If you or a family member has considered orthodontic treatment to improve the look and health of your smile, you may not be aware of all of the treatment options available at your local Melbourne dentist. Metal braces are not the only option available. Several alternatives to metal braces are now available. In this post, we review the popular Invisalign system so you can determine if this is right for you.
At Dentists of Ivanhoe Central, we are proud to offer the almost invisible Invisalign aligners because it is the most popular and effective alternative we have to braces, particularly among our patients who are image-conscious and would rather not show off a mouth full of metal! The clear aligners system costs slightly more than traditional metal braces, so some patients ask us if Invisalign is really worth the cost difference. (and yes, we do offer financing for Invisalign to make your dream smile more affordable)
Almost Invisible
Patients love the fact that Invisalign aligners are made out of clear, comfortable plastic. If you’re a bit worried about people noticing you’re going through orthodontic treatment, Invisalign could be a welcome alternative! Since they are removable, you can also take them out for any special event when you want your natural smile to shine through, like weddings, parties or school pictures.
Ability to Eat Your Favourite Foods
Invisalign patients enjoy more freedom than traditional braces. There are food restrictions with traditional braces – for example sticky and crunchy foods can make a mess or even break brackets and wires. Patients wearing braces must avoid these types of food for the entire treatment, which may be a little frustrating. However, with Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want to! All you need to do is to remove the aligner before eating, then after you’re done eating, brush your teeth and pop the aligners back in over your teeth.
Easier to Clean and Floss
Simple oral hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing with traditional braces can be a pain, because it’s tricky to work around the brackets and wires. Food particles and plaque can remain on your teeth causing not only stinky breath, but potential for cavities and gum issues. With Invisalign, you simply remove your Invisalign aligners before you brush and floss as normal.
Shorter Treatment Time
Every case is different, and each patient responds to treatment in their way, so there’s no set treatment time. Our patients typically enjoy a treatment time between 6 and 18 months.
Making sure you follow the guidelines for wearing your aligners will help keep the treatment time to a minimum. You will have to wear them for 20-22 hours a day during your entire treatment period. Every few weeks, we’ll switch out your aligners for a new pair, allowing them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making.
Treat a Wide Range of Dental Issues
The Invisalign technology has improved over the years, so we are now able to treat cases like::
- Gaps between teeth Crowding Deep overbite Open bite Crossbite
Invisalign is an excellent option for many patients, but it’s not for everyone. The system works best for adults and teens with mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. When you schedule your free consultation with one of our dentists, we’ll be able to determine if Invisalign treatment is a good fit for your smile and your needs. If a different treatment option would serve you better, we’ll discuss the various options. You can trust our team only to recommend the treatment we believe is best for your unique smile.
If you’re in the Northern Melbourne suburbs, and want to learn more about how the Invisalign aligner system can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule your free smile assessment.
