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Invisalign|Orthodontics

The Invisible Alternative of Braces – Invisalign

Invisalign -The Invisible Alternative of Braces

Invisalign braces are similar to transparent gum shields. They are a series of aligners that slowly move the teeth into the desired position and are changed every two weeks to ensure they are constantly putting pressure on the teeth to keep them from moving. It is advised that the Invisalign brace should be worn at least 20 hours a day.

A series of aligners will be made and you will wear each set of custom-made aligners in two-week increments. As you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth will begin moving, little by little, gradually moving towards the desired position.

Your doctor will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images your doctor will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment. Using the same technology your doctor will be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.  While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens the length of treatments is comparable to that of braces.

During this time you will have occasional check-ups in order to monitor your progress and ensure you are comfortable with the treatment. Treatment times vary from person to person, depending on the complexity of each straightening issue.

At our dental clinic we will discuss your goals and concerns and only then agree the best way forward for you achieving the best results in the shortest time.  Once your teeth are straight retainers are custom made and fitted to prevent your teeth from moving back. If you do not have retainers your teeth will move back. Prices start from £1400.

Advantages:

  • One of the main advantages of Invisalign braces is the fact that they are removable. So eating and cleaning your teeth is very easy and also ensure oral health is maintained.
  • Invisalign clear braces are barely noticeable.  They look very much as though the person wearing them is not wearing braces at all.  They are much more attractive than metal braces.
  • Clear braces are smooth and comfortable. They do not include any sharp edges or protruding edges or bits. Conventional metal braces can affect demineralization and decaying teeth.  They use a great deal of force to straighten the teeth.  These problems do not exist with clear aligners.  Overall, clear braces reduce the damage normally caused by wearing braces, including gum disease and cavities.
  • Effectively treats a wide variety of cases, including crowding, spacing, cross bite, over bite and under bite.
  • Consists of smooth, comfortable plastic instead of sharp metal that is more likely to irritate your cheeks and gums.
  • It is more convenient and frees up your busy schedule with visits only every four to six weeks.
  • Invisalign Cleaning system, or brushing and rinsing trays in luke warm water
  • Fewer Emergencies- no poking wires or broken brackets

Disadvantages:

  • Aligner fit and tooth movement
  • Soft tissue (gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of mouth) irritation.
  • Discomfort .

You don’t necessarily have to expect that having Invisalign treatment will be painful. However, at the same time it’s not realistic to presume that your aligners, or the movements they create won’t cause minor aches or pains from time to time.

If you do experience some discomfort, it may be due to taking the aligners in and out of your mouth. Fortunately, although some people find it difficult to eat certain foods or drink certain beverages given their tender teeth and gums, Invisalign pain is rather manageable.

Feeling pressure is a sign that your aligners are working.

If you do notice discomfort, it’s important to understand that much of it is simply evidence that the pressure needed to realign your teeth is in fact being generated. Experiencing it may not be fun however it’s a needed part of the process.

You will most likely experience the most discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners.
The discrepancy between the shape of an aligner and the current alignment of your teeth will be greatest when you first start wearing it. Then, over time as your teeth begin to shift and conform, the fit of the aligner will become more relaxed and comfortable and your pain should subside.

One thing you can do to help to minimize the amount of discomfort you notice is to switch to your new set of aligners right before you go to bed. That way you’ll be asleep during those first several painful hours while your teeth begin to adjust. Also, it may be the act of taking your new set of aligners out that’s the most uncomfortable part. If so, if you’ll make your switch from one set to another at night, your teeth will have some hours of adjustment before your aligners have to be removed.

Depending on your malocclusion, Invisalign can be an excellent method of straightening your teeth and providing you with a perfect bite. However, keep in mind that Invisalign is an ever-evolving technique and requires the orthodontist/dentist to have a firm grasp of tooth movement using a removable appliance. Currently, the majority of certified Invisalign providers do not have a firm understanding of moving teeth with Invisalign, as there is a big difference between how teeth should and can be moved in terms of order and direction. Invisalign isn’t applicable for all tooth movements, but an experienced dentist at Perfect Smile Spa will be able to address a wider variety of situations.

Perfect Smile Spa based in Hornchurch Essex is a Leading Cosmetic and Implant dental clinic and is dedicated to PAINLESS dentistry. We work very closely with our prosthodontist who is on the specialist register.

Call us for a free consultation on 01708 442 114 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.ukThe Invisible Alternative of Braces – Invisalign was last modified: June 29th, 2018 by Dr Jas Sagoo