1. What is the brief history of Invisible Orthodontics?

The clinical foundation of invisible orthodontic technology using transparent plastic devices dates as far back as 1945 when Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one would be able the use of a series of tooth “positioners” to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Since that time, in thousands of cases and clinical studies, the method of placing transparent appliances rather than wires and brackets has been proven safe, effective, and fast. Interestingly, Dr Kesling’s original “tooth positioner” appliance is still in use today!

2. What is the appearance of the aligners—what do they look like and what  are they made of?

The aligners are made of a clear plastic that is nearly invisible when worn. (we are proud to say we have very clear aligners, clearer than most). The aligners are fully TGA approved. The exterior of the aligner looks similar to tooth-whitening tray. Each transparent aligner is set by the dentist with the exact amount of pressure needed to move the selected teeth toward their realignment over the course of treatment.

3. What is the difference between TRU-LINE™ IOS and the alternatives?

TU-LINE IOS™ takes a different approach than other invisible systems. Sure we have clear aligners that move your teeth and these are our most popular product but we also offer much more. With over 20 years of experience in the field of Orthodontic Technology TRU-LINE IOS™ also offers ‘Auxiliary Appliances’ that can move your teeth more effectively than just transparent aligners. These auxiliary appliances are not always needed but when they are your orthodontic treatment will likely to be more successful and predictable. Best of all our products are custom hand made right here in Australia. Other systems may simply use computer prediction and computer aided manufacture for their appliances which has proven limitations, especially when mass produced in low labour cost countries.  We are proud to offer first class hand made appliances and we will never compromise on quality.

4. How does TRU-LINE IOS ™ work?

TRU-LINE™ Aligners move teeth via the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. TRU-LINE™ Aligners not only control forces, but also control the timing of the force. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system. We also use our proprietary Differential Force Mechanics System™ (DFMS™) to carefully adjust the force applied to each tooth at each stage.

When you visit your dental professional, he or she will perform a thorough evaluation of your dental needs and diagnose your situation, making a determination as to whether treatment is indicated. If Tru-Line aligners are prescribed your dentist will use the latest materials and techniques and take impressions of your mouth and assess the best pattern of tooth movement for you. Based on this new TRU-LINE™ Aligners will be fabricated for each stage of your dental treatment for most accurate results.

At the next visit you’ll receive the first two sets of upper and lower TRU-LINE™ Aligners and learn how to fit them into place for optimal effect. Each TRU-LINE™ Aligner is worn for 3 weeks. On first placing the appliance in your mouth you will note that it doesn’t quite seem to fit. As teeth are straightened you will see the fit gradually improve until the TRU-LINE™ Aligner actually begin to adjust due to the movement of your teeth toward your dentist’s goal of dental alignment. Your dentist will issue you new sets of TRU-LINE™ Aligners approximately every 6 weeks.

Soreness to biting can be experienced in the days immediately following the change of finishers due to added pressure at each phase of treatment until treatment is concluded and the teeth have been optimally straightened.

5. What is the documented track record for this treatment?

Thousands of case studies over many decades have compellingly demonstrated the effectiveness of transparent aligners in realigning teeth safely, without hazard and without irritation to cheeks and tongue. However, because this technology has not been in use for as long as traditional wire-and-bracket braces, in some cases transparent aligners lack the long-term clinical track record of conventional braces. But suffice to say conventional braces and invisible aligners use the same biological foundation to move teeth.

Transparent aligners will  probably never completely replace the familiar wires and brackets, but they have forever redefined the brace-wearing experience for those who are potential candidates.

We have been fabricating appliances for Invisible Orthodontics in one form or another for over 20 years, longer than most companies.

6. Is TRU-LINE IOS™ for everyone?

No. In some cases traditional wire-and-bracket braces are indicated as the treatment modality of choice. Teeth that are not fully erupted, for instance, cannot be straightened without the use of conventional braces. In other cases, transparent aligners are not a treatment option. For example, generally patients under the age of 14 cannot be fully treated with aligners. In most cases all permanent teeth must be erupted in order for the use of transparent aligners to be considered, your dental professional is the best person to advise you whether TRU-LINE IOS ™  is right for you.

7. What life-style changes would I have to make to wear aligners? For instance, what are the inconveniences that would impact my daily routine?

The use of plastic aligners to straighten teeth results in a degree of freedom not available with the use of traditional wire-and-bracket braces. That is, since the aligners can easily be taken off and replaced whenever the need arises with no harm done, you can retain your active life-style right through treatment! In the absence of metal bands and wires your therapeutic goals can be realized without the necessity of cheek and tongue irritation, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. If you want to indulge in some fun food then simply remove the aligners first, and enjoy. Then, after brushing your teeth, you simply put the aligners back into place. The ability to take the aligners in and out during treatment has the additional advantage of allowing you to brush and floss normally. So your mouth can feel clean and treatment does not get in the way of your protecting your teeth with good dental hygiene.

During the first few days of treatment it is common for speech to be temporarily affected, but it quickly normalizes as you get accustomed to having the transparencies in place.

TRU-LINE™ does not limit your life-style, they adapt to it and support it! Even so, they still allow you the confidence of knowing you’re looking your best during and after treatment.

8. How uncomfortable is the process of fitting the aligners. Is the course of therapy, for the most part, painless?

The fitting of the aligners is not a single but, actually, a repeated process. But it involves really nothing more than making an impression of your teeth. From that single impression multiple aligners are constructed using sophisticated precision technology design, to realign your teeth in a step-wise fashion. On first placing the aligners in your mouth, you will note that it doesn’t quite seem to fit. As teeth are straightened the fit gradually improves and then gradually comes to loosen. This goes on, essentially, at three-week intervals throughout the course of treatment, with a few days’ rest in between placement of new aligners. Increased sensitivity and soreness to biting is experienced in the days immediately following the change of transparencies.

Because there are no bands and wires as with conventional braces, there is no irritation to cheeks and tongue.

Because the straightening is keyed to a graduated, progressive process your mouth can remain relatively comfortable even though therapy is proceeding along a comparatively fast course.

Visits to your dental professional occur roughly every four to six weeks so that treatment can be monitored and minor adjustments can be made where necessary, but this in itself is not a source of discomfort.

9 . How much of the time would I need to wear my TRU-LINE™ aligners?

Aligners are designed to be worn all the time, night and day, except at those times life-style choices or hygiene needs favor their temporary removal (for example, when eating or in the event of a public speaking engagement, or to floss or brush the teeth). The enhanced versatility therefore is intended to decrease the discomfort and inconvenience that results from having to wear the traditional wire-and-bracket –type braces without a break. In either case, a beneficial outcome depends on one’s ability to comply with round-the-clock treatment.

10. Could I still smoke or chew gum if I were using aligners

As with eating a meal or a snack, one is completely at liberty to chew gum. There is simply the necessity of brushing the teeth and snapping the aligners back into place afterwards.
Tobacco smoke will discolor the appliances, even in the course of the three weeks a single aligner will typically be worn. Although this is not a contraindication to treatment, it does tend to make the aligners more visible by virtue of their taking on the tobacco stain. So there is a tradeoff in that case, but it’s the smoker’s call to make as to what he or she wants to experience.

11 . How expensive is treatment with the TRU-LINE IOS™?

The cost of invisible aligners can be slightly more than that of the conventional kind. Of course, treatment cost varies with the complexity of the individual case but we believe you will be surprised how affordable TRU-LINE™ is.

12. Is there other hardware I might have to buy to be able to wear invisible aligners successfully?

In some cases there is insufficient contact between the tooth and the aligners for the aligner to exert the steady pressure needed to straighten the tooth over time. In such an instance some tooth coloured filling material is placed on the tooth (so it is hard to notice) The aligners will have better grip on the teeth and this addition is called an attachment. Attachments are taken away when the treatment is over and do no damage to the teeth.

13. Are there any limitations I should know about?

There is a limitation in the extent of teeth movement, but this is true for most orthodontic procedures. Normally good results are achieved when the movements are limited to the upper and lower front teeth. When appropriate good results can be achieved with the back (posterior) teeth. If complex dental movement is required these procedures may be best performed by full mouth braces, or other methods. You will need to consult with your dental professional to check if you are a candidate for TRU-LINE™.

Most people can benefit greatly from TRULINE IOS™ so why not start today!

Don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions or concerns not answered here.