Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a modern orthodontic option made from flexible thermoplastic materials.
Using a 3D scanning technology, these are custom fitting with minimal to no discomfort.
Invisalign aligners are great for kids, teens and adults with nearly every bite problem as it is convenient and almost invisible.
At Smile Place, we offer Invisalign as one of our services. Dr. Chitra Rao has treated more than 200 successful cases in Melbourne as a Senior Master Affiliate over years of experience.
Invisalign offers a range of benefits for different patient age groups, making it a versatile option for those seeking to improve their smiles.
Teens
Invisalign is transparent, in fact, practically invisible, so that teenagers do not feel embarrassed when smiling with misaligned teeth. These clear aligners are:
Adults
Invisalign caters to those who are looking for a subtle and professional way to enhance their smile. In some cases, this treatment can be effective for complex cases.
Patients with Mild to Moderate Misalignment
The aligners are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth, ensuring precise and gradual teeth movement over time. Invisalign aligners are a great option due to:
Individuals with Bite Issues
Bite issues can cause discomfort and lead to further dental complications. Invisalign addresses these concerns by gradually aligning the bite.
People Seeking a Discreet Treatment Option
Invisalign can be an ideal choice for those who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable hardware of traditional metal braces. They offer:
Those with a Busy Lifestyle
Invisalign aligners are convenient for patients to continue their daily activities with minimal disruption. Other benefits include:
Overall, Invisalign helps to achieve a healthier, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile, tailored to meet the needs of diverse patient groups.
Here’s a glimpse at the before and after results from Smile Place. Drag the arrows below from left to right.
Invisalign is a cutting-edge orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made clear aligners to straighten teeth. Made from smooth, flexible plastic, these aligners are removable and virtually invisible, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Compared to traditional metal braces, it has been a preferred choice for many patients, offering a variety of advantages:
Unlike metal braces (with brackets and wires) that cannot be removed, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible (made of clear plastic). Invisalign is removable for eating and for teeth cleaning, making them a cleaner and more flexible option.
Conventional braces are fixed in position and require manual adjustment, which is done by the tightening of the metal wire.
The main difference is that Invisalign is a sequence of custom aligners worn for a few weeks at a time, and changed in the dental clinic. This eliminates the need for wire tweaking and makes the process more comfortable.
Furthermore, Invisalign does not impose food limitations as compared to those wearing braces. Typically, people with braces cannot eat certain foods that may harm the brackets and wires holding the metal wires. This makes Invisalign a more flexible option for people who want to have a treatment that is less restrictive and more visually appealing.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The process commences with a thorough consultation during which our dentist will identify your dental needs and discuss your goals. The assessment is very useful in helping our patients decide whether they are the right candidates for Invisalign aligners.
Digital Scans and Treatment Planning
We take digital impressions (no more gooey trays full of impression material) and plan your treatment on the computer to show you every stage of tooth movement and how long it will take.
Custom Aligner Creation
We will then design your custom aligners. They are made of smooth, comfortable plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place.
Fitting and Instructions for Aligner Use
During your fitting appointment, we will give you your first set of aligners and show you how to wear them and look after them. We will advise you on how to use your aligners correctly and give them a good clean so that they benefit your treatment as much as possible.
Regular Check-Ups and Adjustments
During your treatment, you will need to come in for check-up visits, which are pre-scheduled. We use these visits to see how you are doing, make changes when needed, and give you a new set of aligners.
Monitoring Progress and Aligner Changes
We will monitor your tooth movement to ensure treatment is going as planned. In order to maintain treatment objectives, regular adjustments and changes to your aligners may be required.
To keep your aligners clear and hygienic, it’s important to clean them regularly. Brush the aligners gently with a toothbrush and rinse in lukewarm water. This will help to prevent plaque buildup and keep the aligners fresh contributing to their effectiveness.
You’ll need to keep taking good care of your teeth during your treatment. That means brushing your teeth properly to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay and flossing to keep your gums healthy.
Be careful with food and drink that can stain – coffee, tea and red wine. Avoid food or beverages with high pigment that will stain your aligners.
While you are off the aligners, always keep them in their special case to prevent damage and contamination. The case prevents the aligners from getting dirty or damaged.
On-going progress appointments are needed to monitor your progress and make any tweaks necessary to your treatment plan. Stay on track and you’ll get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.
If you have any discomfort or problems with your aligners, contact your dentist right away. Taking care of these issues early means that any potential problems can be rectified quickly and your treatment will remain on schedule and effective.
While we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions below, every smile is unique. If you’d like tailored advice or have something specific in mind, we invite you to book a complimentary consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and guide you with care and expertise.
Dr Jagruti Patel's experience in dentistry and kind approach makes the visit to the dentist a comfortable experience.
Dr Chitra Rao has over a decade of experience in dentistry and continues to excel her knowledge.