What is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign® treatment is orthodontic treatment that uses a series of removable clear plastic aligners, made by Align Technology, to move teeth gradually. Each aligner is slightly different from the last, and wearing them in sequence applies controlled pressure that shifts the teeth over time.
Clear aligners are custom-made thin plastic trays that fit over the teeth (teeth.org.au). They are clear but not invisible, and suitability depends on how much correction is needed (healthdirect).
Who provides Invisalign at AMK Dental Clinic?
At AMK Dental Clinic, Invisalign is orthodontic treatment with clear aligners provided by a general dentist, Dr Ali Khalessi (Dentist). Dr Khalessi is not a specialist orthodontist. In Australia, both general dentists and registered specialist orthodontists provide orthodontic treatment (healthdirect).
How does Invisalign treatment work?
Invisalign treatment at AMK Dental Clinic follows a planned sequence, with checks along the way:
- Assessment. We examine your teeth, gums and bite and take X-rays. Decay or gum disease needs treating before tooth movement starts.
- 3D scan. A digital scan of your teeth replaces traditional putty impressions.
- ClinCheck plan. Your dentist plans each stage of tooth movement in Align Technology’s ClinCheck software and shows you a digital simulation of the planned movements. The simulation is a plan, not a guarantee of the result.
- Aligners and attachments. Small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip. Some teeth may need a small amount of enamel polished from between them to create space.
- Wear and change. You wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day (Invisalign) and move to each new aligner when your dentist directs.
- Reviews and refinements. We check progress regularly. If teeth have not moved as planned, extra refinement aligners may be needed.
- Retainers. When active treatment ends, retainers help hold the teeth in their new positions.
Who is Invisalign suitable for?
Invisalign may suit adults and teenagers with crowded or spaced teeth or some bite problems, who have healthy teeth and gums and can wear aligners consistently. Suitability is only confirmed after an examination, X-rays and a scan.
Clear aligners may be less suitable for some complex bite or jaw problems, severely rotated teeth, or for people who are unlikely to wear aligners for the required hours. Healthdirect notes that orthodontic treatment needs a full assessment before starting and regular monitoring (healthdirect).
What are the risks of Invisalign treatment?
Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners carries risks, and your dentist will discuss these with you before you start:
- Discomfort. Teeth often feel tender for a few days after changing to a new aligner.
- Speech changes. A mild lisp is common at first and usually settles as you adjust.
- Decay and gum problems. Food or sugary drinks trapped under aligners can cause decay, white spots or gum inflammation if cleaning is not thorough (healthdirect).
- Root resorption. Moving teeth can shorten tooth roots. This is usually minor but occasionally significant.
- Refinements and longer treatment. Teeth may not track as planned, so treatment can take longer than estimated and need extra aligners.
- Relapse. Teeth can move back if retainers are not worn as advised.
Invisalign or fixed braces: how do they compare?
Invisalign and fixed braces both move teeth, and each has practical differences. Neither is right for every case.
| Invisalign clear aligners | Fixed braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear plastic trays; noticeable up close | Metal or ceramic brackets and wires |
| Removable | Yes, for eating and cleaning | No, fixed for the whole treatment |
| Relies on patient wear | Yes, 20 to 22 hours a day | Less, as braces stay in place |
| Eating | Aligners out; brush before putting back in | Some hard and sticky foods avoided |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss as normal | Extra care around brackets and wires |
| Suitability | Many mild to moderate cases | A wide range of cases, including some complex ones |
| Retainers afterwards | Needed | Needed |
When is referral to a specialist orthodontist appropriate?
Referral to a registered specialist orthodontist is appropriate when your assessment shows problems beyond what we consider suitable for treatment in general practice. Examples include significant jaw discrepancies, cases that may need jaw surgery, impacted teeth, complex bite problems in growing children, or cases where fixed braces are more suitable. We will explain our reasons and help arrange the referral.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies with complexity, the number of aligners and any refinements. AMK Dental Clinic provides a written, itemised estimate after your assessment, which shows whether retainers are included. Health fund orthodontic cover depends on your policy, limits and waiting periods; see fees and health funds.
Invisalign® is a trademark of Align Technology, Inc.
Common questions
Do I need an orthodontist for Invisalign?
No, you don't have to see an orthodontist for Invisalign, because general dentists can also provide orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. At AMK Dental Clinic, Invisalign is provided by Dr Ali Khalessi, a general dentist, not a specialist orthodontist. If your assessment shows complex tooth or jaw problems that are better managed by a registered specialist orthodontist, we will explain why and offer a referral.
How many hours a day do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, according to Align Technology. You take them out to eat and drink anything other than plain water, and to brush and floss. Wearing them less than directed is one of the main reasons treatment takes longer than planned or teeth do not move as expected. Your dentist will tell you when to change to each new aligner.
How much does Invisalign cost in Sydney?
The cost of Invisalign depends on how much your teeth need to move, how many aligners are needed and whether refinements are likely. At AMK Dental Clinic, we give you a written, itemised estimate after your assessment and scan, which shows whether retainers are included. Some health fund extras policies include orthodontic benefits, subject to limits and waiting periods. Payment plan options can be discussed; ask us.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes, you will need a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Teeth naturally tend to move back towards their old positions, especially in the first months after treatment, and they can keep shifting throughout life. Retainers may be removable or a fixed wire bonded behind the front teeth. Your dentist will advise how often to wear them, and long-term wear is usually recommended.
Can teenagers have Invisalign treatment?
Teenagers can be assessed for Invisalign treatment, and whether clear aligners suit them depends on their teeth, jaw growth and how reliably they will wear the aligners. A parent or guardian is involved in the consultation and treatment decisions. Children eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule should note that it does not cover orthodontic treatment. Some cases in growing children are better suited to other approaches or referral.