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Invisalign®

Do you want to straighten your teeth, but don’t like the look of traditional metal braces? Talk to our Melbourne dentists about Invisalign®, an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal wires and brackets.

To find out more and decide whether Invisalign® is right for you, call us on (03) 9650 0870 to book a consultation at one of our clinics on 2 Collins Street, 538 Collins Street or Toorak Road, South Yarra.

What is Invisalign®?

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® uses transparent plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth to move them into their desired positions over time. These removable aligners can be taken out when you eat and brush your teeth.

If Invisalign® treatment is right for you, our dentists will use 3D computer imaging software to take an impression of your mouth and design your custom aligners. This technology can also help you to visualise the final position of your teeth following your orthodontic treatment.

Each set of aligners should be worn for around two weeks, after which they’ll be replaced with the next set to gradually shift your teeth. We’ll arrange appointments every 6-8 weeks to check that your treatment is on course and provide you with the next few sets of aligners.

Who can benefit from Invisalign®?

Invisalign® can be used to treat mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as straightening crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth or closing gaps. You may not be eligible for Invisalign® if you have a more complex orthodontic issue, in which case we’ll recommend other treatments.

Invisalign® treatment was designed for adults and older teenagers who may want greater flexibility (and less noticeable objects on their teeth!) as compared to traditional metal braces. These clear aligners are less visible in your mouth and can be removed for photos, although we recommend that you wear them as much as possible.

How long does it take?

The length of your Invisalign® treatment depends on how much your teeth need to be straightened. The average treatment time is 12-14 months, which is comparable to metal braces.

We’ll arrange regular appointments at your local d-spa clinic during the course of your treatment to check that you’re progressing on schedule and to make any changes needed. These appointments will usually be every 6-8 weeks.

What happens after Invisalign® treatment?

After you complete your Invisalign® treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back. These are also made from clear plastic and are usually only worn at night, although we may advise you to wear a retainer during the daytime too.

It’s important that you continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal during your orthodontic treatment, or you could develop an oral health problem that will disrupt the treatment and make wearing your aligners painful.

Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?

When you first wear your Invisalign® aligners, you may find that you have a slight lisp. This usually only lasts for a few days, as your tongue gets used to the aligners being in your mouth. The more you wear your aligners, the quicker your mouth will adjust to them.

Do I have to avoid certain foods?

Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign® aligners can be removed when you eat and drink, so you won’t have to change your diet. We do recommend that you avoid food and drink that’s high in sugar however, to help protect your oral health and prevent problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that could interrupt your orthodontic treatment.

Will I need to have teeth removed?

Extractions are not usually necessary for Invisalign® treatment to be successful, as its sophisticated computer imaging software can account for crowded teeth and other minor issues. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth however, we may recommend wisdom teeth removal to avoid possible problems later.

What if I’ve had braces before?

Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, your teeth may have moved or relapsed since, especially if you didn’t wear a retainer after your braces were removed. We’ll give you a complete orthodontic assessment and tell you whether you could benefit from Invisalign® treatment.

Book your free Invisalign® consultation at d-spa

If you’re interested in Invisalign® , you can book a complimentary consultation with our Melbourne dentists. We’ll tell you more about what the treatment involves and whether you’re a candidate. We’ll also make sure we understand what you want from the treatment and that you have a realistic idea of what to expect.

Schedule your Invisalign® consultation today

Terms and Conditions: Patient must mention this offer when booking appointment with d-spa. Offer includes 1 x clinical consultation and 1 x customised treatment plan. Radiographs may or may not be required and taken at the clinic, please discuss radiographs with reception. Total cost of radiographs are at the patients expense of $43. Total cost for full course of orthodontic treatment varies, depending on a patient’s individual requirements. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. If, at the dentist’s clinical discretion, new x-rays or impressions are required due to a time lapse between an initial consultation and treatment commencement date, these will be provided at no additional cost. The cost of this initial consultation is absorbed by the dental clinic and no health insurance benefits are claimable. Please contact d-spa to discuss your eligibility for Invisalign® treatment and what results may be achievable for you.

Have you had a dental emergency?

If you have a dental emergency—either severe pain requiring root canal (also known as endondontic treatment) or a lost tooth—call our surgery straight away and we’ll do our best to find a time to see you.