Invisalign®
It’s never too late to improve your smile.
You can enjoy having a confident smile you’re proud of.
You can enjoy having a confident smile you’re proud of.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that offers a nearly invisible way of straightening teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.
Crafted using advanced dental technology, Invisalign consists of a sequence of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. Each aligner is designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
Unlike traditional braces, this modern orthodontic solution is composed of a smooth, flexible BPA-free plastic material, eliminating the potential discomfort caused by metal brackets and wires.
The clear nature of Invisalign aligners ensures that they are subtle and less noticeable, ultimately rendering the entire teeth-straightening process less of a cosmetic concern.
Is Invisalign a suitable option?
Invisalign is an exceptional alternative to traditional braces, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a subtle, easy-to-maintain solution.
This transparent aligner system is particularly beneficial for people dealing with conditions like overcrowded teeth, interdental gaps, overbite or underbite/crossbite issues.
Invisalign has successfully played a key role in rectifying these dental issues and has transformed millions of smiles globally.
This transparent aligner system is particularly beneficial for people dealing with conditions like overcrowded teeth, interdental gaps, overbite or underbite/crossbite issues.
Invisalign has successfully played a key role in rectifying these dental issues and has transformed millions of smiles globally.
How effective is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment that can correct crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, it has limitations for more complex cases, making a consultation with a Specialist Orthodontist essential to determine suitability.
For the right candidate, Invisalign’s clear aligners gradually shift teeth into alignment, often in a timeframe similar to braces. Its removable design offers greater flexibility, making eating, cleaning, and daily life easier compared to fixed braces.
A key advantage of Invisalign is its advanced 3D technology, allowing patients and Orthodontists to preview the treatment outcome before it begins. This visualisation provides reassurance and motivation throughout the process.
Despite its benefits, Invisalign isn’t suitable for every case—especially more severe alignment issues, which may still require braces. However, for eligible patients, it delivers excellent results with added comfort, improved oral hygiene, and everyday convenience.
The Invisalign Treatment Journey
Find out everything you need to know about Invisalign here:
Find out everything you need to know about Invisalign here:
The Invisalign treatment follows a structured series of steps, each playing a crucial role in achieving a straighter, more confident smile. Below is a comprehensive look at what to expect:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation with a Specialist Orthodontist who is a certified Invisalign provider. Choosing an Orthodontist over a general dentist ensures expert care, as Orthodontists undergo an additional three years of university-level training specifically in orthodontics. During this visit, your Orthodontist will assess your teeth, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right solution for you.
Step 2: Personalised Treatment Plan
If Invisalign is suitable for your case, your provider will take high-resolution digital scans and a full set of photos to generate an exact 3D model of your teeth. Using this model, your Orthodontist will design a customised treatment plan, mapping out the step-by-step movements of your teeth and the expected outcome. X-rays are also taken at this stage to ensure no underlying issues are missed during diagnosis and planning.
One of the advantages of Invisalign is that you’ll be able to preview a digital simulation of how your smile will transform before treatment even begins.
Step 3: Custom Aligner Production
Your personalised treatment plan is sent to the Invisalign laboratory, where your aligners are precision-crafted using advanced 3D printing technology. These aligners are made from flexible, medical-grade, BPA-free plastic for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Step 4: Attachment Placement and Aligner Wear
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll visit your Orthodontist’s practice, where small, tooth-coloured attachments will be bonded to your teeth. These attachments, made from composite material, vary in shape and size and serve as anchor points to help guide tooth movement more effectively.
After receiving your first set of aligners, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Step 5: Aligner Progression and Regular Check-Ups
You’ll typically transition to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, with each set designed to progressively shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Your Orthodontist will provide guidance on when to switch aligners. Regular check-ups, usually scheduled every six to twelve weeks, ensure your progress is monitored and allow you to receive your next series of aligners.
Step 6: Treatment Completion and Retention
Once you have completed all aligners and your teeth have reached their final positions, your active Invisalign treatment is complete. However, to prevent your teeth from shifting back, your Orthodontist will discuss retainer options to maintain your results.
In some cases, if minor adjustments are still needed after finishing your initial set of aligners, your Orthodontist may perform an updated 3D scan and order additional aligners to refine your tooth positioning further. These refinements help ensure your smile reaches its optimal alignment.
Treatment Timeline
Do you have questions about Invisalign or orthodontic treatments in general? We've got you covered:
Do you have questions about Invisalign or orthodontic treatments in general? We've got you covered:
One of the most common questions about Invisalign is, “How long does it take to straighten teeth?” Understanding the expected duration and process can help set realistic expectations and make the orthodontic journey more fulfilling.
The length of Invisalign treatment varies from person to person, primarily based on the complexity of their orthodontic needs. Minor alignment issues typically take less time to correct, whereas more complex cases require a longer timeframe.
On average, Invisalign treatment aligns closely with the timeline of traditional braces, which generally takes between 18 months and two years. However, treatment duration can range significantly—simpler cases may see noticeable improvements in as little as six months, while more severe cases may require more than two years to achieve optimal results.
So, when do the first changes become visible? Most patients begin to see noticeable improvements in their teeth alignment within two to three months. This early progress can be highly motivating, reinforcing that the aligners are effectively guiding the teeth into their ideal positions.
Treatment speed is also influenced by consistent aligner wear. For Invisalign to work efficiently, aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Deviating from this schedule can slow down the alignment process and extend the overall treatment duration.
Regular orthodontic visits play a key role in ensuring progress stays on track. These appointments allow for monitoring, necessary adjustments, and receiving the next set of aligners, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Do you have questions about Invisalign or orthodontic treatments in general? We've got you covered:
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Learn more about Invisalign here:
Learn more about Invisalign here:
Aesthetic Appeal – Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, letting you straighten your teeth without most people even noticing. This makes them a perfect choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without bulky, noticeable braces.
Improved Comfort – Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, comfortable plastic. There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, making them more comfortable to wear over long periods.
Convenience – Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You can easily take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. This makes maintaining oral hygiene much easier and more efficient.
Predictability – Invisalign employs advanced 3D computer-imaging technology to predict your treatment plan from the initial alignment to the final desired position, allowing you and your orthodontist to visualise the expected results beforehand.
Less Orthodontic Visits – Typically, you’ll only need to visit your orthodontist every six to eight weeks for check-ups and to receive your new set of aligners. This means less time spent in the orthodontist’s chair, offering you greater convenience than traditional braces.
Improved Oral Health – With removable aligners, keeping your teeth clean is much easier than with traditional braces. You can brush and floss without navigating around brackets and wires, making it simpler to maintain a healthy smile throughout your treatment.
FAQs
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Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Some people may experience temporary 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.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatment time varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case, but on average it ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, simple cases can be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases might take over two years. It’s also important to note that the success of the treatment heavily relies on the patient wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment will vary depending on:
- How long you require Invisalign for
- The complexity level of your particular situation
- The Invisalign provider you choose and the plans that they provide
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
For the best results, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, only being removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
What happens after my Invisalign treatment is complete?
After you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend using a retainer to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position.
How do I make sure that I’m seeing a Specialist Orthodontist?
An Orthodontist is a registered dental specialist with the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) after and additional 3 years of specialist training in orthodontics.
You can use the DCNZ website to check whether the clinician you are seeing is an Orthodontist or use our handy Orthodontist search tool here.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in you or your loved ones’ future. There is no set fee for orthodontic visits in New Zealand. Fees will vary depending on the type of treatment required, the length of treatment and the Orthodontist you see.
Many Orthodontists will provide all-inclusive treatment quotes so you can work out your budget ahead of time. They also offer payment plans so you can spread the cost of your treatment over time.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Please consult with a qualified orthodontist for personalised recommendations and treatment options.