If you are considering straightening your teeth but would prefer an alternative to fixed braces, Invisalign clear aligners may be one option to discuss with your dentist.
Invisalign is a brand of removable orthodontic aligners. Treatment involves wearing a planned series of aligners that apply controlled forces to move selected teeth gradually.
Clear aligners are not suitable for every orthodontic concern. Their appearance, comfort, treatment time and effectiveness vary between patients. An individual examination and appropriate diagnostic records are required before treatment can be recommended.
Here are ten things to understand before deciding whether Invisalign treatment may be suitable for you.
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Invisalign aligners are clear, but not completely invisible
Invisalign aligners are made from transparent plastic and are generally less noticeable than conventional metal braces. However, they should not be described as invisible.
The aligners may still be visible during close conversation or in certain lighting. Tooth-coloured attachments, spaces between teeth or the edge of the aligner may also be noticeable.
The appearance of the aligners can be affected by staining, plaque accumulation and how well they fit.
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Invisalign is not suitable for every patient
Clear aligners may be considered for a range of concerns involving tooth position and aspects of the bite. However, suitability depends on factors such as:
- The type and complexity of tooth movement required
- The position of the teeth and jaws
- Gum and bone health
- Existing restorations
- Missing teeth
- Previous orthodontic treatment
- Age and dental development
- The patient’s ability to wear the aligners as directed
Some orthodontic concerns may be managed more predictably with fixed braces, another orthodontic appliance or a combination of treatments.
Referral to a registered specialist orthodontist may be recommended where the diagnosis or proposed treatment is complex.
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A clinical assessment is required before treatment
An Invisalign assessment may include:
- Discussion of your concerns and treatment preferences
- Review of your medical and dental history
- Examination of your teeth, gums and bite
- Dental photographs
- Digital scans or impressions
- Dental X-rays where clinically indicated
- Assessment of the jaw relationship
- Review of existing fillings, crowns or other restorations
Tooth decay, active gum disease or other oral health concerns may need to be treated or stabilised before orthodontic treatment begins.
Further records or appointments may be required before a definitive treatment plan and quotation can be provided.
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Consistent daily wear is important
Invisalign aligners usually need to be worn for most of the day and night. The manufacturer commonly recommends approximately 20–22 hours per day, although you should follow the individual instructions provided by your treating practitioner.
The aligners are generally removed for:
- Eating
- Drinking beverages other than plain water
- Brushing and flossing
- Cleaning the aligners
- Wearing an appropriate sports mouthguard
Removing the aligners too frequently or leaving them out for extended periods may affect tooth movement, aligner fit and the overall treatment time.
Clear aligner treatment therefore requires a substantial level of patient participation.
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Treatment may involve more than clear plastic aligners
Some patients require additional features or procedures to achieve the planned tooth movements.
These may include:
- Tooth-coloured attachments bonded to selected teeth
- Elastics
- Buttons or other auxiliary components
- Interproximal enamel reduction
- Tooth reshaping in selected cases
- Additional scans and refinement aligners
Interproximal enamel reduction involves removing a small, planned amount of enamel between certain teeth to create space. It is irreversible and should only be performed when clinically indicated.
Your dentist should explain any proposed attachments, enamel reduction or additional procedures before treatment begins.
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Eating may be less restricted, but oral hygiene remains important
Because clear aligners are removable, they are generally taken out during meals. This means there may be fewer appliance-related dietary restrictions than with fixed braces.
However, you still need to consider your general dental health. Frequent sugary or acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Before replacing the aligners, you will usually need to clean your teeth as instructed. Wearing aligners over food debris or sugary and acidic liquids may increase the risk of:
- Tooth decay
- Enamel demineralisation
- Gum inflammation
- Unpleasant odours
- Aligner staining
The aligners also need regular cleaning using the method recommended by your dental practitioner. Hot water may distort the plastic.
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Invisalign treatment can cause discomfort
Clear aligners do not guarantee comfortable or pain-free treatment.
Pressure or tenderness may occur when a new aligner is inserted or when teeth begin to move. Other possible effects include:
- Temporary changes in speech
- Increased saliva or a dry mouth
- Irritation of the lips, cheeks or tongue
- Tenderness when chewing
- Difficulty removing the aligners
- Discomfort from attachments or elastics
- A temporary change in how the teeth meet
Symptoms are often manageable, but their severity and duration vary. Contact your treating practitioner if you experience significant pain, an aligner that does not fit or another unexpected problem.
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The digital simulation is a treatment-planning tool—not a guaranteed result
Invisalign treatment may include a computer-generated simulation showing the proposed sequence of tooth movements.
This simulation can help the practitioner plan treatment and explain the intended direction of movement. It is not a photograph of the outcome and does not guarantee that the teeth will move exactly as displayed.
Biological response varies between patients. Some teeth may move differently or more slowly than planned.
The treatment plan may need to be modified based on your progress.
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Treatment time and appointment frequency can change
The estimated treatment time depends on:
- The complexity of the orthodontic problem
- The amount and type of movement required
- How consistently the aligners are worn
- The biological response of the teeth
- Attendance at review appointments
- Lost, damaged or poorly fitting aligners
- Whether additional aligners are required
You may be instructed to change aligners weekly, fortnightly or according to another schedule. Review appointments are arranged based on the individual treatment plan rather than at one fixed interval for every patient.
Additional scans, aligners or other treatment—sometimes called refinements—may be required. This can extend the original estimated treatment time and may affect costs, depending on what is included in the treatment agreement.
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Retainers are required after Invisalign treatment
Teeth can move again after orthodontic treatment. This is known as relapse.
Retainers are therefore generally recommended after Invisalign or fixed-brace treatment. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- Removable clear retainers
- Wire retainers
- A fixed retainer bonded behind selected teeth
- A combination of fixed and removable retainers
Your practitioner will advise how often and for how long the retainers should be worn. Long-term or indefinite retention may be recommended.
Retainers can wear, crack, become lost or stop fitting and may require repair or replacement. Retention and replacement costs should be discussed before treatment begins.
What are the possible risks of Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment and is not risk-free. Potential complications may include:
- Tooth or gum tenderness
- Gum inflammation
- Tooth decay or enamel changes
- Gum recession
- Loss of supporting bone
- Root shortening or resorption
- Changes in tooth vitality
- Black triangles or visible spaces between teeth
- Changes in the bite
- Incomplete tooth movement
- Relapse after treatment
- Irritation from aligners or attachments
- Allergic or sensitivity reactions
- The need for additional orthodontic or restorative treatment
Existing gum disease, poor oral hygiene, smoking, clenching or grinding may influence treatment risks.
Your dentist should discuss the material risks relevant to your circumstances before you decide whether to proceed.
Invisalign compared with fixed braces
Neither Invisalign nor fixed braces are automatically the better option. They have different characteristics and may be suitable for different clinical situations.
Clear aligners are removable and generally less noticeable. However, their effectiveness depends heavily on consistent wear.
Fixed braces remain attached to the teeth and do not depend on the patient remembering to wear them. They can be more visible and may require additional care when cleaning and eating.
Both approaches can cause discomfort, require regular reviews and involve orthodontic risks. The appropriate option depends on your diagnosis, preferences and treatment requirements.
Can Invisalign aligners be removed for sport or special occasions?
Aligners can be removed briefly where necessary, but frequent or extended removal may interfere with the prescribed wear time.
Invisalign aligners are not a substitute for a properly fitted sports mouthguard. Discuss mouthguard use with your dentist if you participate in contact or collision sports.
For an event or special occasion, ask your treating practitioner how long the aligners can safely remain out.
How much does Invisalign cost in Perth?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies according to factors including:
- Case complexity
- Anticipated treatment time
- The number of aligners
- Diagnostic records
- Required attachments or additional procedures
- Review appointments
- Refinement aligners
- Retainers
- Replacement of lost or damaged appliances
Ask for an itemised quotation and clarification about what is and is not included. Private health insurance benefits vary, and you should confirm any potential rebate directly with your insurer.
Questions to ask before starting Invisalign
Before consenting to treatment, consider asking:
- What is my orthodontic diagnosis?
- Is Invisalign suitable for my circumstances?
- What alternatives are available?
- Would fixed braces or specialist assessment be appropriate?
- Will I require attachments, elastics or enamel reduction?
- What are the risks in my case?
- How many hours must I wear the aligners?
- What is the estimated treatment time?
- What could cause treatment to take longer?
- Are additional aligners included in the quotation?
- What retainers will I require?
- What are the ongoing retention costs?
- What happens if I decide to stop treatment?
You should receive enough information and time to make a considered decision.
Discuss Invisalign treatment in Perth
To discuss Invisalign and other teeth-straightening options, contact Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, Perth, on (08) 9468 3322 or request a consultation online.
An assessment is required before treatment can be recommended.
Important information
This article contains general information and does not replace individual dental or orthodontic advice.
Suitability, risks, discomfort, treatment requirements, fees, appointment frequency and outcomes vary between patients. The digital treatment simulation, estimated completion date and final tooth positions cannot be guaranteed.
Invisalign and Vivera are registered trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.
