Category

Invisalign

Oct 30
Love0
woman holding clear aligners

The Good and Not-So-Good of Invisalign Clear Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

When it comes to braces, most patients are ecstatic to hear that Invisalign clear aligners are an option. Traditional metal braces don’t usually sound quite as appealing. However, clear aligners aren’t right for everyone. Continue reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Invisalign clear aligners.

Benefits of Invisalign

Most patients are drawn to Invisalign because of their discreet appearance because they can achieve a beautiful smile without having to deal with metal brackets on their teeth. This is especially true for our adult patients who don’t want braces to make them look or feel like they are in junior high again.

While this is the most obvious benefit, Invisalign also offers:

Comfort

When clear aligners fit properly, they tend to be much more comfortable than metal braces. Many patients with traditional metal braces complain about brackets and wires rubbing against their gums and cheeks throughout the day. Not only is this painful and irritating, but it can be a distraction from school, work, and other tasks throughout the day.

Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic that won’t irritate the gums or cheeks.

Freedom

Although it is important to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, patients have the freedom to remove their Invisalign trays while eating, to give a speech or presentation, and while brushing their teeth. This benefit is unique to clear aligners and one of the main reasons so many patients chose them as their orthodontic option.

Simple Maintenance

Caring for traditional braces can be difficult because brushing and flossing require more a little more effort and maybe even some new tools. With Invisalign, you can keep your same toothbrush and floss because the aligner can be removed while brushing.

To keep your aligner clean, you will need a special cleaner recommended by your dentist. We also recommend that patients brush after each meal, before replacing their Invisalign tray, to inhibit bacterial growth.

Quick Results

While it’s true that no two treatment plans are alike, most patients can expect to wear their Invisalign trays for between 6 and 18 months.

Drawbacks of Invisalign

Because Invisalign requires patients to wear several different trays throughout treatment, the cost is significantly more expensive than traditional metal braces. Traditional braces cost between $5,000 and $6,000 on average. Invisalign can cost up to $8,000. However, every treatment plan is different. So be sure to ask your dentist for a quote.

Clear aligners also require more responsibility and self-control from the patient. We only recommend Invisalign to older teens and adults for this reason. It’s imperative that patients keep up with their aligners so that they don’t have to be replaced, making their cost higher and treatment time longer.

When an Invisalign tray doesn’t fit perfectly, it may cause some pain or discomfort to the gums and cheeks. If this happens, be sure to contact your dentist immediately to have a new tray created.

Invisalign Dentist in Woolgoolga

Invisalign clear aligners can help patients with all types of orthodontic needs. If you’re ready to begin the journey to a perfectly aligned, beautiful smile, call our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650. Our expert dentists are prepared to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through compassionate dental care.

Sep 04
Love0
woman with Invisalign

Are Invisalign® clear aligners as great as they seem?

By Invisalign No Comments

What hinders a smile more than gaps and misalignment? Bulky, metal braces. Should the solution to a problem add to it, even if just for a little bit? While the saying, “it will get worse before it gets better” applies to some situations, it doesn’t have to apply to orthodontics.

Invisalign clear aligners offer a discreet solution to gapped, crowded, and misaligned teeth. Though this incredible product has been around for decades now, it has never been as effective as it is today. Rarely do dentists have a patient who isn’t a candidate for clear aligners.

Want to know more? Check out the rest of this blog to learn why Invisalign is one of the best orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry options for your smile.

1. Less time at the dentist’s office

With traditional braces, patients must visit the dentist regularly to have their wires or rubber bands tightened. This is extremely inconvenient for adults and teenagers who so often have packed schedules.

Because Invisalign patients don’t have brackets and wires, they don’t have to attend these appointments. Additionally, the Invisalign treatment program allows patients to receive trays for several phases of their treatments which can last for months. This means, they only need to visit the dentist for progress checks or if something is wrong with their aligner.

2. Easier maintenance

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be removed. This makes them much easier to clean and enables patients to clean their teeth thoroughly before replacing the aligner. Patients who choose Invisalign are less likely to suffer from cavities, gum disease, and dental staining when they care for their mouth properly. However, it is important to note that patients must be willing to clean their teeth after every meal so that bad bacteria don’t fester beneath the aligner.

3. Discreet appearance

Undoubtedly, the number one reason patients want Invisalign is because of its discreet appearance. Traditional braces, though much less bulky now than they used to be, are obvious and distracting. Clear aligners may be somewhat noticeable, but they are completely invisible, so patients can go about their days feeling confident about their appearance and that their smile is getting more and more beautiful by the day.

4. More comfort

Brackets, wires, and rubber bands can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, especially right after placement and tightening appointments. These elements often irritate patients’ cheeks, lips, and gums.

Invisalign technology eliminates those irritants and provides patients with a smooth appliance that works just as effectively. However, in some cases, patients with Invisalign still need to wear rubber bands, so don’t be surprised if your dentist recommends them.

5. No food restrictions

Braces may inhibit a person’s ability to eat certain foods and most dentists recommend that patients avoid crunchy foods that could harm their brackets. With Invisalign, there are no such restrictions. Patients simply remove their aligners while eating—the biggest issue here is that some people forget to put their aligners back in or accidentally throw the aligner away! Yikes!

Your Invisalign Dentists in Woolgoolga

At Magic Smiles, we desire to help patients achieve healthy AND beautiful smiles. Invisalign is just one of the many ways we do that. To learn if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, contact our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule your initial consultation.

Jul 15
Love0
man with invisalign

How to Clean Clear Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

Many of our patients choose clear aligner therapy over traditional orthodontics. It’s simple, discreet, and you can still eat all of your favorite foods while straightening your smile. Maintaining your orthodontic trays is one of the most important aspects of care. Here, our team at Magic Smiles offers recommendations on how to clean clear aligners so your mouth can stay fresh while you’re undergoing treatment.

The dentists at our surgery offer clear aligner therapy to qualifying patients of all ages. We serve individuals and families in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

Rinse Your Aligners after Wearing

Every time you remove your aligners, rinse them off under lukewarm water. This helps to remove food particles, saliva, and bacteria from the trays and reduce odor. Never use hot water to rinse your aligners, as the heat can actually make them warp.

Clean Your Aligners with Soap and Water

Bacteria can build up on the trays during wear. You should take your aligners out and brush them at least twice a day – typically when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

While you’ll brush your teeth with toothpaste, you should never use toothpaste to clean your aligners, as it can actually scratch the plastic. Instead, use clear antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help reduce bacteria and keep your mouth healthy. Never use soaps with dyes, as they can discolor the aligners.

Soak Your Trays Once a Day

In addition to brushing your aligners, you should also soak them once a day. Try to do this during mealtime to minimize the length of time the trays are not worn.

There are cleaners available made specifically for soaking aligners. You can also soak them in vinegar and water. Once complete, brush away any debris, rinse the trays thoroughly, then place them back in your mouth.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Thoroughly

Whenever you clean your trays, be sure to brush and floss your teeth as well. If your teeth aren’t clean when you put your trays back in your mouth, food and bacteria can become trapped and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

We recommend brushing after every meal and flossing between the teeth at least once every day. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash that will help reduce harmful microbe levels.

Use a Protective Carrying Case

Aligner trays must be worn at least 22 hours every day to be effective. However, you must still remove them when you’re eating or drinking. Any time they are not in your mouth or soaking, they should be kept in a protective case. Leaving them out in the open can increase the risk for bacterial buildup. You should never carry your trays loose in your pockets or handbag; they can warp easily. Similarly, avoid leaving them in a hot car. Always store your aligners in a cool, safe place.

Never Eat or Drink with Your Trays In

The only thing you should ever drink while your aligners are in place is water. Any other type of food or beverage can damage or stain your aligners. These trays are not made to withstand the pressures of chewing.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you’re interested in clear aligner therapy or would like to know more about properly cleaning your trays, reach out to your Coffs dentist. Contact Magic Smiles online or call one of our three convenient office locations.

Woolgoolga

43 Beach Street
Woolgoolga
NSW 2456
P: (02) 6654-0650
[email protected]
Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

    Coffs Harbour

    176 Pacific Hwy, Suite 2
    Coffs Harbour
    NSW 2450
    P: (02) 6652-3242
    [email protected]
    Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
    Sat: 9am-1pm
    Sun: Closed