What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan based on your Dentist’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position.

Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position.

Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by our Invisalign Dentist, based on your specific needs.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible aligners, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.

Invisalign aligners are removable giving you the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene.

Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. This means that in most cases less time is spent in your Invisalign Provider’s practice for adjustments.

And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment so you can see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

Dentists or orthodontists have, in the past, successfully used removable appliances for years. But with the application of Invisalign’s 3D computer technology, the Invisalign System can be used to treat a wide range of patients who wants straighter teeth. The unique ClinCheck® software allows patients to see their treatment plan from beginning to end even before the start of treatment.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

More than 4 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily. Actress Katherine Heigl and Supermodel Gisele Bundchen both have Invisalign to thank for their show-stopping smiles. Closer to home, our own patients in London have been delighted with their confident new smiles courtesy of Invisalign.

How much does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign Treatments at Sardinia House Dental start from £3000, which can be made more affordable with monthly payments. However please do visit the practice for ongoing offers.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners move teeth with an appropriate placement of controlled movement on the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement per aligner, but also the timing of the movement. So at each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, as per the Invisalign treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system that moves teeth into the desired prescribed position.

How discreet are Invisalign aligners?

Very discreet, whilst Invisalign aligners aren’t completely invisible they are very inconspicuous. In most cases you’ll be able to have conversation with family and friend without them even noticing you are wearing aligners.

Are Invisalign aligners comfortable?

Invisalign aligners have been designed with your comfort in mind using ‘transparent polycrystalline alumina’ – a clear, smooth material that incidentally was designed by NASA. Invisalign also has the benefit of having no metal wires or brackets, which can sometimes cause discomfort at the beginning of treatment.

Some people may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days, at the beginning of each new stage of treatment when they insert a new aligner. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the aligners are working – moving your teeth gradually, helping you to achieve the final results. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

How often must the aligners be worn?

You need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day during treatment, but you can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing and contact sports.

Will the aligners affect speech?

The vast majority of patients report no effect on speech. However, as with traditional orthodontic appliances, there is an initial adjustment period associated with having something new in the mouth. You may have a slight lisp at first, but you’ll quickly get used to your aligners and should be talking clearly and confidently within a few days.

How often must i see my Invisalign provider once i have started treatment?

Appointment intervals are generally the same as with traditional braces but can be much quicker with less time spent in the dentists chair during appointments as no adjustments need to be made to wires/brackets.

Patients typically visit us every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of Invisalign aligners, but we see many patients that fly in and out of London for business and we tailor their appointment intervals to suit their busy schedules.

How can I find out more about Invisalign?

If you’d like more information on Invisalign, or any of our orthodontic treatments, we’d be delighted to see you for a free no-obligation consultation. We’ll go through all your questions and together find out if Invisalign is the right brace for you. We can also explore your other options, so you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Further Questions About Invisalign

Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

No brace is suitable for everyone but you’ll be pleased to hear that Invisalign can be used to straighten the majority of mild to moderate cases. Come see us for a complimentary consultation to see if its an option for you.

Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign correct this?

A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Invisalign can usually correct the shifting that occurs after braces commonly referred to as relapse.

Can Invisalign close gaps?

Yes. Invisalign is generally very effective in closing spaces. An example of such a case is shown below:

Invisalign Spacing

Does the procedure work on overbites?

Yes, Invisalign can treat overbites in the vast majority of adults and adolescents.

I'm wearing braces. Can I switch to Invisalign?

A significant number of our patients are being treated with a combination of braces and Invisalign.

What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign?

There is no minimum age of patient that can benefit from Invisalign. Usually all we require is the majority of adult teeth to be in place. Many of our patients are being treated with special aligners for Invisalign Teens. Come see if Invisalign Teen may be the right treatment option for your child.

Are there restrictions on what I can eat during the treatment?

No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you like while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict consuming any of your favourite foods and snacks. Also, it is important that you brush and floss your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Can I chew gum whilst wearing the aligners?

Chewing gum while wearing aligners is not advised as gum can stick to aligners. It is recommended that aligners be removed for all meals and snacks.

Can I smoke whilst wearing the aligners?

Smoking is discouraged while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become stained or discoloured.

Are bridges a factor for Invisalign treatment?

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they offer significant resistance to tooth movement. However generally we can work around bridges depending on their position. Come see us for a complimentary consultation to assess if the bridge will factor in treatment.

Are crowns a factor for Invisalign treatment?

Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However, sometimes small tooth-coloured composites called “attachments” are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements and are more difficult to bond on crowns than teeth. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated. However we can usually work around these and reposition the attachments on other teeth unlike traditional braces where we cannot avoid putting a bracket on the crowned tooth.

Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular (jaw) joint . People with a TMJ condition can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments, and some which can improve, remain the same or even cause the condition to deteriorate. To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact treatment, consult with our dentist.

How can I find out more about Invisalign?

If you’d like more information on Invisalign, or any of our orthodontic treatments, we’d be delighted to see you for a free no-obligation consultation. We’ll go through all your questions and together find out if Invisalign is the right brace for you. We can also explore your other options, so you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Already have Invisalign?

Whats the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. You may choose to use special Retainer Brite tablets available at our practice. However you generally move onto a new aligner every 2 weeks. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

What should i do if i lose an Invisalign aligner?

If you misplace one of your aligners, get in touch with us as soon as you can. In the meantime you can wear your previous aligner to stop your teeth moving too far out of line. In some cases we might suggest that you move straight to your next set aligner, and in rare cases we can manufacturer the misplaced aligner within days.

Once invisalign treatment is completed is a retainer necessary?

Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is an important step, because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it is best to wear a retainer as directed by our dentists. In many cases your last aligner will be your temporary retainer, until your retention option is determined. Your Invisalign Provider can advise you on longer term retention options. These are generally included in your prices.

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