Many people who need their teeth corrected are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces. Some people may feel self-conscious , especially if seeking treatment as adults. Invisalign, often called invisible braces, is an increasingly popular option for people wanting to achieve a great healthy smile with minimal discomfort, inconvenience or self- consciousness.
Our dentist, Dr Edwina Toulmin, is an approved Invisalign doctor in North Sydney who has provided Invisalign treatments to Sydney locals for a number of years. Below she answers some of the most common questions patients have when they’re considering Invisalign braces.
What Are Invisalign Braces?
Invisalign braces gradually straighten your teeth using a custom-made series of thermoplastic aligners. They are made of a smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible material that you wear over your teeth.
The aligners are removable, allowing you to easily maintain oral hygiene. You can enjoy eating your favourite foods without fear of a bracket popping off or a wire breaking. The aligners generally cause less discomfort than metal braces and you only have to visit the dentist once every six weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners.
What Is the Treatment Process?
The Invisalign process begins with Dr Toulmin (pls insert hyperlink for me) taking photos and impressions of your teeth. These are sent to Invisalign in the United States, where a series of custom-made aligners are 3D printed and returned to McMahons Point Dental. Dr Toulmin will give you three sets of aligners at a time. You wear each set for around 22 hours each day and change to the next set every two weeks until your teeth are corrected.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The length of your treatment will vary depending on the severity of your case, but treatment is generally completed between 6 and 18 months. Dr Toulmin will be able to determine how long the treatment will take and map out a detailed treatment plan. An animation of your anticipated teeth movement is a fun way of viewing the expected outcomes, she can show this to you before you decide to go ahead with treatment.
Do Invisalign Braces Have Any Negative Effects?
The advantage of Invisalign braces (Invisible Braces) is that they move your teeth than traditional braces. You may experience temporary discomfort at the beginning of the treatment, which is often described by patients as a feeling of pressure. This discomfort is a sign the treatment is working and will typically go away in a couple of days.
Invisalign braces may also have a temporary effect on speech for some patients, similar to the lisp people have while wearing retainers or traditional braces. This also tends to pass within a couple of days as your tongue gets used to the aligners in your mouth.
After the first few days, you’ll barely notice them. Your aligners will fit firmly and comfortably, allowing you to talk, laugh and sleep without worrying about them falling out. Just remember to take them out when you eat.
All treatment carries risks, please book and appointment to discuss this further with Dr Toulmin.
Are There Different Invisalign Options For Adults and Teens?
The Invisalign treatment process is the same for teens and adults. The length of treatment for a teen can often be longer, between 18 to 24 months, but will vary depending on the case. Dr Toulmin can determine the length of treatment and advise you after evaluating your situation.
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
Dr Toulmin will determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for you during your first consultation. If the treatment is a good fit, you’ll have to commit to wearing your Invisalign (invisible braces) consistently for the recommended hours per day in order for them to work.
Invisalign braces can be used to address more dental issues than ever before, whether it’s for health or cosmetic reasons. More than 3 million patients worldwide use Invisalign treatment. Chances are, you can enjoy the benefits of them too.
McMahons Point Dental provides quality dental services in North Sydney. If you want Invisalign in North Sydney, book an appointment or get in touch with Dr Toulmin to see if Invisalign braces can work for you.