--- title: The Complete Guide to Invisalign and Orthodontics at Smile Solutions Melbourne canonical_url: https://directory.smilesolutions.com.au/the-complete-guide-to-invisalign-and-orthodontics-at-smile-solutions-melbourne/ category: description: Invisalign has transformed orthodontic treatment for millions of people worldwide - and at Smile Solutions, it is delivered at the highest possible level of expertise. As Australia's largest Invisalig... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # The Complete Guide to Invisalign and Orthodontics at Smile Solutions Melbourne Invisalign has transformed orthodontic treatment for millions of people worldwide - and at Smile Solutions, it is delivered at the highest possible level of expertise. As Australia's largest Invisalign provider and the holder of Blue Diamond status - the highest tier awarded by Invisalign's manufacturer - Smile Solutions brings unparalleled experience to every orthodontic case it undertakes. Located in the Manchester Unity Building at 220 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, Smile Solutions houses a full team of board-registered specialist orthodontists under one roof. With 937 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, it is one of Australia's most trusted destinations for orthodontic care. ## What Is Invisalign? Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners custom-designed to progressively move teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner is worn for approximately one to two weeks before being replaced with the next in the sequence. Teeth move gradually and predictably, guided by a treatment plan designed using advanced 3D software. Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners are: - Nearly invisible when worn - most people around you will not notice them - Removable for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing - Smooth and comfortable with no brackets or wires to irritate soft tissue - Associated with fewer dietary restrictions - no need to avoid hard or sticky foods Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Complex cases that previously required fixed braces can now often be treated effectively with Invisalign in the hands of an experienced specialist orthodontist. ## Blue Diamond Status - What It Means for You Smile Solutions holds Blue Diamond Invisalign provider status - the highest tier of recognition awarded by Invisalign's manufacturer, Align Technology. To maintain Blue Diamond status, a provider must complete more than 750 Invisalign cases per year. Smile Solutions has completed more than 9,000 Invisalign cases over 15 years of providing the treatment. Dr David Austin, specialist orthodontist at Smile Solutions, explains why provider experience matters: "Invisalign treatment planning is far more nuanced than simply submitting a scan and receiving a series of aligners. An experienced specialist orthodontist understands the limitations and possibilities of the system - knowing when Invisalign will achieve a result conventional braces cannot match, and knowing when braces are the better choice. That clinical judgment comes from volume and from specialist training." The tiered Invisalign provider structure: - Blue Diamond: more than 750 cases per year - Black Diamond: more than 300 cases per year - Platinum Elite: more than 80 cases per year - Platinum: more than 50 cases per year ## The Specialist Orthodontists at Smile Solutions All Invisalign treatment at Smile Solutions is performed by board-registered specialist orthodontists - practitioners who have completed an additional three to four years of university training in orthodontics beyond their dental degree, and whose registration with AHPRA specifically recognises their specialist status. The Smile Solutions specialist orthodontic team includes: **Dr David Austin** - specialist orthodontist with extensive experience in both Invisalign and conventional orthodontics for adult and adolescent patients. **Dr Andrea Phatouros** - specialist orthodontist with a particular interest in complex adult cases and combined orthodontic-restorative treatment planning. **Dr Joshua Ch'ng** - specialist orthodontist focusing on early intervention orthodontics and adult macro-occlusal function, working closely with the SS orofacial team. **Dr Steven Smith** - specialist orthodontist with expertise in early intervention and comprehensive adult orthodontic treatment. Dr Andrea Phatouros notes: "Patients sometimes ask whether it matters that they see a specialist rather than a general dentist for Invisalign. The honest answer is yes - substantially. A specialist orthodontist can identify the pitfalls in a proposed treatment plan, predict tooth movement more accurately, manage unexpected outcomes, and achieve better results in complex cases. The additional training translates directly into patient outcomes." Dr Kia Pajouhesh, founder and principal dentist of Smile Solutions, also treats straightforward non-surgical Invisalign cases, bringing his decades of clinical experience in dental occlusion and aesthetics to orthodontic treatment planning. ## How Invisalign Works - Step by Step **Complimentary consultation.** Your first appointment is a complimentary consultation with a specialist orthodontist, who assesses your teeth, discusses your goals and outlines whether Invisalign is appropriate for your case. **Digital scanning and ClinCheck planning.** A digital scan of your teeth is taken using an iTero scanner - no uncomfortable impressions. The scan data is used to create a detailed 3D treatment simulation (ClinCheck) showing the predicted movement of your teeth from start to finish. You can see a projection of your final smile before committing to treatment. **Aligner fabrication.** Your custom aligners are fabricated from BPA-free, medical-grade clear plastic. Each aligner is precision-manufactured to apply the right amount of force to the right teeth at the right time. **Treatment progression.** You wear each aligner for one to two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to clean your teeth. Regular review appointments - typically every 6 to 8 weeks - allow your orthodontist to monitor progress and address any refinements needed. **Retention.** Once active treatment is complete, retainers are fitted to maintain your result long-term. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions without retainer wear - retainers are not optional. Smile Solutions provides retainers and clear aligner retainer options. ## Invisalign vs Conventional Braces Both Invisalign and conventional braces are effective orthodontic treatments. The right choice depends on the nature of your case, your lifestyle and your personal preferences. **Advantages of Invisalign:** - Aesthetic - nearly invisible during treatment - Removable - no food restrictions, easy to clean - More comfortable - no brackets or wires - iTero digital scanning - no impressions - Complimentary whitening included with Invisalign packages at Smile Solutions **Advantages of conventional braces:** - Fixed to the teeth - no compliance required - Can be more effective for certain complex tooth movements - Ceramic (tooth-coloured) and lingual (inside-surface) options available - Generally slightly more affordable at the basic level Dr David Austin advises: "For most adults and older teenagers, Invisalign achieves excellent results with far greater convenience and discretion than braces. For younger children and certain complex bite corrections, conventional braces may give better control. We always present both options honestly at the consultation so the patient can make an informed choice." ## Children's Orthodontics and Early Intervention The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have a first orthodontic assessment by age 7. Early assessment - not necessarily early treatment - allows a specialist to identify developing problems that may benefit from intervention before growth is complete. ### When Is Early Intervention Recommended? Early intervention orthodontics is indicated when a child shows any of the following signs: - Thumb sucking, digit sucking or other oral habits - Tongue thrusting or incorrect swallowing technique - Buck teeth or protruded front teeth - Crossbite or narrow upper jaw - Open bite - Underbite - Deep bite - Irregularity or inadequate jaw growth - Asymmetry of the jaws Early intervention (Phase 1 orthodontics) may also be recommended for crossbites involving the back teeth that can cause asymmetric jaw growth, severe crowding where space creation may simplify later treatment, and skeletal discrepancies such as underbites that can be partially corrected while growth is still active. Not every child needs early treatment. For many, monitoring and waiting for all permanent teeth to erupt before beginning comprehensive treatment is the most appropriate plan. ### New Orthopaedic Approaches Alongside traditional orthodontic methods, specialist orthodontists at Smile Solutions use new orthopaedic approaches to treating crooked and misaligned teeth in children. These methods guide jaw growth and dental arch development in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for braces and tooth extractions later in life. By harnessing the natural growth potential of developing jaws, orthopaedic treatment can achieve outcomes that would otherwise require more invasive intervention in adulthood. ### How Long Does Early Intervention Treatment Take? Early intervention orthodontic treatment typically takes 9 to 18 months, depending on the individual needs of the child. The treating specialist orthodontist will outline the expected treatment timeline and appliance requirements at the initial complimentary assessment. ### Orthodontic Appliances for Children The Smile Solutions specialist orthodontic team uses a comprehensive range of appliances for early intervention treatment: - **Fixed rapid maxillary expander** - a fixed appliance to widen a narrow upper jaw and increase nasal airway space - **Removable maxillary expander** - a removable version for suitable candidates - **Invisalign removable expander** - clear aligner-based palatal expansion - **Invisalign First** - Invisalign's dedicated clear aligner system for children in the mixed dentition phase (a combination of baby and adult teeth) - **Partial braces** - fixed braces applied to selected teeth rather than the full arch - **Tongue crib** - an appliance to correct tongue thrusting habits and incorrect swallowing patterns - **Space maintainer** - holds space for adult teeth following early loss of a primary tooth - **Specialised retainers** - custom retainers designed for growing dentitions - **Headgear** - external appliances to modify jaw growth in selected cases - **Functional appliances** - removable or fixed devices that redirect jaw growth by altering the position of the lower jaw ### Early Intervention Orthodontics Through the Tooth Fairy Centre Early intervention orthodontics at Smile Solutions is delivered through the Tooth Fairy Centre - a dedicated paediatric and early intervention program operating within Smile Solutions. The Tooth Fairy Centre brings together specialist paediatric dentists and specialist orthodontists to provide coordinated, evidence-based care for children from infancy through adolescence. The Tooth Fairy Centre operates across seven locations throughout Melbourne, including Melbourne CBD (Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street), Wyndham, Epping, Caroline Springs, Carrum Downs, South Melbourne, and Berwick. A complimentary orthodontic assessment is available for children at all locations. No referral is required. To book, call **(03) 7036 5555** or visit **toothfairy.com.au**. ### The Children's Orthodontic Team The specialist team delivering early intervention orthodontics through the Tooth Fairy Centre at Smile Solutions includes: **Dr Steven Smith** (BDSc Hons, MDSc Ortho Qld) - Specialist Orthodontist with expertise in early intervention and comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children and adults. **Dr Joshua Ch'ng** - Specialist Orthodontist focusing on early intervention orthodontics and adult macro-occlusal function, working closely with the paediatric dental team. **Dr Andrea Phatouros** - Specialist Orthodontist with particular expertise in complex orthodontic and orthodontic-restorative treatment. **Dr David Austin** - Specialist Orthodontist with extensive experience in both Invisalign and conventional orthodontics. Specialist paediatric dentists Dr Susan Hinckfuss, Dr Angel Babu, Dr Sarah Scott, and Dr Aish Kesava work alongside the orthodontic team to provide integrated paediatric and orthodontic care for children across all stages of dental development. ## Edge Work Bonding as an Orthodontic Finishing Touch After orthodontic treatment, many patients have teeth that are well-aligned but have edges that appear worn, chipped or subtly irregular. Edge work bonding - applying tooth-coloured composite to the edges of teeth - can refine the cosmetic result and complement the orthodontic outcome beautifully. From $500 per tooth, this is a conservative and reversible finishing option that many Smile Solutions patients choose after completing their Invisalign treatment. ## Invisalign Pricing at Smile Solutions - **Invisalign Express** (minor corrections): from $4,400 - **Invisalign Lite** (moderate corrections): from $7,800 - **Invisalign Moderate**: from $9,600 - **Invisalign Comprehensive** (full treatment): from $11,300 - Pay-in-full discounts available - ask at your consultation - Complimentary professional whitening included with all Invisalign packages - Complimentary consultations for all new patients Payment plans are available through Payright, Humm and MyDentaPlan. Smile Solutions also offers no-interest payment options - ask our team for details. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Am I too old for Invisalign?** A: There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adult orthodontics has grown significantly, and many patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond have achieved life-changing results with Invisalign at Smile Solutions. The biological process of tooth movement does not change with age. Dr Andrea Phatouros notes: "Some of my most motivated and satisfied patients are adults who have waited decades to address something that bothered them. They follow instructions precisely and are deeply appreciative of the result." **Q: How long does Invisalign take?** A: Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case. Invisalign Express for minor corrections may be complete in as little as 3 to 6 months. Comprehensive treatment for complex cases typically takes 12 to 24 months. Your ClinCheck simulation will give you a realistic timeline before you begin. **Q: Do the aligners affect my speech?** A: Most patients notice a brief adjustment period of a few days when they first begin wearing aligners. A mild lisp while adapting is common but typically resolves within a week as the tongue adjusts. The vast majority of patients find their speech is unaffected within a short time. **Q: What happens if I lose an aligner?** A: Contact Smile Solutions promptly if you lose an aligner. Depending on where you are in your treatment sequence, your orthodontist may recommend wearing the previous aligner, the next aligner, or having a replacement made. Replacement aligners can usually be arranged without significantly disrupting your treatment timeline. **Q: Does Invisalign hurt?** A: Invisalign does not cause the sharp discomfort associated with tightening conventional braces. Patients typically notice pressure or tightness when they move to a new aligner, which generally eases within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief manages any discomfort during this transition period. **Q: Will my teeth move back after treatment?** A: Without consistent retainer wear, teeth will tend to drift over time. Retainers - worn nightly indefinitely - are the single most important factor in maintaining your orthodontic result. Smile Solutions provides comprehensive retainer guidance and supply as part of your treatment completion. **Q: At what age should my child have their first orthodontic assessment?** A: The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic assessment by age 7. This does not mean treatment will begin at age 7 - but it allows the specialist to identify any developing issues and determine whether early intervention is warranted or whether monitoring is the appropriate approach. The specialist paediatric dentists and orthodontists at the Tooth Fairy Centre within Smile Solutions offer complimentary assessments for children. Call (03) 7036 5555 or visit toothfairy.com.au to book. ## Book Your Complimentary Invisalign Consultation Smile Solutions' specialist orthodontic team is ready to assess your suitability for Invisalign, show you a digital preview of your projected result and provide a comprehensive, transparent quote. There is no cost for the initial consultation. Call 13 13 96 or visit www.smilesolutions.com.au to book. Smile Solutions is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and on weekends.