Invisalign
Invisalign
What is invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner brand that has been available since 1998. Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners are designed to be discreet, using clear plastic trays that gradually move teeth closer to the treatment plan’s intended alignment. The process involves periodic replacement of the aligners, typically every 1–2 weeks.
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What are the conditions that invisalign can treat?
Invisalign can treat the following conditions:
- Open bite
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Mild underbites, crossbites, and/or overbites
- Mild teeth protrusion
- Mildly crooked or rotated teeth
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How does the invisalign treatment process work?
The Invisalign treatment process consists of the 4 following steps:
Consultation: The first step involves consulting a dentist or orthodontist trained to provide Invisalign treatment. During the consultation, your teeth will be assessed by a dentist who has undertaken further training in orthodontic treatments. You will also discuss your desired outcomes. Pictures of your teeth will be taken, and X-rays may be performed. The dentist will also examine for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. After a comprehensive assessment of your dental health, the dentist will determine whether Invisalign treatment is suitable for you.
Impression taking: During your follow-up appointment, the dentists will use a digital scanner to take digital impressions of your mouth. The scanning process involves the dentist gently using a wand to scan over the teeth. This is a painless and quick process that eliminates the need for traditional physical impressions. Once the scan is completed, a 3D image of your mouth will be displayed on a screen. The dentist will use this image to estimate the potential outcome of the Invisalign treatment, giving you an idea of how your teeth may look after the treatment. Following your appointment, the dentist will design a treatment plan, which will be sent to the Invisalign lab. The lab will create aligner trays based on this plan and forward them to your dentist for your use.
First tray fitting: K Family Dental will notify you once your aligners have been received. During your next visit to the K Family Dental office, the dentist will fit your first tray. Small dental attachments, also known as “buttons,” may be applied to help secure the aligners and assist with tooth movement. A composite resin may be used to bond these attachments to your teeth. Once the Invisalign template is properly fitted, it will be removed, leaving the attachments in place. These attachments guide the aligners in aligning your teeth. This is a painless procedure, and once completed, you’ll receive your first aligner tray.
New trays and follow-up appointments: K Family Dental will schedule follow-up appointments (typically 4 – 6 weeks) to assess your progress and whether the aligner tray is properly fitting. Every 1 – 2 weeks, your aligner tray will be replaced by a new one. The frequency of aligner tray replacement depends on your Invisalign treatment length and the movement of your teeth.
Length of invisalign treatment
Invisalign’s official website states that the average treatment time ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, the length of the treatment ultimately depends on factors such as the complexity of the dental alignment issues being addressed, the patient’s age, and adherence to the dentist’s recommendations.
K Family Dental advises patients to wear their Invisalign aligners for the duration recommended by their dentist each day, typically only removing them while eating or drinking. Following the prescribed usage guidelines is essential, as not doing so may impact the progress of the treatment.
If you get your Invisalign aligner tray replaced every 1 – 2 weeks during a treatment that lasts for 15 months, you’ll need 33 – 65 aligner trays. The number will differ based on the treatment length and how often your dentist recommends you to get the aligner trays replaced.
Invisalign’s official website states that the average treatment time ranges from 12 – 18 months. However, the length of the treatment will ultimately boil down to factors such as the dental issues that you’re trying to address through the treatment, your age, and whether you’re following the dentist’s instructions.
At K Family Dental, we recommend wearing Invisalign aligners for the maximum time each day, except during meals or when drinking beverages other than water. Following the instructions provided by your K Family dentist is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. Deviating from these instructions may prolong the overall treatment time.
For example, if your Invisalign aligners are replaced every 1 – 2 weeks during a 15-month treatment plan, you may require between 33 and 65 aligner trays. The exact number will vary based on the length of your treatment and your dentist’s specific recommendations.
Real Customers, Real Patient Story
Proudly rated 4.9 on Google, our patients’ satisfaction speaks volumes. Discover their experiences and see why K Family Dental is their trusted choice in Chatswood.
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Dr Chen has always been very thorough and nice. Both the staff and the doctor made me feel welcomed. They're all multilingual so the whole experience was relaxing and tailored... Read More for my need. The clinic is clean and in a quiet area in Chatswood. Dr Chen always explains my conditions in detail and encourages me to take good care of my dental health. I'd definitely recommend K Family Dental to my friends.
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My experience at K Family Dental was fantastic. I hadn't been to the dentist for some time and wasn't sure what to expect. Dr Chen was very friendly and took... Read More the time to explain to me why certain things were important (there was a lot I learnt during the visit). I also thought he was very thorough and was genuinely interested in my well-being. I'd definitely recommend his practice to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
We’re Here to Help.
If you need more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to support you.
Contact us for urgent advice. After hours, follow our emergency care tips until you can reach the clinic.
Even if you take good care of your teeth, accidents can happen that need urgent attention. Even a minor injury could put you at risk of infection if you don’t get care as soon as possible. If any of your teeth are injured or knocked out, or you have a toothache, swelling, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms, contact our clinic right away.
To manage dental pain until your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid eating hard or chewy foods that may aggravate the pain.
Supporting Healthy Smiles Every Day
Your family’s healthy smiles are just a visit away. We ensure every check-up is comfortable, every treatment is thorough, and we aim for optimal oral health.