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FAQ’s

While in Treatment

After the initial consultation, we will need to take x-rays, photos and moulds of your teeth. These records will be sent to the US to be used to manufacture your custom-made aligners. This process will take approximately 6 weeks (from the time the records are sent to the US to the time treatment can begin).

We will schedule regular appointments – usually about once every 4-5 weeks. This is the only way we can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working – sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a few days. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.

No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat or drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by us. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper oral hygiene.

You should remove your aligners to drink anything else except water. Leaving aligners in while drinking may stain them and you can risk decay drinking sugary fluids.

We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because they can get discoloured.

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

Aligners should be worn all day and night, except when eating, brushing and flossing.

This depends on the aims of the treatment. Some patients may need a positioner or traditional retainer, however most finish with an upper clear plastic retainer similar to Invisalign aligners and a lower thin flat wire bonded to the inside of the lower front teeth. Every patient is unique.

In this case you should contact us immediately so that we can diagnose what remedial action is needed to bring the treatment back on course. This may involve moving back one or two stages in treatment to a previous aligner or possibly some additional orthodontic treatment.

Case Selection

Only the treating dentist is able to determine whether your particular case is suitable to be treated with Invisalign. Three types of movement have found to be less predictably achieved with Invisalign alone: Severe derotations of cylindrical teeth Complex extrusions Closure of large spaces usually associated with extractions of teeth other than lower incisors.

Almost all teenagers over the age of 12 are eligible for treatment with Invisalign as long as their second (12 year old) molars are fully erupted.

Many patients are being treated with some form of combination of braces and Invisalign. You can ask us if it may be possible for you.

Yes, Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites. The aligners create a force on the front teeth causing them to intrude, thus correcting the overbite.

No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, small attachments are sometimes bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by us.

Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. However the size and location of the spaces will need to be evaluated.

Cost

Invisalign is a premium product compared to traditional braces. The cost is based upon the complexity of treatment required and may differ individually. Invisalign treatment is usually similar or slightly more than the cost of adult ceramic braces. We offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans.

If your insurance policy has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to a similar extent as conventional braces as Invisalign is usually prescribed for a full course of orthodontic treatment. However, as benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, please check with your own health fund.

We are currently running a special offer – Invisalign consultations are free for all patients. To then proceed with moulds, photos, case analysis, etc. normally costs $500.

The charge for Invisalign is based upon the consultations needed and the 3D modelling cost. Single arch treatment does not mean that the price will necessarily be reduced from the two arch treatment cost.

Invisalign can be used to provide a limited form of orthodontic treatment e.g. orthodontic relapse with minor re-crowding cases for a lesser fee. We can advise you if this is suitable for you and what the charges will be.

Invisalign is as effective at straightening teeth as traditional methods of orthodontics which largely depends upon a patient’s biology and compliance with treatment. As such, Invisalign can never guarantee that a patient’s teeth will move exactly as predicted.

General

Invisalign is the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. It combines 21st century technology and revolutionary manufacturing to customise a treatment for each individual patient.

Yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices around the world, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth. Over 2.6 million patients have either been treated or are in treatment and over 44,000 orthodontists and dentists have been trained in Invisalign Orthodontics.

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made “aligners” are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about one week, then replaced by the next in the series until the final teeth positions are achieved.

To see what just a few of the many thrilled patients are saying about Invisalign, visit the Invisalign website at www.invisalign.com.au. You will be able to see the before and after pictures of patients who have been through Invisalign treatment. There is also a booklet of before and after photos on our website, cheltenhamdentists.com.au .

  • Invisalign is nearly invisible – you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
  • Invisalign is removable – you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Invisalign is comfortable – there are no metal brackets or wires to cause irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the chair getting adjustments.
  • Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start – so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Aligners are made of a clear, strong medical grade, non-toxic “plastic” that is virtually invisible when worn.

Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. They are like contact lenses for teeth.

The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of individual cases. Treatment may vary from anywhere between six months to two years with an average treatment taking around 12 to 14 months.

For years, orthodontists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology in the design and manufacturing, Invisalign is able to treat the vast majority of cases with great precision.

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign aligners was founded in 1997. It is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in the USA. Invisalign is distributed and supported in Australia by Invisalign Australia Pty. Ltd., an independent distributor.

In 1945 an American orthodontist Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, this is now possible. Using advanced computer technology, Invisalign generates a series of customised appliances, called “aligners”. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

There are over 2.6 million patients being treated with Invisalign and the number grows daily. Invisalign was launched in Australia in February 2002 and already over 500 Australian orthodontists and dentists are accredited to treat patients with Invisalign.

Like brackets and arch wires, the Invisalign aligner moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled forces on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

155 Park Road
Cheltenham VIC 3192
Phone: (03) 9584 4949
[email protected]

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