If your invisible aligner breaks, the first thing you should do is contact your orthodontist or dentist. They can assess the damage and advise you on the best action. In the meantime, here are some general steps you can take:

1. Remove the broken aligner: If it is broken or cracked, remove it from your mouth to prevent discomfort or injury.
2. Inspect the damage: Check the aligner for any cracks, chips, or other damage. Take note of the location and severity of the damage.
3. Store the aligner: Keep the broken aligner clean and safe. If possible, put it in a container to protect it from further damage.
4. Wear the previous aligner: If you have a previous aligner that still fits well, you may be able to wear it until you can get a replacement.
5. Avoid going without aligners: It’s important to wear them as prescribed to ensure your treatment progresses as planned. Avoid going without aligners for an extended period.
6. Schedule an appointment: Contact your orthodontist or dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to get a replacement aligner. They may also want to examine your teeth to ensure your treatment is still on track.

Remember always to follow the instructions of your orthodontist or dentist when it comes to wearing and caring for your aligners. They are best equipped to help you navigate any issues or concerns during your treatment.

If you’ve lost a retainer, it’s vital to contact your orthodontic aligner provider as soon as possible. Using digital technologies and local suppliers, our dentists can supply a new retainer based on your required phase. Contacting your dentist is vital for the timeframe for your alignment. Not abiding by the set program for wearing aligners could prolong treatment.

The length of treatment for invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, can vary depending on the individual case. Treatment time can range from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of correction needed.

The length of treatment is determined by various factors, such as the severity of the malocclusion (misalignment), the age of the patient, and the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners as directed.

In general, the average length of treatment for invisible braces is around 12 to 18 months. However, some cases may be completed in as little as six months, while more complex cases may take up to two years.

It’s important to note that each patient’s treatment plan is unique. Your orthodontist or dentist will determine the length of treatment after a thorough evaluation of your teeth and jaw alignment. Your orthodontist or dentist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. They will also provide an estimated treatment time and let you know what you can expect throughout the process.

Most people who need orthodontic treatment can be candidates for invisible braces, but it ultimately depends on the individual’s specific dental needs and the severity of their orthodontic issues.

Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are an alternative to traditional metal braces that use a series of clear, removable trays to shift teeth into the desired position gradually. They can effectively treat orthodontic issues, such as crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite problems.

However, there are certain cases where traditional braces may be a better option, such as when the patient has severe malocclusion or other complex dental issues that require more extensive treatment.

Traditional braces are often recommended for patients with severe and complex crooked teeth. Traditional braces are also faster and correct tooth and bite alignment.

It’s best to consult with an orthodontist or experienced orthodontic dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for invisible braces or if another type of orthodontic treatment would suit your needs.

Invisalign, or clear aligners, can be an effective treatment option for various orthodontic issues, including complex misalignments. However, the severity and complexity of the misalignment will determine if Invisalign is the most appropriate treatment.

In general, Invisalign can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of misalignment, including gaps, crooked teeth, and mild bite problems. More complex cases, such as severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites, may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments.

During an initial consultation with an orthodontist or dentist, they will evaluate the individual’s teeth and determine if Invisalign is a viable treatment option. They may also recommend additional treatments to address any other underlying dental issues that may affect the success of Invisalign.

It’s important to follow the treatment plan recommended by the orthodontist or dentist to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include wearing the aligners for the recommended time each day and making regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust as needed.

Your diet may need to be adjusted slightly when wearing invisible braces. While clear aligners are removable, avoiding certain foods that can damage the aligners or affect your treatment progress is important.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Avoid hard, crunchy foods such as popcorn, nuts, and candies, as these can damage the aligners or cause them to become dislodged.
2. Steer clear of sticky or chewy foods such as gum, caramel, and taffy, as these can stick to the aligners and damage them.
3. Cut your food into smaller pieces and chew slowly and carefully to avoid biting too hard on the aligners.
4. Limit your consumption of sugary or acidic drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay and damage the aligners.
5. Be sure to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, and clean your teeth and aligners thoroughly before putting them back in.

Remember that following a healthy diet is important for maintaining good oral health and supporting overall health and well-being. Be sure to continue eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. If you have specific concerns or questions about your diet and how it may be affected by clear aligners, be sure to speak with your nearest dentist.

In Australia, private health insurance policies may cover some or all of the cost of invisible braces, depending on the specific policy you have. However, coverage varies widely depending on the insurer and your coverage level.

To determine whether your private health insurance covers invisible braces, check your policy details or speak with your insurer directly. Some policies may require a waiting period before you can claim orthodontic treatment, and others may have annual or lifetime limits on the amount you can claim.

It’s also important to note that some policies may only cover certain types of invisible braces or may require you to use a specific provider. Be sure to carefully review your policy details and terms and conditions to understand what is covered and any applicable limitations or exclusions.

If you are considering getting invisible braces, it’s a good idea to discuss your options and any potential insurance coverage with your dentist and insurer to help you make an informed decision.

Some providers have orthodontics as part of their “Extras”, while others are required to have an additional level of “Extras” to be able to have a portion of their treatment covered.

Orthodontic Item Numbers (treatments may differ based on patients’ needs):

Removable Appliances

• 825 Sequential plastic aligners – per arch
• 881 Complete course of orthodontic treatment

It is important to see a dentist regularly while undergoing clear aligner treatment for several reasons:

1. Monitoring progress: Your dentist can monitor the progress of your treatment and ensure that your teeth are moving as planned. They can adjust your treatment plan to ensure you achieve the desired results if there are any issues or concerns.
2. Addressing any issues: If you experience discomfort or issues with your clear aligners, your dentist can address these problems and help you continue your treatment comfortably.
3. Maintaining oral health: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and detect potential problems, such as cavities or gum disease, early on. This can help prevent serious dental issues from developing and potentially delaying your clear aligner treatment. The benefit of choosing Amazing Smiles for orthodontic treatment is that we can perform all necessary general dental services within our clinic rather than refer you elsewhere.
4. Ensuring proper fit: Over time, your clear aligners may become worn or lose shape, impacting their effectiveness. Regular dental check-ups can ensure that your aligners fit properly and are still effective in moving your teeth into the desired position.

Overall, regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining your oral health and ensuring the success of your clear aligner treatment.

Teeth can shift after the treatment of invisible braces (clear aligners) for several reasons, many of which are similar to those associated with traditional braces.

However, some specific factors unique to clear aligner therapy also contribute to this issue. Here’s an in-depth explanation:

1. Elastic Memory of Ligaments and Bone Remodeling

Periodontal ligaments, fibrous structures connecting teeth to the surrounding bone, hold teeth in place.

When teeth are moved with invisible braces, these ligaments and the surrounding bone are stretched or compressed. These tissues have a natural “memory,” which means they tend to revert to their original positions once treatment ends.

It takes time for the bone to remodel and stabilize around the new position of the teeth, a process that continues after aligner therapy. During this stabilization period, teeth are vulnerable to moving if proper retention is not followed.

2. Incomplete Retainer Usage

Wearing retainers is crucial to maintaining the achieved alignment after completing invisible braces treatment.

Retainers help hold the teeth in new positions until the surrounding bone and ligaments adapt fully. If retainers are not worn as prescribed, especially during the initial months following treatment, the teeth can return to their original positions.

Inconsistent retainer use is one of the most common reasons for teeth shifting after treatment with invisible braces.

3. Natural Tooth Movement (Mesial Drift)

Teeth naturally tend to shift forward over time, known as “mesial drift.” This natural movement can occur regardless of orthodontic treatment.

If the forces that push the teeth forward are not counteracted by consistent retainer use, the alignment can be compromised, causing the teeth to shift gradually.

Invisible braces effectively realign teeth, but this natural tendency can affect long-term stability without proper post-treatment support.

4. Post-Treatment Changes in Soft Tissues

The tongue, cheeks, and lips muscles exert forces on the teeth.

After completing treatment with invisible braces, the balance of these forces can change, especially if there are underlying habits, such as tongue thrusting or lip biting.

For instance, if someone has a habit of pushing their tongue against their front teeth, it can gradually cause the teeth to move out of alignment.

Since clear aligners are removable, patients may not have developed the muscle memory to counter these forces during treatment, leading to a higher risk of shifting afterwards.

5. Insufficient Retention Time During Treatment

With precise aligner therapy, each set of aligners gradually moves the teeth to a new position.

In some cases, patients may move to the next aligner too quickly, leading to insufficient retention time for each movement.

If a tooth doesn’t have enough time to stabilize in each new position, it will be more prone to moving back once treatment ends.

This can be mitigated by ensuring that aligners are worn for the recommended duration each day (typically 20-22 hours) and for the prescribed number of days per aligner set.

6. Growth and Development in Younger Patients

For teenagers or younger patients who undergo treatment with invisible braces, the growth of the jaw and facial bones is still ongoing.

As the jaw grows and changes shape, teeth can shift, potentially leading to a misalignment even after treatment.

This is particularly true if the growth is uneven or if wisdom teeth erupt, adding pressure to the alignment of teeth.

7. Eruption of Wisdom Teeth

The eruption of wisdom teeth, typically occurring in late adolescence or early adulthood, can also contribute to teeth shifting after treatment with invisible braces.

Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the adjacent molars, leading to crowding or movement of other teeth.

While the effect of wisdom teeth on the overall alignment of teeth is still debated, some patients experience noticeable shifts as these teeth emerge.

Preventing Shifting After Invisible Braces Treatment

Maintaining the alignment of teeth after completing treatment with invisible braces requires diligent aftercare. Here are some critical steps to prevent shifting:

Wear Retainers as Prescribed

Wearing retainers is crucial to prevent relapse.

Retainers may be fixed (bonded to the back of the teeth) or removable, but in either case, they need to be used as recommended by the orthodontist.

Often, retainers are worn full-time for a few months and then at night indefinitely to maintain the results.

Regular Orthodontic Check-ups

Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist can help ensure that your teeth remain in their correct positions and that minor shifts are detected early before they become significant issues.

Good Oral Hygiene and Management of Oral Habits

Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent gum issues that could affect tooth stability.

Correcting oral habits like nail-biting, pen-chewing, or tongue thrusting can avert unnecessary pressure on teeth that might cause them to shift.

Responding to Shifts Quickly

If any signs of shifting are noticed, it’s essential to address them immediately. Sometimes, orthodontists can provide “touch-up” aligners to bring the teeth back into alignment, especially if the shifting is minimal and caught early.

While teeth shifting is a natural tendency, and some degree of movement may occur after any orthodontic treatment, diligent retention and following the orthodontist’s guidelines can go a long way in ensuring the long-term stability of your beautiful smile.

Yes, clear aligners can require elastics to help correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Elastics provide additional force to align the upper and lower jaws, which aligners alone may not fully address. They help guide complex tooth and jaw movements more efficiently.

Elastics are attached to hooks or buttons on the aligners or teeth, and patients wear them for most of the day, removing them only for eating or brushing. Wearing elastics as prescribed ensures proper alignment and helps achieve optimal orthodontic results with clear aligners.

The costs for invisible braces, such as clear aligners, can vary depending on several factors. Here are some reasons why prices may differ:

1. Brand and provider: There are many brands of clear aligners on the market, and the cost can vary depending on the provider and the brand. Some well-known brands may charge more for their clear aligners because they have invested in research and development, marketing, and building brand recognition.
2. The complexity of patient misalignment: The complexity of the case can impact the cost of clear aligners. For example, if you have more severe misalignments or bite issues, you may need more extensive treatment, increasing the cost.
3. Length of treatment: The length of treatment can also affect the cost of clear aligners. If your treatment requires more aligners and takes longer, it may cost more than a shorter treatment.
4. Additional dental treatments: For oral health and aesthetic reasons, your dentist may recommend extra services on top of the cost of your braces. These may include but are not limited to; tooth extractions, treatment for gum disease, tooth decay, and composite bonding, which can affect the overall cost of treatment.

It’s important to remember that the cost of clear aligners is an investment in your oral health and achieving a straighter smile. You should consult a dental professional to determine the best treatment plan for you and the associated costs.

As a result of these different factors, removable braces are quoted on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, we provide a FREE analysis* for a personalized quote for dental braces. Complete the form below to arrange an in-chair consult.

*No treatment is provided during a free consultation.