Looking to have your teeth aligned ahead of the Christmas season, but still have a few questions about the Invisalign process? Maybe you’re certain that it’s the right treatment for you, but you’re unsure whether it would work with your lifestyle? Whatever questions are holding you back, we’ve answered them all, from ‘how does Invisalign work’ to ‘does it hurt’, so that you can find out everything you need to know before booking your consultation.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Have you ever wondered how Invisalign works, and whether it would work for you?
Unlike fixed treatments, Invisalign involves the use of custom-made, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth over the following process:
● Show Us Your Smile: Attend an in-person consultation, during which we will review your misalignment, conduct an X-ray, and take the necessary scans.
● Receive Your Aligners: Based on your scans, we will construct your custom aligners, show you how to use them, and provide you with a full set to take home.
● At-Home Treatment: These aligners are swapped out as your treatment progresses and are virtually invisible, allowing you to comfortably wear them for the recommended time each day.
As a minimal-attendance practice, you will only need to attend the necessary in-person appointments; the majority of your progress will be tracked remotely using our Digital Monitoring boxes, which are included in our Invisalign package.
Can Invisalign Fix Overbite?
When it comes to addressing minor alignment issues, Invisalign stands out above all other options.
This effective and virtually invisible treatment is perfect for straightening out any:
● Gaps: Only if they are between teeth; for filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, we recommend implants.
● Overbite: This is caused when the top set of teeth overlap the bottom set.
● Underbite: Similarly, this is when the lower set overlaps the top set.
● Crowded Teeth: If the teeth do not have enough room then they may crowd together and become crooked.
And other straightforward misalignments. However, if you are hoping to fix any severe orthodontic issues then Invisalign won’t be enough to deliver the results you are looking for, and we recommend getting in touch with us to discuss your other treatment options.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
If you’re in a hurry to have your teeth straightened, then Invisalign is the choice for you.
Since this treatment is only used to fix very minor alignment issues, the entire process is completed in as little as 12 months from the very first appointment. Whilst more complicated cases have been known to take up to 18 months, we have also treated patients who have seen the desired results within just 6, making it a much faster option than its fixed alternatives.
It is also worth noting that Invisalign requires much less in-chair time than these other options. Whilst braces must be adjusted every few months to keep the realignment on-track, with Invisalign, the entire process is digitally mapped out and you will receive all the aligners you need from the very start, allowing you to carry out the vast majority of your treatment away from our practice.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Despite its short treatment times, Invisalign is widely regarded as the most painless way to straighten a smile.
The aligners used in the treatment must be worn for up to 22 hours each day, and it is this consistent wear that shifts your teeth into the desired position without forcing them. Thanks to the minimal pressure exerted on the teeth, most of our patients experience only a mild initial discomfort as they first adjust to the realignment sensation, making Invisalign a comfortable and non-invasive option.
In addition to this, the aligners themselves are designed for comfortable wear, as they are made without wires or brackets that may catch on your tongue or irritate the inside of your mouth. You can also remove your aligners at any time to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and (of course) attend checkups with our team.
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
This final question is one that only you can answer. Whether Invisalign or braces are the right choice for you will differ from patient to patient and is dependent on a range of factors, such as:
|
Feature |
Invisalign |
Braces |
|
Discretion |
Clear plastic aligners that are invisible against the teeth |
Visible metal wires and brackets |
|
Comfort |
Low pressures applied to the full surface of the teeth |
Higher pressures, plus the risks that come with having metal in the mouth |
|
Treatment Duration |
Full smile makeovers in as little as six months |
Fixed to the teeth for between 12 to 24 months |
|
Lifestyle Restrictions |
Braces are removed to eat, drink, and maintain oral health |
Cannot be removed, and foods that could damage the braces must be avoided |
|
In-Person Appointments |
Minimal; progress is monitored remotely |
Visits required every 6 to 10 weeks to have them adjusted |
Has this helped you make your final decision? Get in touch today to book a consultation or find out more about the Invisalign process.
Book An Invisalign Consultation
Now that we’ve answered how does Invisalign work, there’s only one question left to ask… where can I go for private Invisalign treatment in London?
At Riverside Dental Spa, we offer detailed treatment plans, personalised care, and 0% finance to spread the cost of your new smile. Consultations can be requested by calling 020 7091 0677 or clicking here, and our orthodontics team is also on hand to answer any more questions that you may have before starting your treatment.
