Straighter smiles in half the time: how does Invisalign work?
If there’s one thing we know, many of our patients want straighter teeth, but they don’t want uncomfortable and bulky metal brackets to achieve their dream smiles.
And this is entirely understandable, but as orthodontic dentistry has advanced and integrated some cosmetic features, it has allowed patients to realign their teeth more comfortably and discreetly, thanks to Invisalign.
Virtually invisible, the clear aligners do not require any wires, brackets, or metal and are custom-made for your teeth and mouth.
quick answers to common questions:
- Does Invisalign really work? One of the most common stipulations or misconceptions about Invisalign is that it only works for minor issues. However, the truth of the matter is that Invisalign can correct minor, moderate, and even severe bite problems (just like metal braces). Mostly used for gaps and crowding, Invisalign can treat a larger variety of oral problems than when the first aligners were introduced. Now, the more serious issues can include attachments, elastics, and even buttons that can be applied to the aligner to treat more complex cases.
- How long does it take for Invisalign to work? Dependent upon your case and what is discussed with you in your initial consultation. Typically Invisalign can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete.
- How painful is Invisalign? Invisalign is usually not regarded to be painful at all – there can be some slight discomfort when swapping out your aligners for their new set, but this will only last around a day as your teeth get used to their new position.
- How does Invisalign move teeth down? Invisalign can be used to move lower teeth back to help them sit more naturally behind your front teeth. Each bespoke aligner you wear will shift your teeth gradually, but gently into their right place. Invisalign can move your teeth horizontally, vertically, and even rotate them – whatever your bite problem requires for its correction. The engineering of these aligners is very precise, which means they use the right amount of force at the right place, at the right time.
what you should expect during the treatment process
Invisalign treats a wide variety of smile and bite concerns, which include gappy, gummy, crooked, overcrowded teeth, as well as malocclusion problems like overbites, underbites, overjets, and crossbites.
It’s important for potential patients to bear in mind that not every dentist or orthodontist will have the right professional experience or specific training to carry out complex Invisalign procedures.
Invisalign is a natural process to relocate teeth
Our patients should know that Invisalign approved and trained providers have to attend specialised instructional training sessions as well as ongoing further clinical training – so finding an Invisalign certified provider should be a priority to avoid disappointing news or results.
See more: How we can fix narrow smiles.
Pay For Invisalign Monthly With 0% Finance
Pay monthly with 0% interest for amazing, discreet dental solutions that realign your smile. Our recommended cosmetic treatments have left thousands of patients feeling better and more confident about their appearance and how their smile functions.
- Invisalign Smile Assessment with an Invisalign Coordinator
- Consult with an experienced Invisalign provider who will take 3D digital images of your teeth to send to the lab. This will also be an opportunity for patients to see how their teeth will look in the final stage and make any changes or adjustments to their smile.
- We’ll upload your smile design and results to Invisalign, which will make your custom set of aligners
- Two-three weeks later, your series will arrive, and you can begin your journey to a straighter smile
Where your smile begins: your first set of aligners
Invisalign uses a series of high-grade plastic aligners that gradually push and move teeth into a better alignment.
Invisalign uses 3D imaging technology that will allow your orthodontist to detail a step-by-step plan, which will show you what to expect during each stage of your treatment.
Once this plan is in place, your first set of aligners is tailor-made to fit your mouth perfectly.
When they arrive at our dental studios, you will be invited in for your “delivery” appointment.
the comfortable and precise way to move teeth
What’s not boasted enough about Invisalign is the way in which it actually moves teeth to the proper position.
Invisalign has helped millions of patients across the globe.
The aligners will gently use the force of tension and compression to manipulate them to move teeth slowly and comfortably over the course of your treatment length.
The movement that the clear aligners is preceded by the resorption of the bone and cementum.
Working similarly to conventional braces, the aligner technology moves teeth in the same manner as metal braces, but without the fuss.
continuing with a series of custom trays
You will receive a new set of aligners every two or so weeks, which you can expect throughout the duration of your custom treatment.
Each set will on average move your teeth .25mm within the first few days of wearing them.
Whilst that’s impressive and patients begin to see results immediately, it’s important to understand that is mainly moving your periodontal ligament, where the bone takes longer to reposition.
Invisalign is designed to not interfere with or disrupt your daily life and activities.
You can take them out in the morning and the evening to clean your teeth effectively and even remove them when you eat or drink.
This means you can have a more comfortable experience, can eat the foods you like, and not have to worry about food getting stuck in your wires or brackets.
In fact, Invisalign is known to keep teeth healthier and cleaner than traditional braces, this is because you can continue your normal hygiene and brushing routines as normal.
Perfect for those who play sports, Invisalign can be removed when wearing mouthguards.
Although, it’s critical that you wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.
your treatment timeline
Not all dentists are Invisalign approved.
Doctors who offer the treatment must have completed specialised training.
Our expert orthodontists provide a unique experience and a personalised approach to our highly-rated tooth straightening treatment, Invisalign.
Booking a consultation with us is free and easy; all you need to bring is your questions and brief information concerning your dental history.
We will highlight any problem areas during the consultation and discuss your straightening goals with you.
Treatment times and how quickly you wish to reach your new smile, as well as treatment prices, will also be discussed.
Learn more about Invisalign:
compare invisalign against other brace systems
| Considerations | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £1,500-£5,000 | £3,000-£7,000 |
| Duration | Worn 22 hours a day (3-12 months) | Cemented 24/7 (18 months) |
| Maintenance | Aligners need to be kept clean by brushing and rinsing | Brush teeth whilst wearing braces and floss |
| Appointments | Initial consultation, fitting appointment and review | Regular visits to get braces tightened and final removal |
| Aftercare | Requires a retainer | Requires a retainer |
| Ideal for | Children, teens and adults | Complex dental problems |