Invisalign Braces, Invisible Braces and Clear Braces

Invisible Invisalign Braces and Clear Braces

Want straight teeth? Don't want people to know that you are having orthodontics or braces? Want invisible braces or clear braces? Therefore, Invisalign braces are for you!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a comfortable and confidence boosting alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear, thin gum-shield braces to straighten teeth. The clear invisible braces move your teeth into the desired position, as a result, perfecting your smile.

Your clear braces are custom-made for you after a precise manufacturing process. The aligners are virtually invisible and fit snugly over your teeth. Most importantly, there are no brackets or wires attached to the teeth. Also, they are very convenient as you can to remove them while eating and drinking.

How many aligners are needed?

The aligners change every 2 weeks with each one applying a gentle pressure to move teeth to their end position. The number of aligners required varies from case to case, as does the length of treatment.

Your orthodontist or dentist determines the number of clear braces or aligners you need for treatment. In turn, this determines the length of your treatment. Special ClinCheck software plans your treatment and therefore, calculates your treatment time. In general, the average course of treatment lasts from 6 to 24 months.

Invisalign Treatment Process

Invisalign Consultation

Initially, a consultation with our Invisalign Certified Dentist allows you to discover whether the treatment is right for you. The special digital software allows you to preview your end result, even before the treatment starts!

Aligner Construction

Once you have had an examination, we take x-rays, photographs and impressions of your teeth. This allows us to construct the aligners.

Fitting the Aligners

Once constructed, we will fit your first set of aligners. Following the initial treatment, you will change the aligners every two weeks yourself. You simply come into the practice at regular intervals to collect your next batch of invisible braces. After that, we will see you at regular intervals to check the teeth straightening process is moving in the right way.

Advantages of Invisalign Braces

Almost invisible

Invisalign is a series of trays which you can take on and off, whereas, train track braces fix directly to your teeth. It is important to remember that both techniques achieve the same result - straight teeth. Most importantly however, Invisalign retainers are clear and almost totally invisible. They’re so subtle that, as a result, no one may even notice you’re wearing them.

Easier to eat and drink

Patients love the fact that invisible braces are removable. You take them out when you eat or drink. Therefore, this limits the restrictions put on your diet compared to fixed braces.

Easier to clean your teeth

Because you can remove the aligners to brush, your teeth are easier to maintain. Also ,it is easier to floss - something you can't do with fixed braces. However, we still advise that you brush your teeth every time you remove and insert your clear braces!

Predictable

The ClinCheck software allows you to view your digital virtual results and treatment plan before you start so that, you can see how your straightened teeth will look at the end of treatment. Our patients love this aspect of invisible braces.

Disadvantages of Invisalign Braces

There are not many disadvantages, however, fixed braces are far superior for complex tooth movements at the back of your mouth.

Can you see Invisalign Retainers?

Generally speaking, the aligners are very slightly visible from close up. However, in the real world, nobody will know that you are wearing a brace. Take a look at the picture below. Can you see the invisalign brace?

How much does Invisalign cost?

Similarly to all dental treatments, quotes are specific to each case on an individual basis. It all depends on your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, and subsequently, how long you are in treatment. In general, Invisalign costs start at £1500 upwards. With this in mind, you can find more details on Invisalign costs are on our fees page.

Are Invisalign braces quicker than conventional braces?

Actually, they tend to be slower at moving teeth than fixed braces. Your dentist will want to see you usually about once every four to six weeks. However, fixed braces need more chair-side time.

Is Invisalign painful?

Not as painful as normal braces, as no wires or brackets rub against your gums. As a result, patients prefer them to fixed braces. As movement is fairly gradual with Invisalign, the treatment is generally pain free. Similarly to all braces, they feel tight when adjusted or you put in a new aligner. You may also notice slight tenderness when you change to the next set of aligners but this is a sign that the teeth are moving as they should be. Usually, it will take a few days to adjust to wearing the aligners and adapting to a new routine.

After Invisalign

Finally, after any orthodontic treatment, retainers are essential to prevent your teeth moving again. You will need to wear retainers for life, permanently.

We recommend two different types of retainers for our patients. One is a bonded or fixed retainer which consists of a thin wire that is secured behind your front teeth. Another option is a removable  retainer that is similar in appearance to your Invisalign aligners.

Read More

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