Your Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to all your Invisalign FAQs with our detailed information below. And to find out more or to book your Invisalign consultation in Brisbane, contact Wickham Terrace Dental or call 3831 3031 today.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the virtually invisible and hygienic alternative to braces that lets you keep smiling during your orthodontic treatment. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth towards the desired position. Invisalign is prescribed to patients through trained Invisalign orthodontists or dentists such as Wickham Terrace Dental. Only qualified providers can determine your suitability and the exact treatment plan for your needs.
Does Invisalign really work to straighten teeth?
Yes! In both clinical research and in dental practices around the world, Invisalign has proven to be very effective at straightening teeth. Over 2 million patients with a wide variety of dental challenges have had Invisalign treatment. Invisalign was developed with orthodontists and is used in more than 50 countries around the world - and of course, Invisalign is available right here in Brisbane from Wickham Terrace Dental.
Does Invisalign work as well as normal braces?
Invisalign has proven to be every bit as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces. If you have severe crowding or bite problems you may require interdisciplinary treatments, where Invisalign is used in combination with other teeth straightening techniques.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses 3D computer imaging technology to map out your complete treatment plan, from your teeth's current location to their final desired position. From this imaging, we create a series of custom-made Invisalign ‘‘aligners’’ which will move your teeth incrementally towards their ideal position. You'll wear each aligner for about two weeks before it's replaced by the next in the series, until the final desired position is achieved.
How much does Invisalign cost?
In most cases, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces. However as with other dental treatments, only your orthodontist or dentist can determine the exact Invisalign treatment cost, based on your specific needs. For example, factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you'll need to be in treatment, your health insurance coverage, and other factors as determined by your Wickham Terrace Dental team.
What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Your aligners are made of clear, strong, medical-grade non-toxic plastic that's virtually invisible when worn.
What do Invisalign aligners look like?
Invisalign's aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to a clear mouthguard. Because they're custom-made precisely to your requirements for a better fit, some orthodontists have referred to them as ‘‘contact lenses for teeth.’’
How long will my Invisalign treatment take?
The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your individual orthodontic issues. Your treatment time may vary from anywhere between six months to two years, with an average treatment taking around 12 to 14 months.
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Like traditional brackets and arch wires, Invisalign aligners improve your smile through the appropriate placement of controlled force on your teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls these forces, but also the timing of when force is applied. Each aligner in the series allows only certain teeth to move, as determined by your orthodontic treatment plan for that particular aligner. The end result is a more efficient force delivery system.
Invisalign costs FAQs
How much does Invisalign cost?
Invisalign is a premium product compared to traditional braces. It uses state-of-the-art technology to create a series of aligners that are customised just for you, offering significant benefits. The cost of Invisalign treatment is based upon the complexity of the plan you require. As an indication, your Invisalign treatment cost is usually similar or slightly more than the cost of adult ceramic braces. You may also be able to access a finance package with MAC Credit with an affordable monthly payment plan for your Invisalign treatment at Wickham Terrace Dental.
Does my health insurance cover Invisalign?
If your insurance policy has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to a similar extent as conventional braces. This is because Invisalign is normally prescribed for a full course of orthodontic treatment. However, as medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, we advise you to check with your health fund.
Is there a price reduction if I only require the top/bottom aligner?
Your Invisalign treatment cost is based upon the consultations you need, together with the cost of 3D modelling. This means that single arch treatment does not mean that the price will necessarily be halved from the two arch treatment cost. Talk to the friendly Wickham Terrace Dental team to find out more.
Can I receive limited treatment with Invisalign?
Yes, Invisalign can be used to provide a limited form of orthodontic treatment, such as for orthodontic relapse or minor crowding cases. Check with Wickham Terrace Dental to see if this Invisalign treatment is suitable for you, and to receive an indication of your treatment costs.
Can I claim any rebate on Invisalign treatment?
Yes. A government rebate is available to a taxpayer whose eligible net medical expenses in the year of income exceed $2,000 (net of Medicare and any health fund refund). The amount of the rebate is 20% of the excess over $2,000, but cannot exceed the amount of tax otherwise paid. The rebate is claimed when you lodge your annual income tax return.
For example, let's say you have Invisalign treatment at a cost of $6,999. Assuming you can claim $1,000 back from a private health fund and none from Medicare, your rebate would be: [($6,999-$1,000) - $2,000] x 20% = $799.80.
Invisalign case selection FAQs
What conditions would make me unsuitable for Invisalign?
Only your dentist can fully determine whether your particular case is suitable for Invisalign treatment. Three types of tooth movements have found to be less predictably achieved with Invisalign alone: severe derotations of cylindrical teeth; complex extrusions; and closure of large spaces usually associated with extractions of teeth other than lower incisors.
I'm currently wearing braces - can I make the switch to the Invisalign?
Many patients are being treated with some form of combination of braces and Invisalign. Talk to your Wickham Terrace Dental dentist to determine the best treatment for your needs.
Does Invisalign work on overbites (overjets) and how?
Yes, Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites. The aligners create a force on the front teeth causing them to intrude, thus correcting the overbite.
Are crowns a factor in Invisalign treatment?
No, crowns are not usually a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, small composites called attachments are sometimes bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the preferred location of these crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist.
Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?
TMJ (the temporomandibular or jaw joint) can suffer from a number of problems, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign. To find out if your TMJ problem could adversely impact your Invisalign treatment, talk to the Wickham Terrace Dental team.
Can Invisalign close gaps (space closure)?
Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. However, the size and location of the spaces will need to be evaluated at a personalised consultation at our Brisbane practice.
Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?
Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. The Wickham Terrace Dental team will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your Invisalign treatment.
Your Invisalign treatment FAQs
How long will it take to begin treatment after the initial consultation?
After or during your initial consultation, your Wickham Terrace Dental dentist will take x-rays, photos and moulds of your teeth, which are sent to the USA to manufacture your custom made aligners. This process will take approximately 6 weeks (from the time the records are despatched to the time your Invisalign treatment can begin).
How often should I visit Wickham Terrace Dental?
Your dentist will schedule regular appointments in our Brisbane CBD practice, usually about once every six weeks. In this way, we make sure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
Will my Invisalign treatment be painful?
Most of our patients experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal, and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It's a good sign that your Invisalign aligners are working as they should, to sequentially move your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you begin wearing the new aligner in the series.
Will wearing the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. For example, you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.
What can I eat while having Invisalign treatment?
Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you wish while you're having Invisalign treatment because you remove your aligners at meal times. So there's no need to deny yourself any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your dentist. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after every meal and before reinserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
Can I drink with Invisalign aligners still on?
You should remove your aligners to drink any liquid except water. This is because leaving your aligners on while you drink may stain them, and you may also risk decay by consuming sugary drinks.
Will smoking stain my Invisalign aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners, because this habit may discolour the aligners.
Can I chew gum while wearing Invisalign aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
What's the best way to clean my Invisalign aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. Your treating doctor can also supply you with aligner cleaning crystals.
How often must I wear my Invisalign aligners?
You should wear your Invisalign aligners all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.
What happens after Invisalign treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to Invisalign aligners. Discuss these possibilities with your treating orthodontist or dentist. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.
What happens if my Invisalign aligners no longer fit?
In this case you should contact your orthodontist or dentist immediately who will diagnose what remedial action is needed to bring the treatment back on course. This may involve moving back one or two stages in treatment to a previous aligner or possibly some additional orthodontic treatment.
Looking for the best Invisalign Brisbane treatment? Get in touch with our friendly, helpful team to book your consultation today!