Invisalign braces for adults: transforming orthodontic dental care

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.