Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Once you've opted for Invisalign, you'll need to be compliant about wearing the clear plastic aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Be sure to take good care of your aligners by following these suggestions.

• Because of their clear plastic appearance—rendering them virtually invisible—it's easy to lose your Invisalign clear plastic aligners. While eating, or whenever you need to store them, always place them in their case. We have heard too many stories at our Paddington, NSW dental clinic about patients who have wrapped their Invisalign aligners in a napkin, only to accidentally toss them in the bin.
• Keep your plastic aligners away from pets. Dogs love to chew on them.
• You should not smoke when wearing your aligners.
• Keep your clear aligners clean by brushing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water.
• Never use hot water on your aligners; it could permanently warp the plastic. You can also place your aligners in some cold water with a retainer tablet.
• Don't keep your aligners in the car; the sun can heat the aligners and permanently damage them.

If you've misplaced or damaged your clear plastic aligners, be sure to call our Paddington dental clinic. We can advise you on whether it's okay to switch to the next set or if we'll need to replace them.

Invisalign for teeth is the only clear aligner made from SmartTrack material. This ground-breaking technology helps move your teeth more predictably and can help you get the smile you want. Some patients have reported they were able to finish their treatment nearly 50 times faster than those who wore another brand of clear aligners.

We recommend Invisalign at our Paddington, NSW dental clinic because we believe they provide the best possible results for our patients.

Other advantages of Invisalign clear plastic aligners include:

• These virtually undetectable aligners gently move the teeth into the desired position, and most people won't even be aware you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• Because they are removed for eating, patients can enjoy all of their favourite foods.
• The removable aligners make it easy to brush and floss without any special dental tools needed.
• As long as patients wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day, they can remove the aligners for a few hours if there is a special occasion or photo opportunity.
• Patients get to see their teeth change position during treatment.

We welcome your call to our Paddington, NSW dental clinic to learn more about Invisalign clear plastic braces and to find out if you are a good candidate.

The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, talk to your doctor about your unique situation.  

The best way to find out for sure if you are a candidate for Invisalign is to contact our Paddington, NSW dental clinic to book a consult. Our dentists can conduct an examination and go over your medical history. Depending on the level of orthodontic correction needed, many adults and older teens make good candidates for Invisalign.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign works well for correcting underbite and overbite, as well as crossbite, open bite, protruding teeth and unusual spacing or gaps. For patients who have more extreme dental issues, traditional orthodontics might be a better option.

For those whose dental issues can benefit from Invisalign, they enjoy the advantages Invisalign has to offer, including:

• Clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth gently and are nearly invisible
• Fewer trips to the dentist for adjustments
• Faster treatment times, with most patients reaching their smile goes in just six to 18 months
• No food restrictions since the custom aligners are removed for eating
• Easy oral care because brushing and flossing is done normally since aligners come out for cleaning

If you have resigned yourself to misaligned teeth because you don’t find the thought of metal wires and brackets appealing, Invisalign might be the answer. We invite you to contact Paddington Dentistry to learn more & come up with a Invisalign dental plan for you.

When teeth move, it is likely that you will experience some form of discomfort. Invisalign applies pressure on the teeth in order to move them so you may feel some degree of discomfort. The good news is that this is only temporary. You would likely only experience the discomfort on the first day or two after your have received a new aligner. Once you have become accustomed to your new aligner, the discomfort will settle and may subside altogether.

It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly. Invisalign aligners are custom made to fit you, and we will work with you to provide the most comfortable fit possible. Contact our Paddington dental office if you are having issues with your aligner, or if you have further questions about what life with Invisalign might be like. 

For most people, we recommend they visit the dentist once every six months for routine check-ups and cleans. With some patients, such as those who are more prone to tooth decay or who are experiencing gum disease, we might recommend a more frequent schedule. This can all be discussed in person with your dentist as to how often you should visit based on your individual needs.

Regular Dental Visits

Many people might wonder why they need to visit the dentist if they are not having any problems with their teeth. It’s important to note that many times, dental issues can come up with no symptoms at all. For example, by the time gums start bleeding, periodontal disease may have taken hold, making it more difficult to treat. By seeing the dentist twice each year, patients can be assured that their oral health is in good shape.

In addition, the earlier problems with your mouth are identified, the less invasive and of the less expensive is the treatment. Regular trips to the dentist are a great way to avoid dental emergencies as well.

Contact Our Practice

If it’s been a while since your last visit, we invite you to contact our Paddington, NSW dental clinic. We always welcome new patients.

The sedation only lasts as long as the appointment, and can be stopped at any time.  You may drive after your appointment.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation is a pleasant, relaxing feeling. It reduces anxiety, sensitivity to pain and gag reflexes. It will not put you to sleep.It's a safe and effective method of administering conscious sedation — which means that you'll stay awake during the procedure. But when nitrous oxide is used in combination with a local anesthetic, you won't feel pain or anxiety. In fact, many patients report a feeling of well-being during these types of sedation.

Children are much more comfortable and relaxed with Nitrous Oxide Sedation. They often do not need freezing for fillings on baby teeth if they receive Nitrous Oxide Sedation, which is much easier for them.  It may even be fun! 

Patients who will be receiving Nitrous Oxide Sedation should have an empty stomach- No heavy meals within 2 hours please, or 30 minutes for a light snack.

Patients who cannot breathe through their nose or have lung problems should not receive Nitrous Oxide.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) known as Happy Gas is a simple gas that, when inhaled, causes rapid analgesia (pain relief), euphoria, mild sedation, and sometimes psychedelic dissociation. It has been used in dentistry since the mid-1800's and recreationally since the late 1700's when it earned the name "laughing gas" because of its tendency to cause laughter in those who inhale.

At Paddington Dentistry, we realize your smile is an important part of who you are. For patients who might have healthy teeth and gums but who are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth, we can recommend several cosmetic dentistry services that can dramatically improve the look of their smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

• Veneers are translucent, thin tooth covers can cover up gaps, cracks, misalignment and other issues in your smile.
• Dental crowns can strengthen a damaged or restore a misshapen tooth at the back or front of your mouth.
• Cosmetic bonding uses the same material we use for tooth-coloured fillings to repair chips, cracks and other minor problems with your smile.
• Invisalign braces provide discreet straightening of your smile with clear plastic aligners.
• Teeth whitening is a quick, affordable procedure that can make your teeth whiter after just one treatment either in our office or at home at your convenience.

You deserve a smile that is healthy as well as beautiful.

Contact Us

If you'd like to find out which of our cosmetic dental services can help you meet your goals for your smile, we invite you to call our Paddington, NSW dental clinic to schedule your consultation. 

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and the length of time it lasts can depend on your lifestyle habits as well as the ageing process.

Taking in foods and drinks that cause staining can reduce the whiteness and brightness of the teeth quickly. After you have had your teeth professionally whitened, it’s best to avoid the following:

• Coffee, tea and red wine
• Curries, berries and red vegetables such as peppers

It’s best to avoid these types of foods and beverages to prolong the effect of whitening for a year or so. That isn’t always realistic, however. Some people use a straw to drink teeth-staining beverages, and this might be an option to consider. You can also rinse your mouth with water after consuming anything that might cause staining.

If you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products, these can also stain the teeth, even after whitening. The ageing process also causes teeth to take on a yellowed tinge.

Professional Teeth Whitening

We use the Zoom! Teeth Whitening System for optimal teeth bleaching results. For more information and to book a consult, we invite you to call our Paddington, NSW dental clinic. Our dentists can talk to you about professional teeth whitening as well as offer tips on how to keep your teeth as white as possible after treatment.

Many of our patients are worried about radiation exposure, and minimising patient risk is just one of the reasons we use digital dental x-rays in our dental clinic. Most of us are exposed to more radiation just living our daily lives taking a walk in the sunshine or flying across country on an airplane.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays

The benefits of digital x-rays far outweigh the potential for any risk. Because digital x-rays let us see far beyond what we can see with a visual examination alone, we can detect and treat dental issues while they are still small. Prevention of dental problems is always our goal, and with digital x-rays we can often minimise dental issues. Treatment, when needed, is usually less invasive, often costs less and takes less time to administer.

Digital x-rays enable us to detect tooth decay in its earliest stages, so the filling is much smaller. In addition, your dentist is probably the one healthcare professional who examines your mouth regularly, and an x-ray might be able to spot any abnormalities that could point to oral cancer. Oral cancer is treatable—but it is best that it be caught early. Digital x-rays can also help us ensure that your gums are healthy.

We invite you to contact our Paddington, NSW dental clinic to discuss any concerns over the safety of digital dental x-rays.