Invisalign - the healthy alternative to straighten teeth

Orthodontic appliances and traditional metal braces consist of stainless steel (which contains 60% nickel). Some superelastic arch wires can contain up to 50% nickel. Brackets themselves are typically made from stainless steel, although titanium brackets are available for those with known allergies.

Nickel was voted ‘Allergen of the Year’ in 2008 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society as at least 1 in every 10 women are sensitised to nickel.  More seriously, metallic nickel is classified as a probable carcinogen and nickel compounds and nickel dust are known carcinogens. When nickel is placed in the mouth alongside amalgam fillings or gold restorations, it has the potential to produce a battery effect.

Crooked and misaligned teeth can lead to periodontal disease because it is more difficult to remove plaque. Chances of coronary heart disease, stroke, complications of diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes and respiratory diseases are all significantly higher if severe periodontitis goes untreated.

What is the good news, you may ask? - Invisalign!           

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without the use of braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth – without the need for metal or wires. It combines 21st century technology and revolutionary manufacturing to customize a treatment for each individual patient.

Each Invisalign aligner moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. Each movement is determined by the orthodontic treatment plan, resulting in an efficient force delivery system.

As well as being metal-free, Invisalign has plenty of benefits over traditional braces. Gum infection, gum growth (gingival hyperplasia), decalcification (white spots) and decay are all potential complications of braces treatment. With Invisalign you can remove the aligners, so you can brush and floss normally. And on top of this, early research also tends to indicate that there may be less or none of the more serious braces complications like root resorption (affects 3-4% of braces cases) and loss of tooth vitality (death of tooth nerve).

A straight smile in half the time - introducing Acceledent!

There’s no question that the Invisalign system is a comfortable and convenient way to correct misaligned teeth, but did you know that by using Invisalign in conjunction with Acceledent you can actually cut your treatment time by 50%! It’s true! A beautiful smile in no time.

Orthodontic treatment methods and treatment times are forever evolving due to new and innovative technologies. For decades, two of the major objections patients had to orthodontic treatment were aesthetics and duration of treatment.

With Invisalign clear aligners now providing adults and teens a choice of “invisible” orthodontic treatment, innovators are taking on the next biggest patient issue: treatment duration.

At Duncan Orthodontics we are now able to offer an effective and safe solution to help address the treatment times and return patients back to better dental health, oral hygiene and comfort quicker. 

Dr Duncan loves the new innovation:

“Acceledent is based on sound biological and clinical research, shortening your treatment time does not compromise your treatment, it accelerates cellular activity that remodels bone so the teeth move faster, but gain the same result.”

“We have found that this is especially popular with our brides who would like a great smile on their special day however don’t have time to wait!”

AcceleDent, is an appliance used by patients at home to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and thereby reduce treatment time of Invisalign. Instead of changing your aligners every 2 weeks, you can do it weekly therefore cutting your treatment time in half! The AcceleDent appliance—consisting of a mouthpiece and activator, - is used by patients for 20 minutes once a day from start to finish of treatment. The activator works by applying low-frequency oscillations via the mouthpiece that work in conjunction with the aligners to move teeth more quickly through accelerated bone remodelling hence reducing treatment times by 50%. The oscillations induce increased cellular signalling and activity within the alveolar bone to speed up tooth movement without increasing root resorption or discomfort. While they are using the AcceleDent appliance, patients can go about their other daily activities—doing homework, watching TV, using the computer, reading, or doing housework.


The AcceleDent appliance does not change the premise of how Invisalign works; it just speeds up the process!

So by using Acceledent in conjunction with Invisalign you can now get that gorgeous smile you have always wanted in half the time!

Whether you are already in treatment or are thinking of straightening your teeth, start Acceledent today and pay it off over time. At Duncan Orthodontics we offer flexible payment plans interest free over 24 months. Payments for Invisalign can be as low as $75 a week. If you would like to know more phone Caroline on 8364 4311 for a free consultation or register on our website www.straightsmilecentre.com.au

No more Invisalign Impressoins!!

Here at Duncan Orthodontics we are excited to offer a new service to patients going into Invisalign treatment—an intra-oral scanner that eliminates the need for the unpopular gooey impressions.

The ’iTero’ scanner uses laser and optical scanning to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gum structures.

We love the fact that the scanned image of our patients teeth can be sent to Invisalign over the internet within 15 minutes of the scan being done but we also love the benefits you, the patient, receive.

Impressions have such a stigma attached and just the thought of having a tray in your mouth for 3-5 minutes at a time is enough to put you off!

Because the scan is so accurate there is no need for retakes which was a common issue with impressions.

A full scan takes around 15 minutes and the only discomfort you may feel is a dry mouth as the handpiece continuously blows air to ensure a clear picture every time. It is also great to be able to see your teeth like never before—as a 3D virtual model on a computer screen!

If you or any friends or family are interested in Invisalign, give us a call to schedule a no obligation consultation on 8364 4311. We also have some evening appointments available as we know how hard it is to make         appointments during work/school hours. 

Oral Hygiene during Orthodontic treatment

Maintaining good oral hygiene is vitally important during orthodontic treatment, and is essential in preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Regular visits to your general dentist every 3-6 months during orthodontic treatment is fundamental in sustaining healthy teeth and gums. Dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits which are not removed during regular cleaning.

Why floss?

Flossing is a vital part of any oral hygiene routine, and is essential in maintaining a health mouth -However, many people don’t realize the importance of flossing. Flossing in designed to clean in between your teeth and beneath the gums—areas that cannot always be adequately cleaned just by brushing. By flossing, you are removing plaque—a sticky substance that forms on and in between the teeth. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, however only flossing can remove plaque that accumulates in between the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it combines with the sugars and starches of the foods we eat to produce an acid that attacks tooth.

Manual or electric?

Independent research has found that most electric toothbrushes are no more effective than manual toothbrushes. Of course—the comparison   assumes that people using a manual toothbrush will brush properly.

Dr Duncan recommends electric toothbrushes for some younger patients with braces because:

• Most electric toothbrushes have a timer to ensure you brush for the correct amount of time
• It's just a matter of pressing the toothbrush to each tooth and gum area and letting the electric toothbrush do the rest

Some people prefer manual toothbrushes because they feel they have better control of what they’re doing. So, there is no right or wrong answer—it all comes down to preference! Just remember these important steps while brushing and your teeth will continue to sparkle:

• Gently brush the gum line - this is very important to maintain a healthy mouth
• Focus on one tooth at a time, using small, gentle circles
• Brush for no less than 2 minutes at a time
• Soft bristles are the way to go because hard bristles can wear away the gums causing them to recede 

Tax rebates with Invisalign!

I am writing to let you know that now is the time to have Invisalign treatment at Duncan Orthodontics.

Receive a tax rebate of up to $1100!

 If you pay in full, you can claim up to $1100 as a tax rebate. We will also offer you a 5% discount on your overall fee which can be up to another $380. Take advantage of this before the end of the financial year.

Contact us now on 8364 4311 or go to our website to book your free consultation.

This free consultation entitles you to:

Free digital X-rays and photos. These are required for your Invisalign assessment, and are yours to keep. The normal cost of these is about $120
If you qualify for Invisalign, you get free teeth whitening during your treatment. Value $350 plus.

At Duncan Orthodontics we love what we do so much; we really want to help as many people as possible achieve a beautiful, white, straight smile.

Duncan Orthodontics...

Is the most experienced Invisalign practice in Australia
We are specialist orthodontists. This is critical, as moving teeth is our business. With more general dentists getting into Invisalign, many with almost no orthodontic experience or knowledge, it is more important than ever to seek out an experienced Invisalign Orthodontist
Dr Duncan is the only Platinum Elite Invisalign Provider in Adelaide, ranking him in the top 1% of Invisalign submitters worldwide
Dr Duncan teaches Invisalign around Australia and overseas, being part of the international Invisalign Accreditation Panel, and is on staff in the University of Adelaide School of Dentistry Graduate Orthodontic program.

Invisalign is the brace free way to a beautiful smile;

Invisible
Comfortable
Clear
Removable
Paper thin

Hide your treatment, not your smile.

Say CHEESE!

Here at Duncan Orthodontics we want to know; Is dairy a big part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, can actually lower your chances of contacting gum disease. Results of the study also showed that adults who consumed at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day were less at risk of gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for a child’s set of chompers. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also helps to fight cavities. Cheddar, Mozzarella and Swiss all stimulate the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them. This means that cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque’s ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of a child’s teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart  disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just a healthy snack for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth.

Next time you reach for a quick snack, - choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip, you are preserving your pearly whites for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

It's that time of year again...

Winter is here again and it is time to start thinking about protecting you and your family from the flu and other nasty viruses. Here are some handy toothbrush hints to help avoid colds and flu this winter :

• Replace your toothbrush after every cold/flu/cough or every 3 months. Changing your toothbrush with the season is a great way to remember
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position so the water can drain and dry faster
• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow your toothbrush to air dry after every use; harmful bacteria like damp hideouts! 

For the protection of our staff and patients at Duncan Orthodontics, we always ask that our patients reschedule appointments if they have any type of cold or virus that could infect others.

You can rest assured that when you come to Duncan Orthodontics you are entering a healthy and clean environment. Dr Duncan, Dr De Angelis and our team give a great deal of attention to sterilization and sanitation in our practice at all times.

We hope everyone manages to avoid catching a cold or flu this winter! Bring on summer again I say!

Health benefits of Invisalign

When considering treatment options at Duncan Orthodontics, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. There’s no question that the Invisalign system is a comfortable and convenient way to correct misaligned teeth, but did you know that using Invisalign can actually help to improve your dental health?

There are a number of different health benefits to be had from using Invisalign to straighten your teeth or correct a misaligned bite. A beautiful smile is generally a healthy smile, so it makes sense that Invisalign, while improving the appearance of your teeth, can also contribute to improved dental health.Here's how:

• Proper alignment leads to healthier gums: Moving your teeth into proper position can help your gums and teeth to form a tighter fit, which is better for your periodontal health.
• Invisalign allows you to easily maintain excellent oral hygiene: With traditional braces, brushing and flossing can be a little tricky. With Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners and then brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
• Keeping pressure in the right place is good for your teeth: If your teeth or your bite is misaligned, it is possible that stress is being placed on the teeth, supporting bone and joints of the jaw. Moving the teeth into the correct position can help to alleviate this stress.

More than just a fantastic system that will improve your smile, Invisalign truly can contribute to a healthier mouth.

If you have any questions about the Invisalign system, head to our facebook page and post your question!

Early Orthodontic - What you should know!

You may not know this, but it is recommended that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven! Most people tend to think of orthodontic treatment as something that occurs during adolescence or adulthood—and that is generally true! However, having an early orthodontic evaluation can be of great benefit. Early orthodontics—also called interceptive orthodontics—can be defined as proactive orthodontic treatment.

Adult teeth usually start to come in at the age of 6 or 7, and that is the perfect time for an orthodontist to evaluate the development of the teeth and bite. If there are going to be any orthodontic issues, it is usually obvious by this time. In many instances, early treatment can help to guide the growth of the jaw, eliminate the need for later tooth extraction and allow the permanent teeth to emerge in the proper position.


I’d like to share a great example that demonstrates the benefits of early orthodontic treatment: In the past, the common solution for overcrowded teeth was to simply extract teeth and then to align the remaining teeth properly with braces. While this is still necessary in some cases, interceptive orthodontics can sometimes eliminate the need for this kind of treatment. A palatal expander can be used to expand the child’s upper arch (the reason this works is because the child’s jaw is still growing), and this can allow the adult teeth the space they need to erupt in the proper positions.

As I said before, most children do not need this kind of interceptive treatment. But for those who can benefit from it, it can be a truly helpful option. The opportunity to potentially eliminate or simplify future orthodontic treatment should be considered, if at all possible.

If you have questions about early orthodontics, I encourage you to give us call or just ask me on here!