Invisalign is a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment used to improve the appearance of your smile by correcting the alignment of your teeth and the way they bite together (occlusion). Unlike traditional fixed braces that are cemented to your teeth for the duration of your orthodontic treatment, Invisalign aligners are clear, removable and extremely discreet so it is unlikely anyone will notice you are wearing braces.
It is the modern way to get the beautifully straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without wearing fixed braces. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. The aligners are made with 3-D computer imaging technology and have been proven to be highly effective and accurate, especially for adults as well as for some older teenagers. Invisalign is highly suitable for adults as the comfortable aligners are extremely discreet and it is able to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems.
Dr Collins has been providing Orthodontic treatment for over 20 years, and can advise on the best option to achieve your perfect smile.
What is it
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven to be highly effective and accurate, especially for adults.
Why would i want it
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing is no problem. They are also comfortable, as Invisalign aligners do not contain any metal that could cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Appointments during treatment are quick and are simply to check treatment is progressing smoothly and to provide you with additional sets of aligners as required. One of the things we particularly like about Invisalign is that the special software allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straighter smile will look once treatment is complete.
How does it work
Invisalign is very easy to use and will have little impact on day-to-day life. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position prescribed in your treatment plan. Total treatment time can be anywhere from nine to fifteen months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Your Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with our dentist. They will examine your teeth to see if Invisalign is suitable for you, if so, a highly detailed impression (mould) of your teeth will be taken. The impression will then be sent to Invisalign for processing. We will also need to take photographs and x-rays of your teeth from different angles.
At the Invisalign laboratory, using the latest computer imaging, a three dimensional model is created. The model is used to generate a simulation of your teeth movement from their current position to the final desired position. Our dentist will then discuss the treatment plan with you and you can view these computer generated images to gain a sneak preview of your new smile.
Invisalign will use the computer simulation to fabricate a series of custom made aligners to fit your teeth exactly. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position. Your Invisalign aligners will be made using the latest computerised technology and three-dimensional modelling to generate a series of clear, see-through trays or aligners that will fit closely over your teeth and which are virtually unnoticeable. The clear aligners are specially fabricated to fit exactly over your teeth and work by gradually moving your teeth, week by week, millimetre by millimetre into a position that gives you a natural-looking, beautiful and healthy smile.
Invisalign aligners are:
- Worn for 22 hours a day.
- Removed when you eat, brush and floss.
- Changed approximately every two weeks as your teeth slowly move.
- You will have regular progress checks with your dentist or orthodontist.
- Your treatment will be completed in approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case as cosmetically oriented cases may be completed more quickly.
Our dentist will need to see you every four to six weeks for a progress review; you will also receive more aligners at these appointments. This process will continue throughout your treatment until your teeth are in the desired position.
You will be given strict instructions on how to use and look after the aligners. They must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day. The success of the treatment depends on your compliance as a patient and requires a bit of dedication but the result should be a beautifully straight smile that you can hopefully enjoy for life.
Will I Need Retainers?
As with all types of orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear a retainer once you have finished wearing your aligners. Your retainer will be made from the same clear plastic and is extremely discreet. It is essential to wear a retainer while your teeth settle down into their new positions as otherwise they could try to drift back towards their original places, ruining all your hard work.
If you are interested, a consultation with our dentist will determine if Invisalign is right for you and of course we can answer all your questions about this orthodontic option.
