Invisalign or invisible braces is it worth it? A Gold Coast dentist views

Interest in Gold Coast Invisalign and invisible braces is reaching new levels as more people come to understand the benefits of teeth straightening. 

At Dental as Anything, we’re happy about that, because as advocates for anyone who is ready to invest in themselves with a treatment of Invisalign, or what many call invisible braces, we’re able to live our philosophy of Teeth. For life. 

The bottom line is straight teeth can help anyone who values health and longevity.

Especially patients who’ve felt discomfort, embarrassment – sometimes for a lifetime – straightening teeth can make a remarkable difference to how they live life. Many people comment at the completion of treatment that they wonder why they waited so long to start. 

When people have reached that point in life when they’re ready to take that step towards taking care of themselves, we’re ready to walk right alongside them.

Living in Helensvale? Invisalign appointments are now available. Book yours today. 

What is Invisalign or invisible braces?

Invisalign and invisible braces are a real solution for straightening teeth that works. Yes, it requires an investment [we’ll touch on this later], however, let’s first cover the basics.

Invisalign – or invisible braces – are often used interchangeably, but it’s good to clarify the distinction. Invisalign is actually a trademarked brand of invisible braces. They are commonly referred to as invisible braces because unlike traditional metal braces, they are not easily visible.

Invisalign uses a teeth straightening system called SMARTForce technology, allowing tooth movements to be made through attachments placed on teeth and a series of custom-made clear plastic removable aligners. 

In simple terms, the aligners are the ‘braces’ used to straighten teeth. They perform the same job traditional metal braces perform, only they’re almost invisible. 

Where traditional braces use brackets connected by wires to encourage teeth to move, aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made retainers that slip over the teeth. Gradually, over time, teeth move into the ideal position to create a straight beautiful smile.

Why straighten your teeth?

This is a great question so let’s answer it. For me, there are two big reasons to invest in teeth straightening.

#1 Straight teeth are easier to clean and keep clean

Straighter teeth means it’s easier to reach spots where food or plaque might otherwise accumulate because the surfaces are straighter and therefore easier to clean. This makes it easier to floss and brush and less likely you’ll miss something. 

With a cleaner mouth and teeth, the chance of other more complex issues emerging down the track is reduced. And as a dentist, I can tell you, prevention is way better than the alternative. 

The flow on effect for patients is good health and having their teeth for life. Research now shows good oral health is a strong indicator for overall health and wellbeing too. This makes straightening teeth a very worthwhile lifetime investment.

#2 Smiling feels good

Of course it does, right? But what if you never felt comfortable or confident enough to smile? 

It might sound unusual if you haven’t had this experience, but anyone who’s lived with crooked, discoloured and damaged teeth will tell you they’ve felt embarrassed about the simple act of smiling. 

The net effect can be very damaging for confidence. A person who feels this way will smile less (rarely in some cases) because they simply don’t feel good about doing it. For people with super model perfect smiles, this might be difficult to understand, but for someone who’s lived with it forever, having a smile they don’t love can be very demoralising.

It’s true, people straighten teeth for purely cosmetic reasons and that’s fine. While I agree it’s better than doing nothing at all, I always encourage patients to straighten teeth for the purpose of creating a healthier, straighter smile for my number one reason: overall health and a pathway to keeping your teeth in good shape for life.

You only need to read testimonials of people who’ve been through the Invisalign and invisible braces straightening process to see that any discomfort associated with treatment is far outweighed and soon forgotten when results become visible. The good news with Invisalign is this usually happens quite quickly. In some cases changes are noticeable in less than a couple of months.

What’s great about Invisalign?

We’ve touched on the benefits of straight teeth and feeling better, but what’s great about Invisalign specifically?

Braces can cause people to feel self conscious about their appearance, so one clear advantage (no pun intended) is that Invisalign treatment is, well, barely visible. 

Unlike traditional metal brackets, out there for all to see, Invisalign retainers allow the wearer to maintain a natural appearance. This is a big consideration for many people (adults mainly) who want life to continue, largely unaffected by their straightening treatment.

The other great advantage of Invisalign treatment is patients enjoy improved oral hygiene. As a function of wearing the aligners, it’s really important to clean and floss teeth after each time you eat, and definitely before reinserting the aligners. Skipping this step leaves the pathway open for decay and bacteria, and worst case, detracting from the beautiful smile you’re creating. 

As with all things in life, there are a couple of things to be mindful of when thinking of Invisalign. 

To start with, like all braces, Invisalign requires a commitment. 

For some, this commitment may not be long; for others, the commitment could run up into a couple of years. Before heading down the treatment road, know that to be effective, aligners must be worn 22 hours a day, every day. Twenty-two?! I know, but just think, that allows two hours for eating, drinking and cleaning. Fantastic! If oral hygiene has never been your strong suit, this is one way to make it so.

One of the many benefits of Invisalign is that most patients experience significantly less discomfort – about half as much as traditional metal braces. 

And then of course there’s the investment required for Invisalign treatment.

Any orthodontic treatment carries a price tag and Invisalign is no exception. Typically, costs will be around the same for regular braces and range between $3,500 and $11,000, depending on your specific needs and complexity of treatment. Once we’ve developed a treatment plan, you will be given an exact cost before you make your final decision. This is an important step in the process as it allows you to manage treatment costs within your budget.

On the upside, there are now finance options available to patients that help make treatment a manageable investment over an agreed period of time. While an upfront deposit is required, subsequent payments can be spread over the duration of treatment, or even longer, depending on the finance provider.

Are you thinking about trying Invisalign? Gold Coast resident and existing patients living in Helensvale? Invisalign could be the treatment to get you smiling again. Book your appointment today and explore your options.

Closing the circle

So coming back to our original question, is Invisalign worth it?

It’s a yes from this Gold Coast dentist. Good oral health, supported by beautifully straight teeth is one of things over which we have control in terms of our health. My opinion? We should do everything we can to look after our health, including investing in straightening our teeth with Invisalign. 

And waiting at the finishing line for any patient who completes an Invisalign treatment, you will find an at home complimentary Mini Teeth Whitening Kit (valued at $160). Consider it our gift to you for you taking good care of yourself.

Dr Mark Miller is the principal dentist at a Gold Coast dentist serving the community in Helensvale, Southport, Oxenford, Hope Island, Pacific Pines, Coomera and Upper Coomera for over 30 years. Together with his wife Angela, and the broader Dental as Anything team, they are committed to supporting their patient family with dental care that makes a difference. Whether you have a fear of the dentist, or have put off making an appointment, or are ready to invest in your very best smile, now is the perfect time to visit us. Working to the philosophy that preventive care is ‘the way’, the Dental as Anything team will walk with you every step of your journey to a better relationship with your dentist or hygienist – and your own teeth and oral health. Ready now? Phone 5573 0188 or email us on welcome@dentalasanything.com.au.