Clear braces, for straighter teeth
Invisalign® in Northbridge
Do you want to straighten your teeth, but don't like the look and feel of conventional braces? Talk to our orthodontist or dentist in Northbridge to find out if you're a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners.
Invisalign treatment is a convenient and discreet alternative to braces that can be effective for many mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Made from transparent plastic, these aligners fit over the teeth like a mouthguard and are virtually invisible in the mouth.
To find out more about Invisalign or clear braces in Sydney's North Shore, make an appointment at Sailors Bay Dentistry in Northbridge today. We have provided Invisalign braces for many clients from surrounding suburbs including Mosman, Crows Nest, Castlecrag, Naremburn, Chatswood, Artarmon and Lane Cove.
Call (02) 9958 0400 or fill in the contact form below to find out whether Invisalign treatment is an option for you.
Our Invisalign specialist covers all Northbridge surrounding Sydney suburbs Castlecrag, Lane Cove, Mosman, Chatswood, Artarmon, Crows Nest and Naremburn
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What is Invisalign treatment?
If you have misaligned or crooked teeth, but you're concerned about getting traditional braces, Invisalign treatment may be for you. This orthodontic treatment is used by more than 5.5 million people worldwide and works on a similar principle to braces, but with significant differences.
Conventional metal braces require brackets to be bonded to the teeth and use a system of wires to pull the teeth into their desired position. At each visit to the dentist or orthodontist, these wires are continually adjusted to make sure the teeth follow the desired path.
Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear aligners that are provided by your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist at each appointment. These are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and each set is slightly different, applying pressure to your teeth to guide them into their new position incrementally over time.
Another difference is that braces are fixed in the mouth, while aligners can be removed when you eat or brush and floss your teeth. We recommend that the aligners are worn for at least 20–22 hours every day (including when you're asleep) for the orthodontic treatment to be most effective.
What are the benefits of Invisalign treatment in Sydney?
Appearance
Most people choose Invisalign treatment for its aesthetic benefits, as the 'invisible braces' are much less visible in the mouth than traditional braces. This can make them appealing for older teenagers and adults who don't want to draw attention to their treatment and don't want to feel self-conscious when smiling for the camera. The aligners can also be taken out if necessary, but this should not be for longer than a few hours every day.
Convenience
Being able to remove the aligners when eating means you won't have to give up any of your favourite foods, as long as you're following a healthy diet. This can sometimes be an issue with braces, as sticky or crunchy foods can get trapped in the appliance or cause it to loosen or damage. Orthodontic visits are also less frequent with Invisalign treatment compared to braces, depending on your needs.
Oral health
Brushing and flossing your teeth can also be easier with removable aligners than braces, which can lower your risk of developing oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that will interrupt your treatment. While wearing aligners can take some time to get used to, they're usually more comfortable than braces and cause fewer problems.
Clear timeline
Your Invisalign treatment will be mapped out from the start, with each set of aligners being computer designed to move your teeth gradually into their new position. This can give you greater certainty than with orthodontic braces and a clearer idea of when your treatment will be complete, as long as you follow your Invisalign dentist's instructions.
Will Invisalign clear braces work for me?
Invisalign treatment can be effective for treating mild to moderate malocclusion, but it's not suitable for all types of orthodontic issues. It's important to have your individual situation assessed by an orthodontist before deciding if this treatment is right for you.
You may be a candidate for Invisalign treatment if you have:
- Crooked or protruding teeth
- Overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Crowding
- Wide spacing between your teeth
More complex orthodontic work may not be suitable for the Invisalign appliance. It may be necessary to discuss other options with your Invisalign dentist in these cases.
When you book a consultation with our specialist orthodontist in Northbridge, we'll let you know whether you're a candidate for Invisalign aligners or if you need another treatment such as metal, ceramic or lingual braces to improve your smile.
What does Invisalign treatment involve?
There are five steps to the Invisalign process. We'll explain exactly what the treatment involves during your consultation so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.
1. Invisalign consultation
If you or your child could benefit from Invisalign treatment, we'll give you a complete orthodontic examination to check whether you're a suitable candidate. This is your chance to ask any questions you have about Invisalign cost and other matters. We can also discuss alternative options such as tooth-coloured 'invisible' braces so you can make a fully informed decision.
2. Planning your new smile
Our Invisalign dentist will take a detailed 3D scan of your mouth to design your custom aligners, with no need for uncomfortable physical moulds. We'll then use Invisalign software to design your series of custom aligners. We can also show you a preview of what your new smile should look like at the end of the treatment.
3. Creating your aligners
When we've finalised the design of your Invisalign aligners, this digital design will be sent to a dental laboratory where the aligners will be custom made from SmartTrack® material, designed to feel comfortable and fit perfectly over your teeth. Every aligner is individually checked to make sure it meets high quality standards.
4. Fitting your aligners
When your clear aligners are ready, we'll check that they fit and feel comfortable in your mouth and provide you with your first few sets. Each set should be worn for one to two weeks, depending on your individual needs. We'll demonstrate how to wear and remove the aligners when eating and cleaning your teeth.
5. Regular visits
For the duration of your Invisalign treatment, we'll schedule regular appointments at our North Shore dental clinic. This gives us the chance to check that your treatment is progressing as it should, to provide you with your next sets of aligners and to offer any advice about wearing the aligners or maintaining good oral health.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Like any orthodontic treatment, the time it takes to complete the Invisalign process can vary according to the type of orthodontic issue you have and how much your teeth need to move. Generally, the treatment time is between 9–18 months, comparable to braces.
You may start to see noticeable results as early as a few weeks after treatment begins. Invisalign treatment has a greater chance of success if you wear your aligners as often as your dentist recommends – ideally 20 to 22 hours every day.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
As Invisalign aligners put gentle pressure on the teeth, it's normal to feel minor discomfort when wearing the aligners for the first time. This is a sign that the treatment is working properly, and this discomfort should subside in a few days when your mouth gets used to it.
Invisalign treatment is not usually painful and has less chance of pain or discomfort than traditional braces, as there are no brackets or wires to irritate or injure the soft tissues in the mouth.
What's the cost of Invisalign treatment?
The cost of your treatment depends on how many sets of aligners you need, the complexity of your case and any other special requirements. Generally, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to traditional braces.
When we prepare your personally tailored treatment plan, we'll give you a clear outline of Invisalign cost at our Sydney North Shore dental clinic so you know what to expect and can decide if it's the right choice for you.
Although orthodontic treatment is not usually covered by health insurance, we can offer finance options to help you spread the cost of your treatment across a longer period to make it more affordable.
Book an Invisalign consultation in Northbridge -
We cover all of Sydney North Shore
If you're interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment in Sydney's North Shore, or you want to discuss your other orthodontic options, make an appointment with our Invisalign dentists at Sailors Bay Dentistry.
Call us today on (02) 9958 0400 or contact us online. Sailors Bay Dentistry is located in Northbridge, close to Lane Cove and Cammeray and accessible from all suburbs in the North Shore.
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.