Struggling with misaligned teeth? You may have thought of Invisalign – a healthier, straighter option than conventional braces.
In this article, you’ll get a full overview of Invisalign’s seamless functionality, effective care and lifestyle guidelines and information on how much Invisalign costs in the UK.
Read on to learn how this discreet dental solution seamlessly integrates into everyday life, paving the way for a confident and radiant smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary dental treatment that distinguishes itself from traditional braces by employing clear aligners to straighten teeth. These custom-made aligners are tailored to fit snugly within your mouth and gradually guide your teeth into their desired positions.
The journey begins with an initial consultation led by a skilled dental clinician. During this phase, impressions or dental scans are taken, serving as the foundation for crafting personalized aligners. Patients are encouraged to wear these aligners for a duration of 20-22 hours each day.
What sets Invisalign apart is its remarkable flexibility. These aligners can be easily removed, granting you the freedom to eat and drink at your convenience. Moreover, their nearly invisible appearance ensures a discreet orthodontic solution.
Invisalign made its debut in 1997 through Align Technology with the noble aim of offering an aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional metal braces. Presently, it is available in more than 90 countries across the globe and has empowered millions to achieve their dream smiles without enduring the discomfort associated with traditional braces. Invisalign remains committed to innovation, consistently delivering superior results for those in pursuit of an inconspicuous orthodontic option.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works through a series of custom-made aligners that gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately 1-2 weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. This process continues until the desired results are achieved.
The aligners use gentle force to move teeth, making the treatment more comfortable than traditional braces. Plus, the aligners are made from smooth medical-grade polyurethane plastic, reducing irritation to the cheeks and gums.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?
The Invisalign treatment process usually lasts 6-18 months, depending on the severity of misalignment. Patients will have regular check-ups with their orthodontist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
In some cases, treatment may take longer, up to 24 months or slightly more.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Invisalign for Each Day?
In order to see effective results, Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day. This leaves time for removing the aligners while eating, drinking certain beverages and brushing your teeth.
It’s important to wear the aligners as directed to ensure that the treatment progresses smoothly and efficiently.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in the UK?
The cost of Invisalign treatment in the UK varies depending on your case’s complexity and the treatment duration.
On average, it ranges from £3,500 to £5,500, and in many cases, the cost of your treatment can be spread over monthly payments.
You can read our detailed guide on Invisalign costs and monthly payment plans here.
What is Invisalign Made From?
Invisalign aligners are crafted from SmartTrack™ material, a medical-grade, multilayer polyurethane plastic exclusive to Invisalign treatment. This material is purpose-designed to enhance the efficiency of tooth movement. It has been clinically proven to shift teeth 50% faster and with 75% greater reliability. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances the comfort of wearing and the ease of putting on and taking off the aligners.
What are the Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?
What Is Invisalign Made From? Invisalign aligners are crafted from SmartTrack™ material, a medical-grade, multilayer polyurethane plastic exclusive to Invisalign treatment. This material is purpose-designed to enhance the efficiency of tooth movement. It has been clinically proven to shift teeth 50% faster and with 75% greater reliability. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances the comfort of wearing and the ease of putting on and taking off the aligners.
What Are the Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?
There are several advantages to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces, including:
- Appearance: As previously mentioned, the aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for both adults and teenagers.
- Comfort: The smooth material used in Invisalign aligners reduces discomfort and irritation to the cheeks and gums.
- Removability: Unlike traditional braces, you can easily remove the aligners for short periods when needed, such as during meals or when brushing your teeth.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Because the aligners are removable, it’s easy to maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing.
- No Food Restrictions: Unlike traditional braces, which have several food restrictions to prevent damage to brackets and wires, Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you like since you can easily remove the aligners before eating.
Invisalign Care & Lifestyle Tips While Invisalign offers a convenient and discreet solution for straightening teeth, there are some important lifestyle factors to consider for optimal results. Here are some tips:
How to Clean Invisalign Retainers: After removing the aligners, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly before reinserting them. A simple rinse with lukewarm water may not suffice in removing bacteria and plaque buildup. Follow these steps:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or cleaning crystals recommended by your dental clinician.
Gently brush on both sides of the retainer, including the grooves and ridges.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
Store them in a protective case when not in use.
Can I Smoke or Vape with Invisalign?
In short, no. Smoking while wearing Invisalign can lead to issues like discoloration and tooth decay. It’s best to remove your aligners before smoking and ensure proper oral hygiene afterward. Vaping is also not recommended during Invisalign treatment, primarily due to its potential negative effects on oral health, including teeth discoloration, dry mouth, and discomfort while wearing Invisalign.
Can I Drink Alcohol with Invisalign?
No, this rule applies to all alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, or any other liquor. These drinks can cause visible stains on your aligners, making them noticeable and defeating the purpose of their discreet design. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while wearing Invisalign.
Can I Drink Tea and Coffee with Invisalign?
Hot beverages and Invisalign aligners do not mix well. The heat can warp the plastic, causing discomfort or affecting treatment progress. Additionally, coffee and tea are known for discoloring detachable aligners and teeth. It’s best to remove your Invisalign before enjoying your hot beverage and clean your teeth before reinserting them.
Can I Eat While Wearing Invisalign?
Before eating, you must remove your Invisalign since it can damage the aligners. Food particles can get stuck in the aligners, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, you can drink water with your aligners in place. Always remember to brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners after eating or drinking anything other than water. This way, you can keep your aligners clean and prevent bacteria buildup.
Can I Chew Gum with Invisalign?
No, chewing gum can cause your aligners to become dislodged or damaged, affecting the progress of your treatment. It’s best to avoid chewing gum altogether while wearing Invisalign.
Can I Play Sports with Invisalign?
Absolutely! When wearing Invisalign, there is little likelihood that the aligners will fall out while playing sports because they fit well. When participating in activities with limited contact, like football, feel free to wear your aligners. However, it is recommended to remove them when playing contact sports such as rugby or boxing to prevent any damage or loss of aligners.
In conclusion, while Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, maintaining good oral hygiene and proper aligner care is crucial for achieving optimal results. Ensure that you wear your aligners for the recommended duration, avoid certain habits like smoking or vaping, and follow the cleaning guidelines to help you achieve the straight smile you desire. Remember, it’s not just about achieving aesthetic results but also improving your oral health. With Invisalign, you can enjoy the convenience of a nearly invisible treatment while maintaining your lifestyle. To arrange a consultation and learn more about Invisalign treatment, contact Direct Dental today at 020 8090 9022. We will guide you through the process and help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile with Invisalign.
Invisalign Care & Lifestyle Tips
While Invisalign is a convenient and discreet option for straightening teeth, there are some lifestyle factors to consider for optimal results. Here are some tips:
How to Clean Invisalign Retainers
After removing the aligners, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly before putting them back in. A simple rinse with lukewarm water may not be enough to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or cleaning crystals recommended by your dental clinician.
- Brush gently on both sides of the retainer, including the grooves and ridges.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
- Store them in a protective case whenever they are not in use.
Can I Smoke or Vape with Invisalign?
In short, no. Smoking while wearing Invisalign can cause issues from discolouration to tooth decay. It’s best to remove your aligners before smoking and ensure proper oral hygiene afterwards.
Vaping is also not recommended while undergoing Invisalign treatment, primarily due to the potential negative effects it can have on oral health. Vaping, especially if it contains nicotine, can cause teeth discolouration, dry mouth, and discomfort while wearing Invisalign.
Can I Drink Alcohol with Invisalign?
No. The rule applies to all kinds of alcoholic drinks – beer, wine, or any other liquor. These drinks can cause visible stains on your aligners, making them noticeable and defeating the purpose of their discreet design. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while wearing Invisalign.
Can I drink Tea and Coffee with Invisalign?
Hot beverages and Invisalign aligners don’t mix well. The heat can warp the plastic, causing discomfort or affecting treatment progress. Also, coffee and tea are known for discolouring detachable aligners and teeth. It’s best to remove your Invisalign before enjoying your hot beverage and clean your teeth before putting them back in.
Can I Eat While Wearing Invisalign?
Before eating, you must remove your Invisalign as it can damage the aligners. Plus, food particles can get stuck in the aligners and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, you can drink water with your aligners in place.
Always brush your teeth before putting your aligners back on after eating or drinking anything other than water. This way, you can keep your aligners clean and prevent bacteria buildup.
Can I Chew Gum with Invisalign?
No. Chewing gum can cause your aligners to become dislodged or damaged, affecting the progress of your treatment. It’s best to avoid chewing gum altogether while wearing Invisalign.
Can I Play Sports with Invisalign?
Absolutely! When wearing Invisalign, there is little likelihood that the aligners will fall while playing sports because they are well-fitting. When participating in activities with limited contact, like football, feel free to wear your aligners. However, removing them when playing contact sports such as rugby or boxing is recommended to prevent any damage or lost aligners.
In conclusion, while Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, maintaining good oral hygiene and proper aligner care is crucial for achieving optimal results.
Ensure that you wear your aligners for the recommended duration, avoid certain habits like smoking or vaping, and follow the cleaning guidelines to help you achieve the straight smile you desire. Remember, it’s not just about achieving aesthetic results but also improving your oral health.
With Invisalign, you can enjoy the convenience of a nearly invisible treatment while maintaining your lifestyle.
To arrange a consultation and learn more about Invisalign treatment, contact Direct Dental today at 020 8090 9022.
We will guide you through the process and help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile with Invisalign.
