Common FAQs about Invisalign answered

Are you interested in straightening your teeth as an adult and want to know more about invisible aligners? Read on!
At Spa Dental Sydney, we are always happy to discuss one of our most popular treatments, Invisalign in Sydney, with potential patients, to help you get the smile you deserve!
So, if you have some questions about the treatment around Invisalign in Sydney, read on for the answers to common FAQs.
Does the treatment hurt?
Unfortunately, even going into 2023, there is no such thing as an orthodontic process that is completely comfortable!
And while Invisalign in Sydney does not require tightening or adjusting, it does need to put constant pressure on your teeth in order to move them. So, when you wear the aligners initially, it may feel that there is pressure and tightness, and as your teeth move, the aligners will loosen.
Any discomfort you experience should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, and if the discomfort is driving you to distraction, call our team.
How long does it take?
Realigning your teeth using invisible aligners on average takes between 3 to 6 months, but this will vary based on the severity of the misalignment being treated and whether or not you adhere to the guidelines for daily wear.
In some cases, it can take these aligners up to a year to straighten teeth, or if they are used as part of an orthodontic process after braces, you may only need to use them for a few weeks.
Can anyone use them?
Sadly no, not everyone is suitable for treatment with invisible aligners.
You need to have a mild to moderate case of dental misalignment, which is located at the front of your mouth and does not involve your molar teeth. If you have a tooth that is protruding, twisted or is at an extreme angle, then it’s likely that you will need to wear a fitted brace in place of an aligner. At the current time, there are no aligners aimed at young children, so they are typically used on those who are over the age of 14.
How do I look after them?
Looking after invisible aligners is very straightforward.
For instance, in order to clean them, you simply take them out and rinse them under a cold water tap, and use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn debris. Although it sounds logical to do so, you should not rinse them under a hot water tap, as this can cause them to warp or melt, which will render them useless.
You will also need to take the aptly named carry case with you when you are out and about, as this will give you somewhere to store your aligners when they are not in your mouth. Do not simply throw them into your bag or into your coat pocket, as they may warp.
Will I need dental appointments?
If you are wearing invisible aligners for a longer period of time, such as 6 to 9 months, then you will have to attend your biannual check-ups. Of course, as these aligners do not require tightening, it is unlikely you will need to see our team for an appointment relating to them. Instead, you should send us selfies of your smile each week via the associated app. This will allow us to assess how the treatment is progressing, and then, if we spot an issue, we will call you into the surgery.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.