Invisalign Invisible Braces / Clear Aligners

Invisalign in HK, also known as a type of invisible braces, are a type of clear aligners in Hong Kong that are used to correct the positioning of your teeth to create a better and straighter smile.

It is a type of available invisible braces Hong Kong brand and technique which does not use metal wires to straighten your teeth. Invisalign in Hong Kong are the preferred option for those who want to improve their smile without others noticing they are undergoing any bracing treatment.

Invisalign for Hong Kong Patients

Invisalign Hong Kong is a form of invisible braces that consists of thin plastic custom made trays that are transparent and essentially “invisible”. Each tray is slightly different and applies forces on your teeth to move them into the ideal position.

With Invisalign, you are required to change these plastic trays / clear aligners in Hong Kong every 2 weeks and will be asked to visit the centre or clinic for follow up appointments, as well as to pick up the next set of invisible braces. Unlike metal ones, invisible braces can be removed when you eat or if you need to cleanse your teeth. As we continue to remind invisible braces Hong Kong patients, it is very important to keep them on for as long as possible, because leaving them off for too long can affect the tooth movement process and may actually cause delay to your Invisalign Hong Kong treatment progress overall.

How Invisalign Helps HK Patients

There are a few things these invisible braces can treat, and the main goal of the Invisalign HK procedure is to align your teeth so as to straighten your smile. As a patient, you may consider getting Invisalign in Hong Kong if you have the following issues:

1. Have crowded teeth:


  • Tooth crowding is very common around the world and is the most common reason for people wanting correction treatment, such as clear aligners in Hong Kong.
  • The main cause for teeth crowding is when your mouth does not have enough space for your teeth. Since there is not enough space for your teeth to erupt into their correct position in the mouth, they will try to wiggle their way out in unnatural positions by finding space wherever they can. When this occurs, misalignment or malocclusion results and invisible braces Hong Kong treatment is needed to correct the issue.
  • When teeth are misaligned, this can lead to difficulty cleaning in those crowded areas and often leads to issues such as decay and gingival inflammation, which is why patients might consider invisible braces as a treatment option.
  • Symptoms of teeth crowding may be when you notice overlapped teeth, difficulty in biting, cleansing your teeth, or using floss. If it is a less severe case, Invisalign Hong Kong treatment might be an option for you to consider.
  • Braces such as clear aligners or invisible braces in Hong Kong can be a great option to straighten your teeth and prevent further movement of crowding teeth.
  • Here at Dr. Tong’s, we highly recommend using Invisalign for Hong Kong patients because it is the most long standing and reliable clear aligners in Hong Kong available to the market. We believe that it is important to provide only the most optimal solution to our patients and only strive to find the correct type of treatment needed for you, whether it is invisible braces or not.
  • The most important part in choosing treatment for crowded teeth is to have proper examination and assessment to see if invisible braces are the correct treatment option for you.
  • If you believe that you have a teeth crowding issue and want to try out invisible braces, then book a consultation session with Dr. Tong to discuss your options for getting straighter teeth!

2. Have gaps in between your teeth:


  • Gappy teeth is another common issue for most patients coming to us for Invisalign Hong Kong treatments, and there are a number of reasons why gaps appear between your teeth. The most common reason for tooth gaps is because you may have small teeth and a large jaw. When your teeth are small compared to your larger jaw size, gaps may appear, and invisible braces would be able to help.
  • Another reason for tooth gaps may be an extended frenum that prevents your two front teeth from closing together. Another habitual reason for a gap formation, and why people need Invisalign in HK, is childhood thumb sucking which pushes your teeth apart over time.
  • Diseases such as periodontal and gum disease can also result in moving teeth and lead to movement and gap formation, which is why patients might need invisible braces.
  • There are two ways to close gaps between the teeth, first is to use braces with Invisalign in HK being the more popular option for our patients, as well as the second method which is to use composite material or veneering techniques to close the gap.
  • Invisible braces in Hong Kong can help to move teeth closer together to close the gap between them. It is one of the most popular options because invisible braces offer a more subtle way to correct mild to moderate cases such as gappy teeth. Dr. Tong is an experienced Invisalign HK provider, and can use clear aligners in Hong Kong to correct most of the teeth alignment issues.
  • The length of treatment to close gaps with Invisalign in Hong Kong may vary depending on how big the gaps are, but in past cases, patients should note that treatment usually takes around 8-18 months to complete.

3. Have other bite misalignment issues:


Bite misalignment, also known as malocclusion, happens when your upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly when biting down, which can lead to the need for invisible braces in Hong Kong, like those from Invisalign.

Crossbite:

  • A crossbite happens when one or more of your teeth on the upper jaw sit on the inside of the lower teeth when you bite down. This is a type of misalignment that can affect both the front and back teeth, and depending on which type you have, treatment options may differ. Symptoms to look out for in crossbite is difficulty in chewing, increased risk of tooth damage or trauma and aesthetic concerns when you smile. Can invisible braces help with this you ask? Typically, treatment options for crossbite vary depending on severity and can range from using metal braces to clear aligners in Hong Kong, or even orthodontic surgery to correct severe jaw discrepancies.

Overbite (buck teeth):

  • This is when your upper front teeth overlap significantly over your lower teeth. When there is more than 4mm of overlap over your lower teeth, this can be classified as an overbite. If it is a lot more than 4mm then it can be classified as a deep overbite. The causes for this can be due to multiple factors but the treatment option is the same. Options for treatment that patients can consider, include traditional metal braces or orthodontic clear aligners in Hong Kong.

Underbite:

  • An underbite occurs when your lower front teeth grow in front of your upper front teeth giving you sort of a “bull-dog appearance”. This condition can also be called a Class III malocclusion or prognathism and varies in severity in different people. If it is a mild case of underbite, it could be masked or even not noticeable until a professional is looking closely at your teeth during an examination. Underbites can cause other issues such as difficulty in speech, eating and chewing as well as cause problems for your jaw therefore it is very important to seek treatment, such as invisible braces, or professional advice on how to treat this problem before it is too late.
  • Causes for underbite formation vary but the most common reason is a combination between childhood habits such as thumb sucking, long term bottle feeding or sustained use of a pacifier and genetics. Invisalign Hong Kong treatment might be able to help with this.
  • Invisalign in Hong Kong as a treatment option will only be recommended in milder underbite cases. In more severe cases, you would be referred to an orthodontist for discussion and treatment planning for surgery if required.

Signs You Might Need Metal / Invisible Braces

You may want to consider metal braces or clear aligners in Hong Kong if you are experiencing one or more of the signs and symptoms below:

  • Discomfort when biting on your teeth
  • Crooked of misaligned teeth
  • Overlapping teeth 
  • Crossbite
  • Jaw pain
  • You have trouble eating or chewing food 
  • Difficulty brushing your teeth 
  • Difficulty flossing in between teeth
  • Gum bleeding after or while you brush and floss

Even if the above signs and symptoms are present, some patients might be curious as to the drawbacks if deciding not to go with any metallic or clear aligners in Hong Kong. If not opting for metal or invisible braces, there can potentially be cavities or caries, periodontal disease, aching jaws, embarrassment or lower self-esteem, avoiding to smile and show your teeth, having trouble chewing and biting, or even experience temporomandibular joint issues (TMD).

Therefore, it is really important to address teeth crowding or malocclusion because it is not only about getting nice and straight teeth. Leaving malocclusion alone can lead to many oral problems that you may be unaware of, therefore it is important to consult a specialist to discuss your condition and see if invisible braces are appropriate, or if Invisalign in Hong Kong is not suitable, what other treatments are recommended for your case. 

Reasons Why Patients Go for Invisalign in HK

The biggest advantage of Invisalign in Hong Kong is that they are very aesthetically pleasing when compared to the more traditional orthodontic metal bracing methods.

They are nearly invisible braces to Hong Kong patients due to their transparent nature, and therefore blend well with your natural tooth color. These clear aligners in Hong Kong are suitable for patients that would like to maintain a professional image for work or important events such as a wedding, graduation…etc. It also avoids the need to feel self-conscious about having braces.

Another advantage of Invisalign to Hong Kong patients is that it is very easy to clean your teeth while having them on. Clear aligners of Hong Kong patients are removable and all you are required to do is remove them periodically, keep them in a safe space and brush your teeth as you usually do.

To keep your invisible braces clean and free of bacteria, you may choose to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to brush them after you’ve finished brushing your teeth. Every week or other week you may use Polident tablets and leave it in water for at least 3 minutes to clean your clear aligners in Hong Kong.

When comparing the treatment time of Invisalign in Hong Kong with more traditional metal braces, Invisalign HK treatments tend to last for a shorter period of time, meaning that you can get your desired results using invisible braces with just a fraction of the time needed compared with more traditional metal braces.

Usually, treatments using traditional braces take at least 18-24 months to complete, while Invisalign HK treatment cycles only require an average of 12 months to complete. Of course, depending on individual cases, some patients may require longer time to reach their desired results, however it is still much shorter than traditional braces.

Unlike traditional metal braces, you are not required to visit the specialist as often as you would need to after the initial Invisalign HK insertion appointment.

This is because traditional metal braces require manual tightening of the wires to maintain and accelerate the movement of your teeth, while invisible braces do not. As long as you keep up with changing your clear aligners in Hong Kong every 2 weeks and come for check-up appointments every 6-8 weeks, then you are all set!

The main reasons to come back every 6-8 weeks is to make sure you are wearing your invisible braces in Hong Kong correctly, to check your progress and also for you to receive your new set of clear aligners in Hong Kong. The biggest advantage of Invisalign in HK and not having to come in as often, is that you won’t have to take time off work or school just to tweak your invisible braces by 3-4 millimetres!

As we mentioned previously, clear aligners in Hong Kong are made up of a transparent plastic material. This means that it is smooth compared to the more traditionally-used metal braces that usually lead to irritation and trauma to the soft tissues (ie: your cheeks and gums).

Traditional braces can cause mouth ulcers and sores but Invisalign HK braces will not. If you feel like your teeth are too sore, you have the option to take the aligners out for a short period of time to give your teeth a little break from the pressure as well! But make sure you are following the instructions given by the specialist, which is to wear your Invisalign Hong Kong braces for at least 22 hours each day!

Important Points on Invisible Braces for Hong Kong Patients

1. Takes getting used to:


One complaint we hear the most from patients is that you need to wear the clear aligners in Hong Kong for really long periods of time.
As recommended, your invisible braces should be kept on for at least 20 to 22 hours a day in order to be effective and to reach your desired results within the time frame initially set for you. The only time you are “allowed” to take them off is when you are eating or brushing your teeth. This may be a bit difficult for some people which is why a discussion on expectations is always needed before receiving Invisalign in HK.

2. Only applicable for mild/moderate cases:


Another disadvantage of invisible braces is that you are only eligible for them if you have mild to moderate oral issues.
For example, if you have severe teeth crowding or a severe overbite/underbite issue, then you will not be able to qualify for invisible braces or clear aligners in Hong Kong. Since Invisalign Hong Kong treatment is not an option, the only other suitable options for you to pursue in these cases would be more traditional metal wire braces, or perhaps orthognathic surgery if required.

3. Only applicable for mild/moderate cases:


Although Invisalign in HK is a highly aesthetically pleasing treatment option, there is still a need for tooth-coloured fillings/attachments to be stuck onto your teeth. These attachments are important to help move your teeth into the desired position.
Just like traditional metal braces, they are stuck onto the outside surface of your tooth and can be visible when someone looks carefully or closely at your teeth. They can also be felt when you run your tongue over your teeth and can be slightly uncomfortable when you first have them attached. However, over time your mouth and tongue tend to slowly adapt to their presence and you will eventually forget their existence. This is one of the more minor problems you may encounter when considering getting clear aligners in Hong Kong.

4. More costly than other treatment options:


Invisalign in Hong Kong is typically more expensive when compared with more traditional metal braces.
Having said that, this all depends on the severity of the case and how many invisible braces or changes need to be made. Therefore, as we mentioned above, it is always important to discuss all treatment options with your specialist to determine which option suits you the most!

Treatment Steps for Getting Invisalign in Hong Kong

Below is an overview of the procedures involved during different stages of getting your invisible braces in Hong Kong:

 

Before installing invisible braces:

Before starting the invisible braces treatment procedure, a careful and thorough examination is needed to make sure that all your teeth and gums are healthy.

We will also need to discuss your personal expectations and explain the benefits and limitations of all treatment options, including getting invisible braces for Hong Kong patients. If your case is considered eligible for invisible braces, we will then move on to taking pictures and oral impressions to send to the lab and Invisalign Company, so that a 3D representation of your teeth can be created.

Once a thorough analysis has been made by our specialist and Invisalign in HK, you will be asked to come back to review the result and we can place attachments onto your teeth at the next appointment. 

 

During invisible braces treatment:

Once your set of custom clear aligners in Hong Kong have arrived at the clinic, we will cleanse your teeth, place attachments and insert the first set of invisible braces on.

You should expect some pressure on your teeth, and some time to adjust them after getting Invisalign in Hong Kong every 6-8 weeks for the duration of the treatment.

 

After Invisalign HK treatment & follow up: 

After completing the entire Invisalign HK treatment plan, the attachments on your teeth will be removed and your teeth will be cleansed with a normal scale and procedure. 

Because your teeth have undergone a lot of changes, and the bone has become soft to allow movement of your teeth, there is a chance that leaving them alone without any support after Invisalign HK treatment can cause them to move back to their original position.

To keep them in their ideal position after clear aligners Hong Kong treatment, it is mandatory to place some sort of retainer to hold them in place. There are usually two options that we offer patients after their Invisalign Hong Kong procedure:

  • The clear plastic retainer (looks very similar to your invisible braces), which you need to wear at night only;
     
  • Alternatively, you can opt for a wire retainer that is attached to the inner surfaces of your front teeth which cannot be removed. 


After your invisible braces Hong Kong treatment, it is always recommended that you try your very best to continue to wear your retainers for as long as you would like your teeth to remain in their ideal position. 

Getting Invisible Braces with Dr. Tong

Dr. Tong is a highly experienced provider of Invisalign in Hong Kong as well as other cosmetic options. He strongly believes that Invisalign in HK is the optimal clear aligner option out on the market and recommends it for eligible patients who want to have their smile corrected.

Here at Dr. Tong’s, you can be sure that your treatment will be carried out step by step and thoroughly, as we will always try our best to reach your health goals. We are happy to review and reassess your Invisalign HK treatment progress throughout the cycle, and if you have any questions regarding invisible braces in Hong Kong, feel free to reach out to us via our phone number or through Whatsapp messaging.

More About Invisalign & Clear Aligners in Hong Kong – FAQs:

1. What is the best age to get invisible braces in Hong Kong?

Generally speaking, the age for children to start having normal or invisible braces is after the jaw has fully developed and growth has stopped. This tends to be at around 11 to 13 years of age. Adults of any age are usually welcome to consider Invisalign HK treatment at any time, provided they are assessed by a specialist to be suitable for the procedure. Ultimately it depends on your specific needs, development and severity of misalignment that will determine when is the best time to start having Invisalign in HK.

The time for treatment with invisible braces in Hong Kong can vary depending on different factors such as your age, the severity or complexity of your current condition, as well as whether or not you have any pre-existing oral diseases that may delay the start time for Invisalign HK treatment.

On average, you should expect treatment time of invisible braces in Hong Kong to range from 6 to 18 months. However, if compliance with the invisible braces is poor, then treatment time may be delayed! Therefore, it is very important to stick to the rule of having clear aligners in Hong Kong patient’s mouths for at least 22 hours a day for best results.

The biggest factor that affects treatment time for invisible braces is how severe the misalignment, e.g. crowding is in your teeth. Clear aligners in Hong Kong are most suitable for mild to moderate cases, so if you are currently suffering from a more severe degree of misalignment, then perhaps you should expect treatment time to be longer.

On the other hand, it is important to visit your specialist for follow up appointments, as well as to collect your next batch of clear aligners in Hong Kong in a timely manner so there is less delay in treatment.

Another important factor that may delay Invisalign Hong Kong treatment time is your oral hygiene habits and compliance. At any point, if we discover that you have other issues that arise after starting Invisalign HK treatment, it would be wise to treat these issues before continuing your invisible braces Hong Kong treatment process. If you lose your clear aligners, you should make an appointment as soon as possible to get a replacement as well.

All in all, these issues can delay the time needed to complete Invisalign Hong Kong treatment time.

The cost of invisible braces in Hong Kong depends on treatment time, how many clear aligners in Hong Kong need to be assigned, as well as complexity of the orthodontic issue. There are also different plans to choose from, and depending on whether you need refinement or additional clear aligners in Hong Kong, the prices will vary.

A clearer breakdown on all charges can be provided to you once an initial consultation and assessment has been made by our specialist on the suitability of Invisalign in HK for your specific case.

It is a requirement to wear your invisible braces for 20-22 hours per day to reach maximum effectiveness. You will be able to take them off during eating, drinking and brushing times but otherwise it is best to almost always keep them in your mouth.
It is normal to feel a slight pressure when you first start your first set of clear aligners in Hong Kong. Although the invisible braces are nice and smooth, they still create a pushing pressure against your teeth to guide them and push them into the correct position. For the first few days of wearing a new set of invisible braces, it will typically be the most uncomfortable. However, you can expect this discomfort to subside by the third or fourth day of wearing your invisible braces for Hong Kong patients.