Considering how popular it is nowadays, you’ve probably heard about Invisalign from someone who has used the treatment. Clear braces let you straighten crooked or crowded teeth without having to wear bracket-and-wire braces. A unique series of clear aligners are customized to slowly shift the position of your teeth over a period of months. Simply wear the aligners 20-22 hours per day, switch to a new set every two weeks, and, over time, your smile will be transformed.
Invisalign is extremely popular with patients because it gives you the opportunity to correct misaligned teeth without the hassles of metal braces: no uncomfortable wires to poke your mouth, no metal to disrupt the harmony of your smile, and no changes to your diet. Many adult patients who had resigned themselves to a lifetime of charmingly crooked smiles are excited to learn how easy and accessible this treatment is. In some cases, the treatment plan can be completed in a year or less. Imagine what your smile could look like one year from today—if you start a course of Invisalign now! To find out whether you qualify for Invisalign, call Dockland Dental Studio at (03) 9021 9487.
Are My Teeth Correctable?
Invisalign is an appropriate option for most adult or teen patients with mild-to-moderate misalignment (malocclusion). If your alignment issues fall into the severe category, however, Invisalign many not be capable of fixing your teeth properly. For example, Invisalign works best on teeth that need to shift horizontally. If you have teeth that need to be moved vertically, or rotated, it may not be appropriate for your case. Furthermore, Invisalign is somewhat limited in its ability to treat bite issues. If you have a severe under bite or overbite, for example, these problems may only be correctable with bracket-and-wire braces.
If you are interested in Invisalign, don’t make assumptions about your oral health! Only a dentist can diagnose your alignment issues and determine whether you are a good candidate for the treatment. Visit Docklands Dental Studio and we will have a look at your teeth and assess your alignment concerns. If Invisalign is not advised, you may qualify for other less-noticeable forms of orthodontic treatment, such as lingual braces or tooth-colored braces.
As long as your teeth are in a good state of oral health, orthodontic correction is always a possibility! Even if you have some untreated decay, we can usually restore your teeth so they are ready for orthodontics. Many adults take an “I missed the boat” attitude if they didn’t have their teeth straightened as a child, but there’s no age limit on braces. Whether you are 26 or 66, orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve your oral health and correct the aesthetics of your smile.
How Does it Feel to Wear Invisalign?
Very few patients find Invisalign to be a difficult adjustment. You may need a couple of weeks to acclimate, because:
- The aligners change how air flows over your teeth, and may cause a temporary lisp.
- The aligners put pressure on your teeth; you may be uncomfortable for a day or two.
- You may need some time to adjust your food and beverage schedule.
- You must sleep in the aligners.
- You must brush and floss the teeth after every meal or snack.
At first, Invisalign requires some patience and perseverance. However, most patients state that once they get over the initial adjustment period, they soon forget that they are wearing them altogether. Yes, you may need to practice speaking in the aligners at first so you don’t sound different. Yes, you will need to change your eating habits and carry an oral hygiene kit with you during the day. But when the goal is a more beautiful smile, motivation for success tends to be high!
Isn’t Invisalign Expensive?
Like all orthodontic treatments, Invisalign has associated costs. Typically, treatment will cost anywhere from $2500 to $8500, depending on the complexity of your case. If you wore braces as a child and your teeth are beginning to shift slightly out of alignment, you may only need a short treatment plan. Ultimately, the longer you will need to wear the aligners, the more it will cost.
We understand that not everyone has an extra $5000 lying around, however, so we offer multiple payment plans to help make Invisalign affordable. If you are an employed Australian citizen without a bankruptcy, DentiCare lets you make weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments over a period of 12-24 months. Another payment plan is zipMoney, which offers similar terms. (Click here for a comparison of the two plans.) Most patients who are motivated to improve their smile find Invisalign a worthy investment in their future health and self-confidence.
Invisalign Improves Long-Term Oral Health
Patients seek out Invisalign because they want their smile to look better, but it can also improve your oral health. When teeth have the proper amount of space between them, they are easier to keep clean. This means your toothbrush bristles and floss will have better access to the surfaces between the teeth where bacteria and plaque tend to hide. You reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease when teeth are properly aligned.
Additionally, teeth that fit together properly are less likely to fracture and crack. When teeth are not aligned properly, every time you bite or chew, the friction and pressure may weaken the teeth. This may not be apparent now, but in 20 years your teeth may become eroded or begin to fracture. Patients are also less likely to grind their teeth and suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction when the teeth fit together correctly.
How Will Invisalign Change My Life?
Improving your smile will have a significant impact on your confidence. When you know your smile looks beautiful, you’ll feel good about sharing it with the world. Most patients report feeling better about their appearance after Invisalign, and feeling better prepared for personal and professional interactions. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, student, or working professional, your smile will feel more genuine when you have the confidence of knowing you look great.
Visit Docklands Dental Studio for a Consultation
If you’ve ever seen someone wearing Invisalign and thought “why not me?” contact our Docklands dental office for an Invisalign consultation. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your alignment issues and help you determine whether Invisalign might be right for you. Call us at (03) 9021 9487 to make an appointment.
Where We are Located
Docklands Dental Studio is located at 57 Merchant Street in Melbourne. We are easily accessible via trams from the Melbourne CBD. Just take tram number 11 or 48 from Collins Street and get off at Collins Landing (Stop D17). If you are in Port Melbourne or South Wharf, it’s quite easy to get to our dental practice via the Web Bridge (by foot or bike) or Wurundjeri Way (by car).
Also published on Medium.