What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of thin clear aligner used in orthodontic treatment. The aligner is made from a flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. The product is designed to make orthodontic treatment less conspicuous and noticeable. Invisalign aligners may not be completely invisible, but they are clear and, fit tightly over your teeth and are much less noticeable than brackets and wires or traditional braces.

Invisalign aligners are designed for your unique case to carefully and precisely move your teeth into their correct position.

The aligners are biocompatible and comfortable, fitting snuggly in your teeth. Our orthodontists at The Dentalist design the aligners and provide you with a new set every 1-2 weeks you swap out for a new one. Each one shifts your teeth closer to their correct positions.

When your treatment is complete, we will provide you with retainers that help protect your Invisalign treatment results. You’ll wear retainers every night for the first months and then a few nights a week afterwards.

What dental issues can Invisalign help correct?

Most people only think of Invisalign as a way to address a few crooked teeth. However, it can be used for various orthodontic purposes, including crowding and spacing issues and some mild to moderate bite issues.

At The Dentalist, we can use Invisalign aligners to treat various dental issues such as;

• Some types of overbite, crossbite and underbite issues
• Open bite
• Gap teeth
• Crowded teeth

Many clients have had a positive experience with Invisalign and excellent results. However, for the clear aligners to work effectively, you have to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. The only time you’re supposed to remove the aligners is when you’re;

• Eating or drinking
• Cleaning your aligners
• Brushing or flossing your teeth

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign isn’t the only option when looking for that perfectly straight smile. There are other options on the table. Although we will take time to analyse your case and prescribe the best approach, Invisalign does present various benefits, such as;

Aesthetics

One commonly cited reason for choosing Invisalign is that they are clear and much less noticeable than the wires and brackets that come with braces. If you’re trying to achieve that perfect smile while going about with your life without awkward looks and questionable gazes, Invisalign might be the perfect way to go about it.

They are removable

Another downside with braces is how hard they make certain tasks such as flossing and eating. During such tasks, you can remove the aligners from your mouth to avoid getting in your way. They are more convenient and easier to work with than braces, which can’t be removed unless by a dentist.

Easy cleaning of your teeth

By removing the aligners from your mouth, you can easily brush and floss your teeth without having to work around the wires and brackets. It can help you reduce the amount of bacteria lurking around your teeth and gums, avoiding additional dental problems that could affect your overall dental health.

Fewer potential problems

You’ve probably heard stories from people that wear braces about how brackets fell off or a wire that broke, leading to an emergency visit to the dentist. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about such emergencies.

What to Expect During Your Invisalign Treatment

Although the product is the same, the nature of the treatment might vary from person to person. At The Dentalist, we always aim to deliver a personalised experience and customised treatment to match the client’s needs. Typically, your Invisalign treatment will follow these steps;

• Consultation – When you first come to us, we will do a full dental checkup. We will take a number of X-rays and photographs from various angles to have a detailed map of your mouth to guide our dental work.
• Preparatory work – Once we’re certain that Invisalign is your best option, we can start preparing to fit the aligners. Some patients may need small composite patches applied to each tooth to help the aligners grip onto each tooth and move them. But each patient is different, and not all require the patches. The preparatory work varies from patient to patient and the nature of their teeth misalignment.
• First fitting – During the first fitting, you will receive the first feel of your Invisalign braces, usually during the same visit that your preparatory work is done. The aligners are modelled from your impressions and should feel tight when putting them on. If necessary, we will review the fit and try different moulds before we’re satisfied with the fit and certain it will deliver the right results.
• Changes to your mouth – Once you start wearing your clear aligners, you will feel some strange and peculiar changes going on in your mouth. They are perfectly normal and a part of the process of getting used to Invisalign. Traditional braces also have similar effects. These changes will come with a certain level of discomfort, including aching, as your teeth are forced into their new positions. This should stop a few days after every tray change.
• Changing your Invisalign braces – your clear Invisalign aligners are changed weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the severity of your misalignment. Each new aligner represents a new phase in your alignment journey. ]

With Invisalign treatment in Leicester, you can get a new, straighter smile that doesn’t interfere with your daily routine.