Do you want straighter teeth but the idea of wearing braces putting you off? Invisalign® could be your answer.
Invisalign® treatment straightens your teeth through a series of clear, comfortable and removable clear aligners, made digitally and custom-fitted to your teeth. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position.
Benefits of choosing Invisalign include:
- Feels more comfortable than traditional braces. Braces tend to irritate and chafe the inside of your mouth. With Invisalign, there are no wires or brackets rubbing against the inside of your mouth.
- Diet isn’t restricted like it would be if you wore braces. When you have braces, you can’t enjoy a number of foods. With Invisalign, these food restrictions don’t apply.
- Worn for a shorter time frame. While you typically wear braces for 2 years, Invisalign treatment usually only lasts between 9-15 months. If you’re looking to straighten teeth without the long-term commitment to braces, then Invisalign is perfect for you.
- Cleaning braces takes more time than Invisalign, as Invisalign features trays you can remove and wash.
Interested? We’ve got plenty of F&Qs to help make you decide if Invisalign is right for you:
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of your treatment will depend on the degree of movement you require and can only be determined by your dentist or orthodontist; however, the average Invisalign case takes about a year for adults. The length of time required for adolescent patients may vary and can be determined by your dentist or orthodontist.
Can any Lumino dentist treat me with Invisalign?
No. Orthodontists and dentists must complete specialised training to become qualified Invisalign providers. Find your nearest Lumino Invisalign practice at the bottom of this page.
How often will I have to wear my Invisalign aligners?
Aligners are most effective when worn at least 20 – 22 hours a day. They should only be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
How often will I need to visit my Invisalign dentist throughout the treatment?
You will need to attend regular progress appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks, to make sure that your treatment is going as planned.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
You may experience some discomfort (usually a feeling of pressure) for a few days with each change of aligners. This is completely normal and is a sign that Invisalign is doing its job – moving your teeth to their new, straighter position. Any pain you may experience with Invisalign is noticeably less than the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause.
Do Invisalign aligners affect speech?
Invisalign aligners may affect your speech in the short term, and you may have a slight lisp for a couple of days, just like with other orthodontic treatments. This should all disappear once your tongue gets used to having the aligners in your mouth.
Will I have to change what I eat while in treatment?
No! You will actually need to remove the Invisalign aligners to eat and drink, which means you can eat anything you would without them. So, unless your dentist specifically tells you to avoid certain foods, you can eat anything you would normally – a big difference between Invisalign and traditional braces. You should however avoid chewing gum as it will stick to the aligners. It is also important to make sure you brush your teeth after every meal prior to reinserting the aligners to avoid bad breath and poor hygiene.
Will the aligners fall off while I’m sleeping?
Invisalign aligners are designed to fit your teeth snugly and never fall out – even while you are sleeping, talking or laughing – so this shouldn’t be cause for concern.
Can I switch to Invisalign from my current braces?
While there are some dentists and orthodontists who are treating patients with a combination of traditional braces and Invisalign, you will need to speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine whether this is an option for you.
Can Invisalign help to fix teeth that have moved after my braces were removed?
Invisalign is a great option for people who have already been through the process of traditional braces, but have since had their teeth move. Invisalign is a good solution for adults who want to avoid the awkwardness and anxiety of traditional braces – by providing an almost invisible solution for re-aligning teeth.
Does Invisalign work with veneers?
You will need to speak with your Invisalign orthodontist or dentist to see if this is a solution that will work for you.
Can I get Invisalign if I have bridgework?
Because of how bridgework and Invisalign each work, this would probably be impossible to achieve. Invisalign works by moving each tooth separately, while bridgework involves connecting one or more teeth to surrounding teeth. It would be very difficult to get these two treatments to work in sync with each other.
What is the cost of Invisalign?
As with all orthodontics, the pricing of Invisalign can only be determined after consultation with your orthodontist or a Invisalign certified dentist. They will need to factor in all your specific needs, which will vary according to your treatment goals, time treatment will take, difficulty of your case or other factors they may determine. As a starting point, Invisalign does tend to be comparable to the cost of traditional braces.