Key takeaways: Clear aligner treatment begins with a relaxed consultation and a quick digital scan. From there, you’ll wear a series of custom aligners that gently move your teeth, changing to a new set every one to two weeks. At ethos, your Invisalign treatment is planned and looked after by specialist orthodontists from start to finish.
If you’ve been looking into clear aligners, you’ve probably got questions. How long does it take? Does it hurt? What actually happens at the first appointment?
Here’s how Invisalign works at ethos, from your first scan to your last aligner.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are thin, removable trays custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. Each new set is shaped slightly differently from the last, so your teeth gradually shift towards their new position as you work through the series. There are no brackets or wires, and you can take them out when you need to.
At ethos, our clear aligner treatment is Invisalign. We’re proud to be an Invisalign Diamond Provider, and every plan is designed and looked after by a specialist orthodontist.
Are Clear Aligners the Same as Invisible Braces?
Pretty much. Clear aligners are often called “invisible braces” because they’re very hard to spot once they’re in.
If you like the idea of discreet treatment but would rather not keep track of something removable, Clarity braces could be worth chatting about too. It’s the other option people usually mean by ‘invisible braces’. They use small, tooth-coloured ceramic brackets that blend in with your natural smile.
Your orthodontist can help you work out which option suits your teeth and your lifestyle, and our braces vs Invisalign guide is a good place to start comparing.
Starting Clear Aligner Treatment in Brisbane
Your First Consultation
Booking your first appointment is exciting, and it’s completely normal to feel a few nerves too. You might be wondering what we’ll look at, whether aligners will suit you, or how long it all takes. That’s exactly what this first visit is for.
Your orthodontist will take a close look at your teeth, jaw and bite, and chat with you about what you’d love to change about your smile. Ask as many questions as you like. If clear aligners are right for you, we’ll walk you through what your treatment could look like. If something else would suit you better, we’ll talk you through that too.
There’s no pressure to decide on the day, and you don’t need a referral from your dentist to come and see us. You can read more about what happens at your first visit.
Your Invisalign Scan
Instead of messy moulds, we use an iTero digital scanner: a small wand that gently moves around your mouth to capture a detailed 3D image of your teeth. There’s nothing to bite down on, and it’s quicker than most people expect.
Watch the video below to see exactly what happens during an Invisalign scan at ethos.
Your scan becomes the blueprint for your treatment, mapping out how your teeth will move step by step.
Getting Your First Aligners
This is the day it starts to feel real. Once your plan is ready, you’ll come back in to collect your first set. Your ethos team will show you how to pop them in and out, how to look after them, and answer anything else that’s on your mind.
Why See a Specialist for Invisalign Braces in Brisbane?
General dentists can offer Invisalign, but an orthodontist has completed an extra three years of university training focused purely on straightening teeth and aligning bites. At ethos, every orthodontist is a registered specialist, so your plan is designed by someone whose whole focus is orthodontics, and who’ll keep a close eye on your progress the whole way through.
Wearing Your Clear Aligners Day to Day
How Many Hours a Day Do You Wear Them?
Your aligners can only move your teeth while they’re in, so wearing them consistently is the most important part of your treatment. Most people wear theirs for around 20 to 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. It can take a little while to settle into the routine, but most people find it quickly becomes part of their day.
Find out more about how often you really need to wear Invisalign in our blog post.
Eating and Drinking with Aligners
One perk people love is that there’s no long list of foods to avoid. Because you take your aligners out to eat, you can keep enjoying your favourite meals. Just give your teeth a brush or a good rinse before you pop them back in, so food isn’t trapped underneath.
Changing to a New Set of Clear Aligners
Every one to two weeks, you’ll move on to your next set of aligners, each one bringing you a little closer to your smile goals. A new set can feel a bit snug for the first day or two. That’s a sign they’re doing their job, and the pressure usually eases quickly.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean
Give your aligners a rinse whenever you take them out, and a gentle clean each day to keep them clear and comfortable.
A tip from us: always put them in their case, never a napkin. A napkin at lunch is how most aligners accidentally end up in the bin!
How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?
It’s one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind, and the honest answer is that it depends on your smile. Every set of teeth is different, so your orthodontist will give you a personalised timeframe at your consultation, based on what you’d like to achieve. For adults, average treatment time ranges between 9-18 months.
If you only have minor crowding or gaps, Ethos Lite may be an option. It’s our shorter treatment for simpler cases, typically taking 6 to 9 months.
Check-Ups During Treatment
You’ll have regular check-ups so your orthodontist can see how your teeth are tracking and make sure everything is on plan. Bring along any questions that have popped up since your last visit.
Between appointments, the best thing you can do to stay on track is keep wearing your aligners as directed.
After Your Clear Aligner Treatment
Popping in your final aligner is a big moment, and we love celebrating it with you. Every ethos patient receives a special memento at the end of treatment to remember the milestones along the way.
To keep your new smile looking its best, you’ll need a retainer. Your orthodontist will recommend either a bonded retainer (a thin wire fitted discreetly behind your top and bottom front teeth) or a removable clear retainer, and show you exactly how to care for it. It’s the final step in your smile journey, and an important one.
Book a Consultation for Clear Aligners in Brisbane
If clear aligners have been on your mind, come in for a relaxed chat with one of our specialist orthodontists, ask all your questions and find out whether aligners are right for you. As always, there’s no pressure to decide on the day.
With 13 clinics across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville, we’re never too far away. You don’t need a referral, and our flexible payment plans can help treatment fit more comfortably into your budget.
Book a consultation or find your nearest clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
Are clear aligners the same as Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner. At ethos, our clear aligner treatment is Invisalign, planned and looked after by specialist orthodontists from your first scan to your final aligner.
Do I need a referral for clear aligners in Brisbane?
No referral needed. You can book a consultation at any ethos clinic directly, and we’ll talk you through whether clear aligners are right for you.
What happens at an Invisalign scan?
We use an iTero digital scanner to capture a 3D image of your teeth. There are no messy moulds and nothing to bite down on, and your scan is used to plan your treatment step by step.
How many hours a day do I wear clear aligners?
You’ll need to wear your clear aligners around 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. Your orthodontist will give you personalised advice.
