Frequently asked questions 

Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts a complete treatment plan based on the dental provider's prescription, from the initial position of teeth to their final desired position. A series of clear aligners are then custom-made for your teen's teeth to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final desired position is achieved. Your teen's Invisalign treatment time will be determined by their dentist or orthodontist, based on their specific needs.

Invisalign aligners move teeth with an appropriate placement of controlled movement on the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement per aligner, but also the timing of the movement. So at each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, as determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system that gradually moves teeth into the desired prescribed position.

In the hands of a skilled practitioner and when worn according to the doctor's recommendation, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces for treating a wide variety of orthodontic issues.

Although many of the benefits are the same, Invisalign Teen is differentiated by several new clinical features, such as compliance indicators and up to six free replacement aligners.

Aesthetic benefits aside, wearing aligners makes an active lifestyle simpler. Because the aligners are made of smooth plastic, there are no metal wires or brackets to irritate the cheeks and gums, making it much more comfortable for your child to play sport or an instrument.

As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign is dependent on the complexity of a case and the course of treatment prescribed. That said, the cost is generally comparable to traditional braces. The average cost of Invisalign Teen treatment ranges from AUD$7,500 to AUD$9,000. Only your child's dentist or orthodontist can determine the total cost of treatment and the schedule of fees charged.

Your teen may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment (when they insert a new aligner). This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the aligners are working - moving their teeth gradually to achieve the final results. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

With experience, your dental provider can use Invisalign to treat the majority of adolescents who want a better smile. Talk to your Invisalign dental provider to see if Invisalign Teen may be the right treatment option for your child.

While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatment submissions will be approved from their office. More than 64,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign. When it comes to treating teens, experience matters. Be sure to assess your Invisalign provider's experience in treating teenagers.

When it comes to treating teenagers with Invisalign – experience matters. In the hands of an experienced Teen provider, Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of orthodontic issues.

Choosing the best provider for your teen is a personal decision. That being said, Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance. Before you make a final decision, you should evaluate your dentist's level of Invisalign experience – specifically whether they have treated teen patients before.

Aligners should be worn all the time during treatment, except when eating, brushing or flossing teeth. This should equate to 22 hours wear-time each day.

The blue compliance indicators located on the upper aligner can estimate the approximate amount of time your teen spends wearing their aligners. The indicators are designed to fade from blue to clear as a gauge of approximate wear time, so you can monitor your child's compliance easily.

Should this occur, simply inform your child's doctor right away. The doctor may tell them to start wearing their previous set, or the next set of aligners immediately. If necessary, the doctor will then order your teen a new set of aligners to replace the ones that were lost. Invisalign Teen treatment includes up to six individual replacement aligners at no charge.

No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, they can eat whatever they like while in treatment because the aligners are removed for eating and drinking. Thus, there is no need to restrict consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks.

Yes! Invisalign Teen allows your child to remove the aligners for eating and brushing/flossing, so it is easier to maintain proper oral hygiene with Invisalign than it is with traditional metal braces. Your teen can brush and floss normally, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Invisalign Teen requires very little manipulation or maintenance by the doctor in order to be effective, so your child will spend limited time visiting the office. Better yet, no 'emergency' visits for broken or loose brackets and wires.

More than 1.6million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.

A significant number of patients are being treated with a combination of braces and Invisalign. Consult your Invisalign dental provider to determine the best treatment plan for your teen.

Yes. A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past. Invisalign can usually correct the shifting that occurs after braces (commonly referred to as relapse), and do so without having to go through the inconvenience and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.

The virtually invisible aligners are made of a strong, medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign System. The aligners are custom-made for your teen and fit snugly over their teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as 'contact lenses for teeth'.