Invisalign® FAQs

Invisalign® treatment is an alternative to fixed braces. This orthodontic intervention allows you to gradually straighten your teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners that are virtually invisible when you smile.

Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device, you should always read and follow the label as well as the instructions of your treating orthodontist.

Here's the truth: Not all orthodontic cases will qualify for treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners. If you do qualify, Invisalign® treatment can be just as effective as traditional braces.

To make sure that you get your investment's worth, only work with a Specialist Orthodontist who is exceptionally familiar with Invisalign® treatment.

Harris Orthodontics is a proud member of The Invisible Orthodontist group. This network is home to Specialist Orthodontists capable of treating a broader range of cases using the Invisalign® treatment process.

Orthodontists are not all the same, and this is true for all the treatments they provide. It’s important to check the provider status of your Specialist Orthodontist to see how experienced they are. At Harris Orthodontics, we are Platinum Elite Invisalign® providers.

Invisalign® treatment offers a handful of benefits. Aside from getting straighter teeth, you also get these wonderful perks:

• Incognito treatment. Invisalign® clear aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to smile with ease all throughout your treatment.
• Removable aligners. Take the aligners out when you're attending special occasions or practicing great oral hygiene--it's totally fine.
• Comfort. Invisalign® treatment is low maintenance and doesn't graze your lips or the insides of your mouth.
• Dental Monitoring. Get your treatment checked by Dr Harris without dropping by our Narellan practice.

Invisalign® clear aligners are made of a thin, clear, medical-grade plastic. They are very smooth and comfortable to wear during treatment - because they are custom-made to fit your exact smile.

Invisalign® clear aligners move your teeth with gentle force, just like braces. Each aligner is responsible for controlling the movement of specific teeth. So instead of going in for adjustments, you simply change to your next set of aligners every two weeks.

Tips for a Successful Orthodontic Journey

Not really. If you want optimal results, you should see a Specialist Orthodontist who has extensive experience with Invisalign® treatment. That’s because your results are reliant on your doctor’s talent, not your appliance.

When Should You See an Orthodontist vs a Dentist?

It varies! Costs for Invisalign® treatment will depend on your treatment needs. During your first consultation, we will discuss the cost of your treatment and the available payment options.

Aligners may temporarily impair your speech, just as every orthodontic treatment does. A common issue is a slight lisp, which disappears in a day or two. Just wait until your tongue gets used to having the aligners in your mouth.

All the time, save when eating, drinking, brushing or flossing. You can take out your Invisalign® clear aligners for those activities. However, don't forget to put them in again. For best results, you should wear your aligners for 22 hours a day.

No. Aligners need to be worn full time. To keep your treatment on track, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day.

Let's talk about clear aligners

Unless you're drinking water, take your aligners out before drinking. In addition to staining the aligners, keeping them on while sipping non-water beverages could cause tooth decay.

It's possible. We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it can discolour them.

No, it's important to avoid gum because it will stick to the aligners. Whenever you're eating or snacking, it is best to remove your aligners.

To clean your Invisalign® clear aligners, brush them gently with toothpaste and rinse them under cold water.

Retainers are one of the most important parts of your orthodontic journey. In fact, we often say, “If you’re not committed to wearing retainers, you may want to reconsider starting treatment.” That’s because retainers are essential for maintaining the result you’ve worked hard to achieve.

Do I really need to wear retainers after treatment?

Our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Debora Harris, is at the forefront of orthodontic treatment and is a top provider of Invisalign® clear aligners. She treats over 400 smiles a year using Invisalign® treatment.

Over the years, it has been proven that the success of this treatment is directly correlated with the experience of the treating doctor.

Dr Harris delivers stunning results for our patients by combining her deep understanding of the teeth movement with how the Invisalign® appliance works. This helps her provide a smile that every one of our patients can be proud of.