Clear aligners such as Invisalign® and Spark™ are a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth – so you can smile during, as well as after, treatment.
The aligners are thin, clear trays that clip over your teeth. In most everyday situations, no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, we gently straighten your teeth right before your eyes.
At Kawana Dental on the Sunshine Coast, we offer both Invisalign and Spark clear aligners. Both are excellent systems. What matters most is the skill of your dentist and the treatment plan behind them, not the logo on the box.
Invisible. Removable. Comfortable.
Clear aligners are comfortable to wear and don’t usually require big changes to your busy lifestyle.
- You’ll visit us every month or two so we can check your progress
- Average treatment time is around 12–18 months, but it varies depending on how much movement is needed
- Because the aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favourite foods
- You can brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy
We also offer no‑charge consultations and discussions about the possibilities for you between the hours of 10am – 2pm. (Consultations outside of these hours will incur our usual consultation fee.)
Whether you’re specifically searching for Invisalign on the Sunshine Coast, have heard about Spark, or just want “clear braces”, we can talk you through the options and help you decide what’s right for you.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Essentially you wear a series of clear, virtually invisible aligners on your teeth. The aligners look similar to a retainer you might have seen people wear after braces, or a bleaching tray.
Here at Kawana Dental we:
- Take a 3D scan of your mouth and teeth
- Use specialised CAD/CAM software to digitally plan your tooth movements
- Have your aligners 3D printed using cutting‑edge technology (whether we’re using Invisalign or Spark)
Each aligner is worn for around 1–2 weeks, making slight, gentle changes to the position of your teeth. They’re essentially worn all the time, and are just removed for eating and cleaning your teeth.
Some movements require a small “handle” or attachment to be placed on a tooth. These are tooth‑coloured and usually quite hard to spot. They’re removed at the end of treatment.
Do aligners hurt?
Aligners are typically very comfortable. They are thin and have very smooth edges and fit perfectly to your teeth.
However…
You can expect your teeth to feel a little “bruised” or sore when you first start your orthodontic journey.
Even though the forces applied by aligners is light, it’s a new feeling for your body – a bit like your first session at the gym after a long layoff! This is typically manageable and that new and uncomfortable feeling will generally subside within a week or so.
What Do Clear Aligners (Invisalign & Spark) Cost?
The cost of treatment depends on things like:
- How complex your case is
- How many aligners you’ll need
- How long treatment is expected to take
Generalised Fee Guide:
Complexity Fee
Minor Relapse $2750
Mild to Moderate $5500
Moderate to Complex $8000
Highly complex $8500+
In many cases, Spark and Invisalign are similarly priced for comparable treatments. At your consultation we’ll give you:
- A clear breakdown of your total fees
- An outline of what’s included
- Payment plan options
You’ll know exactly what to expect before you get started.
More Info: What does Invisalign cost?
Who can have aligners? Am I too old?
These days we treat many adults and teens with clear aligners here on the Sunshine Coast.
As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, and you are committed to wearing the aligners full time (22 hours per day), you are a potential candidate.
For suitable cases, Invisalign and Spark clear aligners offer an alternative to traditional braces that is more discreet and flexible.
With Invisalign and Spark clear aligners:
- The aligners are thin, clear and 3D‑printed plastic
- They fit closely over your teeth
- You remove them to eat, drink and clean your teeth
- They are virtually invisible in most day‑to‑day situations
We use a 3D scanner (iTero) to record your teeth and take clinical photographs. Your tooth movements are then digitally planned using specialised software, and we can show you on‑screen what we are aiming to achieve. Once you’re happy with the proposed outcome, the aligners are 3D‑printed and treatment begins.
Clear aligners can also be used as bleaching trays, allowing you to whiten and straighten your teeth at the same time.
Our oldest patients so far have been in their 80s. It’s never too late to improve your smile!