If you are considering straightening your teeth with clear aligners, it is reasonable to want to know what treatment can achieve. This article explains what the process involves, what determines the outcome, Invisalign before and after, and what its limitations are.
Why people consider Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an alternative to fixed braces. Instead of brackets and wires, a series of removable transparent aligners is custom-made from digital scans of your teeth and worn in sequence to move them gradually into a planned position.
- Comfort
The aligners are smooth plastic with no brackets or wires to rub against the lips and cheeks. Most people experience pressure, tenderness or tooth sensitivity for a few days after changing to a new aligner, and some experience temporary irritation of the tongue or gums or a temporary effect on speech.
- Appearance during treatment
The aligners are less noticeable than metal appliances. They are not invisible, and the small attachments bonded to the teeth during treatment can be seen at close range.
- What they can treat
Clear aligners are used for a range of orthodontic problems including crowding, spacing and some bite corrections. They are not suitable for every case. Some tooth movements and more complex bite corrections are more predictably achieved with fixed appliances.
The Treatment Process
- Initial consultation. Your teeth, gums and bite are examined and your options discussed. This appointment determines whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case. Digital scans are taken to build a 3D model. You should receive an explanation of the risks and a written quote.
- Treatment plan. A plan is prepared from the 3D model, setting out the estimated duration and the planned sequence of tooth movements. Any digital simulation you are shown is a projection generated from the plan. It is a planning tool, not a guaranteed result, and the final outcome may differ.
- Receiving your aligners. You are given instructions on wearing and caring for the aligners. They generally need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, removed only for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
- Review appointments. You attend reviews, commonly every 6 to 8 weeks, so progress can be checked against the plan and adjustments made where teeth are not tracking as expected. Some cases require additional refinement aligners.
- Retainers are provided at the end of treatment and generally need to be worn long term. Teeth tend to move back towards their original positions if retainers are not worn as directed.
What determines the result
Outcomes vary between individuals. The result achievable in any case depends on the starting position of the teeth, the underlying bite and jaw relationship, the health of the teeth and supporting bone, the treatment plan, and how consistently the aligners are worn.
Because aligners only apply force while they are being worn, wear time has a direct effect. Where aligners are not worn as directed, teeth may not move as planned, treatment can take longer, and a revised plan or a change of approach may be needed.
Clear aligners address the position of teeth. They do not change the colour, shape or size of teeth, and they do not correct all skeletal or jaw discrepancies. Where those are a concern, other treatment would need to be discussed separately.
No orthodontic outcome can be guaranteed, and results described or shown anywhere reflect individual cases rather than what any particular person will achieve.
Clear aligner treatment at North Sydney Dentistry
- Provider status
North Sydney Dentistry holds Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider status. This is a tier assigned by Align Technology, the manufacturer, based on the number of cases a practice treats. It is a commercial classification rather than an award, an accreditation, or an assessment of clinical quality by any regulator or professional body.
- Our practitioners
Our dentists provide clear aligner treatment as part of general dental practice. All are registered with the Dental Board of Australia and their registration can be verified on the Ahpra public register.
- Treatment planning
Plans are prepared individually after examination. Where clear aligners are not appropriate for a case, we will say so and discuss the alternatives.
Risks and considerations
Orthodontic treatment carries risks. These can include discomfort and tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, decalcification or decay where oral hygiene is not maintained around attachments, shortening of tooth roots, gum recession, temporary changes to speech, and relapse if retainers are not worn as directed. Aligners can be lost or damaged and replacements are charged. Treatment may take longer than initially estimated, and some cases require additional procedures or a change of appliance.
These risks should be explained to you in full before you agree to treatment.
Arranging an assessment
If you would like to know whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for you and what it could achieve in your case, contact North Sydney Dentistry to arrange a consultation. You will be examined, given an explanation of the options and their risks, and provided with a written quote before treatment begins.