Home » Teeth Whitening » Invisalign FAQ

Invisalign FAQ

Nov 10, 2021

If you do not have the perfect smile and you are unhappy with your teeth’ appearance, teeth straightening is often the solution. Invisalign braces are the preferred option for millions of people, loved for their near-invisible appearance and the speed at which they straighten teeth.

Here we look at the Invisalign frequently asked questions, so you can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of removable, custom-made, clear aligners that gradually straighten your teeth with a predictable outcome. The aligners are precisely moulded for each patient, ensuring comfort and precise results.

The aligners are made from a thin, flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, which is patented and an Invisalign exclusive. They fit snugly over your teeth and contain no BPS, BPA, gluten, or latex. The flexible thermoplastic is also 30% stronger than other retainers.

Unlike with metal braces, there are no wires, brackets, or lifestyle restrictions.

What Are The Stages And Process?

The Invisalign process begins with a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will talk you through the treatment stages and describe precisely what Invisalign will do for your smile.

Using cutting-edge technology, the dentist creates a digital treatment plan that maps out the precise movement of your teeth and offers a step-by-step showcase of how your smile will be transformed. Invisalign applies gentle pressure to move your teeth at the right time to the right place.

You will change your aligner every two or three weeks, as directed by your dentist. You simply move on to the next Invisalign aligner in your series, and this means you can say goodbye to the manual tightening and hassle of changing wires associated with metal braces.

Where complex issues exist, the dentist may fit small tooth-coloured SmartForce attachments to your teeth. These attachments give the Invisalign aligner something to grip to and gently move your teeth with a precise amount of pressure. The aligner fits snugly around the attachments, which are barely noticeable. The SmartForce attachments may be done at the start or during treatment and removed at the end of or during treatment when they are no longer needed.

You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours each day to get the best and quickest results. The dentist may perform a dental checkup and arrange teeth cleaning before you get started.

Who Is The Treatment For?

Invisalign treatment is comfortable and suitable for teens and adults. If you are looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, Invisalign aligners are right for you.

The aligners can tackle a wide range of issues, from simple fixes to complex shifts. They can correct the position and orientation of teeth and resolve bite issues.

You can remove the aligner when playing sports, eating, or drinking, if you wish. It is incredibly convenient and straightforward to remove them and put them back on, so you can brush your teeth and floss as usual.

Invisalign is also an ideal product for teens. The teen version of the aligners can include a discreet blue dot, and parents can check this to ensure their child is wearing the aligner for the required amount of time each day.

Difference Between Braces And Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is incredibly discreet, and the transparent teeth aligners are almost invisible. With clear aligners, you do not need to compromise on your smile while treatment takes place.

On the other hand, metal braces are extremely visible and have a tendency to collect pieces of food, which get stuck between the metal parts. The unfortunate result is embarrassment, and you may find that you don’t want to smile, laugh, talk, or complete treatment.

Invisalign invisible braces produce the results you are looking for in the shortest amount of time. Crucially, the teeth straightening process is quicker than metal braces. The aligner poses no health risks and will not break or irritate your mouth.

How Long Does It Take To Get Done?

Invisalign clear aligners will create your new smile in as little as six months and up to 18 months in the case of complex or more significant corrections. Many people begin to notice results in a matter of weeks.

During the course of treatment, you will attend a dentist visit every four to six weeks. During these visits, the dentist checks that the treatment is working as planned.

How Much Does It Cost?

The excellent news is Invisalign aligner treatment costs are similar to those for metal braces. The dentists will assess the level of treatment you need at the outset and inform you of the cost to complete your treatment plan.

What Happens At The End Of My Treatment?

At the end of your Invisalign treatment, the dentist might recommend wearing a retainer. You will choose a removable or bonded retainer, which helps you maintain your smile by preventing the teeth from drifting back to their original pre-treatment position.

Many patients opt for a bonded retainer because these are connected to the back of the teeth, where they can’t be seen. Retainers are recommended to people who have used metal braces or Invisalign alike. Each case is different, and your dentist will make a recommendation based on your individual circumstances.

The first set of retainers are typically worn full-time. After a period of time and on the advice of the dentist, you can gradually reduce the amount of wear time until you only wear them overnight.

To arrange a consultation with an Invisalign dentist, please get in touch with Grosvenor Dental Practice on 01782 848704, book an appointment online, or send an email to [email protected].