How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time differs between patients depending on how much tooth movement is required, and on how consistently the aligners are worn. It can be around 4 months for limited movement, or 18 months or longer for more complex cases. Retainers must then be worn indefinitely to hold the result.

Invisalign Mermaid Waters | Invisalign Near Me

Q: Will Invisalign work for me?

Invisalign is suitable for a range of dental concerns, including underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, open bite and crowded teeth. Your personal suitability depends on the complexity of your case, which our team can determine during a free Invisalign consultation that includes a 3D scan for a complete picture of your teeth.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost in Australia?

Gold Coast Invisalign costs, and the general price in Australia, are approximately $5,000 to $7,500. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case and how long treatment takes. Your dentist can give you an accurate quote after your initial free consultation and scan. Payment plans are available, including National Dental Plan by humm and Afterpay.

Q: Is Invisalign better than braces?

Neither is better in general terms; they are different treatments and the appropriate one depends on your case. Invisalign aligners are less visible and are removed for eating and cleaning, but they only work while they are worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Fixed braces stay in place and do not depend on wear compliance. Some cases, including significant bite discrepancies, severe crowding or rotations, and cases needing extractions or surgery, are better managed with fixed braces or by referral to a specialist orthodontist. All orthodontic treatment carries risks, including discomfort, root resorption, gum problems and relapse without indefinite retainer wear. Your dentist will assess your case and explain the options and risks.

The Treatment

What are clear aligners and how do they work?

Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without fixed braces, using a series of thin, near-transparent plastic trays to move the teeth gradually into a planned position. Most cases also require small tooth-coloured attachments to be bonded to the teeth, and some require small amounts of enamel to be removed between teeth.

Each set is worn for 1–2 weeks for 20–22 hours per day before you move on to the next set. The aligners are only removed when eating and drinking fluids other than water, and when brushing and flossing your teeth.

Clear aligners are removable, so treatment depends on you wearing them as directed. If they are not worn for the required hours each day, treatment takes longer, the result may differ from the plan, and the plan may need to be reset or refined. Your dentist will assess whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case and explain the risks and alternatives.

How it works

The clear aligners process

Your treatment is guided across a small number of considered appointments, supported by iTero 3D scanning and virtual monitoring.

Appointment 1: Initial Consultation

Here, we'll discuss what you would like to change and what is clinically achievable in your case. Your clinician will examine your teeth, gums and bite, discuss your goals and expectations, and explain the risks and any alternatives. We'll take digital impressions using our iTero scanner, which produces a 3D visualisation of the projected tooth positions. That visualisation is a simulation of a treatment plan, not a guaranteed outcome, and your actual result may differ. Your digital scan is then sent away for final planning, where we plan and move your teeth on 3D digital software. This plan is used to fabricate your custom-made aligners, which are shipped to the practice, ready for you to begin.

Appointment 2: Treatment Begins

You'll return in a couple of weeks to have your clear aligners fitted, and we will go through how to use your aligners and maintain them. We can then set up virtual monitoring software on your phone (either Invisalign Virtual Care or Dental Monitoring) that allows us to track the progress of your clear aligner journey without you needing to come in for frequent appointments. This software makes it possible for patients with busy lives, and those who live far away, to undergo clear aligner treatment with fewer appointments.

Review Appointments

Don't live locally? No worries — we have many patients who live interstate. In most cases we will only need to review your treatment in the practice approximately every 3–4 months, thanks to our virtual monitoring software allowing us to track your progress remotely. Please note that some patients may need more frequent reviews. Find out if you're suitable by getting in touch with our team.

How they compare

How Clear Aligners differ from fixed braces

Clear aligners and fixed braces are different treatments, and neither is better in general terms. Compared with fixed braces, clear aligners are:

Less visible — the aligners are made from thin, near-transparent plastic. Bonded attachments, where used, are tooth-coloured but can still be visible.
Removable — aligners are taken out to eat and drink and to brush and floss. Because they are removable, the result depends on you wearing them for the required hours each day.
Moved in stages — teeth are moved in small increments. Pressure, tenderness, difficulty chewing and a temporary lisp are common, particularly in the first days of each new aligner.
Cleaned separately — you can brush and floss as usual, and aligners are cleaned daily. Aligners worn over unclean teeth, or worn while drinking anything other than water, increase the risk of decay, staining and gum inflammation.
Compatible with whitening — teeth can be whitened during treatment if your dentist considers it appropriate. Existing crowns, veneers and fillings will not change colour.

Cost & suitability

clear aligners Gold Coast

Clear aligners are suitable for a range of dental concerns, including underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, open bite and crowded teeth. Your personal suitability for treatment will depend on the complexity of your case, which can be determined by our team during a free clear aligner consultation (offer terms apply). Here, we'll get a closer look at your smile and take a 3D scan for a complete picture of your teeth to decide on the best course of action for your goals, budget and oral health.

In terms of Gold Coast clear aligner costs and the general price in Australia, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $7,500 approximately. The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and, therefore, how long it will take. Your dentist will be able to give you an accurate quote after your initial free consultation and scan.

Helix Dental is excited to offer several convenient payment plans, including National Dental Plan by humm and Afterpay. With monthly repayments, easy setup and no credit checks, it's straightforward to get started.

Important information

Risks of clear aligner treatment

Clear aligner treatment, including Invisalign, moves teeth and changes your bite. Before agreeing to treatment you should understand the risks, which include:

Discomfort — pressure, tenderness, difficulty chewing and a temporary lisp are common, particularly in the first days of each new aligner. Aligner edges and attachments can irritate the lips, cheeks and tongue.
Attachments and enamel reduction — most cases require tooth-coloured attachments to be bonded to the teeth, and some require small amounts of enamel to be removed between teeth. Enamel removed in this way does not grow back.
Relapse — teeth tend to move back towards their original positions. Retainers must be worn indefinitely after treatment to hold the result, and further treatment may be needed if they are not worn.
Compliance — aligners only work while they are in the mouth. If they are not worn 20–22 hours a day, treatment will take longer, the result may differ from the plan, and additional aligners may be required at extra cost.
Root resorption and gum effects — any orthodontic tooth movement can shorten tooth roots, and can contribute to gum recession or bone loss, particularly where gum disease is present.
Jaw joint and bite changes — some people experience jaw joint discomfort, and the bite may need adjusting during or after treatment.
Decay and staining — wearing aligners over unclean teeth, or while drinking anything other than water, increases the risk of decay, staining and gum inflammation.
Existing dental work — crowns, veneers, bridges and fillings will not change colour or shape, may interfere with attachments, and may need replacing during or after treatment.
Not suitable for every case — significant bite discrepancies, severe crowding or rotations, and cases requiring extractions or surgery may need fixed braces or referral to a specialist orthodontist. Active decay or gum disease must be treated first.
Simulations are not outcomes — a 3D treatment simulation shows a projected plan. Your actual result may differ.

Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner, and discuss the risks, alternatives and full costs with your dentist.

Read our full treatment risk and disclaimer information →

Good to know

clear aligners FAQs

Clear aligners are suitable for a range of dental concerns, including underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, open bite and crowded teeth. Your personal suitability depends on the complexity of your case, which our team can determine during a free clear aligner consultation that includes a 3D scan for a complete picture of your teeth (offer terms apply).

Gold Coast clear aligner costs, and the general price in Australia, are approximately $5,000 to $7,500. The exact cost depends on the complexity of your case and how long treatment takes. Your dentist can give you an accurate quote after your initial free consultation and scan. Payment plans are available, including National Dental Plan by humm and Afterpay.

Treatment time differs between patients depending on how much tooth movement is required and how consistently the aligners are worn. It can be around 4 months where movement is limited, or 18 months or longer for more complex cases. Retainers must then be worn indefinitely to hold the result.

Neither is better in general terms — they are different treatments, and the appropriate one depends on your case. Clear aligners are less visible and are removed for eating and cleaning, but they only work while they are being worn for the required 20–22 hours a day. Fixed braces stay in place and do not depend on wear compliance. Some cases — including significant bite discrepancies, severe crowding or rotations, and cases needing extractions or surgery — are better managed with fixed braces or by referral to a specialist orthodontist. All orthodontic treatment carries risks; please read the risks section above. Your dentist will assess your case and explain the options.

About these photographs. These are unretouched before-and-after photographs of individual Helix Dental patients, published with each patient’s authorisation. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed — the outcome shown may not be typical or achievable for you, and depends on your starting presentation, the complexity of your case, your oral health and how consistently aligners are worn. Clear aligner treatment requires retainers afterwards, indefinitely, to hold the result. A clinical assessment is required to determine whether any treatment is suitable for you.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Clear Aligners & Invisalign