Invisalign, also commonly referred to as clear aligners or invisible braces, is an innovative technology designed to straighten teeth without any of the hassles of traditional braces. Caterham Smiles comprises a talented team of professionals, experts in all things Invisalign, who are highly qualified to administer your treatment. If you’re interested in finding out more, get in touch today!
How Does the Invisalign Process Start?
Any patient wishing to undergo Invisalign treatment must first attend an initial consultation with their dentist to determine whether or not Invisalign is the best treatment for them. You must consider several factors, such as your medical history and commitment to the treatment process; if you are unwilling to wear the Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours per day, the treatment is likely not a suitable option. This consultation is also your chance to discuss the cost of the treatment, and you can decide whether or not you think a payment plan would benefit your situation.
Then What?
Once you have confirmed your decision to start the treatment, your dentist will take x-rays, photographs and impressions of your teeth to send to an Invisalign technician. The technician will use this information to create a 3D model of your teeth and their progression to your desired position. They will then create your bespoke Invisalign trays.
What Happens Once I Get my Aligners?
You will be provided with a series of aligners which must be worn in a specific order. These sets have been designed to shift your teeth into the correct position over the course of your treatment. Each set should be worn for a fortnight before they are swapped out for the next.
We must impress upon our Invisalign patients how important it is to remain consistent with your treatment. If you neglect to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, it is unlikely that your teeth will move sufficiently to fit the next set of Invisalign trays. This will both halt and massively complicate the entire process. Ideally, the only instances in which you should remove your trays is when eating and brushing your teeth. We also recommend removing them to clean them each night with a soft toothbrush. This will be effective in removing any bacteria, thereby helping you avoid gum disease and other issues.
What Happens After I Finish My Treatment Plan?
Your treatment period may be prolonged if a few stubborn teeth won’t move into position after you finish your last set of aligners. This is not uncommon and just requires a set of refinement trays to tweak those last few teeth into the right place. When your treatment is complete, it’s imperative that you wear retainers each night in order to keep your teeth in position. After the first few months, you can slightly reduce this wear time to a few nights a week. Ideally, you should continue to wear them throughout your life, as it’s always possible for your teeth to move out of place, no matter how old you are. Retainers will combat this and keep them looking perfect!
Visit Caterham Smiles for Invisalign
There’s a reason why Invisalign has become such a popular option over the past few years. It is a much more convenient and attractive option than traditional braces, which can be somewhat unsightly and cause discomfort. Invisalign are virtually invisible and involve no uncomfortable brackets or wires, making it easy for you and others to forget you’re even wearing them! If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch with Caterham Smiles today and speak to one of our friendly team members. They will happily answer any questions and help you book your initial consultation with a dentist.
