Invisalign In Hawthorn
At Glenferrie Dental, we offer Invisalign, a removable alternative to traditional braces. Using clear, custom-fitted aligners, Invisalign is designed to gradually shift your teeth. It’s intended for adults and teens seeking a less noticeable option for straightening their teeth. This approach adjusts your smile, supporting oral hygiene with its removable design.
How Does Invisalign Work?
At Glenferrie Dental, Invisalign treatment begins with a tailored consultation where 3D digital scans of your teeth are taken. These scans are part of a treatment plan treatment plan in which a series of custom-fitted aligners get to be designed. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next in the series, gradually shifting your teeth as planned. The aligners are made of a clear material, designed for removable use. They should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day but removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. The removable design allows patients to continue daily activities while following their treatment plan.
Is Invisalign For Me?
Invisalign might be an option if you’re looking for a removable alternative to traditional braces. It is designed for both adults and teenagers, it can be used for addressing mild to moderate dental misalignments such as overcrowding, gaps, and certain bite issues. A consultation can assess your specific needs and determine if Invisalign aligners are suited to your dental goals.
At our local dental practice in Hawthorn, we provide comprehensive assessments to see if Invisalign could be considered as part of your treatment options.
What Should You Know About Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign may be used for dental alignment. One of the primary considerations is aesthetics; the clear aligners are designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Additionally, the removable nature of the aligners means you can take them out to brush and floss normally.
Moreover, Invisalign aligners are made of plastic. The treatment may require fewer visits to the dentist for adjustments, with patients switching to a new set of aligners as directed. Visit schedules can vary for each patient, depending on their individual treatment requirements.
Are Payment Plans Available?
Dental treatment involves costs that patients may need to consider, That is why we offer adaptable payment solutions to fit your budget. Our National Dental Plan allows for manageable, interest-free payments after a manageable initial deposit, helping patients manage the cost of their dental care.
Additionally, we provide a variety of payment methods, including EFTPOS, credit and debit cards, along with HICAPS for insurance claims at the time of your visit. In partnership with Supercare Australia, we also help patients access their superannuation for major dental procedures. Our team works with patients to develop a treatment plan and explore all financial options to support patients in managing the costs of their dental care.
What Other Services Are Available?
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is available at Glenferrie Dental. Our treatments are designed to reduce surface stains.
Veneers
Custom-made veneers are available at our dental clinic. These thin, individually made coverings are used to address issues like gaps, chips, and discolouration.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
We provide wisdom teeth removal to assess and remove wisdom teeth as needed. Our approach follows accepted clinical methods to support recovery.
Our most frequently asked questions
Our patients have many questions around invisalign. We have put together a list of the frequently asked questions.
If your question doesn’t appear in our list, get in touch to chat with our staff.
Eating with Invisalign
Invisalign aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps reduce the chance of damage, staining, or distortion of the aligners.
After eating, it’s important to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth before putting the aligners back in.
Foods to Eat During treatment
When your aligners are removed, you can eat a wide variety of foods. Soft foods, such as yoghurt, soft fruits, pasta, and rice, may be considered by people if they experience sensitivity after changing to a new set of aligners. Smoothies, soups, and broths can also be convenient options.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Invisalign
Aligners are not designed to withstand chewing, so removing them before meals is generally recommended
Hard Foods: Hard foods like hard candy and ice can cause damage to Invisalign aligners. Biting into these foods can crack or distort the aligners.
Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can adhere to aligners, making them hard to clean and potentially causing oral health issues. These types of foods can also displace aligners.
Highly Pigmented Foods and Beverages: Beverages like red wine and tea, and foods with strong colours such as berries and curry can stain aligners. Stained aligners can become noticeable.
Impact on Treatment and Oral Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s instructions are important during Invisalign treatment. Patient needs and experiences can vary, and your dentist will provide advice according to your situation.
During the initial consultation at the dental clinic, patients are provided with detailed guidance tailored to their orthodontic needs. This advice is aimed at helping patients care for their aligners and maintain their oral health throughout the process.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Regular Cleaning: Invisalign aligners should be cleaned regularly to help reduce the build-up of plaque and bacteria. It is recommended to brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. This may reduce the chances of staining and support the clear appearance of the aligners. Rinsing them under lukewarm water after each meal and before reinsertion can help reduce particles and bacteria, supporting oral hygiene.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: It’s important to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on Invisalign aligners. Products like coloured or scented soaps, toothpaste, and high-alcohol content solutions may leave a residue or affect the surface of the aligners. Instead, patients are generally advised to use cleaning products designed for aligners or mild soaps.
Proper Storage
When not in use, such as during meals or while drinking anything other than water, Invisalign aligners should be stored properly. Using the case provided by your dentist is a recommended way to reduce exposure to contamination and physical wear. This storage method may also help reduce the possibility of losing the aligners, which may influence how your treatment progresses.
Handling and Usage
Correct Handling: Always wash your hands before handling your Invisalign aligners to minimise the transfer of germs. When removing or inserting the aligners, do so with care from both sides of the mouth simultaneously to lower the chance of warping them. This way of handling may help maintain their shape and fit, supporting their intended function during treatment.
Adherence to Wear Schedule: Invisalign aligners are generally intended to be worn consistently for the recommended hours per day. Wearing them as directed may help the aligners perform the movements your dentist has planned for your teeth. They are usually removed for eating, drinking non-water beverages, and your oral hygiene routine.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Regular appointments with your dental clinic are generally recommended. These appointments give your dentist a chance to review how your treatment is progressing and make any necessary adjustments to your aligners accordingly. Additionally, if you notice any issues such as cracking or discomfort, your dentist can address these concerns and provide appropriate advice.
Caring for your Invisalign aligners involves a series of steps that fit into your daily routine. By maintaining good oral hygiene, handling aligners with care, and adhering to your dentist’s guidelines, you may support the progress of your treatment. The way you look after your aligners may influence how your treatment develops over time.
Invisalign aligners are one option for orthodontic treatment that may be considered by people who participate in sports. Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign can be removed when needed, which some patients find useful in maintaining their usual activities.
Comfort Considerations: One consideration of using Invisalign during sports activities is the lack of metal brackets and wires, which may reduce the risk of mouth injuries. Invisalign’s plastic aligners are intended to fit over your teeth, which may help reduce the risk of them catching on or cutting into the gums or the inside of the mouth during physical activities.
However, while Invisalign may be used during sports, it is crucial to consider the intensity of the sport and the risk of facial injuries. For high-impact sports like rugby, hockey, or martial arts, wearing a protective mouthguard over the aligners is advisable. This may act as an additional barrier against impacts that could affect the aligners or the mouth.
Hydration and Aligner Care: Maintaining hydration is plays a role in supporting performance during athletic activity, but care should be taken with how you hydrate while wearing Invisalign. Drinking sports drinks or other sugary beverages with aligners may allow sugar to remain between your teeth and the aligner, which may contribute to tooth decay. It’s generally recommended to remove your aligners while consuming these beverages or opt for water, which can be drunk without removing the aligners.
If beverages such as sports drinks or other sugary options are consumed, teeth should be cleaned before putting aligners back in. This helps reduce the build-up of bacteria and supports oral hygiene, which is important for which is important for maintaining oral health throughout your treatment.
Consultation with Your Dentist: It’s advisable to discuss your sports activities with your dentist during your initial consultation. They can provide relevant advice based on your situation, including considerations for the sports you participate in and how these may interact with your Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign aligners can generally be worn as part of an active lifestyle, including participation in sports. With appropriate precautions and care, individuals undergoing Invisalign treatment may continue to participate in their chosen sports activities while managing their orthodontic treatment.
The price of Invisalign can vary depending on several factors, which are outlined below. Understanding these can help you consider the the fees that may apply to your treatment.
The Complexity of Dental Issues: The complexity of the dental issues being addressed is one of the primary factors that influence the cost of Invisalign treatment. Cases involving minor crowding or small gaps may be managed differently from more complex situations, which can influence the overall cost. In some cases, factors such as severe misalignment, overbites, underbites, or crossbites, may influence the treatment plan and overall costs.
Length of Treatment: Related to the complexity of the dental condition is the length of the treatment plan. involves a series of aligners that are changed over time, with each set of aligners making slight adjustments. The extent of the dental concerns being addressed can influence how long treatment may take, which in turn can affect the cost. Treatment times can vary from person to person and is determined by individual circumstances.
Dental Professional’s Location: The location of the dentist can influence the price of Invisalign. In some cases, location can influence costs due to differences in practice overheads.
Additional Dental Treatments: Sometimes, additional dental treatments may be needed either before or during the Invisalign treatment. Procedures such as tooth extractions, filling replacements, or treatment for gum disease may be part of the overall care plan before aligners are fitted. These treatments contribute to the overall cost of the Invisalign process.
Aftercare and Retainers: Once the active phase of the Invisalign treatment is complete, patients may be advised to use retainers to support the current position of their teeth. The cost of these retainers is not always included in the initial treatment quote and can vary depending on the type required.
Familiarising yourself with the factors that affect Invisalign pricing can help anyone considering this treatment route. By consulting with your dentist regarding your specific needs, you can be informed about the possible expenses and explore available payment options. Invisalign can be used to address misaligned teeth and other orthodontic considerations.
Our patient base primarily resides in Hawthorn, Kew, Toorak, Balwyn, and Camberwell.
Our dentists are fluent in English, Vietnamese, and Chinese. This multilingual capability facilitates communication about dental health and procedures with patients who speak these languages.