The primary advantage of clear aligners is their transparency. Because they’re made from clear plastic, they’re virtually invisible to others. If appearance matters to you, then Invisalign or SureSmile could be a good choice.

Other advantages of clear aligners are they’re removable for eating and cleaning the teeth. This makes it easier to stay on track with good oral hygiene. Without the wires and brackets of conventional braces, Suresmile and Invisalign are usually more comfortable for Oakleigh patients.

A dentist will generally recommend Invisible aligners for mild to moderate situations, including crooked and crowded or gapped teeth. Traditional braces may be the best option if you have complex orthodontic problems. To learn whether they are suitable for clear aligners, Oakleigh residents should schedule a free orthodontic consultation at our practice.

No. Invisible aligners are designed to be worn for around 22 hours a day and should be removed when eating and drinking anything but water to prevent them from becoming damaged or stained. As a result, you can eat or drink whatever you like.

It is best not to use toothpaste as it is slightly abrasive and can scratch the aligners. They can be soaked in a proprietary cleaning solution or brushed with a soft toothbrush using water and liquid soap.

When removing aligners (e.g. for eating), it’s best to wrap them in a damp cloth and place them in a plastic bag or case to prevent them from becoming warped or damaged. Teeth should always be brushed after a meal to remove any food particles before placing the aligner back in the mouth.

Initially, it may take a day or two to get used to the aligners and adjust the tongue accordingly so that speech isn’t affected. After that, changing to a new aligner shouldn’t be a problem.

Both are brands of clear aligners, although Invisalign has been around a lot longer. If you want to find out whether your best option is Invisalign or SureSmile, Oakleigh Smiles orthodontists can talk you through both.

Treatment time with Invisalign varies depending on the severity of your condition. It can be as little as six months, although 18 months is the average. You can get a better idea following a consultation for Invisalign at our Oakleigh practice.