Invisalign
Invisalign braces are a useful way to straighten teeth. There aer many aligner systems but we use this one because of its known track record. It does require input from your orthodontist so that you can get the best out of treatment. Some bites are better suited to it than others.
What can it do?
It is particularly good at treating open bites, but less good at turning small rotated teeth. Your orthodontist will advise of the different options available.
Is it Invisible?
The material used now is very rigid and thin so it is actually very difficult to see. If you look very closely, you might be able to see the aligners but most people will never notice it. When you first have aligners it is possible that you may have a slight lisp but even this fades in most people as they get used to the aligners.
How much do I wear it?
You need to wear the aligners at least 20 hours but preferably 22 hours per day. If you add up 25 minutes for three meals each day, this leaves only 45 minutes for other purposes. The more you wear them, the better the result.
How do you afford it?
Invisalign is a significant cost but we offer very flexible payment methods and you can spread the cost out over 2 years interest free. Some people spread the cost out further by taking out different plans. It is possible to afford Invisalign from cost of around £25 per week and we do offer interest free finance.
Does it hurt?
There is no way around this, it does hurt. Normally aching lasts for a few days until you get used to the new aligner. The amount of discomfort can vary depending upon the stage of treatment that you are at. The types of movement can cause different degrees of discomfort. It is normally very manageable.
Lipstick
If you wear bright lipstick, then it can become smeared across the plastic, so beware!
Food
You can eat any food because the aligners can be taken out. This can be difficult on a night out, though because you may go out for 4 hours and worry about aligners coming out and going back in. Remember 20-22 hours per day of wear.
If you do eat with them in at all, nothing too hot or crunchy. Hot or crunchy foods can damage or distort the aligners. It is worth taking a travel brush and toothpaste with you as well, if going out.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum just gets stuck to the aligners and so it is better not to wear them. This means that the best time to have gum is after meals, so that it can encourage a buffering effect. This reduces the acidity in your mouth.
Drink
If you have aligners in it is better to avoid anything with colour or fizz. Colourful liquids go into the aligners and make them more visible. Fizzy drinks are a problem with aligners because the acid cannot drain away or be buffered by your saliva. This makes the potential for damage to your teeth much greater. It is better to avoid fizzy water for this reason, unless you take your aligners out at mealtime.
Water and milk are the safest drinks. Keep the acids and sugars to a minimum.
Chewies
We also do chewies. These are a plastic material that you can put in between your aligners which some people find helpful in making sure that their aligners are firmly seated. Just ask if you need some.
Retainers
When your treatment is finished, you will need retainers, we will guide you to which type.
