The short answer is — yes, it works very well. However, there are a few misconceptions about Invisalign®. People sometimes wonder how it’s possible for clear plastic trays to move the teeth without any pain. In the past, it required unsightly metal braces, wires, elastic bands and a whole lot of tension.
Other people think that it is fine for minor procedures but for major orthodontic work, you need to use old-school braces.
The truth is that this clear aligner system delivers in the majority of orthodontic cases in the hands of an experienced clinician.
Big improvements
Back in the early days, around 1997, when clear aligners were new to the market, it was mainly used for minor adjustments of the teeth. Since then, the advances in technology and materials mean that it can correct minor, moderate, and major issues very efficiently. The majority of our clients have treatment times of between 3 to 9 months, depending on the movements required.
Aesthetics of Invisalign
One advantage of Invisalign® is aesthetics. There are no metal wires or brackets that look very unsightly, especially on older clients. Invisalign is better suited to a modern lifestyle. If you’re going to a dinner or party, you just take them out and put them back in a bit later. It’s also easier to keep your teeth clean because you’re able to remove the aligner rather than have wires in the way. Finally, it’s very comfortable with minimal tenderness, with most clients only experiencing slight soreness for the first two days of wearing an aligner.
Compliance
Compliance is a very big thing with this system — you need to wear the aligner for 22 hours a day. You take it out only while eating; you sleep with it in and drink coffee with it in. Each aligner is worn for about a week, then you put on the next one. And don’t worry, it does not mean weekly trips to us; we usually give you three sets of aligners at a time. If compliance is going to be an issue, we usually recommend traditional braces.
Presently, the price of Invisalign is about the same as metal braces, so it’s really just a personal choice when making the decision. No matter what type of orthodontic solution you are trying to achieve, an experienced dentist can advise you on the best way to move forward.
How it happens
During the first consultation, we look at your teeth and make an assessment as to whether you’re suitable for clear aligners or not. We explain exactly how it works and what it can do in regard to your situation. We also take a 3D scan of your teeth along with photographs and X-rays. Then, in consultation with Invisalign, we put together a treatment plan.
Two weeks after your first consultation, you return to the clinic to discuss the treatment plan.
The treatment plan is shown in the form of a 3D animation through a program called ClinCheck. This enables us to show you what your teeth look like today, and how they will look at the end of the procedure. We can also show you a stage-by-stage progression of how the teeth will look, which is pretty exciting. Once we are both happy with the plan, you start your Invisalign treatment two weeks after.
Problems with Invisalign
Nothing is perfect all the time, and the Invisalign system can present some challenges too. For example, some movements are harder to achieve than others. An experienced clinician knows which movements are going to be tricky and plans ahead to ensure success.
Dentists with a bit of experience in this will also know there are some tracking issues with the upper lateral incisors (that pair of teeth on either side of your two front teeth), and that the biggest compliance issues are with teenagers! That’s why it’s so important that you go to a Platinum Invisalign Provider like The Dental Room.
To sum it up, Invisalign is an effective and minimally invasive way to correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems.
To find out more about clear braces, click here to go to our Invisalign page.
Results, potential risks, complications, and recovery times can differ for each individual and each procedure. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Refer to thedentalroom.com.au/risks for more information on risks and potential complications.
Before starting any treatment, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Images and videos featured on this page are shared with our clients’ consent and have not been altered with filters, editing, or AI tools.
NEXT: The clear benefits of Invisalign treatment
About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
