What is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign is an orthodontic technique that can be used to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. A series of clear removable aligners are custom made for your teeth which you change every few weeks designed to gradually achieve the smile you desire. They are virtually invisible when worn as Invisalign does not use metal wires or brackets, but SmartForce attachments made from composite (white filling material) bonded to your teeth that the aligners gently push on to achieve movement which are removed on completion of treatment. The aligners are removable meaning you can take them out when eating and brushing your teeth.
What is the Invisalign treatment process?
Before commencing Invisalign treatment you are required to have a full dental examination to ensure you are dentally fit and any required routine dental treatment is complete. To ensure you are suitable for Invisalign treatment you will attend a consultation with our Invisalign trained dentist who will evaluate your smile. If you are deemed eligible, a 3D digital scan of your teeth will be carried out using our iTero scanner. The scan will allow you to see your potential results with Invisalign even before starting treatment. From there, your scan will be used to design a precise, customised digital treatment plan that showcases your step-by-step smile transformation. This is called a ‘ClinCheck’.
You will attend an appointment to review your treatment plan which is your opportunity to make any changes before proceeding to the next stage. Once you approve your plan, your custom made aligners will be manufactured. Each set of aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position in accordance with your treatment plan, until you achieve your beautiful new smile. During treatment you will visit our Invisalign dentist every 4-6 weeks to check your treatment is progressing as planned. On completion of treatment our Invisalign dentist will assess your final results to ensure all tooth movement has been achieved, however if there is a stubborn tooth/teeth we repeat the process and plan additional aligners for refinements.
How long do you have to wear the aligners for?
Each set of aligners should be worn between 20-22 hours a day, removing them only when you eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth. You will change to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks, as directed by our Invisalign dentist.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
This is dependent on the complexity of your case, you will start seeing results in the first few weeks and may complete treatment in as little as 6 months. On average treatment time is between 12-18 months.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
It is not painful, but when you wear a new aligner you can expect to feel slight discomfort as you get used to wearing it. After the first day or so it will start to become more comfortable.
What happens when you complete your Invisalign treatment?
To maintain your results and prevent teeth moving back towards their original position you will be required to wear a retainer every night for at least the first 6 months after completion of your treatment plan and then as directed by our Invisalign dentist. A removable Vivera retainer will be provided on the completion of treatment. Occasionally a fixed retainer may be possible.