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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a discrete orthodontic treatment which utilises clear tray aligners to straighten misaligned smiles. Treatment is subtle, moving the teeth into a straight position whilst being undetectable to the eye.
The treatment can vary in duration for each patient, but the treatment itself follows a process which all individuals will experience. This starts with the initial tray fitting and computer-aided mapping of the teeth's movement over the course of treatment.
The treys which are made up of polyurethane resins, are designed in clusters, so each set can be swapped for the next in as little time as a week and in some cases after a month or two. This ensures the teeth are on track to move into their arched alignment.
Why might I need Invisalign?
Patients may find they need Invisalign to improve their confidence in their smile, but for others, it may be as important as restoring the mouth and teeth into a place where it is comfortable to eat and speak.
Typically, misaligned teeth are no cause for concern. However, some patients may find it difficult to chew with certain teeth out of alignment. Similarly, if teeth are overcrowded, undercrowded or positioned in a way that obstructs the mouth, the patient may report a speech impediment.
Advantages of Invisalign
(Talk about Invisalign vs braces in this section, along with other advantages)
The first and most obvious advantage of opting for an Invisalign treatment is its discreet appearance. Patients can undergo treatment without the typically noticeable wires and brackets in place.
The second biggest advantage to Invisalign, is patients being able to see their teeth moving into alignment throughout their treatment. Making a perfectly aligned smile a more tangible idea.
Unlike braces, Invisalign is comfortable on the gums and inner cheek, which is ideal as patients are less likely to experience discomfort from the metal digging in and scratching them.
Patients can clean the trays with ease. Traditional braces can be quite tricky to clean, and they require slightly more time to clean to prevent cavities. Invisalign can simply be removed to be cleaned, also allowing for the tooth surface to be properly cleaned in the process.
Patients are not limited to their diets. Unlike with braces where specific foods must be removed from the diet to ensure their maintenance. The freedom to eat as we want can be a huge factor in determining if it is the right treatment for a patient.
How long does it take
Each Invisalign treatment is likely to vary in duration due to the uniqueness of each patient's mouth. However, treatment typically lasts between 3 months to 2 years.
Patients requiring a significant shift in alignment are far more likely to be wearing their Invisalign over an extended period. Whilst those requiring only minor adjustments may find the duration lasts as little as a few months.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign treatment is currently not covered by the NHS, so patients wanting Invisalign treatment will have to pay privately. Each Colosseum Dental practice is subject to different pricing. For more information, contact your local dental clinic to get an estimated cost of treatment.
Why choose Colosseum Dental?
Colosseum Dental is a leading dental care provider in the UK, serving
over 750,000 NHS and private patients.
At Colosseum Dental, we are committed to delivering exceptional, personalised care at competitive prices, with a range of payment options to suit individual needs. With access to the latest technology and continual professional development, our
10,000 highly trained dental professionals ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.
Maintenance & aftercare
Invisalign trays need to be properly cared for for patients to see the best results and maintain great oral health. Cleaning them will prevent the aligners from staining and causing a buildup of
plaqueA soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.. To clean the Invisalign trays, the patients have a few options:
- Gently scrubbing with a toothbrush and toothpaste. In the same way, we would brush our natural teeth, we need to brush the Invisalign to clear off any remaining bacteria.
- Patients can opt for cleaning crystals, which dissolve in warm water to create a cleaning solution for the Invisalign. The Invisalign are left to sit in it for around 5-10 minutes before being rinsed and scrubbed with a toothbrush. Avoid using your personal toothbrush as you will not want the chemical residue from the crystal solution.
- A sonic cleaner can help disturb and remove bacteria; simply place the Invisalign into the soak.
- Utilising the plaque staining ink tablets can help patients understand what areas need to be cleaned to most on the aligner.
Patients should not eat with their retainer in, equally avoiding sugary or hot drinks when wearing the aligner. This prevents the aligner from warping, staining or completely breaking.
Once patients have completed treatment, they will need to wear their retainer at night (whilst sleeping) to help prevent any movement from occurring. Patients will need to ensure their regular oral maintenance like daily brushing is taken care of to prevent the build-up of plaque between the retained and tooth.