Straighten your teeth discreetly with nearly invisible aligners
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to improve your smile discreetly without the hassle of brackets and wires.
At K-Family Dental in Chatswood, Sydney, we're proud to offer Invisalign as a comfortable, convenient alternative to traditional braces. Our experienced dental team will guide you through every step of your Invisalign journey, from initial consultation to your final, beautiful smile.
Invisalign uses advanced 3D computer-imaging technology to create a complete treatment plan from the initial position of your teeth to the desired final position. Based on this plan, a series of custom-made clear aligners are created specifically for your teeth.
Each set of aligners is worn for about 1-2 weeks before being replaced by the next set in the series. As you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth gradually move into their correct positions. The aligners are made from a smooth, comfortable plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.
While both Invisalign and traditional braces can effectively straighten teeth, there are key differences:
Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible, while traditional braces use visible metal brackets and wires. For adults and image-conscious teens, Invisalign offers a more discreet option.
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic with no sharp edges, reducing mouth irritation. Traditional braces can cause discomfort from brackets and wires, especially after adjustments.
Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners for eating and oral hygiene, making daily life more convenient. Traditional braces are fixed and require careful attention when eating and brushing.
Treatment duration varies by case complexity, but Invisalign often takes 12-18 months for most cases. Traditional braces typically require 18-36 months, though complex cases may need longer with either option.
Invisalign requires discipline to wear aligners 20-22 hours daily and proper cleaning. Traditional braces require no patient compliance for wearing but need careful cleaning around brackets and wires.
Discover if Invisalign is right for you with a consultation
Book Your Invisalign ConsultationDuring your first visit, we'll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if Invisalign is suitable for your case. We'll take photos, X-rays, and digital impressions of your teeth.
Using advanced 3D imaging technology, we'll create a precise treatment plan showing how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like. You'll see a virtual preview of your results before treatment begins.
Your custom aligners are manufactured specifically for your teeth. Once ready, you'll return to collect your first sets of aligners and receive detailed instructions.
You'll wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks, 20-22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink (except water), brush, and floss. You'll visit us every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and receive your next sets of aligners.
After completing treatment, you'll wear retainers to maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment required. Generally, Invisalign costs are comparable to traditional braces, typically ranging from $6,000 to $9,000 in Sydney. Simple cases may cost less, while complex cases requiring longer treatment may cost more. During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed quote specific to your needs. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign similarly to traditional braces, and we offer flexible payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
Invisalign is highly effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign often produces results comparable to traditional braces. However, very complex cases or severe bite problems may still be better suited to traditional braces. During your consultation, we'll assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective treatment option for your needs.
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients complete treatment in 12-18 months, though some simple cases may finish in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases might take up to 24 months. You'll typically see noticeable improvements within the first few months. We'll provide a more accurate timeline during your consultation after evaluating your teeth.
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Food particles can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. Hot beverages can warp the plastic aligners. Colored or sugary drinks can stain the aligners and promote tooth decay. The benefit of Invisalign is that you can enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions, you just need to remove the aligners first, then brush your teeth before putting them back in.
For best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours per day. This means wearing them all day and night, only removing them to eat, drink (except water), brush, and floss. Consistent wear is crucial for staying on schedule and achieving optimal results. The more hours per day you wear them, the more effective and predictable your treatment will be. Missing wear time can extend your treatment duration.
Most people experience a slight lisp or change in speech for the first few days after starting Invisalign or when switching to a new set of aligners. This is completely normal as your tongue adjusts to the presence of aligners. The lisp typically disappears within a few days as you adapt. Reading aloud or practicing speaking can help speed up the adjustment process. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are thin and smooth, causing minimal speech interference once you've adjusted.
Clean your aligners every morning and evening using a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Gently brush all surfaces, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. You can also soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals, denture cleaner, or a mixture of water and white vinegar. Never use hot water (it can warp the plastic), toothpaste (it's abrasive and can scratch the aligners), or colored soaps (they can stain). Always brush and floss your teeth before putting clean aligners back in to prevent trapping bacteria and food particles.
If you lose or break an aligner, contact our office immediately. Depending on where you are in your treatment and how far along you are with that particular aligner, we may advise you to move to the next aligner in the series, go back to the previous aligner, or order a replacement. Don't go extended periods without wearing an aligner, as your teeth may shift back toward their original position. We always recommend keeping your previous set of aligners as a backup in case of emergencies. There may be a replacement fee for lost aligners, so always store them in their protective case when not wearing them.