SPECIALIST DENTISTRY
Invisalign
Invisalign is a revolutionary, ever evolving clear aligner system which enables teeth to be straightened discreetly. This is done through the use of clear aligners which are worn on the teeth which engage with tooth coloured attachments placed on the teeth to move the them into the desired position.
Invisalign requires tooth coloured attachments to be fixed to the teeth to facilitate their movement.
Invisalign trays must be worn for 22 hours a day. Failure to do this will result in the teeth not moving as planned. Invisalign appointments are every 4-6-8 weeks apart depending on the type of Invisalign treatment provided. Failure to adhere to these intervals will mean that the movement of the teeth cannot be checked by the dentist, this may alter the end result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a virtually invisible way to align and straighten the teeth. Using advanced 3D computer aided technology, your complete projected treatment plan can be visualised before starting your treatment, so you can see the end result before beginning. Following this, a complete series of clear aligners can be made bespoke to your teeth and mouth moving them over a short period of time.
Each clear aligner must be worn for between one to two weeks before being replaced by the next aligner in the course of treatment, gradually moving towards the projected final planned position. The length of treatment time depends on the number of aligners and will be discussed specifically with your Invisalign dentist.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign clear aligners move the teeth through a series of careful and controlled planned movements. Each aligner will move certain teeth in a particular pre-set sequence which will move the teeth accordingly over the course of treatment.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and hardly noticeable when worn.
As the aligners are removable, you can also eat and drink whatever you wish during the course of Invisalign by removing the aligners before a meal, which is not the case with fixed braces which may result in dietary restrictions.
Oral hygiene can be easier to manage as the aligners needs to be removed when brushing and flossing.
Brackets and wires are not used with Invisalign and as a result there is less appointments required to change these components compared to Invisalign which can reduce the amount of time taken off work to see the dentist to make these adjustments.
Is this is a new way to straighten teeth?
Invisalign is a system which has been used for many years. but the technology has advanced and evolved to be able to treat a wider range of more challenging and complex tooth movements. The software enables you to see the treatment plan from the beginning of treatment until the end which gives you the confidence that your expectations will be met.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of invisalign can vary depending on the time taken and the extent of teeth movement required. Typically it can range from £2500 – £4000. However, if only minor movements of teeth are required, it can be less.