Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign can show your complete treatment plan from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for 7-14 days (or as advised by your orthodontist) gradually moving towards the projected final position. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your Invisalign Provider, based on your specific needs.
The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign System. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these, allowing treatment to fit in seamlessly fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions.
Invisalign aligners are removable, giving you the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would to maintain good oral hygiene.
Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. This means that in most cases less time is spent in your Invisalign Provider’s practice for adjustments.
And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment so you can see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete
Invisalign can be used to treat the majority of cases, but it is depends on the experience of your orthodontist. Catherine McCanny is a Platinum Elite provider and is a very experienced practitioner. She can treat more complex cases with Invisalign.
Both orthodontists and general dentists are able to provide Invisalign; however, the amount of Invisalign experience varies greatly between providers and successful Invisalign treatment relies heavily on the training and experience of the treating clinician. Our orthodontist Catherine is a registered Specialist Orthodontist having completed an additional 3 years post-graduate training to obtain a Masters degree in Orthodontics
By choosing an orthodontist with experience, you increase the probability that they have the experience to treat a case like yours. Platinum Elite orthodontists treat in excess of 80 new Invisalign patients per year. Catherine has treated over 350 cases with this system.
Invisalign treatment can cost between £2,500 and £4,600 depending on your treatment needs. We have payment plans to help spread the cost of your treatment over 12-36 months. See our Fees section.
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working sequentially to move your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away after a couple of days
Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the aligners should disappear. We recommend that you change your aligners at night time so that the effect on your speech is minimal
Aligners should be worn 22 hours a day , except when eating, brushing and flossing. They should be changed every 10-14 days or as advised by your orthodontist.
You will need to attend several appointments to have all your orthodontic records done (i.e photographs, x-rays of your teeth and a scan of your teeth on which the aligners are manufactured). Once your treatment has commenced you need to attend approximately every 8 weeks to check the progress of your treatment. You will be given enough aligners to change at home until your next appointment.
With the advancements in the Invisalign Teen product treatment can commence even before all the adult teeth are in the mouth. Generally treatment is commenced around age 11-13 with the Teen product. With experience there is usually no age limit at which treatment can be done.
No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you like while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict consuming any of your favourite foods and snacks. Also, it is important that you brush and floss your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene. We recommend that you only drink water when the aligners are in place as fruit juices or fizzy drinks will damage the teeth.
The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment. Typically treatment can last between 9 and 18 months. During your consultation, your orthodontist will provide you with more detailed information.
Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is an important step, because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it is best to wear a retainer as directed by your orthodontist. For most patients we recommend a combination of a fixed retainer (wire glued behind the teeth) and removable clear plastic retainers.
In some cases your last aligner will be your temporary retainer, until your retention option is determined.
Some patients like to choose the Vivera retainers which are similar to their aligners and are manufactured by the Align Technicians. Please speak to your orthodontist if you wish to consider this option.