The Clear Choice: Answering Common Questions About Invisalign and Clear Aligner Braces

Gone are the days of feeling self-conscious about metal braces. Clear aligner braces have revolutionised orthodontics, offering a discreet and convenient alternative for straightening teeth. Their surge in popularity is undeniable, with more adults and teens opting for this nearly invisible treatment. So let’s explore your most frequently asked questions about Invisalign and clear aligners, helping you determine if they are the right fit for your smile journey.

How much does Invisalign or clear aligners cost?

The cost of Invisalign, or other clear aligner treatments, will depend on your unique case and how long you will need to be in the aligners - so there is no blanket price.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

Invisalign is often similarly priced to traditional orthodontics.

Is Invisalign covered by health insurance?

Yes, providing your health insurance policy includes orthodontic cover. Each insurer and policy is different. Some may cover a percentage, others will cover a fixed dollar amount. You can check the details of your policy with your health insurance provider. 

Even without health insurance, we offer payment plans here at Full Face Orthodontics - so clear aligners may be more affordable than you think!

How does Invisalign work?

Once you and your doctor have decided on a treatment plan, your doctor will map out the step by step transformation of your smile. Your custom aligners will be ordered, then you will come back to have them fitted. You will move on to a new aligner every one to two weeks, with each one made to gently move your teeth to their ideal position, until you have reached the desired result. You will continue to see your doctor throughout this process, who will check on  your progress, and make any necessary adjustments. 

Are clear aligners and Invisalign the same thing? 

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners, with clear aligners being the overarching term for transparent orthodontic devices. There are other brands available, but Invisalign is the most well known. 

Is Invisalign faster than braces?

This depends on the case, and on compliance. Invisalign and other clear aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, and taken out only for eating and cleaning. If you take them out for extended periods, then this will slow down the treatment time. Some studies have shown, however,  that treatment with Invisalign can be finished faster than with traditional braces.

Is Invisalign as effective as regular braces? 

While an orthodontist who is well trained and experienced in clear aligners may be able to treat more complex cases with Invisalign, many complex cases will require traditional orthodontics. 

Invisalign can be used to treat simple to moderate cases in;

• Overbites and underbites

• Open bites

• Cross bites

• Dental crowding

• Dental spacing

Is Invisalign painful?

It’s common to feel pressure, rather than pain, for the first few days in a new aligner. This is normal, and a great sign that your aligners are working, to transform your smile. 

Do I need to see an orthodontist or a dentist to get Invisalign?

While dentists are qualified to provide braces and clear aligners, orthodontists, and specialist orthodontists have more training and are likely going to be a better choice for moderate and complex cases.

Invisalign specifically, requires dentists and orthodontists to be a certified Invisalign provider before offering Invisalign treatments to their patients.

How do I know if clear aligners will work for me? 

Let us be the judge! Come see the team at Full Face Orthodontics, at any of our practices, for a consultation. We can discuss Invisalign, or any other treatment options, suited to your unique case. 

And if clear aligners are not suitable for you, and you are concerned about the look of traditional braces, we have alternatives such as ceramic braces which have a bracket the colour of your teeth, or lingual braces, which are metal braces that are placed on the back of your teeth, rather than the front.

You can book a consultation with us on 1800 Full Face / 1800 385 532

We have practices in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Hobart.