Invisalign Clear Aligners in Sandgate
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth.
Because the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, they can provide a convenient alternative to fixed braces for suitable orthodontic problems.
Invisalign is not right for every bite or every patient.
At Dental Seasons, treatment begins with an assessment of your teeth, gums, bite and treatment goals before we determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate option.
Teenagers and adults welcome.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner orthodontic treatment.
The system uses a sequence of thin removable plastic aligners made specifically for your teeth.
Each aligner is designed to contribute to a planned stage of tooth movement.
As treatment progresses, you change to new aligners according to the prescribed schedule.
The goal may include improving:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Rotated teeth
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Other suitable alignment or bite concerns
Not every orthodontic problem can be managed predictably with clear aligners alone.
Invisalign is not simply a set of clear trays
Successful clear aligner treatment requires orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring.
Before treatment begins, we assess your teeth, your gums and supporting bone, existing fillings and crowns, the bite, available space, the movements required, any underlying dental disease, and whether Invisalign is appropriate for the complexity of the case.
Clear aligner treatment should be professionally supervised rather than treated as a mail-order product.
What happens during Invisalign treatment?
Orthodontic assessment
We examine your teeth and bite and discuss what you would like to change.
Digital records
Records may include photographs, digital scans and appropriate orthodontic X-rays.
Treatment planning
Your planned tooth movements are mapped digitally.
The computer-generated simulation is a planning tool and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of the final result.
Receive your aligners
Once treatment begins, you receive aligners according to your individual plan.
Wear and review
You wear the aligners as instructed and attend review appointments so progress can be assessed.
Retention
After active tooth movement is complete, retainers are normally required to help maintain the new tooth positions.
How many hours per day are aligners worn?
Clear aligners need to be worn for most of the day and night to move teeth predictably.
Your dentist will give you a specific wear schedule.
For many Invisalign patients, this is around 20 to 22 hours per day.
Aligners are normally removed for:
- Eating
- Drinking anything other than water
- Brushing
- Flossing
If aligners are not worn consistently, treatment can fall behind the planned tooth movement.
What are Invisalign attachments?
Many Invisalign treatments use small tooth-coloured attachments bonded temporarily to selected teeth.
These provide surfaces that help the aligners apply particular forces.
Attachments can make certain tooth movements more predictable.
They are usually removed after treatment.
Because of attachments, Invisalign is discreet but should not be described as completely invisible.
Will I need anything besides aligners?
Possibly.
Depending on the orthodontic problem, treatment may also involve:
- Tooth-coloured attachments
- Orthodontic elastics
- Small amounts of enamel reshaping between selected teeth, known as interproximal reduction
- Additional aligners or refinement stages
- Other orthodontic procedures
The treatment required depends on the individual bite rather than the Invisalign brand itself.
Can Invisalign treat every orthodontic problem?
No.
Clear aligners can manage many orthodontic problems, but there are situations where another appliance, fixed braces or specialist orthodontic treatment may provide better control.
The complexity of the required tooth movement, jaw relationships and other dental factors all influence suitability.
If Invisalign is not the best choice, we will explain why and discuss the alternatives.
Eating and drinking with Invisalign
Aligners should generally be removed when eating.
Water can usually be consumed while they are in place.
Drinking sugary or acidic beverages while wearing aligners can trap liquid against the teeth for extended periods and increase the risk of dental problems.
After eating, clean your teeth before replacing the aligners where practical.
Good oral hygiene remains particularly important during orthodontic treatment.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Some pressure or tenderness is expected when teeth begin moving or when a new aligner is started.
This commonly settles as the teeth adjust.
Orthodontic treatment should not involve severe uncontrolled pain.
If an aligner is causing significant discomfort, does not fit properly or another problem develops, contact the clinic for advice.
How long does Invisalign take?
There is no single treatment duration.
Simple alignment may require less time than a complex bite correction.
Treatment time also depends on:
- The amount of movement required
- Complexity of the bite
- Patient age
- Biological response
- How consistently aligners are worn
- Whether refinement aligners are required
We can give you a more meaningful estimate after orthodontic assessment and treatment planning.
Will my teeth stay straight after Invisalign?
Teeth can move after orthodontic treatment.
Retainers are therefore an important part of maintaining the result.
The type of retainer and recommended wear schedule depend on the individual treatment.
Long-term retention is commonly recommended after both braces and clear aligner treatment.
Invisalign in Sandgate
Dental Seasons is located at 119A Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017.
We provide Invisalign assessment and treatment for suitable teenagers and adults from Sandgate and surrounding North Brisbane and bayside communities.
Where clear aligners are not the most appropriate solution, we can discuss alternative orthodontic treatment or referral.
Invisalign questions
Is Invisalign really invisible?
No. The aligners are clear and relatively discreet but can still be seen, particularly when attachments are present.
Can I eat with Invisalign aligners in?
Aligners should normally be removed when eating and when drinking anything other than water.
How long each day should Invisalign be worn?
Your individual instructions should be followed. Many patients are advised to wear aligners approximately 20 to 22 hours per day.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Some overbites can be treated with clear aligners. Suitability depends on the cause and severity of the bite problem.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
Yes, many cases of crowding can be managed with clear aligners, but the treatment approach depends on the amount of space required and overall bite.
Can teenagers have Invisalign?
Yes, suitable teenagers may be treated with Invisalign.
Do I still need retainers afterwards?
Yes. Retention is normally required after orthodontic treatment to reduce unwanted tooth movement.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Contact the clinic rather than guessing whether to move to the next tray or return to an earlier one.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Neither treatment is automatically better. The most appropriate option depends on the orthodontic problem, required tooth movements and patient preferences.
Do I need an orthodontist for Invisalign?
Clear aligner treatment can be provided by appropriately trained general dentists as well as orthodontists. More complex cases may benefit from specialist orthodontic assessment.
Considering Invisalign?
If you would like straighter teeth but prefer a removable orthodontic option, clear aligners may be worth discussing. Book an Invisalign consultation at Dental Seasons and we can assess your teeth and bite, explain whether you are suitable and discuss the treatment involved.