Is Invisalign for me?

Invisalign. We have all heard of them, but what are they? Invisalign is a modern form of orthodontic treatment, providing an alternative to your traditional braces. As your Dentist in North Strathfield, we pride ourselves in being updated with modern dental technology in order to provide our patients with alternative options that could be considered better suited to their particular case or desired results. This blog will explore the key aspects of Invisalign, including its benefits, cost considerations, and comparison to traditional braces to ensure you are making an informed decision!

Aug 02

What is Invisalign?

Your Dentist in Concord West offers this amazing new innovative orthodontic treatment as the alternative to braces. Invisalign is an innovative treatment that uses clear and removable customized teeth trays to help straighten your teeth! These are also known as ‘clear aligners.’ Clear aligners are popular with many of our patients here at Distinct Dental Centre in Strathfield as their characteristics make it a discreet and comfortable option.

Say goodbye to impressions! Your Dentist in Concord is hip with all the latest technology. Invisalign also uses 3D imaging technology to capture the unique placement, bite, and ridges of your teeth! This means each clear aligner is unique and accustomed to your own set of teeth. The aligners are changed weekly (unless advised otherwise) according to the gradual shifts of the teeth as they’re aligning. Before you know it, boom, you have your desired results and are able to smile as you always wanted!

Pros and Cons

But how do I know if Invisalign is right for me? That is the most common question we receive here at your Dentist in Sydney. So, let’s discuss the pros and cons of Invisalign.

PROS:

• Aesthetics: Many patients avoid traditional braces as they dislike the idea of metal, wires, and elastics being visible during their teeth straightening journey. With Invisalign, patients are provided with a virtually invisible and discreet choice making it the most preferred option for many of our lovely patients here in North Strathfield.
• Comfort: The aligners are made with a smooth yet sturdy plastic, helping our patients reduce the likelihood of irritation to the cheeks and gums that you may see using traditional braces. Your Dentist on Concord Road aims to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
• Removability: Invisalign is great for our diets! Patients are required to remove their aligners for eating food and drinking hot beverages! Also, removal is needed for brushing and flossing which makes maintaining oral hygiene that much easier. Yep! Oral hygiene is always a must, no matter the dental journey.
• Results Predictor: Thanks to our use of 3D imaging technology, Dr Kia works alongside Invisalign’s team to create and provide a virtual plan that can show the results you can expect to see each week until the last week of your treatment! You are able to preview and discuss this plan before you begin.

CONS:

• Discipline: Invisalign is a full-time gig! Patients must adhere to the dentist’s instructions to ensure we are seeing the results we expect each week. They must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and can only be removed when eating, drinking, and doing their oral hygiene routines day and night!
• Plastic: Invisalign is a strong sturdy plastic that is just strong enough to shift your teeth into alignment. However, they are still plastic! Being too rough or careless may cause them to snap or crack. Taking them off in a dangerous way may damage certain parts of the aligners. Also, drinking hot beverages or washing them in hot water can cause the aligners to melt!
• Suitability: After conducting your consultation and examination, you may find that Invisalign may not be suitable for some severe or more complex orthodontic cases. It is a good idea to take advantage of your first free initial Invisalign consultation with us at Distinct Dental Centre.

How do I start?

So, you have decided to take the step and begin your Invisalign journey. But how do we begin?

1.  It will firstly begin with your first free Invisalign consultation with Dr Kia in North Strathfield. In this appointment, Dr Kia will discuss your dental health history and your desired results with you before conducting a brief examination of your teeth and surrounding tissue! He will use this information to decide if Invisalign is the best course of treatment for your case.
2. After the exam, Dr Kia will inform you if Invisalign is best suited for your case. He will then advise you of all the things he will need to provide an accurate analysis that will help form your virtual plan and your total costs of your Invisalign treatment!
3. Great! Now we have decided that Invisalign is best for me, what are the things Dr Kia needs to help me fulfil my dream smile? Dr Kia will need the following records:
   • Photographic records: These consist of the initial stage of your current teeth placement (upper and lower jaw) and your bite. We will also capture your biggest and brightest smile from the front profile and a side profile. This will help us capture your facial anatomy as your journey progresses.
   • Radiographic Records: X-rays are needed, specifically a Cone-Beam computed tomography or CBCT to capture a 3D image of your teeth, skull, and bone around the teeth. It will also record any existing dental issues that we may need to confront before beginning treatment.
   • 3D Scan: A 3D model will be scanned of your teeth. This will aid Dr Kia and the Invisalign team to virtually analyze and plan the current placement of your teeth. This is how your Invisalign trays will be uniquely fitted each week as change progresses!
4. Wait for your plan to be made. Thanks to your records, Dr Kia and the Invisalign team will be working hard for around 1-2 weeks. Then, your plan will be finalized, and you will be able to stop by and preview your virtual treatment. This stage will be the best time to voice your concerns or questions. You will be able to request any adjustments that you deem necessary to achieve YOUR dream smile.
5. Confirm the plan and begin your journey. Yay! We have now reached the moment you have been waiting for. Beginning your orthodontic treatment to receive the smile you have always wanted. We will book you in for appointment to conduct all the treatment needed to begin your first few aligners. Congratulations for taking the step!
6. Finish the treatment at the designated time!

Wow! That was a lot of information to unpack. However, we do love to give out all essential information to ensure informed decisions are being made. Here at Distinct Dental, we do recommend booking in for your first initial Invisalign consultation before deciding!

We hope to see your beautiful faces in our practice very soon!