Invisalign® is a series of custom-made aligners or braces made out of a clear polymer that is capable of gradually moving teeth in a controlled way. Invisalign® works by using the latest advances in 3D computer technology to follow the dentist’s instructions to produce precisely customised aligners.
The fabrication process is extremely complex, involving CAT scanning of impressions and sophisticated 3D computer graphics to project tooth movement and stereo lithography to make the aligners. Each set of aligners is worn full-time, apart from eating, drinking or brushing teeth, for approximately 2 weeks, moving certain teeth by up to 0.25mm.
Invisalign® can treat a wide variety of malocclusions, however, not every case is suitable. The first step is a consultation with your dentist who will determine if Invisalign® is right for you. In order to aid diagnosis, study models, photographs and x-rays will be taken at the start of treatment. We then take extremely accurate impressions of the teeth.
These impressions are then submitted for CAT scanning in California and complex computer graphics are used to show all stages of the proposed tooth movement, advising the dentist how many aligners will be required to produce the movements planned. Once the ClinCheck (the animation of planned tooth movement) has been approved, the aligners will be manufactured and dispatched, so that treatment can commence.
Invisalign is a clear removable aligner designed and made for you. These aligners gradually straighten your teeth without the need for unsightly wires or metal.
Invisalign aligners are a series of custom fit trays which apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth. The aligners are normally worn for a two week period then changed for the next aligners in the series. Each tray is designed to move specific teeth until they are in the final position as decided by your clinician and yourself, before treatment begins
Click here to try the Invisalign SmileView to see how great your new smile could be.
If you play a lot of sports or play a woodwind or brass instrument then Invisalign would be an ideal solution for you as you can remove the aligners for the time you need to, keeping them safely in the box provided, and replace them as soon as you can. This is not an option for other fixed orthodontic brace wearers.
The aligners are made from a clear hard plastic material; they look very similar to tooth whitening trays but they are custom made for you to ensure a very secure fit.
Total treatment time averages 12-24 months, but may take longer than this if your case is complex.
Invisalign is only ideal for cases where teeth do not need to be removed due to crowding so milder irregularities are most suitable. If Invisalign is an option for your case, this will be included as part of your treatment plan.
You will need to wear the aligners as much as possible otherwise progress will be slower. To achieve the results you want, the aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day and only removed for eating, drinking and brushing.
If you lose one of your aligners, contact the practice as soon as you can so we can advise you what to do next. We can order replacements but they are expensive so keep them safely in the box provided every time you take them out of your mouth. We advise you, when you start a new aligner, to keep the previous one safely in the box provided you can then use this one while we order a new aligner for you.
The aligners are marked in numerical order so you can easily check which aligner you are using.
A full course of invisalign treatment will be in the region of £3500 – £4500 but an itemised costing and payment plan will be given in your personal written treatment plan as part of the consultation process
Thank you so much for helping me achieve the smile I've always wanted. I can now smile with confidence!
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