Are you looking for an ‘invisible’ solution to straightening your teeth or perhaps wanting to steer clear of brackets? If so then Invisalign® could be the answer.
1st Visit
Free Consultation
Come and see me for a free consultation to find out if Invisalign treatment is suitable for you. This appointment is very relaxed and will include a brief examination of your teeth and the opportunity to ask lots of questions. If you want, I can also scan your teeth with our digital scanner and instantly show you a preview of your teeth after alignment, and this is free of charge! I can also email this “before / after” simulation to you so you can review it at home or discuss it with family and friends.
2nd visit
Photos and x-rays
If you decide to proceed with the treatment then I will need to take some photos of your teeth and send them to Invisalign. They’ll then use these records to create a digital model (3D) of your teeth and, based on your expectations from the treatment and my clinical judgements, they’ll plan your treatment using special ClinCheck software.
3rd Visit
Clincheck®
Your virtual treatment plan (ClinCheck) is then sent back to me so we can make sure we’re happy with your end result and the way your teeth are going to move throughout your treatment (we can anticipate how your teeth will look at every stage!). At this stage we can go through the 3D simulation and see or even adjust the end result before we proceed with the treatment.
4th+ Visits
Monthly review appointments
Once your ClincCheck has been approved by you and me, Invisalign will then make the custom aligners that will be used to straighten your teeth. The number of aligners that you’ll need will depend on how complex your treatment plan is. Usually you’ll have one aligner for every one or two weeks of treatment. It’s important to wear your retainers for between 20 and 22 hours every day. I will see you every month for review to see how you get on with the aligners and how your smile is improving. Towards the end of this stage I will give you some whitening gels so you can brighten your teeth at the same time as straightening them.
Refinements
As you reach the end of your treatment we may need to make some extra refinements to give you the very best results. These would be included in the cost of your treatment and might involve taking another set of digital scans and photos, from which Invisalign can make you some extra aligners to refine your results.
RETAINERS
Once your treatment is complete you’ll be given fixed and/or removable retainers. Before you stop wearing your Invisalign braces we’ll fit a discreet fixed retainer behind your teeth (optional / recommended), which will hold them in place so they don’t move back. At the same time I’ll take impressions for a removable retainer, which will arrive back from our lab the following week. Your removable retainer will be very similar to your Invisalign aligners, but you will only need to wear it periodically at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, I will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. I may also talk to you about how quickly you could reach your new smile, as well as your individual treatment cost. I will most likely recommend scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning before you begin Invisalign treatment, to make sure your teeth and gums are in top health and to avoid unnecessary risks.
What are Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign Treatment.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break. Unlike other brands, Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit. Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance. As the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, we have successfully improved over 11 million smiles, including 2 million teen smiles.
Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign Treatment?
Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, I will help you determine what Invisalign Treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome, but encourage you to share your treatment goals with your Invisalign Doctor at your consultation
How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. I will determine exactly how long your treatment could take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 6 to 12months.
How many hours per day should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
For the best results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
How often will I have appointments with my Invisalign Doctor?
I will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
Is Invisalign Treatment more expensive than braces?
Invisalign Treatment typically costs about the same as braces.
How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?
Over 11 million people, including more than 2 million teens,3 have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.
Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?
Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
Is Invisalign Treatment painful?
Invisalign Treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your smile. Please contact me if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.
Will wearing Invisalign clear aligners affect my speech?
It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.
Can the aligners slip off while I’m asleep?
It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
Most Invisalign Doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position. Every case is different, so please ask me if you need retainers.