Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces? Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable and almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces that uses clear aligners to gently move your teeth into the desired position. But is it the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Invisalign, what it is, how it works, and why it could be the best choice for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the brand name of a type of thin clear aligner used in orthodontic treatment. The aligners themselves are made from a clear, flexible thermoplastic material designed to make orthodontic treatment more discreet. Like traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are also custom-made to fit your teeth, however the clear aligners are removable, making them the more convenient choice.
How does it work?
Invisalign aligners gradually push your teeth together using gentle pressure over a number of weeks. The aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day, only taking them out for eating, hot drinks, brushing, and flossing. During your treatment you will receive a series of aligners that you will change every week. Each aligner will gradually shift your teeth until they reach the desired position. At Lancashire Smiles Dental, we book our patients in for review visits every 8 to 10 weeks so we can keep an eye on your progress and make any adjustments if needed. The average treatment time with us is 6 to 12 months, but it may vary depending on the complexity of your case and your compliance.
What to expect
The first step to getting Invisalign is to visit an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist, such as ourselves. During the initial appointment we examine your smile and teeth, then discuss your goals and expectations. We use a digital scanner to take a fast and precise 3D scan of your teeth, which allows us to create your customised treatment plan. At this stage, we can also show you a preview of what your future smile could look like.
Once you approve your treatment plan Invisalign manufacture your aligners and deliver them to us within 2 weeks. We then book you in to fit your first set of aligners. During this appointment we may attach some small, tooth-coloured attachments to some of your teeth, depending on your case. These attachments are like tiny handles that help the aligners apply the right amount of force in the right direction.
Check out our "What to expect video"
Why Invisalign?
Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces, such as:
- How it looks: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so you can smile with confidence and without feeling self-conscious about your appearance.
- How it Feels: Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth and flexible material that does not irritate your gums or cheeks. They also do not have any wires or brackets that can poke or break.
- The Convenience: Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat and drink whatever you want, and maintain your oral hygiene easily. You also do not need to visit the dentist as often as with braces, as you can change your aligners at home.
- Predictability: Invisalign aligners are designed using advanced technology and software that can predict the movement of your teeth with more accuracy and efficiency. You can also see the outcome of your treatment before you start, and track your progress along the way.
Is Invisalign right for you?
Invisalign can treat a range of orthodontic issues, such as:
- Crowded teeth: When there is not enough space in your jaw for your teeth to fit properly, they can overlap and twist, making them harder to clean and more prone to decay and gum disease.
- Spaced teeth: When there are gaps between your teeth, they can shift and become loose, affecting your bite and your smile.
- Overbite: When your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth too much, they can cause excessive wear and tear, jaw pain, and headaches.
- Underbite: When your lower front teeth protrude past your upper front teeth, they can interfere with your speech, chewing, and appearance.
- Crossbite: When some of your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth, they can cause uneven wear and tear, gum recession, and bone loss.
- Open bite: When your upper and lower teeth do not meet when you bite, they can affect your speech, chewing, and facial profile.
Invisalign can also help with minor to moderate cases of:
- Deep bite: When your upper front teeth cover most of your lower front teeth when you bite, they can cause excessive wear and tear, gum irritation, and jaw problems.
- Edge-to-edge bite: When your upper and lower front teeth meet edge to edge when you bite, they can cause chipping, cracking, and sensitivity.
However, Invisalign may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have:
- Severe or complex orthodontic issues: Invisalign may not be able to correct severe cases of malocclusion, such as large overjets, skeletal discrepancies, or impacted teeth. You may need more traditional or surgical methods to achieve the best results.
- Poor oral health: Invisalign requires you to have healthy teeth and gums, as any decay or infection can affect your treatment and outcome. You will need to address any dental issues before starting Invisalign.
- Low compliance: Invisalign requires you to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day and follow the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist. If you do not wear your aligners as prescribed, or lose or damage them, you may compromise your treatment and outcome.
The best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to book a consultation with us at Lancashire Smiles. We will assess your teeth and smile, answer your questions, and provide you with an honest and personalised recommendation.
Watch one of our clients "Living with Invisalign"
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign depends on several factors but mainly the complexity of your case. The more complex your case, the more aligners you will need, and the longer your treatment will take. Different types of Invisalign products may also be needed depending on the complexity of the case. This will affect the cost of your Invisalign treatment.
The average cost of Invisalign in the UK is between £2,500 and £5,500, but it may be higher or lower depending on your individual case and circumstances. At Lancashire Smiles, we offer transparent pricing for Invisalign, and we also offer flexible payment plans to suit your budget. You can contact us for a free initial consultation and a no-obligation quote.
For more information on the What and How’s of Invisalign at Lancashire Smiles Dental, you can also check out our website with our up to date FAQ’s.
Getting started with Invisalign
If you are interested in getting Invisalign, the first step is to book a consultation with us. We are a friendly and professional dental clinic in Kirkham, Lancashire, that offers high-quality Invisalign treatment. Dr. Arnold is an experienced Invisalign provider and has been recognised as being in the top 1% of providers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He also mentors dentists who want to develop their understanding of Invisalign aligners. Visit us if you are wanting to achieve a straighter and more confident smile.
To book your consultation, you can call us on 01772 342929, email us at smiles@lancashiresmiles.co.uk , or fill out our online smile assessment form. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you smile with confidence.
Thank you for reading our blog post, and we hope you found it helpful.. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below, or contact us directly. We would love to hear from you. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family, and to subscribe to our blog for more dental advice.
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