Blog Post

Invisalign braces for adults: transforming orthodontic dental care

a group of people are sitting at a table laughing and drinking coffee .

When you hear 'orthodontic braces,' you might think of a teenager with old-fashioned metal braces. But at Duxton Dental in Christchurch, that image is wrong. Their braces are modern and not like the ones from the past. This is where Invisalign braces enter the room; also known as invisible braces, Invisalign is discreet, highly effective, affordable and incredibly easy to live with.

Invisalign helps adults straighten their teeth without traditional braces, giving them a chance to improve their smile without anyone noticing. If you would like to explore whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment, now is a good time to make the first move.

Duxton Dental is giving a free orthodontic consultation in April 2024 and $500 off Invisalign treatment for a short time. Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more information.

The evolution of orthodontic braces: introducing Invisalign

Invisalign is a modern way to fix crooked teeth like overbites, underbites, and gaps. It works well for mild or moderate issues.

a woman is sitting at a desk talking on a cell phone .

Key benefits of Invisalign braces

Discreet appearance: Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth with confidence.
Invisalign aligners are made specifically for you from comfortable materials. They gently shift your teeth into alignment using small movements. This process is designed for your comfort and convenience. You can easily remove them to eat and drink. This way, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about food getting stuck.
Invisalign treatment can be quick, lasting only a few months, depending on how crowded or misaligned your teeth are. This means fewer trips to the dentist, making it convenient for busy adults and easier on your wallet.
Tailored to your needs: using the latest dental technologies, a bespoke treatment plan is devised to address your specific orthodontic concerns to ensure optimal results.
Boosts long term general and oral health: by aligning crowded or poorly spaced teeth, the risk of tooth decay is decreased and gums fit tighter around the teeth which leads to healthier gums. Swollen, red gums are a sign of periodontal disease which, left untreated, has a significant impact on your long-term health.

a group of men are having a party on a rooftop .

What does Invisalign treatment involve? 6 steps to the perfect smile

Step #1: consultation with your Christchurch orthodontics dental professional

During your first visit, the dentist will check if Invisalign is right for your teeth. It's important to see if it will work for your specific situation. Sometimes our cosmetic dentistry services’ concept of AAB (Align, Bleach and Bond) is recommended. AAB offers aligners, teeth whitening, and tooth-coloured bonding to fix chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

Step #2: creation of a tailored dental treatment plan

Through thorough assessments, including x-rays, photographs, and digital impressions of your teeth, a precise 3-D computer model is created to guide the repositioning process.

Step #3: wait for your custom aligners to arrive

It can take a couple of weeks to create your Invisalign retainers – patience is rewarded by a beautiful, transformed smile.

Step #4: getting use to your new Invisalign aligners

When your aligners are ready for you, you are given clear instructions on how to use Invisalign correctly. Each aligner tray is different and must be worn sequentially for the prescribed amount of time. Consistent wear is crucial for the dental treatment’s success, any deviation may compromise the outcome! For the first few hours of wearing the invisible braces, you may feel your lips lisp when you speak; don’t worry, within a matter of hours, you’ll adjust how you speak—this is perfectly normal.

Step #5: fine-tuning your smile

On completion of the treatment stage, you may feel your smile needs refinement to reach its full potential. Patients often wish for teeth whitening at this stage! You can arrange this with your cosmetic dentist.

Step #6: sustaining your smile post-treatment

Retainers become essential to maintain the integrity of your smile for the long-term. Given the natural tendency of teeth to shift over time, consistent retainer wear preserves your teeth's newfound alignment and ensures lasting results.

a group of people are taking a selfie with a polaroid camera .

Adults and Invisalign: a perfect partnership for perfect smiles

Why is Invisalign good for adults? Or should it be why are adults good for Invisalign? The process of using Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth is highly compatible with an adult’s lifestyle, and here’s why:

Increased compliance with Invisalign's best practice

Adults, especially when they have used the SmileView simulation tool to see their potential results of Invisalign dental treatment, are (usually) more compliant with the instructions from their cosmetic dentist. This commitment yields noticeable results quickly, which rather motivates adults to embrace the treatment and procedures.

Faster treatment time

Straightening teeth with Invisalign invisible braces is a streamlined and efficient process. It begins with your initial consultation with Duxton Dental’s cosmetic dentistry Christchurch team, where state-of-the-art technology is used to assess your suitability for treatment and make digital impressions of your teeth. This leads to the personalised design and delivery of custom aligners in accordance with your personal dental treatment plan to achieve the best results.

Easy maintenance

Keeping clear aligners clean and hygienic is uncomplicated. Simply soaking them daily in an aligner cleaning solution and brushing with a toothbrush maintains their freshness throughout the treatment duration. Since the aligners can be removed during meals, they remain debris free and cleaner for longer. It’s recommended to brush your teeth before putting the trays back in after eating.

two women are sitting on a sidewalk eating ice cream cones .

Is your perception of adult orthodontic braces stopping you from getting straight teeth?

Adults with braces may feel self-conscious about their appearance in front of coworkers, family, and friends. Unlike teens, adults may not have a supportive peer group to help them feel more comfortable with their braces.

Choosing long-term benefits over short-term appearance can deter people from getting helpful cosmetic dental treatments. The good news is Invisalign is as good as invisible, and patients report even their nearest and dearest don’t spot they are wearing them.

Secondly, there's a belief that teeth become less mobile with age which reinforces the notion that adult orthodontic dental treatments are pointless. Newly erupting teeth are more flexible than mature ones. The difference between teenage and adult orthodontic treatment and the results achieved is minimal.

As a leading provider of Invisalign in Christchurch and Riccarton, Duxton Dental brings you the latest advancements in orthodontic care. There is no age limit as to who can benefit from Invisalign braces. Straightening your teeth is a highly successful way to optimize your oral health, revolutionize your smile and elevate your confidence. Invisalign represents more than just a revolutionary orthodontic treatment; it's a pathway to a brighter, healthier future.

If you have any questions about Invisalign dental treatment, book a free consultation on 03 348 5488 or visit our dental clinic at 22 Bartlett Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Our Dental Services

First Visit

Invisalign Aligners

Angel Aligners

Teeth Whitening

Dental Monitoring

Orthodontics

Cosmetic Dentistry

Oral Health

Child & Youth

Dental Hygienist

Dental Facial Aesthetics

Meet Our Dentists

Slide title

Grahame Dutton

Button
Slide title

Christine Duxbury

Button
Slide title

Hayley Hall

Button
Slide title

Rhonda Gooding

Button
Slide title

Bayley Anderson

Button

Meet The Team

Get in Touch

A close up of a woman 's smile with white teeth and pink lips.

How to keep the whiteness of your whitened teeth

21 Apr, 2024

Once you've made the investment in a brighter, whiter smile through professional teeth whitening , you'll notice the immediate boost it gives to your confidence and self-esteem. While the joy of an improved and radiant smile is long lasting, it is not permanent. It can last from as short as a couple of months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person but also the lifestyle choices they make. If you had your cosmetic dental treatment with us at Duxton Dental’s clinic in Riccarton, you will know (in great detail) about how to maintain your newly whitened teeth. However, not all cosmetic dentists are as obsessed with aftercare. Here’s a summary of the maintenance information we give to help keep that sparkly smile for longer: Aftercare: 72 hours after you’ve whitened your teeth Teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle and it is on the pellicle where stains on your teeth are found. During the teeth whitening process, this natural barrier is removed which means they are vulnerable to fresh staining. For the pellicle to develop again it takes between 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt, this includes, but is not limited to: · Coffee · Colas · Red sauces including ketchup · Mustards · Soy sauce Eat only white and clear foods and drinks and avoid anything acid based for the first 72 hours. If you eat something dark, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterwards. If you are unable to do so, chew some sugar-free gum within 20 minutes. The saliva produced helps remove food and drink debris, neutralise acids in the mouth and help reduce any whitening-induced tooth sensitivity. During the first 72 hours, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as staining, so be vigilant to the food and drink you are consuming. Here’s some examples of foods and drinks you can eat: · Milk and water · Bananas and apples with the peel removed · White bread and flour tortillas · Oatmeal, cream of wheat · Plain yoghurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese · White rice or baked potato · Plain pasta with a white sauce

A young girl wearing glasses is holding a model of teeth and braces.

Invisalign vs. braces: Which is best for you?

21 Apr, 2024

Are you considering straightening your teeth but feeling torn between the classic method of orthodontic braces and the innovative alternative of Invisalign? Invisalign and braces are two of the most popular orthodontic treatments available in Duxton Dental clinics in Christchurch. Both are highly effective at correcting misaligned teeth and improving smiles. So, which is best for you? Let's start by breaking down the key differences between Invisalign and braces: 1. Visibility Braces: traditional braces are conspicuous and obvious, with metal brackets and wires that are easily noticeable when you speak or smile. Some people feel self-conscious about their appearance during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible braces made from clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them discreet and barely noticeable to others. 2. Comfort Braces: the metal brackets and wires can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, and even mouth sores, especially during the initial adjustment period. Your orthodontist may need to make further adjustments to make the brace more comfortable. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, with smooth edges that won't irritate your mouth. There can be some minor discomfort initially, but this is short lived and remedied by over-the-counter painkillers. Overall, they offer a more comfortable experience, with no wires or brackets to worry about. 3. Convenience Braces: with braces, certain foods need to be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Maintaining oral hygiene can be a challenge due to the hardware obstructing thorough cleaning. Invisalign: one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its removability. You can easily remove the aligners before eating, so you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions. Your regular brushing and flossing routine remain the same as there are no brackets or wires to navigate around.