Invisalign is a treatment that uses clear aligners instead of metal wires or brackets to straighten teeth discreetly, making a great alternative to normal metal braces.  Invisalign was the pioneer of the first clear aligners almost 20 years ago and now it is a popular treatment for straightening teeth.

During your Invisalign treatment at our practice in London, clear aligner trays are custom made for your teeth using  a 3D scan. Every few weeks, you will wear a new tray, straightening your teeth and eventually achieving your desired smile.

Invisalign can be used to treat:

• Gaps in the teeth
• An underbite
• A crossbite
• An overbite
• An open bite
• Crowded teeth

The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

• Compared to traditional braces, the Invisalign trays are more comfortable and discreet
• The clear trays make it easier to maintain oral hygiene
• The aligners are less noticeable than metal braces, straightening your smile using Invisalign helps to boost self-confidence
• During your Invisalign treatment, you can eat any food and drink

The Invisalign Process

There are a few steps that go into the Invisalign treatment process, from your first consultation to getting your aligners to achieving your perfect smile.

Consultation

The first stage of the Invisalign process is the same as for any other dental treatment: a consultation.

During the consultation, our Orthodontist Dr David Young, will assess your teeth and oral health and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. If that is the case, records can be taken on the same day which include intra and extra oral photos and a 3D scan of your teeth. He will then write you a full treatment plan which includes the cost, this is normally received 2 weeks after your consultation.

ClinCheck

The second stage is the Invisalign ClinCheck.

Once the records are sent to Invisalign along with the Invisalign treatment plan made by Dr Young, the aligners will be custom made for your teeth. The before and after appearance can be seen through the ClinCheck and once the patient and Dr Young are happy the treatment can start and the aligners can be fitted.

Receiving Your Aligners

The third stage in your Invisalign treatment is the fitting appointment which is when you will receive your aligners. Dr Young or Saba, will give instructions on how to use the trays, how to clean them and how often appointments should be made with our practice in Kensington.

Some key things to keep in mind when wearing your aligners are: 

• You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 18 to 22 hours a day as recommended. 
• Don’t drink anything but water while wearing your Invisalign.
• Regular check ups and hygienist appointments are highly recommended during the treatment to make sure your teeth are staying healthy.

Review

Review appointments are necessary to check the progress of the Invisalign treatment, your oral health and, if necessary, creating more aligners to achieve your desired smile. These are normally scheduled every 8-12 weeks.

Final Appointment

Invisalign treatment usually lasts an average of 12-18 months. For more complex cases, it might take up to 2 years.Treatment time also depends on wear, the more you wear your retainers, the faster you will see results. To avoid your teeth moving over time, retainers are used after orthodontic treatment. This usually includes a fixed metal retainer, placed behind the front teeth and a clear removable retainer worn at night.

After your Invisalign treatment is completed, we will review your results to see if other dental treatments can be recommended such as teeth whitening. Composite build ups might also be necessary after the Invisalign treatment as the teeth are sometimes uneven and straightening them might show it even more.

If you wish to start your Invisalign journey at our practice in London, arrange a consultation today. Or discover the other orthodontic treatments we offer.