Invisalign
Mild crowding, a small gap, or teeth that have shifted slightly over the years often don't need a fixed appliance to correct. Launceston Dentistry provides Invisalign treatment for teenagers and adults, using a series of clear, removable aligners as a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
Each aligner in the series is custom-made and worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next, gradually guiding your teeth toward their intended position. The entire treatment is mapped out digitally before you begin, so you can see a projected outcome ahead of starting. Because the aligners are removable, they come out for eating, brushing, and flossing, though they need to be worn for most of the day to keep treatment on track.
Your dentist assesses your bite before recommending Invisalign, since it tends to suit mild to moderate movement rather than more complex cases.
Mild crowding, small gaps, or a bite that's shifted slightly are common reasons patients look into Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces.
Invisalign has become a popular choice for adults and teenagers, and it may offer a few particular advantages.
Far Less Noticeable Than Braces
Removable for Eating and Cleaning
A Projected Outcome Before You Commit
Generally More Comfortable Day to Day
Results vary between individuals, and treatment suitability depends on your specific circumstances, which your dentist can discuss with you at consultation.
An assessment of your bite is the clearest way to understand whether Invisalign, or another orthodontic option, may be appropriate for you.
Getting a good result from Invisalign depends on careful planning and regular monitoring throughout.
Invisalign is suggested here because it suits your specific bite, not because it's the only option on offer. If your case would genuinely respond better to braces, your dentist will tell you that directly.
A few of the questions patients often ask before starting Invisalign treatment.
This depends on the complexity of your case, but many patients complete treatment somewhere between six and eighteen months. Mild corrections tend to sit toward the shorter end, while more involved cases may take longer. Your dentist can give a more specific estimate once your teeth and bite have been assessed digitally.
Invisalign generally needs to be worn for around twenty to twenty-two hours a day to stay on track, removed mainly for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth. Wearing them less consistently than recommended can extend your overall treatment time.
Invisalign tends to work well for mild to moderate alignment concerns, including some crowding, gaps, and minor bite issues. More complex movements, such as significant rotation or a pronounced bite correction, may still be better suited to traditional braces, which your dentist can advise on.
Some mild pressure or tightness is common for the first day or two after switching to a new aligner, as your teeth begin to shift. This is generally much less noticeable than the discomfort associated with tightening traditional braces, and it typically settles quickly.
Yes, generally, since teeth can shift back toward their original position once active treatment ends. Your dentist will fit a retainer and explain how often it needs to be worn to help maintain your results.
In some cases, yes, particularly if your teeth aren't tracking as planned or your case turns out to be more complex than initially expected. Your dentist will discuss this option with you if it becomes relevant during treatment.
The information above is general in nature and isn't a substitute for personalised advice. Treatment suitability depends on individual circumstances, so please speak with your dentist about what may be appropriate for you.
If you're curious whether Invisalign could work for your smile, our team is here to help. Get in touch and we'll assess your bite properly, talk through realistic timeframes and costs, and give you an honest opinion on whether Invisalign is likely to suit your case. There's no pressure to commit on the day, and we're happy to answer any questions you have first.