Choosing Invisalign
Your Invisalign Assessment
Choosing an orthodontic treatment is an important decision, and you will need to think carefully about the benefits and disadvantages of each option. At Richmond Fine Dentistry, we will undertake a thorough assessment and diagnosis of your teeth and bite before we recommend any orthodontic options. We’ll then discuss with you how you would like your teeth to look, and what is important to you in regards to treatment. Is it cost? Is it length of treatment? Do your teeth require particular treatments to get the result you want? Do you need a discreet orthodontic option, so you can continue to live and work without disruption?
Only when we fully understand your teeth and your needs will we recommend an orthodontic treatment option. We have years of experience with Invisalign, and would be happy to help you understand the process and whether it is the best option for you.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is customised, comfortable, removable, virtually clear and effective in quickly and affordably straightening teeth.
Invisible
The biggest benefit of Invisalign is in the name – the clear plastic aligner is virtually invisible! Unlike most orthodontic treatments, Invisalign is only barely noticeable, and so life can continue as normal while your teeth are being straightened. For many people, and particularly adults seeking orthodontic treatment, this is a huge plus.
Removable
The Invisalign aligner is removed for eating, drinking and brushing. This means that there are no dietary restrictions while receiving treatment, and that regular dental care can continue as usual. Fixed braces can make it difficult to effectively brush and floss teeth, and food can become trapped close to the tooth, increasing the chance of cavities. With Invisalign, you can brush and floss without a problem.
Invisalign also means that for big events like weddings or other social occasions, you can take a break from your orthodontic treatment, and leave your aligners at home for the night. It’s this kind of flexibility that makes Invisalign such a popular choice for orthodontic treatment.
Comfortable
Fixed braces can cause pain and discomfort where the wires and brackets rub against sensitive gums, cheek or tongue. Invisalign aligners are comfortable and safe to wear, with no potential for rubbing, grazing or breaking the skin. Any temporary discomfort caused by the new aligner moving the teeth is generally mild and only lasts a couple of days. Most patients report far less discomfort with Invisalign than with the periodic tightening of fixed braces.
What can Invisalign treat?
Invisalign is particularly beneficial for anyone suffering malocclusion, which is a technical term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth that do not fit together properly. These problems may be inherited or acquired. Common malocclusions include:
- Crossbites, overbites and underbites
- Overcrowded teeth
- Widely spaced teeth
- Protruding or prominent teeth.
Teenagers and adults are both suitable contenders for Invisalign treatment; our dentists will assess your suitability for effective treatment.
When not to use Invisalign
Invisalign is not suitable in all orthodontic cases. More complex bite issues, and cases where teeth need to be rotated or moved vertically, are best treated with traditional fixed braces.
Age is also a factor. While older teenagers and adults can use Invisalign, younger teens sometimes cannot because their teeth have not finished growing yet. It’s not possible to create accurate aligners when the teeth are always changing just a little bit.
Compliance with the treatment is another issue to consider. Because Invisalign aligners can be removed, self-discipline is required to ensure that that are worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day – they should only be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning the teeth. Neglecting to do this can extend the time of treatment, and in some cases require reverting to an earlier aligner to repeat part of the process.
At Richmond Fine Dentistry, Invisalign, Melbourne’s leading orthodontic technique, can be used to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment for an Invisalign assessment. For pricing information, visit Invisalign Cost and Payment Plans.