Goodbye, Braces! How Does Invisalign Work?
Posted by: Dr Monica Amin
50% of Brits don’t like smiling because they’re not happy with the condition of their teeth. If you’re one of them, then you might know the difficulties of expressing yourself without exposing your insecurities.
However, there are many cosmetic dentistry options out there today that can help you get the white and straight teeth you’ve always wanted. For example, there’s the innovative teeth straightening treatment called Invisalign.
So how does Invisalign work? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign?
First of all, what is Invisalign?
This is one of the newest ways to straighten your teeth, and it’s a much more inconspicuous and less painful way to do so when compared to traditional metal bracket braces. This is because you use clear aligner trays, which can easily be removed whenever you wish.
Invisalign is also known as clear braces, invisible braces, clear aligners, and invisible aligners.
How Does Invisalign Work?
To start the Invisalign process, you need to consult with a dentist first. They’ll take images of your mouth and teeth (both x-rays and digital images) so they can personalise the treatment for you.
Then, they’ll send these images to a laboratory, where they’ll make your aligner trays (which are BPA-free). Once your dentist receives them, then you’ll go back in for another appointment to see if they fit.
If there are no issues, then they’ll send you home with all the trays you need for the duration of the treatment. You should be swapping out your old aligners for new ones every 2 weeks or so. Your dentist will let you know when you should do so.
You should be wearing your Invisalign trays for at least 20 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth straightening will go at a much slower pace, as you’ll have to wear each aligner for a longer period of time.
You can take out the aligners when you eat and drink, as well as when you brush and floss. You can also take out the trays if you just need a small break from them.
Every 6 weeks or so, you’ll need to have appointments with your dentist. That way, they can make sure you’re making good progress.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?
Just like with regular braces, the treatment time for Invisalign will depend on how serious your misalignment is.
If the crookedness of your teeth is minor, then you can complete treatment in as little as 4 months. Otherwise, most people need to wear their trays for anywhere between 12 to 18 months.
What’s great is that even though the Invisalign aligners move your teeth slowly, you can actually start getting noticeable results within a few weeks!
The Benefits of Using Invisalign
Now that you know a little more about Invisalign, perhaps you’re wondering how they compare to traditional braces. Here are all the benefits you can get from this type of teeth straightening.
No One Will Know
One of the biggest drawbacks of using metal braces is everyone can see that you have braces, even from far away. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, you might feel uncomfortable about this treatment option.
With Invisalign aligners, these trays fit snugly against your teeth. Plus, they’re made of clear plastic.
This means that even if someone stares intently at your mouth, they won’t be able to tell you’re wearing these aligners. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing, unless you tell them!
It’s Comfortable and Less Painful
Metal bracket braces can cut up the insides of your cheeks. Not to mention, they can make your teeth very sore when you first get them and when you get them tightened as well.
Seeing as Invisalign aligners are made out of plastic, there are no sharp corners to catch on your sensitive skin. And because they move your teeth slowly, any discomfort is very minimal.
You Can Take the Aligners Out
Another big issue people have with braces is the brackets are bonded onto their teeth. These brackets are essentially permanent, at least for the duration of treatment.
As a result, patients have to be very careful with what they eat or drink, as they have to watch out for staining. Plus, if they’re ever tired of their braces, they can’t just take them out.
On the other hand, you can always take a break from Invisalign by simply removing the trays from your mouth. You can then eat and drink all your favourite foods and beverages, without worrying that they’ll stain your teeth or aligners. You won’t have a list of forbidden food and drinks!
The Cost of Invisalign
Just as the length of treatment will depend on your personal case, so will the cost. In general, the more complex your case is, the more expensive it’ll be.
Most Invisalign treatment plans cost between £2,500 to £4,500. You can get away with paying even less if you don’t have major dental flaws and can use the Invisalign Express treatment instead.
If Invisalign seems too expensive for you, do know that many dentists have payment structures available. For example, we at Elizabeth Street Dentist allow our patients to pay in stages so it’s not as big of a financial burden to them.
Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign
So how does Invisalign work? You wear clear and comfortable aligners for a specified amount of time. The result is beautifully straight teeth, all without the pains of metal brackets like with traditional braces.
Invisalign comes with many benefits, so if you want to get the perfect smile you’ve always desired, then the best thing to do is ask your dentist about Invisalign. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate or not.
Are you looking for Invisalign in Chelsea? Then book a free video consultation with us today.
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