smiles Dental here.

Step Two: Invisalign will prepare your treatment plan
The impressions of your teeth will be turned into a computerised 3D representation by Invisalign. Your dentist will then use a specific Invisalign software program to show you how the positioning of your teeth will change using Invisalign aligners, and what results might be achieved for your smile.

Step Three: Invisalign Aligners
Once your treatment plan has been agreed upon, the aligners are custom-made by Invisalign and returned to your dentist. Once received, your dentist will issue the Aligners to you and confirm any instructions for use. Aligners are issued progressively during your treatment so that your dentist can monitor your progress and make any adjustments if required. Each aligner is generally worn for 2 weeks before progressing to the next one. The number of aligners will vary in accordance with your individualised treatment plan.

Step Four: Your Treatment Begins
Invisalign aligners will need to be worn every day during your orthodontic treatment – only being removed to eat, drink or clean your teeth. Progress checks with your dentist are important and usually required every 4-6 weeks. Progressing through your series of aligners will continue until your treatment is complete. By monitoring your progress, your dentist will be able to discuss any adjustments required and keep you informed on how the treatment is progressing.   

What is the cost of Invisalign?
The cost of Invisalign aligners will vary depending on the treatment required. In most cases, treatment costs are comparable with costs associated with traditional braces. Before you commence your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will provide you with an accurate estimate of costs during your consultation appointments. If you have dental health insurance with orthodontic cover, Invisalign is generally covered. Speak your Health Fund for more information on your specific individual cover.

Contact your local Pacific Smiles Dental and book your Invisalign consultation today.