In general, orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on and in some cases right after the braces are tightened. A mild analgesic such as Nurofen or Panadol is recommended to ease the discomfort. Please take as directed. You may need to check with your pharmacist before taking medications.

Yes. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. If you play sports and would like a mouth guard please let us know and we will create one for you.

There are two types of retainers: a fixed retainer or a removable retainer. A retainer is a device worn full- or part-time after braces have been removed. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. The longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances of your teeth staying straight. Retainers provide assurance that your teeth will stay in alignment while your jaw continues to grow or develop.

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that are tailor-made for each patient. These aligners gradually straighten teeth without using metal braces or wire.

Since its invention, Invisalign has been used by over a million patients. Backed up by clinical research, Invisalign is a proven effective way to straighten teeth. Over 44,000 orthodontists and dentists are trained in how to achieve demonstrative outcomes with Invisalign.

Most Invisalign patients successfully achieve straight teeth. In some severe cases, a patient may require a combination of Invisalign treatment and another teeth straightening technique. Your orthodontist or dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan.

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position. From these images, a series of custom-made aligners are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks then replaced by the next aligner in the series until the final position is achieved.

You can see before and after photographs of actual Invisalign patients here. You can watch video testimonials of actual Invisalign patients here. If you would like to see before and after photographs of actual Northside Orthodontics patients, please visit our office.

The four primary benefits of Invisalign are:

Invisible
Invisalign aligners are almost impossible to detect. No one will know how you achieved such straight teeth!

Removable
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, they allow you to eat, drink, brush, and floss as normal.

Comfortable
Most people who have worn metal braces experienced some kind of discomfort. Invisalign removes the discomfort due to the irritation of metal braces and wires. In addition, time spent in the orthodontist chair being fitted for braces is decreased.

Successful
Over a million patients have been treated with Invisalign, and these patients have reported a high level of satisfaction. With Invisalign's 3-D computer technology you can see images of your end results--a straighter smile--in advance.

The aligners are made of strong, clear, medical grade non-toxic plastic and are almost completely invisible,

The aligners are almost invisible, and feel and look similar to a very thin mouth guard that moves with your teeth.

Each treatment varies depending on the initial positioning of your teeth. Treatments vary from 6 months to 2 years, with an average treatment of 12-14 months.

Align Technology has combined modern computer technology with ground-breaking manufacturing to provide orthodontists and dentists with a precise and effective way to treat a broader range of cases.

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign aligners, was founded in 1997. It is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in the USA (Stock Code: ALGN). Invisalign is distributed and supported in Australia by Invisalign Australia Pty Ltd, an independent distributor.

In 1945 an American orthodontist, Dr. H.D. Kesling, envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, this is now possible. Using advanced computer technology, Invisalign generates a series of customised appliances, called “aligners”. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

Invisalign provides orthodontists and dentists with the most up-to-date training possible to ensure a successful outcome. All orthodontists and dentists must be trained before being accepted as an accredited Invisalign provider.

Bracing devices move teeth through appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. Invisalign not only controls this force, it also controls the timing of the force. The movements are determined by the treatment plan for that particular stage, and only those certain teeth are allowed to move. This results in a more efficient force delivery system.

You can make an appointment for an initial consultation at Northside Orthodontics by calling (02) 9452 2033.

No. You can only be treated with Invisalign by an accredited orthodontist or dentist. Only orthodontists and dentists who have been specially trained with Invisalign techniques can provide you with a successful outcome.

Invisalign has been tested extensively prior to commercial release on the market. Various US universities have conducted clinical studies, and numerous articles have been published by both US and Australian orthodontists.

Invisalign is marketed in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand and other countries. Check Invisalign's website for further details.

Invisalign is a premium product that has significant patient benefits compared to traditional braces. Its state of the art technology creates a series of customised aligners for each patient. The cost of treatment is determined by the prescribing orthodontist or dentist. This is based upon the complexity of treatment required and the schedule of fees charged. Invisalign treatment is usually similar or slightly more than the cost of adult ceramic braces. Many orthodontists and dentists offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, often with interest free options.

Because Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment, it is similar to conventional braces and should be covered by insurance in the same way braces are. We suggest you check with your health fund provider as to what is covered by your policy.

The cost of for the initial consultation is determined by the orthodontist or dentist. Many orthodontists and dentists offer free initial consultations.

Fees are based on the number of consultations needed and the Invisalign 3-D modelling cost. The cost of single arch treatment will not necessarily be half of two-arch treatment.

Invisalign can be used to provide a limited form of orthodontic treatment (for example, orthodontic relapse or minor crowding) at a lesser fee. Please contact our office at Northside Orthodontics to discuss this with our professionals.

Invisalign is as effective at straightening teeth as traditional methods of orthodontics, but results largely depend on a patient’s biology and compliance with treatment. As such, Invisalign cannot guarantee that a patient’s teeth will move exactly as predicted. The orthodontists at Northside Orthodontics will use our experience and skill to create a treatment plan and carefully monitor your progress. If necessary, additional treatment with Invisalign or other orthodontic options may be used. Treatment options will be discussed at your initial consultation.

Yes. There is a government rebate that is available to a taxpayer whose eligible net medical expenses in the year of income exceed $1,500 (net of Medicare and any health fund refund). The amount of the rebate is 20% of the excess over $1,500 but cannot exceed the amount of tax otherwise paid. The rebate is claimed when the patient lodges their annual income tax return. For example, a patient undergoes Invisalign treatment at a cost of $6500. Assuming the patient can claim $1000 from a private health fund and none from Medicare, the rebate would be as follows.

[($6500-$1000-$0) - $1500] x 20% = $800

Only an accredited Invisalign orthodontist or dentist can determine if Invisalign is the most effective treatment for you. Align Technology almost never rejects the cases submitted by our doctors, as we currently accept over 98% of all cases we receive.

Only your orthodontist or dentist is able to determine whether your particular case is suitable to be treated with Invisalign. Three types of tooth movements have found to be less predictably achieved with Invisalign alone:

• Severe derotations of cylindrical teeth
• Complex extrusions
• Closure of large spaces usually associated with extractions of teeth other than lower incisors.

With more Invisalign experience, doctors may improve the ways they manage the treatment and increase the predictability of these movements.

Invisalign invests in the latest technology and manufacturing to ensure a successful treatment. Northside Orthodontics uses Invisalign to treat adults and adolescents who want a better smile. For more information on what types of cases can be treated or to see if your type of dentition is suitable for Invisalign treatment, please contact our professionals at Northside Orthodontics.

Once their second molars are fully erupted, almost all teenagers can be treated with Invisalign.

Many patients are being treated with some combination of braces and Invisalign. Consult our professionals at Northside Orthodontics to determine the best treatment for you.

Your orthodontist or dentist can advise you on the best treatment plan and if Invisalign may be unsuitable for a successful outcome. Unsuitable dental conditions may include up-righting severely tipped teeth, cases where not all the permanent teeth have erupted, cases with multiple missing teeth, patients with poor periodontal condition, and patients who want to change their facial profile.

Yes, Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites. The aligners create a force on the front teeth causing them to intrude, thus correcting the overbite.

Crowns are not usually a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, small composites called attachments are sometimes bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns will be carefully evaluated by the orthodontists at Northside Orthodontics.

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular, or jaw joint. Individuals can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign. Our professionals at Northside Orthodontics will determine if your TMJ problem will adversely impact orthodontic treatment.

Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. The orthodontists at Northside Orthodontics will evaluate the size and location of the spaces and advise treatment.

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. At your initial consultation, we will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

We will schedule regular appointments – usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way we can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

After or during the initial consultation, we will take xrays, photos, and moulds of your teeth. These records will be sent to the US to be used to manufacture your custom-made aligners. This process will take approximately 6 weeks (from the time the records are sent to the US to the time treatment can begin).

Sometimes there is temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working — sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a few days after you insert the new aligner.

Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear.

No. Unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. There is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

You should remove your aligners to drink anything except water. Leaving aligners on while drinking may stain them, and you risk tooth decay by drinking sugary liquids.

We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discoloured.

We recommend removing your aligners for all food and drink (other than water), including gum because it will stick to the aligners.

Your aligners can be cleaned by brushing and rinsing in lukewarm water. We can also supply you with aligner cleaning crystals.

Aligners should be worn at all times except when eating, drinking (other than water), brushing, and flossing.

Align Technology, Inc. has not examined the compatibility of currently available bleaching products with the aligners, nor has the company demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies. Please contact our professionals at Northside Orthodontics for more information on whitening teeth.

This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner or a conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to Invisalign aligners. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.

You should immediately contact our office, and we will diagnose what remedial action is needed to bring the treatment back on plan. This may involve moving back one or two stages in treatment to a previous aligner or possibly some additional orthodontic treatment.

If your teeth become sore after a visit, we generally recommend that you take a mild analgesic such as Nurofen or Panadol, if there are no known allergies to these medications.

If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss such as superfloss/Colgate All Purpose Floss or an interdental proximal brush (which looks like a Christmas tree) to dislodge the food.

If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using a cotton tip or similar. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of silicone wax or a piece of sugarless extra gum, until you can come into the office for an adjustment.

If the main wire has come out of the bracket and is not sticking into your gum, place a piece of silicone wax over the area. If the wire is sticking into your gum and the wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or nail clipper close to the back of the last bracket. This is a last resort if professional help is unavailable. (Parental supervision is required for teens.)

If a bracket comes loose from a tooth, it usually remains connected to the main wire and should be rebonded. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call us at your earliest convenience. It may be necessary to schedule a separate visit to repair the loose bracket since repairs of this nature usually take additional time.

If a plate breaks or is lost, you will need to call us to arrange for a repair or replacement. Fees may apply to repair or replace the appliance.