Invisalign: A Clear Alternative to Braces

Written by justSMILE on January 7, 2026. Posted in Dentist, Invisalign, Invisible Braces.

Orthodontic treatment has advanced considerably in recent decades, and patients are now presented with choices that are more discreet and comfortable than ever before. Invisalign has become one of the most widely recognised systems, using a series of clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth. At justSMILE, an Invisalign dentist in Ramsgate Baech NSW, we provide Invisalign treatment only where it is clinically suitable, ensuring that patients understand both the benefits and responsibilities that come with it. The appeal of Invisalign lies not just in its appearance but in the way it allows patients to manage their orthodontic care with flexibility and precision.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation to determine whether the patient is a suitable candidate. If appropriate, digital scans are taken to create a three-dimensional model of the teeth. This model guides the fabrication of a series of custom aligners, each designed to move the teeth a small step closer to their intended position. Aligners are worn in sequence, usually for one to two weeks at a time, with progress monitored through regular dental reviews.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. They are taken out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing patients to maintain better oral hygiene during treatment and enjoy a wider variety of foods. This flexibility is one of Invisalign’s key advantages, but it also requires commitment. Aligners must be worn for the recommended twenty to twenty-two hours each day, as failure to do so can slow or compromise progress.

Suitability for Invisalign

Invisalign is suitable for many cases of mild to moderate orthodontic concern, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It may also be considered for patients who previously had orthodontic treatment but have experienced relapse, with teeth shifting back towards their original position. Invisalign is especially valued by adults and older teenagers who wish to improve their smile without the visibility of braces.

However, Invisalign is not appropriate in every circumstance. More complex orthodontic issues may still require fixed braces or alternative treatments. Suitability depends on the severity of the misalignment, the health of the teeth and gums, and the patient’s willingness to follow instructions carefully. At justSMILE, we make these assessments with precision, ensuring that Invisalign is recommended only when it is likely to provide a safe and effective result.

Living with Invisalign

Daily life with Invisalign involves adjustment but is usually straightforward. Because aligners must be removed for meals, patients develop a routine of brushing and cleaning their teeth before reinserting them. This habit helps protect against decay and staining, while also keeping the aligners clear and fresh. The aligners themselves should be cleaned regularly with lukewarm water and gentle solutions, avoiding harsh chemicals or hot water that may damage them.

Some patients experience mild pressure or sensitivity when beginning a new set of aligners, which is a natural sign that the teeth are responding to the treatment. Speech may feel slightly different in the first days, but this generally resolves as the patient adapts. With consistency and discipline, most people find that Invisalign integrates easily into their lifestyle, providing a balance of convenience and effectiveness.

Benefits and Considerations

The benefits of Invisalign extend beyond its near-invisible appearance. Because the aligners are removable, maintaining oral hygiene is simpler than with fixed braces, reducing the risk of gum disease or decay during treatment. There are fewer restrictions on diet, and patients can continue to enjoy their usual foods once the aligners are removed. Invisalign also relies on digital planning, which allows for precise mapping of the anticipated tooth movements and greater predictability in many cases.

At the same time, Invisalign is not without considerations. Results depend heavily on compliance, and patients who do not wear their aligners as instructed may not achieve the desired outcome. Aligners can be misplaced if removed carelessly, and replacements may be required. As with all orthodontic treatments, there may be temporary discomfort, and treatment times vary depending on the complexity of the case. Long-term success also requires the use of retainers after active treatment has finished, as teeth naturally tend to move over time.

By recognising both the strengths and the limitations of Invisalign, patients are able to make decisions that are informed, realistic, and tailored to their situation.

Invisalign at justSMILE

At justSMILE in Ramsgate Beach NSW, Invisalign treatment is carried out with precision and transparency. We begin with a thorough consultation, explaining the process in detail and confirming whether the patient is clinically suitable. Every treatment plan is created using advanced imaging technology, ensuring that the aligners are custom-made and accurately fitted to the patient’s teeth. Regular reviews allow us to monitor progress, make refinements if needed, and provide ongoing support throughout the journey.

Our focus is on ensuring that Invisalign is not just an aesthetic option but a clinically responsible one. We guide patients through the responsibilities of wearing and maintaining their aligners, and we provide realistic expectations about outcomes and timelines. For those who are suitable candidates, Invisalign offers a clear and convenient way to achieve improved alignment, with results that support both appearance and long-term dental health.

Patients who would like to explore Invisalign further are encouraged to arrange a consultation. To book an appointment or to learn more about orthodontic options, contact us at justSMILE and speak with our friendly team.

Sneaky Straighteners

Written by justSMILE on March 6, 2019. Posted in Invisible Braces.

Invisible Braces

If you are like most of us, you like to keep your private business private, and that includes any treatments you are having. So, what are you going to do about getting your teeth straightened? Braces have to go on your teeth, after all, and braces are big and made of metal, and you are too old and professional to be walking around Ramsgate, NSW looking like you just bunked off school.

It’s a quandary, that’s for sure. But here at Just Smile, we have a way round it: invisible braces.

Yes, there really is such as thing as invisible braces. People all around you, every day, maybe even that person who just walked by the coffee shop window, are wearing invisible braces, and you haven’t even noticed.

That’s how good they are. We bet you’re wondering how they work now. Here’s what you need to know:

Clear aligners

This is another term for invisible braces. They are called aligners because there are no brackets and wires with these bad boys. Instead, you get a series of very thin, clear plastic aligners that look like a cross between a second skin and a mouth guard. Put them on over your teeth and they fit so neatly they can no longer be seen.

Here at Just Smile, we use 2 brands of invisible braces: Invisalign and ClearCorrect.

How invisible braces work

Traditional braces move your teeth by using wires to pull them into alignment. Clear aligners use carefully placed pressure points that press on the teeth to push them gently into alignment.

Put on an aligner and it will feel like it doesn’t quite fit properly. Over the course of the next 7-10 days that feeling will subside as your teeth move to relieve the pressure. When that particular aligner feels like it fits really well, it’s time to put it to one side and use the next aligner in the series.

How many aligners you need to work through depends on your individual alignment issues.

Why come on in to find out if invisible braces are right for your teeth?

Adult Braces, the Why, the How and the What

Written by justSMILE on May 4, 2018. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisible Braces.

Considering Adult Braces?

Did you know that a whopping 55% of Australian adults are self-conscious about our teeth?

And that given a chance to change something about their appearance:

5% would change their ears
12% would change their eyes
16% would change their eyebrows
22% would change their nose
And 46% would change their teeth!*

So, this being the case, the question is why aren’t more people treating themselves to a straighter, healthier grin?

Well, let’s face it, wearing dental braces as an adult isn’t as cool as it was when you were a kid. We can think of a few ‘adult’ responsibilities where having a face full of metal braces may not be the (train) track we want to go down:).

Work – speaking to clients or giving a presentation
Socializing – try to go out to dinner without worrying about food getting caught in your braces
Romantic moments – smooching your loved one might not be as nice as it once was

So, to help you we have put together some reasons why you might need teeth straightening as an adult and why straight teeth are healthy teeth.

We will also discuss the 4 most popular treatments and best options for adult braces to straighten those pearly whites of yours, the pros, cons of each and as well as how much adult braces cost.

Reasons you might need dental braces as an adult

Our parents are mainly to blame when it comes to crooked teeth. However, you may notice that as you age your teeth may start to change position. There are a number of reasons that our teeth move as we get older.

Your teeth are actually very prone to movement and are mainly kept in place by your cheeks, lips and tongue and of course, your other teeth. Therefore if we experience any of the below, this could lead to your teeth moving as you age.

Tooth loss
Grinding teeth
Tooth wear
Oral habits – such as thumb sucking as a kid or biting your lip
Gum disease

But I already had braces as a kid!

I hear you cry! Relapse is one of the most common reasons for adult orthodontics. These days after orthodontic treatment in kids most dentists will provide a fixed retainer on the back of their teeth to prevent relapse, but back in the day, this was not as common. A removable retainer was provided and, most likely, not worn as often as it should have been.

The good news is that if you have already had orthodontic treatment then moving your teeth back into place as an adult is usually quite easy and quick.

The video below shows the treatment plan of one of our actual patients who had braces as a kid and her teeth relapsed. She was able to straighten her teeth with clear, removable aligners and treatment will be finished in just 3 months!

Click here to download video

Who is adult orthodontic treatment suitable for?

Adult orthodontics can fix a number of issues including:

Crowded teeth
Crooked teeth
Underbite or overbite
Deep bite
Facial asymmetry
Gaps in your teeth

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers to get that perfect celebrity smile, adult orthodontic treatment is often used prior to the procedure as a more conservative approach.

Straight teeth are healthy teeth

Many people are unaware that crooked teeth or a misaligned bite could be harmful to your health – and not just your oral health! There are many health benefits that adult orthodontics can provide such as:

Psychological benefits – by boosting your self-confidence
Oral health benefits – It’s easier to keep your teeth and gums clean when your teeth are straight reducing the risk of decay and gum disease
Get a better sleep – A misaligned bite is often the cause of snoring
Reduce headaches – Grinding your teeth and a misaligned bite can cause headaches and jaw problems

So now we know what problems we can fix with adult braces and why we should – let’s go to the how. Below we have listed the 4 most popular teeth straightening options for adults.

Different types of braces for adults

Clear aligners or clear braces

Unless you have been living under a rock, you would have probably heard about Invisalign. But what you may not know is that this is not the only invisible braces option, just the most well-known brand name.

Clear braces, also sometimes referred to as clear aligners or clear trays are becoming more and more popular, and there are many options available today. The other well-known brand in Australia is ClearCorrect.

The process for clear braces

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, and this information is put into special software that can digitally move your teeth into position. You then approve the treatment along with your dentist, and this information is then sent to the company who will manufacture your aligners.

You then receive a number of sets of aligners that you wear day and night and change about every two weeks. The length of time it takes and the number of sets of aligners will vary depending on how much your teeth need to move.

Pros of clear braces

Clear aligners are practically invisible and removable to fit into your lifestyle. You can take them out whenever you like, for that special selfie or when you are out for dinner with friends.

Below is a picture of our lovely patient out for dinner with her friends with her clear aligners in place – see if you can spot them!

They are made out of a clear plastic mould that fits exactly over your teeth so they are also very comfortable and easy to get used to.

Because of the advanced technology, you also get to see what your teeth will look like before you even start your treatment.

Cons of clear braces

Just because you can take them out, you still have to wear your clear aligners for about 22 hours a day, so you need to be diligent about this. For kids (or even some adults:) because they are removable there is the possibility of misplacing them. This is not such a big deal as they can be reordered, but this may result in your treatment time being extended and possibly an extra cost.

Cost of clear braces

From $4,000 to $8,000

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry where a thin layer of porcelain is placed over your natural tooth. These are a good option for those who want to improve the look of their teeth, the shape, size or colour and who only have slightly crooked teeth.

Adult orthodontics is very commonly used in conjunction with porcelain veneers to give you that fantastic Hollywood smile.

The process for porcelain veneers

When preparing for porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel needs to be removed from the surface of your teeth. A thin ‘veneer’ of porcelain is then placed over your natural tooth. Porcelain veneers can be done ‘chairside’ with a special CAD CAM machine that the dentist can perform in one appointment, or alternatively, made by a dental technician.

If the veneers are made in the dental laboratory by a dental technician, this will usually take around two weeks in which time the dentist will provide you with temporary veneers.

Pros of porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers can correct quite a few issues, not just misaligned teeth. They allow you to change the shape, colour and size of your teeth. If the dentist is using CAD-CAM technology, then you will also be able to see what your teeth will look like before the veneers are made.

Cons of porcelain veneers

If you need a lot of correction or are trying to correct a misaligned bite, then porcelain veneers are not recommended. However, as mentioned they can be used in conjunction with adult orthodontics.

Cost of porcelain veneers

From $1,200 to $2,500 for one porcelain veneer

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are merely metal braces that are placed on the back your teeth instead of the front.

The Process for lingual braces

Brackets are placed on the back of your teeth and tightened with a wire. A visit to the orthodontist is normally required every couple of weeks to get the wire tightened.

Pros of lingual braces

Lingual braces are the only “true” invisible type of braces as they are on the back of your teeth so no-one will be able to see them. In some extreme cases, clear braces or aligners can’t be used as too much movement is required. In this case, lingual braces are a good option.

Cons of lingual braces

Because lingual braces are brackets and wire they may cut your tongue a bit, they also take a fair bit of getting used to. They take longer to fit and are also generally more expensive.

Cost of lingual braces

From $8,000 to $10,000

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a ‘clear’ version of metal braces. The brackets are made out of ceramic and are therefore white or clear, so they blend in with the teeth.

Pros of ceramic braces

Because they work just like regular braces they can also be used when more aggressive movement is needed. They do not stand out as much as metal braces.

Cons of ceramic braces

You will still have brackets on the front of your teeth. They can be hard for your lips and tongue to get used to, may cut up your lips and cheeks a little bit and are still slightly visible. They are usually slightly more expensive than metal braces.

Cost of ceramic braces

From $4,000 to $8,000

So, now hopefully you are armed with all the information you need and with all of these amazing options why wouldn’t you treat yourself to a happier, healthier you!

*Australian society of Orthodontics, 2015, >1000 18 – 55 yr olds Australian adults surveyed