Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic (teeth alignment) treatment option, especially among adults who want to enhance their smile without using traditional metal braces. Typically, the treatment is suitable for both adults and teenagers seeking to resolve dental challenges (malocclusion) such as crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gapped teeth.
At Cherry Trees Dental, we provide a personalised Invisalign treatment plan. The Invisalign aligners are quite effective; you can start seeing results in as little as three months. Besides, they offer great flexibility; you can take them out when eating or brushing your teeth.
If you desire to align your teeth, book an appointment and let us assess your suitability for the treatment.
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment involves fitting the teeth with a series of clear aligners made from a flexible and comfortable thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. They are an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces in that they are non-restrictive and flexible; you can remove them whenever you want to eat or brush your teeth. In addition, their clear design makes them inconspicuous, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly.
The treatment can correct various forms of dental misalignment, including underbites, crossbites, overbites, and gapped and crowded teeth. Once you commence treatment, alignment takes place gradually over 3-6 months. However, you must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours daily to get the teeth straightened.
While Invisalign braces are popular among adults, they are also suitable for teenagers who want to straighten their teeth quicker and more comfortably than they would with traditional metal braces.
Invisalign Treatment Process
- Initial consultation
During the initial consultation, you discuss your smile goals, and the dentist takes you through what you should expect. They also explain the Invisalign process in detail, including the treatments available and the cost. - X-rays
After the discussion, x-ray images of your teeth and mouth are done to assess your suitability for the treatment, including taking a 3D model (impression) of your teeth to customize the aligners. - Preparation
In some cases, a patient might require the application of patches on the teeth to allow the aligners a better grip. The dentist may also perform a procedure on patients with crowded teeth to create space between teeth. - Fitting
Once the preparation is complete, the dentist will fit in the aligners and try different moulds if you feel any painful discomfort until you get a fit. - Wearing the braces
Though the braces may feel strange initially, you should soon get used to wearing them. The dentist will give you instructions on their use, including how long you should wear them, which should be between 20-22 hours per day. - Changing the aligners
The dentist will monitor the progress and change the braces every few weeks to adjust to the teeth’ movements. Generally, in every phase, the aligners are designed to exert the right amount of force on the teeth, gradually moving them to the expected new position.
Cost of Invisalign Treatment
The cost of Invisalign treatment may vary widely depending on factors such as the condition complexity, aftercare retainers, refinements, and doctor expertise. But it ranges somewhere between £1,500 to £5,500.
The quote you receive will factor in various elements, including;
- X-rays and photographs
- Doctor visits
- Preparation procedures (e.g., creating space in crowded teeth)
- Invisalign aligners and attachments
- Aftercare checkups
- Removable retainers
Generally, once we assess your teeth and factor in your smile goals, we recommend the best treatment plan and give you the cost details.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has plenty of notable benefits over other traditional orthodontic treatments. Some of these include;
- Clear design – Invisalign braces are inconspicuous, allowing you to correct your malpositioned teeth discreetly.
- Better dental hygiene – Invisalign braces are removable; hence you can take them out when brushing and flossing your teeth. Maintaining the aligner trays is also more convenient as they are easy to clean.
- Fewer appointments – Appointments for Invisalign adjustment are fewer and far quicker than metal braces. The treatment duration is also much lower compared to traditional orthodontic treatments.
- More comfort – Invisalign braces are customized based on your gum line, meaning they fit better and are more comfortable.
- No food adjustments – Since you can remove the braces whenever you want to eat, there is no restriction on the type of food you can eat, which is not the case with traditional metal braces.
Before and After Photos
Ready for Your Invisalign Treatment? Let Us Know
If you are ready to start your Invisalign treatment, Cherry Trees Dental is here to help you realize your dream. We welcome you to book an appointment and let us assess your suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an Invisalign achieve?
Invisalign treatment can help you correct various dental challenges, such as crowded teeth, overbites, crossbites, underbites, and gapped teeth.
Who is Invisalign suitable for?
Invisalign is suitable for any teenager or adult who wants to correct their misaligned teeth and improve their smile. However, an assessment is essential as some conditions might render you unsuitable such as having dental implants, bridges, etc.
How long do Invisalign results last?
Once you follow up with the treatment, the results can last a lifetime. However, after completing the first phase, you must continue using retainers for the duration your dentist recommends.
How should I care for my teeth when going through Invisalign treatment?
Even during the treatment, you should continue your daily dental hygiene routine. This means you must take off the braces, brush at least twice daily, and floss. Other good oral hygiene practices, such as rinsing your mouth with water after eating and watching the foods you eat, are equally important. Also, you should clean the Invisalign trays as recommended by the dentist.
For how long should I wear the retainer for Invisalign?
After the first treatment phase, you should wear the retainer for 12-22 hours daily for three to six months. This allows the new bone to form around the teeth to keep them in proper alignment. After that, you can start wearing it at night until advised otherwise.
Are you supposed to sleep with your Invisalign?
Yes. You should wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours daily, which means bedtime is included. Actually, wearing the aligners during the night is the best time, as your teeth get to straighten with little interference.
What happens if I forget to wear aligners for a few days?
You can take off the aligners for a few hours if you have a special date/meeting to attend and do not want them on, but you should have them back as soon as you are done. However, removing them for several days, say more than two days, will undoubtedly hurt your progress as the teeth can easily move back to the initial position.
Are there other alternatives to Invisalign?
Yes. There are several alternatives to Invisalign, such as Six Month Smiles. Our dentists can suggest the pros and cons of the alternatives.