Invisalign Treatment Process: What to Expect

Considering Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth? Understanding what to expect throughout the process can help you feel confident and prepared for your journey to a straighter smile. At Dental Niddrie Plaza, we guide patients through every step of their Invisalign treatment, from initial consultation to final results.

What is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment is an advanced orthodontic solution that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into their desired position. Unlike traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and designed for your comfort and convenience.

The treatment works through controlled force and timing. Each set of aligners applies gentle pressure to specific teeth, moving them incrementally. As you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth gradually shift into alignment according to your customised treatment plan.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your Invisalign treatment journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Melbourne practice. During this appointment, we’ll:

• Evaluate Your Dental Health: Before beginning any orthodontic treatment, we ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We’ll check for cavities, gum disease, or other issues that need addressing first.
• Discuss Your Goals: What bothers you about your smile? Are you concerned about crowding, gaps, an overbite, or crooked teeth? Understanding your goals helps us determine if Invisalign treatment is the right solution for you.
• Assess Your Suitability: While Invisalign can treat many orthodontic issues, some complex cases may require alternative approaches. We’ll honestly assess whether Invisalign is ideal for your specific situation.
• Answer Your Questions: This is your opportunity to ask about treatment duration, costs, lifestyle considerations, and anything else on your mind.

Step 2: Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning

If Invisalign treatment is right for you, we move to the planning phase:

• 3D Digital Scanning: We use advanced iTero digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. This comfortable, quick process eliminates the need for messy traditional impressions. The scanner captures thousands of images to create an incredibly accurate digital representation of your mouth.
• ClinCheck Software Preview: Using the 3D scan, we create a virtual treatment plan through Invisalign’s ClinCheck software. This remarkable technology shows you a digital preview of how your teeth will move throughout treatment and what your final result will look like. You can literally see your future smile before treatment even begins.
• Customisation and Refinement: Together, we review the ClinCheck preview. If you’d like adjustments to the planned outcome, we can modify the treatment plan to align with your aesthetic preferences.
• Timeline Estimation: Based on your specific case, we’ll provide an estimated treatment duration. Invisalign treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months, though some cases may be shorter or longer depending on complexity.

Step 3: Receiving Your Custom Aligners

Once your treatment plan is finalised:

• Aligner Manufacturing: Your custom aligners are precision-manufactured using advanced 3D printing technology. Each set is numbered sequentially and designed to achieve specific tooth movements.
• Collection Appointment: When your aligners arrive (usually 2-3 weeks after scanning), you’ll return to collect your first few sets. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them.
• Attachment Placement: Many Invisalign treatments require small tooth-coloured attachments (sometimes called buttons) bonded to certain teeth. These tiny bumps help the aligners grip your teeth and facilitate specific movements. Don’t worry, they’re barely noticeable and are removed at the end of treatment.
• Starting Your Treatment: You’ll wear your first set of aligners, typically for 7-14 days before switching to the next set. We’ll advise you on your specific wear schedule.

Step 4: Daily Life with Invisalign Treatment

Understanding the day-to-day aspects of Invisalign treatment helps set realistic expectations:

• Wearing Your Aligners: For optimal results, you need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth.
• Eating and Drinking: One of the significant advantages of Invisalign treatment is that you can eat and drink whatever you like. Simply remove your aligners before meals, eat normally, brush your teeth, and reinsert them.
• Cleaning Your Aligners: Rinse your aligners each time you remove them and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. We’ll provide detailed cleaning instructions.
• Adjusting to Each New Set: When you switch to a new set of aligners, you may feel tightness or pressure for a day or two. This is normal and indicates the aligners are working. Any discomfort is typically mild and subsides quickly.
• Speech Adjustment: Some patients experience a slight lisp for the first few days of treatment. This resolves quickly as you adjust to having the aligners in your mouth.

Step 5: Progress Check-Ups

Regular monitoring ensures your Invisalign treatment stays on track:

• Check-Up Frequency: You’ll visit us approximately every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress. These appointments are typically quick and straightforward.
• What We Check: During check-ups, we assess whether your teeth are moving according to plan, ensure your attachments are secure, address any concerns, and provide your next sets of aligners.
• Tracking Your Progress: We’ll compare your current tooth positions to the ClinCheck predictions, making sure everything is progressing as planned.
• Treatment Adjustments: If needed, we can make refinements to your treatment plan. This might involve ordering additional aligners to perfect certain aspects of your smile.

Step 6: Refinement Phase (If Needed)

Many patients benefit from a refinement phase:

• Mid-Course Corrections: Sometimes, minor adjustments are needed to achieve the perfect result. We’ll take new scans and create additional aligners for fine-tuning.
• No Extra Cost: At Dental Niddrie Plaza, refinements within your treatment period are typically included in your original treatment cost.
• Extended Tracking: Some patients wear their final aligners longer to allow teeth to fully settle into their new positions.

Step 7: Retention and Maintaining Your Results

Completing your active Invisalign treatment is exciting, but retention is crucial:

• Vivera Retainers: Once treatment is complete, you’ll receive Vivera retainers (Invisalign’s premium retainer product). These help maintain your new smile by preventing teeth from shifting back.
• Retainer Wearing Schedule: Initially, you’ll wear retainers full-time, then transition to night-time wear only. The specific schedule depends on your case, but most patients wear retainers at night indefinitely.
• Long-Term Success: Wearing your retainers as directed is essential. Teeth naturally tend to shift throughout life, and retainers prevent this regression.

What Results Can You Expect from Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment can successfully address:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Crooked or rotated teeth
• Relapsed teeth after previous orthodontic treatment

The final results are straighter teeth, improved bite alignment, and a more confident smile. Many patients also find their teeth easier to clean after treatment, which can benefit long-term dental health.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline at a Glance

• Week 1: Initial consultation and assessment
• Week 2-3: Digital scanning and treatment planning
• Week 4-5: Aligners manufactured and delivered
• Week 6: Collection of aligners and start of treatment
• Months 1-18 (average): Active treatment phase with regular check-ups
• Final Month: Refinements if needed, transition to retention

5 Benefits of Invisalign Treatment at Dental Niddrie Plaza

Choosing where to receive your Invisalign treatment is an important decision. At Dental Niddrie Plaza, serving Airport West, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, and Pascoe Vale, we offer:

1. Experienced Invisalign Providers: Our dentists have successfully treated numerous patients with Invisalign, developing the expertise to handle various case complexities.
2. Advanced Technology: From iTero digital scanning to ClinCheck treatment planning, we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient treatment.
3. Personalised Care: We recognise that every smile is unique. Your treatment plan is customised to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.
4. Flexible Payment Options: We offer payment plans to make Invisalign treatment accessible and affordable for our patients.
5. Comprehensive Support: Throughout your treatment journey, our team is available to answer questions, address concerns, and ensure you’re comfortable and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Treatment

Does Invisalign treatment hurt?

Most patients experience mild pressure or discomfort for a day or two when starting a new set of aligners, but this is generally much less than traditional braces. Over-the-counter pain relief is rarely needed.

Can I remove my aligners for special occasions?

While aligners should be worn 20-22 hours daily, you can remove them briefly for important events. However, frequent or extended removal will delay your treatment progress.

Will Invisalign treatment affect my speech?

Some patients notice a slight lisp initially, but this typically resolves within a few days as you adjust to the aligners.

How much does Invisalign treatment cost in Melbourne?

Treatment costs vary based on case complexity and duration. During your consultation, we provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific treatment plan.

Can I drink coffee or wine while wearing aligners?

We recommend removing aligners for anything except water to prevent staining and damage. Coffee, tea, and red wine can discolour the aligners.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

Contact us immediately. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may advise moving to the next set, reverting to the previous set, or ordering a replacement.

Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?

If you’re looking for a discreet, convenient way to straighten your teeth without the appearance and limitations of traditional braces, Invisalign treatment could be ideal. The best way to know for certain is to schedule a consultation.

At Dental Niddrie Plaza, we’ll assess your individual needs, show you what’s possible, and create a treatment plan designed specifically for you. Your journey to a straighter, more confident smile starts with a simple conversation.

Begin Your Invisalign Treatment Journey Today

Ready to explore Invisalign treatment in Melbourne? Contact Dental Niddrie Plaza to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll answer all your questions, show you a preview of your potential results, and help you take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted.

Transform your smile discreetly and comfortably with Invisalign treatment at Dental Niddrie Plaza, conveniently located to serve patients throughout Melbourne’s northwest suburbs.