Why have Invisalign treatment.

Have you ever wanted to have a beautiful smile that radiated warmth?  Have you covered your mouth when you laughed because you were embarrassed by crooked teeth but did not want to have train tracks on to straighten them?  Invisalign is the answer you are looking for.  Invisalign can straighten your teeth and create a beautiful smile with aligners that are almost impossible to see.  Why put it off any longer.  Contact our rooms on 9316 0555 and see if we can put a beautiful smile on your face with Invisalign.

Does Invisalign work as well as normal braces?

Invisalign has proven to be as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces. The level of Invisalign experience will determine how a dentist decides how to treat a patient, be it with Invisalign or traditional braces. Patients with severe crowding or bite problems may require interdisciplinary treatments in which Invisalign is used in combination with other teeth straightening techniques.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made “aligners” are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final desired position is achieved.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

There are four primary benefits of Invisalign:

1. Invisalign is nearly invisible – you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
2. Invisalign is removable – you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Invisalign is comfortable – there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation: no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the dentist’s chair getting adjustments.
4. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start – so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

 Do you offer payment plans for Invisalign treatment?

Depending on the type of treatment and the treatment duration we offer payment plans for Invisalign.  This is usually discussed with patients after a treatment plan has been formulated.  There is a wide variation in fees for Invisalign treatment.  Please contact us to make a consultation to discuss this.

What are aligners made of?

Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade non-toxic plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

What do aligners look like?

Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

How long will treatment take?

The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of each individual patient’s orthodontic issues.  Treatment may vary from anywhere between six months to two years with an average treatment

taking around 12 to 18 months.

 Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

 For years, orthodontists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and mass-customised manufacturing, Invisalign is able to treat a broader range of orthodontic issues with greater precision.

How old is this technology?

In 1945 an American orthodontist Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, this is now possible. Using advanced computer technology, Invisalign generates a series of customised “aligners”. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

Over 1.4 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign and the number grows daily. Invisalign was launched in Australia in February 2002.

How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

Like brackets and arch wires, the Invisalign aligner moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. With each aligner, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular aligner. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

How much does Invisalign cost?

In most cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to the cost of adult ceramic braces. However as with other medical treatments, the cost of treatment is based upon the complexity of treatment required, the average cost of treatment ranges from $6,000-$8,500.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

If your insurance policy has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to a similar extent as conventional braces as Invisalign is normally prescribed for a full course of orthodontic treatment. However, as medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should check with their health fund.

Will there be an initial consultation fee?

We charge an initial fee of $60 for a consultation to discuss if Invisalign can help you.  Call our rooms on 9316 0555 to make an appointment time.

Is there a price reduction if I only require the top/bottom aligner?

The charge for Invisalign is based upon the consultations needed and the 3D modelling cost. Single arch treatment does not mean that the price will be halved from the two arch treatment cost.

Does Invisalign have a guarantee?

Invisalign is as effective at straightening teeth as traditional methods of orthodontics but largely depends upon a patient’s biology and compliance with treatment. As such, Invisalign cannot guarantee that a patient’s teeth will move exactly as predicted.

The treating dentist is responsible to use their experience and skill to treatment plan and monitor the appropriate treatment as it progresses. If necessary, additional treatment with Invisalign or other forms may be needed. Discuss this further with your treating dentist during your initial consultation.

Can I claim any rebate on Invisalign treatment?

Yes. There is a government rebate that is available to a taxpayer whose eligible net medical expenses in the year of income exceed $1,500 (nett of Medicare and any health fund refund). The amount of the rebate is 20% of the excess over $1,500 but cannot exceed the amount of tax otherwise paid. The rebate is claimed when the patient lodges their annual income tax return.  For example, a patient undergoes Invisalign treatment at a cost of $6500. Assuming the patient can claim $1000 back from a private health fund and none from Medicare, the rebate would be as follows: [($6500-$1000-$0) – $1500] x 20% = $800

How do I know if I’m a candidate for Invisalign?

Not all cases are suitable for treatment with Invisalign.  Some cases are better to be treated with other forms of treatment.  Please call our rooms on 9316 0555 to make a consultation to discuss if Invisalign could help you.

What conditions would make me unsuitable for Invisalign?

Four types of tooth movements have found to be less predictably achieved with Invisalign alone:

1. Severe de-rotations of cylindrical teeth
2. Complex extrusions
3. Closure of large spaces usually associated with extractions of teeth other than lower incisors
4. Uprighting tipped molar teeth.

To find out if you have teeth that need these movements please contact our rooms on 9316 0555 for a complimentary 10 minute consultation.

What is the minimum age that Invisalign can treat?

Almost all teenagers over the age of 14 are eligible for treatment with Invisalign as long as their second (twelve year old) molars are fully erupted.

Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude you from being an eligible patient?

Yes, certain dental conditions can restrict you from being an eligible patient – for further information, please consult with us. Cases that are difficult or unsuitable for Invisalign may include up-righting severely tipped teeth, cases where not all the permanent teeth have erupted, cases with multiple missing teeth, patients with poor periodontal condition or patients that want to change their facial profile.

Are crowns a factor in Invisalign treatment?

No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, small composites called attachments are sometimes bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist.

Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular, or jaw joint. Individuals can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign. To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact orthodontic treatment, consult with us.

Can Invisalign close gaps (space closure)?

Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. However, the size and location

of the spaces will need to be evaluated.

Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth

movement.  We will need to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

How long will it take to begin treatment after the initial consultation?

After the initial consultation, we will will need to take x-rays, photos and moulds of your teeth. These records will be sent to the USA to be used to manufacture your custom made aligners. This process will take approximately 6 weeks (from the time the records are sent to the USA to the time treatment can begin).

How often must I see the dentist?

Your dentist will schedule regular appointments – usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way we can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

Will the treatment be painful?

Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working — sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

Will wearing the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.

Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your orthodontist or dentist. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Can I drink with aligners still on?

You should remove your aligners to drink anything else except water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them and the patient may risk tooth decay if they drink fluids with sugar in them.

Will smoking stain the aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discoloured.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

What’s the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.

Can patients use aligners for bleaching teeth while active tooth movement is occurring?

While we are aware that some patients are using aligners for bleaching, Align Technology, Inc. has not examined the compatibility of currently available bleaching products with our aligners, nor have we demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies. Align recommends that you consult your dentist for more information on whitening teeth.

What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

Most treatments will need a positioner, or conventional retainer after treatment is completed to stop the teeth from returning to their original crowded position.  Patients may need to wear a clear plastic retainer similar to Invisalign aligners.  Others patients may have a thin metallic wire attached to the inside of their front teeth.  Please discuss this with us so you are sure what would work best for you.

What happens if the aligners no longer fit?

In this case you should contact us immediately so we can diagnose what remedial action is needed to bring the treatment back on course. This may involve moving back one or two stages in treatment to a previous aligner or possibly some additional orthodontic treatment

Please insert the before and after shots of Invisalign here – we are waiting on one more after shot which should come shortly