Invisalign & Clear Braces

How long does Invisalign takeMost people are born with imperfect teeth. They work, sure: they do the job they were designed to do. But they may look a bit disorderly, a bit haphazard, and it can make people reluctant to smile because they feel their teeth let them down.

It doesn’t have to be like that. There is an Invisalign dentist in Townsville who can bring order to chaos and create a movie-star look quite simply and with no drama. Clear teeth aligners simply move your teeth, gently but firmly, to where they should be.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a non-invasive orthodontic system designed for those who do not want to wear braces. Users wear their aligners during the day, change aligners at their dentist’s instruction, and continue the process until treatment is complete.

Invisalign has become well-known over the years as an alternative to traditional metal braces. However, patients interested in getting Invisalign need to be aware of the costs associated with it. After all, most health insurance plans don’t cover the costs of orthodontic treatments.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses clear aligners that are worn over the teeth, similar to mouthguards. These aligners are custom-made and come in multiple pairs for the top and bottom teeth. Each pair is worn for about two weeks in a specific sequence, gradually shifting your teeth into their ideal positions. The aligners are designed to make small adjustments every week until the desired outcome is achieved.

Due to their limitations, Invisalign clear aligners are best suited for patients with mild to moderate malocclusion problems. Traditional braces remain the gold standard for treating severe malocclusion and TMJ disorders.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment and want to understand the process beforehand, here’s what to expect:

  1. Initial Consultation – The dentist will evaluate your smile and create a customised treatment plan. This includes a digital scan of your teeth and jaw X-rays to map out the precise movement of your teeth.
  2. Custom Aligner Production – A mould of your teeth will be taken to produce your personalized Invisalign trays.
  3. Wearing the Aligners – You’ll receive multiple aligners at a time, allowing you to progress through your treatment without frequent in-office visits. You’ll need to wear them for up to 22 hours a day, including at night. When you first start wearing them, it may take a few days for your mouth to adjust. You’ll begin to notice results as gentle pressure moves your teeth over time.

By receiving multiple aligners in advance, you’ll reduce the number of visits needed, making the process more convenient while still achieving an effective transformation.

Benefits of Invisalign

With Invisalign, you are guaranteed the following benefits:

  1. Safe and non-invasive. Using Invisalign doesn’t require extensive preparation. The materials are also very safe and medical-grade. There are very few risks associated with using Invisalign.
  2. Easy to use. Invisalign eliminates most of the discomfort that patients usually experience with metal braces. You have to wear the aligners over your teeth for 22 hours daily. You won’t have trouble with mouth sores or difficulty eating. However, you may have a slight lisp as you accustom yourself to wearing the aligners.
  3. Practically invisible. The name stands for itself. Invisalign is very unnoticeable, and most people wouldn’t even know that you’re wearing them.
  4. Removable and easy to clean. You can take off the aligners whenever you eat and brush your teeth. This prevents food from getting stuck on them. It is ideal to clean the aligners twice daily for sanitary purposes.
  5. Shows results faster. Metal braces take a minimum of two years to achieve the desired results. For Invisalign, it can take as short as six months to complete the therapy.
  6. Requires fewer dental visits. Patients using Invisalign don’t need to see the dentist every two weeks. As long as they use the aligners properly and in the correct order, they can visit the dentist every month or two.

When Should I Get Invisalign?

You may consider using Invisalign if you:

  • Dislike the thought of having metal braces in your mouth
  • Have mild to moderate alignment problems
  • Prefer a shorter therapy period
  • Want fewer visits to the dentist
  • Want a removable option for orthodontic treatment

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Various factors play a role in determining the actual cost of Invisalign treatment. On average, Invisalign can go from as low as $3,000 to as high as $9,000. Ultimately, your invisalign dentist should be the one to provide the exact price after discussing the treatment plan with you.

The cost will be impacted by the number of aligners you’ll need as well. Here is an estimate breakdown:

  • Up to 7 Aligners = $4100
  • Between 8 and 14 aligners = $6500 
  • Between 15 and 39 aligners = $7300
  • More than 40+ aligners = $7500

How Long Should I Wear My Aligners Every Day?

How to Properly Clean Your Invisalign

Patients are instructed to wear their Invisalign aligners for around 22 hours a day. Taking the aligners out to eat, drink, and brush teeth give patients a break.

You will wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving to the next set. Each aligner tray moves teeth slightly closer to where they should be without damaging your gum tissue. You cannot see the difference, but each aligner will feel different.

In most cases, Invisalign requires 12 months to complete treatment. Patients may see results in little as 28 weeks, but dentists cannot make any promises. Packages offer refinements every year, two years, or longer.

Ask your dentist for assistance if you notice an aligner is not working, feel intense pain, or do not get the results you desire.

What Are My Options?

We offer packages for patients depending on how many services you require. The basic package comes with a few aligners and a single refinement per year, and more advanced packages offer several dozen aligners and a few refinements each year.

We are happy to speak with you about Invisalign during your routine cleaning and schedule an appointment for an exam and treatment. Our team can answer your questions about Invisalign, aligners, and adjustments. We offer payment options for every budget to accommodate all patients.

Should I Get Invisalign Before Cosmetic Procedures?

We recommend you get Invisalign before undergoing any cosmetic procedures. You can straighten your teeth before scheduling teeth whitening or getting veneers, crowns, or bridges. My Family Dental has dental clinics in EmeraldBowenInnisfailTownsvilleIngham, and Kalynda for your convenience.

Our Invisalign & Clear Braces Locations

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Tracey Holmes
6 months ago
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wayne gould
6 months ago
The female dentist we had was the best we have ever had , my wife has issues with past dentist but this female made her feel at ease , would recommend 10 times over , extremely good
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6 months ago
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Grant McKenzie
6 months ago
Friendly, clean and very professional
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Tracey Locke
7 months ago
Dr Lily fantastic Dentist, Highly recommend, courteous, patient, kind, very accomadating & accomplished. Very professional & up to date surgery with equipment. I got crowns & implants. Couldn't be happier with outcome.
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Belinda Lawlor
7 months ago
Fantastic dental practice. Lily is wonderful. I have never been comfortable going to the dentist but Lily's gentle and calming nature is genuine and puts you at ease. Very professional, with fair pricing. Thank you.
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Peter Spencer
8 months ago
Very caring and gentle but thorough treatments. Like most people I hate needles and they adminisyer these so well that you rarley feel anything. Highly recommend.
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Jessica Craig
8 months ago
Dr Hlaing was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend Dr Hlaing and the team at My Family Dental. Everybody was helpful and friendly and I had a great experience! Thanks to you all.
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Astrid Meid
1 year ago
Lily is the most caring kindest dentist ever. Lily took the time to listen to my needs, and treated me accordingly. Lily has a beautiful loving heart. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. Thank you so very much.
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Ben Liddell
3 years ago
Front desk was very helpful and Dr Lilly was awesome.
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Amy Brophy
3 years ago
My son (10) attended the dentist and saw Dr. Lily. He asked me to give a rating of 5 stars because Dr. Lily is the best!
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brad vandentop
3 years ago
I found my family dental to be very helpful and I'm looking forward to the future
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Rachel McDowall
3 years ago
As a new patient they helped me out greatly.
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Kensei Sekiguchi
3 years ago
Exceptional attention to standards and patient care.. TV on the ceiling, very pleasant decor throught the clinic overall. Given I had two large extractions in one go, I can still call it a good experience. I was treated great, and was at all times well informed of the procedures.
Highly reccomended. Very.
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Fiona Simpson
3 years ago
Handsdown my, best dental experience ever! I had broken a tooth and so needed an emergency appointment. They got me in straightaway and were able to fix the tooth doctor, Llly, was absolutely amazing. So incredibly gentle! I was even very happy with the price
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Simon Gillmore
3 years ago
Lilly was really great - I definitely don't fear going to the dentist any more knowing she is looking after me. Dare I say a very pleasant experience and won't ever need for another dentist. 1st class
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Kate B
3 years ago
Dr Lily has been fantastic! Really clear in her explanations about what needs to be done and why, and then really gentle and caring. All the staff have been very helpful and friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Invisalign treats a variety of issues, including:

  • Overlapping teeth
  • Gaps
  • Misalignment
  • Crooked teeth

Invisalign helps anyone who feels their teeth are not aligned or suffers from discomfort due to a crooked smile. Some patients see their teeth change after braces treatment, and clear aligners help these patients avoid another round of braces.

Invisalign allows you to see results without the obstruction of metal brackets. Patients with braces must wait until their treatment is complete, but Invisalign patients can remove their aligners to see their smiles in the mirror.

Invisalign benefits should begin to appear within the first 2 to 3 months. Invisalign treatment plans take 6 to 8 months for mild and moderate issues. Any major issues and you could be looking at more than 1 year. 

The dentist will track your progress and note any issues that arise during treatment. Invisalign is flexible and helps your dentist adjust treatment to avoid complications.

Clean your aligners at least twice a day. Aligners may collect debris and food from your teeth throughout the day, and it’s vital to keep them as clean as possible.

If you feel your aligners are too dirty or stained, reach out to our staff for assistance.

The length of treatment varies between patients. It usually depends on the severity of your teeth misalignment and your current gum condition. After a thorough analysis, we will determine the length of the treatment, which may take from 12-15 months for adults. For teens, the length of time can also vary. At Aspendale Gardens Dental Care, we find that invisible aligners are most effective when patients wear them 20-22 hours per day.

One of the best parts about wearing clear aligners is that you don’t have to give up your favourite foods. Removing the aligners while you eat is essential to avoid damaging them with sticky or hard foods. We always recommend patients go easy on a new set of aligners because teeth need time to adjust. It is also vital to brush your teeth after eating and putting the aligners back.

Invisalign is comfortable and will not irritate your teeth or gums. The soft material does not cut your gums, and you will not see the swelling that is often associated with braces.

You may feel minor discomfort as your teeth move, but this is normal and shows the aligners are working. After a few weeks, the system feels more comfortable.

Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. They hide in your mouth and are only noticeable under intense scrutiny.

Working, exercising, driving, and sleeping is comfortable with aligners. Aligners can come out once or twice a day to clean and eat, and your dentist makes changes when they feel it is necessary.

Speaking with Invisalign aligners involves a learning curve like any other orthodontic product. You will feel as though you have a lisp or cannot enunciate as you would for the first two to three weeks, but you will feel comfortable speaking after you grow accustomed to the aligners.

If you are thinking this sounds like braces with a different name, yes, there are similarities, but getting Invisalign braces in Townsville means comfort, subtlety and peace of mind. Referring to these Invisalign clear teeth aligners as clear braces is rather like calling a sports car a tractor. There is a world of difference.

So, let’s get this straight. Traditional braces – those metallic appliances that are all too visible when the wearer opens their mouth – do have their place in the treatment of the more extreme cases of dental misalignment. But for mild-to-moderate cases, which is to say most cases, our clear teeth braces are a much more pleasant experience.

The most obvious advantage is that being transparent, they are far less noticeable than metal braces: less in-your-face, you might say. After all, if there was no visible sign, everybody would be doing it, and North Queensland would be full of Hollywood smiles. Your teeth fit into these clear, tailor-made pockets, snug and smooth.

The old-style braces can also be uncomfortable and inconvenient because they have to stay in place the whole time. That makes brushing your teeth quite difficult and can make some people feel they’re not getting the oral hygiene they like. Invisalign clear braces can be removed for eating, brushing your teeth and other activities, just as long as you put them straight back in when you’re finished; they must be in place to do their job at least 22 hours a day.

You will be aware of them for a short time, but they are so comfortable that soon you will forget they’re even there.

Smile With Confidence – Invisalign in Townsville

If you have crooked teeth, it can impact your confidence and your smile. Some people even choose not to smile at all for fear of showing their teeth. Of course, every smile is beautiful but if you desire straighter teeth, without enduring years of clunky braces, then Invisalign in Townsville might just be the answer you’re searching for.

Crooked teeth come in a variety of extremes, it may be that your teeth are slightly unaligned, or it may be that you have large gaps or teeth growing over the top of others. Invisalign can help in the treatment of these dental issues.

Other teeth straightening methods, such as metal braces, are immediately noticeable – which can cause further self-confidence issues. Where this is the case, some patients opt to avoid teeth straightening treatment (and occasionally even their dental check-ups) altogether.

But with Invisalign, Townsville residents can enjoy straighter teeth and a smile to be proud of, without invasive procedures or bulky metal accessories. Read More

What Makes Invisalign Braces in Townsville the Best Choice for You?

Invisalign, as the name suggests, is an almost invisible implement that won’t be noticed during a conversation. You can complete all your daily tasks wearing the equipment while having the option to remove it whilst eating and cleaning your teeth.

Results are noticeable as time progresses, giving you positive encouragement to continue the treatment. As your teeth become more aligned, the Invisalign aligner can be changed by your dentist to better suit the changing shape of your teeth.

An Invisalign dentist is a person qualified in the correct use of the aligners ensuring patients get the best results possible for their unique dental concerns. My Family Dental are proud to feature Invisalign dentist specialists, qualified in the practice giving our patients superior care and results.

If you’re interested in using Invisalign braces in Townsville, please speak with your dentist during your dental check-up or call to make an appointment for consultation.

The Best Clear Teeth Aligners by My Family Dental

For over 30 years, My Family Dental has been the go-to dental practice for Queensland residents. We’ve witnessed truly remarkable advancements in the practice of dentistry, and have adapted the best, most advanced methodology to greatly assist our patients.

One of our key policies is to offer patient-centred, results-driven service to Townsville citizens and beyond – with clinics also located in Emerald, Bowen, Innisfail, Ingham, and Kalynda.

Invisalign clear teeth aligners are our go-to treatment method for patients concerned about crooked teeth, gaps, or overlaps. Throughout your journey to creating your perfect smile, we’re here to support and advise you to ensure you achieve the best possible results with the least possible hassle.

Compared with traditional braces, Invisalign is practically invisible and can be regularly removed to maintain your oral hygiene. Additionally, you don’t have to wait for the duration of your treatment plan to see results – changes to the shape of your teeth can be seen and monitored in real time.

For this reason, Invisalign is the My Family Dental tooth straightening device of choice. To help you and your family budget for the treatment, we can offer a payment plan that suits your circumstances. We also offer dentures with payment plans.

For the best results, please follow your dentist’s advice during Invisalign use, as well as after the treatment is complete.

Book Your Invisalign Dentist Today

To start your Invisalign journey, you can speak with your dentist during a routine appointment. Or, if you prefer not to wait until your next visit, you can book a consultation online with our quick and easy form.

With a care plan averaging 12 months, you might have some questions before signing up for this life-changing treatment. Please call us and our friendly team can answer your questions as well as offer helpful advice.

If you are interested, you can also check our professional teeth whitening service for a brighter smile

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