Invisalign Lane Cove

Are you looking for a trusted dentist to advise you on the benefits of Invisalign in Sydney? Choose one of the best alternatives to braces. In fact, they are also called invisible braces.

The invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. For a free consultation about clear braces , please feel free to contact us for an appointment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear braces system that helps people to straighten their teeth. Depending on complexity it can take anywhere from 6 months to years. They move the teeth through a series of planned movements to achieve optimal teeth positioning.

Why Choose Invisalign in Lane Cove?

Invisalign is a popular option for teenagers and adults who want a discreet and comfortable way to straighten their teeth. Many patients in Lane Cove prefer clear aligners because they:

• Are virtually invisible
• Do not use metal brackets or wires
• Are removable for eating and cleaning
• Allow easier brushing and flossing
• Fit comfortably with minimal irritation

During your consultation, we will assess your bite, alignment and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign clear braces are the right solution for you.

For information on Invisalign, please visit www.invisalign.com.au.

Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
The aligners are made through a combination of dentist’s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position as our dentist has prescribed.
You’ll visit us about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Total treatment time averages 9 – 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean and well maintained is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your Invisalign treatment progresses smoothly and on schedule. Here is everything you need to know about caring for your aligners throughout your treatment.

Clean Your Aligners Every Day

Aligners should be cleaned at least once a day, ideally morning and night when you brush your teeth. Bacteria, saliva, and food particles can build up on the aligner surface over time, leading to unpleasant odours, discolouration, and an increased risk of tooth decay if left unaddressed.

To clean your aligners effectively:

Rinse them under lukewarm running water every time you remove them.
Gently brush the inside and outside of each aligner using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear, unscented liquid soap.
Rinse thoroughly before reinserting to remove any soap residue.
Avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners, as most toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can scratch the surface and make them more visible when worn.

Rinse Before Reinserting

Every time you remove your aligners to eat, drink, or clean your teeth, rinse them under lukewarm water before putting them back in. This helps remove any saliva or bacteria that may have accumulated on the surface while they were out.

Store Your Aligners Safely When Not Wearing Them

When your aligners are not in your mouth, always store them in the protective case provided. Leaving aligners on a table, wrapped in a napkin, or in an open space makes them easy to lose or accidentally damage, and exposes them to bacteria from the surrounding environment.

Tips for Safe Aligner Storage

Never wrap aligners in a tissue or napkin, as they can easily be mistaken for rubbish and thrown away.
Keep the case in a consistent, easy-to-find location to avoid misplacing it.
If you lose or damage an aligner, contact our Lane Cove practice as soon as possible so we can advise on the best course of action.

Avoid Heat and Coloured Drinks

Aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that can warp if exposed to heat, affecting the fit and potentially disrupting your treatment progress. Always use lukewarm rather than hot water when rinsing or soaking your aligners, and never leave them in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Coloured beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and red wine should always be consumed with your aligners removed. These drinks can stain the aligner material, making them far more visible when worn, and the sugar and acid content can become trapped against your teeth, increasing the risk of decay.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Throughout Treatment

As noted above, maintaining good dental hygiene is especially important during Invisalign treatment. Because aligners sit directly against your teeth for up to 22 hours a day, any food particles or bacteria present on your teeth when the aligners are reinserted will be held in close contact with the tooth surface.

Brush and floss your teeth after every meal and before reinserting your aligners.
If brushing is not possible after eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before putting your aligners back in.
Continue attending your regular dental check-ups at our Lane Cove practice throughout your Invisalign treatment to monitor your oral health.

Wear Your Aligners as Directed

While not a cleaning tip in the traditional sense, wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is essential to keeping your treatment on track. Extended periods without aligners can allow your teeth to shift back slightly, making each new set of aligners more difficult to fit and potentially extending your overall treatment time.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to understand all aspects before starting. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign, considering factors like oral health and treatment goals. Book your free Invisalign consultation today to find out if clear aligners are right for you. Remember, while Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and need to be worn for about 22 hours a day, maintaining good hygiene is crucial. Clean your teeth regularly to avoid complications. Though less invasive, any orthodontic or surgical procedure carries risks, so thorough consultation is necessary. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll enjoy a beautifully aligned smile without the metal of traditional braces.

For Invisalign clear braces and other services in Lane Cove, contact us on 02 9418 6102.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you wear Invisalign?
Most people wear Invisalign for 12 to 18 months, but the duration varies depending on the complexity of the case. Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for best results. More straightforward cases may be completed in as little as six months, while more complex alignment issues may take longer.

Does Invisalign fix your teeth forever?
Invisalign can permanently straighten your teeth, but to maintain the results, you will need to wear retainers after treatment. Without retainers, teeth may gradually shift back toward their original position over time. Your dentist will advise you on how often to wear your retainer once your treatment is complete.

Can you eat with Invisalign?
No, you should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with aligners in can damage them and lead to staining or discomfort. Always brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners after a meal to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

Is Invisalign suitable for teenagers?
Yes. Invisalign is a popular choice for teenagers as well as adults. It offers a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces and can be removed for eating, sport, and special occasions. During your consultation at our Lane Cove practice, we will assess whether Invisalign is appropriate based on your teenager’s teeth, bite, and stage of dental development.

How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Rinse your aligners under lukewarm water each time you remove them, and clean them at least once a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear, unscented liquid soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the aligner surface and make them more visible when worn. Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use to avoid loss or damage.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Some patients notice a slight lisp or change in speech during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This is temporary and typically resolves quickly as your mouth adjusts. Practising speaking aloud at home can help speed up the process.

What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
If an aligner is lost or damaged, contact our Lane Cove practice as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment, your dentist may advise you to move on to the next set of aligners, revert to the previous set, or arrange for a replacement. Avoid going without your aligners for an extended period, as this can allow your teeth to shift and affect the fit of subsequent aligners.

How much does Invisalign cost in Lane Cove?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of your case and the number of aligners required. We offer a free initial consultation at our Lane Cove practice where we can assess your suitability for treatment and provide a personalised cost estimate. Some private health insurance policies with orthodontic cover may contribute toward the cost, so we recommend checking with your health fund prior to your appointment.