Invisalign & Clear Aligners
If you would like straighter teeth without traditional metal braces, clear aligner treatment may be an option for you.
At Medina Dental Clinic, we provide Invisalign and clear aligner treatment for patients in Calista, Kwinana and surrounding areas. Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually move your teeth towards their planned positions.
Our dentists can assess your teeth, bite and treatment goals and discuss which clear aligner options may be appropriate for your individual needs.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable, transparent trays that fit closely over your teeth. Each set is designed to make controlled changes to the position of your teeth as you progress through your treatment.
Unlike conventional braces, clear aligners do not use metal brackets and wires.
The aligners can also be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth, making them a convenient orthodontic option for many adults and suitable patients.
Invisalign and Other Clear Aligner Options
Invisalign is one of the best-known clear aligner systems, but it is not the only way to provide clear aligner treatment.
At Medina Dental Clinic, we can assess your individual orthodontic needs and discuss the clear aligner system that may be appropriate for your treatment.
The most important consideration is not simply the brand of aligner. Careful assessment, treatment planning, monitoring of tooth movement and patient compliance all play an important role in achieving the planned result.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Depending on the individual case, clear aligners may be used to improve concerns such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Certain bite problems
- Teeth that have moved following previous orthodontic treatment
Clear aligners aren’t suitable for every orthodontic problem. More complex cases may require alternative treatment or referral.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and bite before recommending treatment.
What Happens During Clear Aligner Treatment?
Your treatment begins with a dental assessment to examine your teeth, gums and bite and discuss what you would like to change about your smile.
If clear aligner treatment is suitable, digital records and scans can be used to help plan the proposed movement of your teeth.
You will then receive a series of aligners that are worn according to your dentist’s instructions. As you progress through the series, each aligner gradually guides your teeth towards their planned positions.
Regular appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make sure treatment is progressing appropriately.
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies considerably depending on how much tooth movement is required and the complexity of your case.
Some relatively minor alignment problems may require a shorter course of treatment, while more complex tooth movements can take considerably longer.
How consistently you wear your aligners is also important. Your dentist will provide an estimated treatment time after assessing and planning your individual case.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners can offer several advantages for suitable patients:
- Discreet, transparent appearance
- Removable for eating and drinking
- Easier access for brushing and flossing than fixed braces
- No traditional metal brackets or wires
- Custom-made for your teeth
- Treatment planned according to your individual smile and bite
Clear aligners still require commitment. They generally need to be worn consistently according to your dentist’s instructions to achieve the planned tooth movement.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During Treatment
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important throughout clear aligner treatment.
Because the trays are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth normally. The aligners themselves also need to be cleaned and cared for as instructed.
Before starting treatment, we’ll assess the health of your teeth and gums. Any necessary dental treatment may need to be completed before orthodontic treatment begins.
You can also arrange a Dental Exam & Clean as part of maintaining your oral health.
After Clear Aligner Treatment
Once your teeth have reached their planned positions, retainers are generally required to help maintain the result.
Teeth can naturally move over time, so wearing your retainers according to your dentist’s instructions is an important part of protecting the outcome of your orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign & Clear Aligners in Kwinana & Calista
If you’re considering Invisalign or another clear aligner treatment, the first step is determining whether it’s appropriate for your teeth and bite.
At Medina Dental Clinic, we’ll assess your smile, discuss what you’d like to achieve and explain the clear aligner options that may be suitable for you.
Contact Medina Dental Clinic to arrange a clear aligner consultation.
