The Applecross Dentist is a dental practice in the Applecross suburb of Perth that offers Invisalign clear aligner treatment.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners offer adults a virtually invisible, removable orthodontic treatment that allows normal eating, cleaning, and lifestyle routines without the restrictions of traditional metal braces.
Misaligned teeth, spacing concerns, and bite irregularities can affect both function and appearance, but many adults hesitate to pursue orthodontic treatment due to concerns about visible metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners provide a discrete alternative that allows you to address orthodontic concerns without the appearance and lifestyle restrictions of traditional braces.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, completely removable for eating and cleaning, and don’t require dietary restrictions or special cleaning techniques. This makes orthodontic treatment more practical for working professionals, parents, and anyone with an active lifestyle who wants to maintain their normal routines during treatment.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Invisalign treatment uses digital scanning technology to create custom aligners that gradually move teeth over 6-18 months, requiring 22 hours daily wear and professional monitoring every 6-10 weeks throughout the process. The systematic approach involves digital assessment, custom aligner manufacturing, progressive treatment stages, and retention protocols to maintain results.
Step 1: Digital Assessment and Treatment Planning
Your Invisalign journey begins with comprehensive digital scanning using iTero intraoral scanners. These scanners capture precise 3D images of your teeth and bite without traditional impressions. The digital scan data creates an accurate model of your current tooth positions.
Treatment planning software analyses your scan and creates a customised movement plan. Each tooth’s projected movement is calculated in precise increments, typically 0.25mm per aligner stage. The software generates a digital preview showing projected tooth positions throughout treatment.
Step 2: Custom Aligner Manufacturing
Your treatment plan data is sent to Invisalign laboratories where custom aligners are manufactured using medical-grade polyurethane resin. Each aligner set is precisely crafted to move specific teeth by predetermined amounts.
Manufacturing typically takes 2-3 weeks from scan submission. Most patients receive 15-30 aligner sets, depending on treatment complexity. Each aligner represents one stage in the gradual tooth movement process.
Step 3: Treatment Initiation and Progress Monitoring
You receive your first several aligner sets along with detailed wearing instructions. Aligners must be worn 22 hours daily for optimal effectiveness. Each aligner stage typically lasts 1-2 weeks before progressing to the next set.
Professional monitoring appointments occur every 6-10 weeks throughout treatment. These visits allow progress assessment, aligner fit evaluation, and any necessary treatment adjustments. Attachment placement may be required for certain tooth movements.
Step 4: Treatment Completion and Retention
Upon completing your prescribed aligner series, final positioning is evaluated against treatment objectives. Some patients require additional refinement aligners to achieve optimal results. Treatment duration typically ranges 6-18 months for most cases.
Retention appliances are provided to maintain achieved results. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to original positions, which is a natural tendency following any orthodontic treatment.
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Key Treatment Facts
- Aligner material: Medical-grade polyurethane resin, BPA-free
- Daily wear requirement: 22 hours minimum for effective treatment
- Aligner change frequency: Every 1-2 weeks as prescribed
- Professional monitoring: Every 6-10 weeks throughout treatment
- Average tooth movement: 0.25mm per aligner stage
- Treatment range: 6-18 months for most cases
Individual Treatment Variations
Treatment duration, complexity, and outcomes vary significantly between patients based on initial tooth positions, case complexity, and individual biological response to orthodontic movement. Patient compliance with wearing schedules directly affects treatment effectiveness and timeline.
Am I Suitable for Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign clear aligners work effectively for many orthodontic concerns, but treatment success depends on case complexity, patient commitment, and individual factors. Understanding candidacy criteria helps determine if this treatment approach aligns with your orthodontic needs and lifestyle requirements.Ideal Candidates for Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign works best for patients who demonstrate strong treatment compliance and have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Successful candidates typically exhibit:- Commitment to 22-hour daily wear – Treatment effectiveness requires consistent aligner use
- Good oral hygiene habits – Maintaining clean teeth and aligners throughout treatment
- Realistic treatment expectations – Understanding individual results vary
- Completed jaw development – Typically age 16+ when permanent teeth are established
- Mild to moderate alignment concerns – Within Invisalign’s treatment capabilities
Orthodontic Conditions Suitable for Invisalign
Invisalign can effectively address various alignment and spacing concerns:- Crowded teeth – Mild to moderate overlapping or irregular positioning
- Spaced teeth – Gaps between teeth requiring closure
- Mild bite irregularities – Minor overbite, underbite, or crossbite issues
- Rotated teeth – Individual teeth requiring repositioning
- Minor midline discrepancies – Slight centre line adjustments
Treatment Limitations and Alternative Considerations
Invisalign may not be suitable for complex orthodontic cases requiring:- Severe bite problems – Complex skeletal discrepancies may require traditional orthodontics
- Significant tooth rotations – Extensive individual tooth movement beyond aligner capabilities
- Large vertical movements – Major tooth elevation or intrusion requirements
- Bridgework or multiple crowns – Extensive restorations can limit movement options
- Active periodontal disease – Gum disease requires treatment before orthodontic therapy
Lifestyle and Compliance Factors
Treatment success significantly depends on lifestyle compatibility and patient compliance:- Daily routine accommodation – Ability to remove/insert aligners multiple times daily
- Oral hygiene commitment – Thorough cleaning after meals before reinsertion
- Social considerations – Comfort with brief aligner removal for professional/social situations
- Professional requirements – Speech-sensitive roles may require adjustment period
- Travel lifestyle – Ability to maintain treatment schedule during frequent travel
Age and Dental Development Considerations
Invisalign suitability varies by age group and developmental stage:- Adult patients – Ideal candidates with completed jaw development and stable bite
- Teen patients (16+) – Suitable when permanent dentition is complete
- Young adolescents – May require waiting until dental development stabilises
- Mature patients – Age alone does not disqualify, but gum health assessment crucial
Professional Assessment Requirements
Individual suitability cannot be determined without comprehensive professional evaluation. Digital scanning technology allows precise assessment of tooth positions, bite relationships, and movement requirements. Treatment planning software calculates feasibility and projected outcomes for your specific case. Pre-treatment assessment includes digital impressions, bite analysis, periodontal evaluation, and discussion of treatment objectives. Some cases may require preliminary treatments such as dental cleaning, minor restorations, or periodontal therapy before beginning aligner treatment.Individual Treatment Variations
Treatment candidacy, duration, and outcomes vary significantly between patients based on initial tooth positions, case complexity, biological response to tooth movement, and treatment compliance. Some patients achieve excellent results with simple cases, while others may require traditional orthodontics or combined treatment approaches. Professional consultation provides personalised assessment of your candidacy, realistic timeline expectations, and treatment approach recommendations based on your specific orthodontic needs, oral health status, and lifestyle requirements.Start Your Invisalign Journey
Invisalign clear aligners offer a discrete, removable alternative to traditional metal braces for addressing mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. The treatment combines advanced digital planning technology with custom-manufactured aligners to gradually move teeth into improved positions over 6-18 months.
Your Next Step: Professional Assessment
Determining Invisalign suitability requires comprehensive examination including digital scanning, bite analysis, and treatment planning consultation. This assessment process evaluates your specific orthodontic needs, discusses realistic treatment expectations, and determines whether clear aligner treatment aligns with your lifestyle and objectives.
Individual treatment outcomes, duration, and experiences vary significantly based on case complexity, orthodontic needs, and treatment compliance. Professional consultation provides personalised assessment and honest discussion of treatment possibilities for your specific situation.
Meet Dr Lily and Our Applecross Team
Dr Lily (DEN0001820641) graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Western Australia and has focused on restorative and implant dentistry for over 15 years. She regularly attends advanced training courses and is a member of the Australian Dental Association and Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. Her particular interest lies in helping patients transition from problematic dentures or failing teeth to confident, fixed solutions.
Why Patients Choose Our Applecross Clinic
- Established relationships with leading Perth dental laboratories for superior prosthetics
- IV sedation available with experienced dental anaesthetists when appropriate
- Convenient location near Canning Highway, easily accessible from Fremantle, Perth, and southern suburbs
Next steps – Book a Consultation
At your consultation we:
- Review your goals and medical history
- Examine your mouth and, if indicated, take 3D imaging
- Explain appropriate options, risks/benefits and timelines
- Provide a written, itemised plan for you to consider
Contact our Applecross reception to arrange a time that suits you.
Invisalign Treatment FAQs
Considering Invisalign treatment? The clear aligner system offers a discrete alternative to traditional braces for many orthodontic concerns. Below are answers to commonly asked questions about treatment process, timeline, and expectations.
Individual treatment experiences vary significantly based on case complexity, compliance, and orthodontic needs. A comprehensive consultation is required to assess your suitability and discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation.
How effective is Invisalign treatment?
How effective is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign can effectively address mild to moderate alignment issues including crowding, spacing, and certain bite problems. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults seeking discrete treatment.
Individual treatment success varies based on case complexity, patient compliance, and specific orthodontic needs. A comprehensive assessment determines treatment suitability.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment typically lasts 6-18 months, depending on the complexity of tooth movement required. Simple cases may be completed in 6-9 months, while more complex alignment issues may require 12-18 months.
- Treatment compliance - wearing aligners 22 hours daily affects timeline
- Case complexity - more movement requires longer treatment
- Individual response - teeth move at different rates for each patient
Are Invisalign aligners safe?
Are Invisalign aligners safe?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade polyurethane resin that contains no BPA (bisphenol-A). The treatment has regulatory approval and has been used safely for over two decades.
As with any orthodontic treatment, individual responses vary. Professional monitoring throughout treatment ensures safety and appropriate progress.
How long do I wear aligners each day?
How long do I wear aligners each day?
Aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day for optimal results. You can remove them for:
- Eating and drinking (except water)
- Brushing and flossing
- Special occasions (briefly and infrequently)
Treatment effectiveness depends on consistent wear time. Individual compliance significantly affects treatment outcomes and duration.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes, you remove aligners before eating, so there are no food restrictions. This is a significant advantage over traditional braces. Simply remove aligners, eat your meal, clean your teeth, and reinsert aligners.
Maintaining good oral hygiene between meals is important for treatment success and oral health during orthodontic treatment.
Is Invisalign treatment uncomfortable?
Is Invisalign treatment uncomfortable?
Most patients experience mild pressure or tension when starting each new aligner set (typically every 1-2 weeks). This sensation usually subsides within 24-48 hours as teeth adjust.
Individual comfort levels vary significantly. Unlike metal braces, there are no wires or brackets to irritate soft tissues, making the overall experience more comfortable for most patients.
Will people notice I'm wearing Invisalign?
Will people notice I'm wearing Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when worn. Most people won't notice you're undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you specifically mention it. The clear plastic material makes them highly discrete.
This discrete appearance makes Invisalign particularly suitable for professional environments and adult patients seeking orthodontic correction without visible appliances.
How much does Invisalign cost in Perth?
How much does Invisalign cost in Perth?
Invisalign treatment typically ranges from $4,000-$9,000 in Perth, depending on case complexity and treatment duration. Simple cases cost less, while comprehensive treatments requiring longer timeframes cost more.
Individual treatment costs vary based on specific orthodontic needs. We provide detailed quotes after comprehensive assessment and treatment planning. Payment plan options are available to help make treatment accessible.
Am I suitable for Invisalign treatment?
Am I suitable for Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues including:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor bite irregularities
- Certain overbite/underbite cases
Complex orthodontic cases may require traditional braces or alternative treatments. Individual suitability varies significantly. Comprehensive examination and digital scanning determine your candidacy for Invisalign treatment.
How do I care for Invisalign aligners?
How do I care for Invisalign aligners?
Daily aligner care includes:
- Rinse aligners when removing them
- Brush aligners gently with lukewarm water and soft brush
- Avoid hot water which can warp the plastic
- Store safely in provided case when not wearing
- Clean teeth thoroughly before reinserting aligners
Proper care maintains aligner clarity and hygiene throughout treatment. Individual care routines may vary based on lifestyle and dentist recommendations.
COMPLIANCE, AUTHORSHIP & REVIEW
Authorship/Review: Content reviewed by Dr Lily (DEN0001820641), registered dentist – Last reviewed: 31 August 2025. Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis. You will receive personalised advice after an examination. You may wish to seek a second opinion. Images: Clinical images are of our own patients with consent for advertising use. Outcomes vary. Advertising notes: No testimonials, inducements or guarantees are used. Therapeutic devices are described neutrally and factually. Comments/reviews are disabled on this page.