IS INVISALIGN FOR ME?
We have provided conventional braces and Invisalign for an extended period of time, so our recommendations and professional opinions are ones based off both clinical and textbook experience.
We are certified to provide
services for Invisalign and have undergone continued education for
orthodontics, with hundreds of completed cases in the past 10 years.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of plastic aligners which are changed every 2 weeks.
They are designed and created specifically for you from a computer based
interpretation of how your teeth can be moved.
Invisalign has come a long way. Over the years, it has dramatically
increased the types of tooth movements it can perform do dramatically through
research, designs and inventions. But it is important to realise that there
are some movements that thin plastic just *cannot* do. While Invisalign may
be is perfect for some people, it doesn’t suit the needs of everyone.
Having said that, Invisalign is highly commendable and professional in
their services. They know their limitations, and rarely ask too much of
their products. It is free of charge for a dentist to send photos of
patients to their laboratory and ask for a second opinion on whether a
patient is suitable for Invisalign. *Further, every Invisalign patient will
receive have a 3D demonstration video about how their teeth will be
orthodontically moved and aligned. Our dentists will watch this video with
you present to determine together whether or not this is a realistic and
achievable goal from Invisalign.*
Invisalign vs conventional braces
Firstly, conventional braces with metal attachments and wires can move a
tooth with relation to the bone without changing the tooth’s angulation or
direction. “Bodily movement”. This is due to its inherent strength, and
further its attachment to the rest of the teeth through the wire which
allows the other teeth to be used as anchorage. Therefore, if you feel that
your teeth are not in the right place (some of you may understand the terms
overjet or overbite), invisalign may not be for you.
However, if your teeth do not need to be moved through the bone, and only
the angulation or direction needs to be changed in order to achieve ideal
aesthetics. Invisalign would be perfect for you! Think terms such as
“crowded teeth”, or “your mouth is too small for your teeth”, in cases
where your teeth are overlapping or rotated, but not significantly out of
alignment.
Aesthetics
Okay, so now you’ve determined that you are suitable to be treated by
Invisalign. Great! Invisalign is perfect for you. If you are in a position
that visible braces may not be an optimal situation. Consider factors such
as employment, relationships and personal confidence. If any of these are
applicable to you – Invisalign may be perfect.
Time
In general, Invisalign may take up to 1.5x longer than conventional braces.
Plastic is simply not as strong as metal brackets and wires. However, if
this is not a problem for you – great! Invisalign may be perfect.
Compliance
Invisalign must be worn for 22 hours per day. That means, the only time you
do not wear it is when you’re eating. Is this possible for you? If yes,
Invisalign may be perfect. Add: But compare to conventional braces that
have to be worn for 24hours a day, even when eating.
Hygiene
With something covering your teeth for 22 hours per day, oral hygiene is
extremely important. If you plan to use Invisalign, or even conventional
braces – please ensure you keep your teeth clean.
Dr Adrian Lok
*Whatever your choice, we have experienced dentists at our clinics who can
provide both Invisalign and conventional braces. We are very honest in our
approach, and we will sit down and discuss with you your treatment options
and suitability towards certain orthodontic treatment methods.*
Chinatown
- Shop 5, 335-356 Sussex Street
- Sydney
- NSW 2000
- or call
- (02) 9261 2788
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 9AM-6PM, Saturdays, 10AM-4PM
Chatswood
- Shop LG4A, 345 Victoria Avenue
- Next to Priceline in Chatswood Chase
- ChatswoodNSW 2067
- (02) 9411 3868 <02-9411-3868
Opening Hours:
Weekdays 9AM-6PM, Late Thursday 8AM-9PM, Weekends 10AM-4PM