Everything you need to know about Invisalign
Invisalign is a tooth straightening treatment that is much more comfortable and faster than braces.
The treatment consists of custom-made clear aligners that can treat both mild and complex teeth issues.
“Invisalign has become a household word. Five million patients have gotten the see-through dental trays—replacements for unsightly metal braces—over the past 20 years.” – Forbes
What age is best for braces?
Traditionally, braces are popular among children and teens.
This is because traditional braces, which in the past have been associated with a stigma.
Due to advances in dental technology, it’s not just kids who make up the braces market.
“1 in 5 patients are over the age of 18” – Visualitan
Thanks to procedures like Invisalign and incognito braces adults are now able to transform their smiles and fix issues such as overcrowded teeth and bite problems.
Whilst it’s preferable to have braces fitted during childhood as the teeth are still developing it means now that age is not a barrier for getting discreet braces.
Read: Which is better braces or Invisalign?
How much does it cost for Invisalign?
In the UK, Invisalign is one of the most affordable and cost-effective dental treatments.
Believe it or not, but clear and virtually invisible braces would cost roughly the same as wired braces.
The Invisalign treatment can vary and will depend on your dentist’s pricing guide.
However, at Smile More Dental Care the overall cost of Invisalign is anywhere from £2000 to £5000. Learn more.
How long does it take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign?
Simply, the average time it will take to straighten and align teeth with Invisalign can be as fast as six months.
However, depending on your case and the patient it may take up to a year or 18 months for the treatment to be fully completed.
For a faster treatment read more about Six Month Smiles.
Can you get Invisalign on the NHS?
Orthodontic care for adults is not available on the NHS unless in certain cases and circumstances.
Even then, it is less than likely that the treatment you will be offered is Invisalign braces.
The NHS treatment usually performed is wired/metal train track braces, regardless of your age.
Read: Which is better, braces or Invisalign?
Does Invisalign whiten teeth?
Invisalign may look like your typical teeth whitening trays, however, they are specially designed to straighten, align and merge teeth together and are not used to whiten teeth.
Teeth whitening is a separate procedure, which you can have performed once your orthodontic treatment has been completed.
Find out more on teeth whitening after braces.
Are there different types of Invisalign?
This is a good question.
There are four variations and types of Invisalign. They are:
- Invisalign Full
- Invisalign Lite
- Invisalign i7
- Invisalign Teen
The most common treatment out of the four is Invisalign Full, which involves many different aligners to straighten your teeth tightly throughout the process.
Can I change my Invisalign every week?
At Smile More Dental our professional, expert orthodontist Dr. Becky Walker will provide you with your very own treatment plan.
This plan will outline when it best to change your new aligners, which could be weekly or every other week.
Can Invisalign ruin your teeth?
Invisalign will not damage your teeth – unless you have a form of gum disease like periodontal disease.
But your dentist will make all the relevant checks before proceeding.
Do I have to wear Invisalign forever? How quickly do teeth move with Invisalign
Usually, Invisalign can take anywhere from six months to 18 months.
How painful is Invisalign?
Because Invisalign helps you achieve a straighter and healthier smile it’s going to cause some slight discomfort as your teeth move into the correct position.
It is because of this teeth movement that makes your teeth more sensitive, which is only temporary.
So, expect mild levels of pain and discomfort especially when you are switching over to new aligners.
Do you wear Invisalign when you sleep?
Ideally, your aligners should only be taken our when you are brushing teeth, eating or drinking hot drinks.
Wearing your aligners whilst you sleep is the best time for them to leap into action undisturbed as it gives your teeth time to straighten more effectively.
Is Invisalign worth the money?
As Invisalign is roughly the same amount of money as metal braces, it is definitely an added bonus to have a much more discreet realignment process.
My daughter had her teeth corrected and straightened with braces and is having Invisalign braces. This is a special message for all those young people who had braces on the NHS, then your teeth moved and you don’t know where to go. Well, this is the place to sort everything out for you.”
Many of our Invisalign patients have given us feedback that the braces were worth the money. For some more of their reasons why click here.