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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.

Asian Language Chinese Dentist, Sydney and Chatswood