Some people delay orthodontic treatment because fixed braces are visible or because of the restrictions that come with them. Clear aligners are one alternative to discuss with an Invisalign dentist.
This article covers what clear aligner treatment involves, where to find Invisalign near me in North Sydney, and what to consider before you commit.
Why people consider Clear Aligners
- Appearance
Adults sometimes associate orthodontic treatment with metal braces worn in adolescence. Clear aligners are less noticeable. They are not invisible: both the aligners and the small attachments bonded to the teeth can be seen at close range.
- What they can treat
Clear aligners can be 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, and your dentist will tell you if that applies to you.
- Removability
The aligners can be taken out, so there are fewer restrictions on food and drink and cleaning teeth is more straightforward. This also means treatment depends on you: aligners generally need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, and treatment can be delayed or compromised if they are not.
Clear aligner treatment in North Sydney
We provide clear aligner treatment as part of general dental practice. Our practitioners are registered with the Dental Board of Australia, and you can verify any practitioner’s registration and qualifications on the Ahpra public register.
- Location
Our practice is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060. North Sydney has public transport links and parking nearby.
- Invisalign 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.
What we provide
- Assessment
Your teeth, gums and bite are examined before any treatment is proposed. The purpose of this appointment is to establish whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case, and in some cases the assessment will show that a different approach is more suitable.
- Treatment planning
Plans are prepared individually using digital scans and 3D planning software. You receive a written quote and an explanation of the risks before treatment begins.
- Digital scanning
We use intra-oral scanning to take digital impressions and to plan and monitor treatment.
What to expect during treatment
- Initial consultation. Examination, discussion of your options and their risks, and a written quote.
- Treatment plan. A sequence of aligners is designed and manufactured. Each aligner is generally worn for one to two weeks. Any digital simulation shown to you is a projection based on the plan, not a guaranteed result.
- Review appointments. Regular reviews so progress can be checked and the plan adjusted if teeth are not tracking as expected. Some cases need additional refinement aligners.
- Retainers are provided at the end of treatment and generally need to be worn long term, because teeth tend to move back towards their original positions.
What treatment may achieve
- Alignment
Clear aligners are used to address crowding, spacing and some bite problems including overbites, underbites and crossbites. Suitability and the extent of correction achievable depend on the individual case.
- Oral health
Teeth that are well aligned are generally easier to clean, which may reduce the risk of decay and gum disease over time. This is a general observation rather than a guaranteed outcome for any individual.
- Results vary
Outcomes differ between individuals and depend on the starting position of the teeth, the treatment plan and how consistently the aligners are worn. No result can be guaranteed.
Cost and Payment
Fees depend on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment. We offer an interest-free payment plan from $25 per week. This is a repayment amount, not the total cost of treatment.
Approval is subject to the provider’s eligibility criteria.
Some private health insurance extras policies include an orthodontic benefit, usually subject to waiting periods and annual and lifetime limits. Check the details with your fund.
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.
Arranging a consultation
If you would like to know whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for you, contact North Sydney Dentistry to arrange an assessment. You will be examined, given an explanation of the options and their risks, and provided with a written quote before any treatment begins.