According to a 2023 survey by the British Orthodontic Society, over 76% of the responding dentists have reported a significant rise in the demand for orthodontic treatment (including Invisalign treatment) in the last three years. Interestingly, over 65% of the responding dentists believed this was due to the increased trend of online working and socialising. Similarly, 35% of them believed that adults are influenced by social media celebrities and influencers.
So, when we talk about orthodontic treatment, clear aligner therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. If you are also considering clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you may have many questions about this treatment option. But, no need to worry; this blog contains all the information you need about clear aligners to make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. So, read till the end to get the answers to your questions.
What Is Invisalign, And How Do Invisalign Braces Work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system based on transparent removable aligners, also called clear aligners. According to the British Orthodontic Society, clear aligners are removable appliances worn over the teeth to realign them and treat various malocclusion-related issues.
What Is The Process Involved In Getting Invisalign Braces?
The process of getting clear aligners is straightforward. However, it is completed in various stages. First, your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination to evaluate the underlying cause and its severity. They will also look at the x-ray images and digital study models of your teeth to prepare a customised treatment plan.
Throughout your treatment journey, your dentist plays a pivotal role at each step:
- Custom Treatment Plan: After the initial examination, your dentist will collaborate with you to map out a treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. Your input is crucial to ensure satisfaction with the proposed strategy.
- Initial Fitting: Once your treatment plan is finalised, you will receive your first set of custom aligners. During this appointment, your dentist will carefully evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
- Regular Check-Ups: To monitor your progress, you will have check-ups approximately every 6-8 weeks. These visits allow your dentist to assess your alignment progress, make any necessary adjustments, and provide you with the next set of aligners.
- Remote Monitoring: Azure Dental can offer virtual care options, allowing us to track your progress remotely through digital platforms. This feature provides added convenience and ensures you have access to feedback even between in-person appointments.
Your dentist’s continuous support and expertise are integral to achieving the best possible results with your clear aligner treatment.
What Happens After You’re Happy with Your Treatment Plan?
After finalising your treatment plan, you’re ready to embark on your journey toward a perfect smile. Here’s what you can expect next:
Begin Using Your Aligners
Once you’ve received your first set of custom aligners, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your smile to ensure everything starts on the right foot. These aligners are crafted with advanced, flexible materials and designed to fit comfortably along your gum line, offering ease for the duration of your treatment.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
You’ll need to attend check-ups approximately every 6-8 weeks. During these appointments, your orthodontist will assess your progress and provide your next set of aligners. Additionally, many practitioners offer virtual care options, enabling you to receive feedback remotely using telehealth apps, ensuring continuous monitoring between in-person consultations.
Maintain Your Daily Routine
The beauty of these aligners lies in their discretion—they’re nearly invisible and easily removable. This means you can continue eating your favorite foods and maintain your oral hygiene practices with minimal disruption. Remember, consistency is key. Wearing your aligners for about 22 hours each day is essential to achieving the best results.
In summary, by following these steps, you’re set up for success in your treatment journey. With regular dental check-ins and commitment to wearing your aligners, you’ll be closer to the smile you’ve envisioned.
How often are check-ins required during the treatment?
During your treatment, regular check-ins are essential to monitor your progress. Typically, you can expect to have appointments approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits allow your dental professional to ensure your treatment is on track and to provide you with your next set of aligners. By keeping up with these appointments, you enhance the likelihood of achieving the best results.
Why Is Invisalign A Popular Orthodontic Treatment?
Clear aligners have become the most sought-after orthodontic treatment in the UK. This is because removable aligners offer various benefits over other teeth straightening options. Some of these are:
- Invisible – clear aligners are made of a transparent polymer, making them virtually invisible when worn. So, they won’t affect your smile and facial aesthetics.
- Comfortable – clear aligners are made of a proprietary flexible polymer. This makes them comfortable to wear compared to fixed braces.
- No Food Restriction – you can eat all your favourite foods with clear aligners as they are removable.
- Optimal Oral Hygiene – being removable, clear aligners allow you to maintain oral hygiene as they don’t create any hindrance when you brush your teeth or floss.
But how do clear aligners stand out from other teeth straightening options like traditional metal braces or ceramic braces? Here’s a deeper look:
- Customisability – Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are custom-made for each individual, ensuring a snug fit and personalized treatment.
- Fewer Visits to the Orthodontist – With clear aligners, you typically have fewer check-ups, as adjustments are minimal compared to the frequent tightening required with metal braces.
- Predictable Results – Advanced technology used in clear aligners often provides a detailed treatment plan that predicts the movement of each tooth throughout the treatment, offering a clear picture of the expected outcome.
These features not only enhance the comfort and effectiveness of the treatment but also make clear aligners a discreet and convenient choice for many individuals seeking orthodontic care.
Can Any Dentist or Orthodontist Provide Teeth Aligners?
When it comes to getting clear aligner treatment, not every dentist or orthodontist is eligible to provide this service. Here’s what you need to know:
- Specialised Training: Dentists or orthodontists must have specialized training in clear aligner therapy. They need to understand how to plan and execute this treatment properly to ensure effective results.
- Certification Requirements: Many clear aligner brands require practitioners to be certified before they can provide treatment. This certification process typically involves attending training sessions and passing assessments to demonstrate their proficiency.
- Experience Matters: It’s a good idea to choose a practitioner who has extensive experience with clear aligners. The more cases they have handled, the more adept they are likely to be at addressing unique dental issues and achieving optimal results. Azure Dental clinicians have been involved with using clear aligners for over 17 years.
- Consultations Are Key: Before committing to treatment, consult with your dentist or orthodontist to evaluate their experience and discuss the treatment plan. This ensures you’re comfortable and informed about the process ahead.
In summary, not all dental professionals can provide clear aligner treatment. It’s crucial to verify their training and experience to ensure you receive safe and effective care.
Can You Wear Braces And Invisalign At The Same Time?
It is not possible to wear fixed braces and clear aligners simultaneously, This is because both work differently. While braces are attached to the teeth, clear aligners are worn over them. So, it is not possible to use both at the same time. More importantly, there is no point getting both these treatment options at the same time, because both braces and clear aligners perform the same function.
Is Invisalign Really Invisible?
Clear aligners are also called invisible braces. This is because they are virtually invisible as they are made of a transparent polymer. This makes them inconspicuous when worn over the teeth. So yes, Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible.
How Long Does One Have To Wear Invisalign?
The time required for clear aligners to fix various orthodontic problems depends on various factors. Some of them include the type and severity of the problem, the patient’s age and compliance with treatment instructions, and more importantly, the dentist’s skill and experience. Typically, mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as gaps between teeth or overcrowding can be treated within 6 – 8 months. On the other hand, more complicated issues may require up to 24 months for treatment.
Is It Possible To Remove Invisalign Before Finishing Treatment?
It is not advisable to stop wearing your aligners before treatment is complete. This is because your teeth will gradually begin to move back to their old positions and your treatment will be reversed. Dental experts recommend wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day to ensure optimal results.
What Should I Expect During Invisalign Treatment?
Immediately after wearing a new set of aligners, you may experience slight pain and discomfort. This is because the aligners are forcing your teeth to realign themselves, and it will go away in a few days. You may experience this discomfort again when you switch to the next aligner set after 14 days. This way, each aligner set will gradually align your teeth and at the end of your treatment, you will have a set of perfectly aligned teeth and a confident smile.
How Does the Treatment Integrate with Your Usual Routine?
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is how seamlessly they fit into your daily life. These nearly invisible aligners are designed for simplicity and ease. Here’s how they blend into your everyday routine:
- Effortless Eating and Brushing: Since the aligners are removable, you can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Simply take them out when it’s time to eat or brush your teeth, and go about your routine as usual.
- Minimal Lifestyle Changes: With a recommended wear time of 22 hours daily, there’s no need to drastically alter your schedule. Whether you’re at work, at the gym, or relaxing at home, just pop them back in after meals and dental care.
- Unobtrusive Appearance: The transparent design ensures they are barely noticeable, allowing you to speak and smile confidently. Whether in a meeting, a social gathering, or a casual chat, they remain discreet.
By aligning with your lifestyle rather than disrupting it, these aligners make orthodontic treatment a smooth and flexible experience.
Does Invisalign Work Permanently?
That is why, Azure Dental will give you a set of fixed and removable retainers after your treatment with clear aligners is complete. Orthodontic retainers are appliances that will hold your teeth in their new position and prevent them from moving back. This way, retainers ensure that enjoy a beautiful smile long-term. If someone fails to wear their retainers for the prescribed period, it is highly likely that their teeth will back to their previous position, reversing all the efforts made by the dentist.
To maintain the straighter smile you love, consider these essential steps:
- Adherence to the Plan: Always wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist. Consistent usage is crucial for keeping your teeth aligned.
- Reminder Tools: Utilise apps or set alarms on your phone to remind you to wear and switch retainers as needed. This can be particularly helpful in establishing a routine.
- Understand the Movement: Be aware that post-treatment, teeth may have a tendency to shift. Wearing your retainers regularly is key to preventing unwanted movement.
Additionally, speak to your orthodontist about different retainer options. Some retainers are known to be stronger and more durable, offering enhanced protection against teeth shifting. This conversation can help you choose the best option for long-lasting results.
By following these guidelines and staying committed to your post-treatment plan, you can enjoy a stable and stunning smile for years to come.”
What Are Essix Retainers and Why Are They Recommended?
Essix retainers are a modern solution designed to keep your newly straightened teeth in perfect alignment. Unlike typical retainers, these are custom-made to fit your unique dental structure, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
Why Choose Essix Retainers?
- Enhanced Durability: Quality Essix retainers are known for their impressive strength, being up to 30% more robust compared to other retainers. This added durability means they are less likely to crack or warp over time.
- Precision Fit: Each retainer is crafted specifically for your mouth, offering a snug fit that maintains the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.
- Invisibility and Comfort: Made from clear materials, they are virtually invisible. You can wear them confidently without them drawing attention, all while enjoying a comfortable fit.
With these advantages, Essix retainers play a crucial role in helping you maintain that beautiful, straight smile long after your initial orthodontic treatment.
Are you interested in getting Invisalign clear aligners in Liverpool? Your best option is to visit Azure Dental which is known for its highly quality dental care and best orthodontic treatment outcome. So, what are you waiting for? Request a free virtual consultation today and bring yourself one step closer to your dream smile!
FAQ’s:-
1. How does the treatment duration of Invisalign® compare to other methods?**
The duration of Invisalign® treatment varies depending on individual cases, but it can often be shorter or comparable to traditional braces, with many treatments completed within 12 to 18 months. The digital planning process helps in estimating a more precise timeline for each patient.
2. What is the cost comparison between Invisalign® and other treatments?**
Invisalign® can be comparable in cost to traditional braces, but prices vary depending on the complexity of the case and specific treatment needs. Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost, but it’s important to check with your provider for specific coverage details.
3. Are there any limitations of Invisalign® compared to other methods?**
While Invisalign® is suitable for many cases, complex orthodontic issues might still require traditional braces for effective treatment. Compliance is also crucial, as the aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the desired results.
4. What are the specific benefits of Invisalign® over other teeth straightening options?**
Invisalign® offers aesthetic appeal due to its transparency, and convenience since the aligners can be removed. It also provides comfort, as the aligners are made from smooth plastic rather than metal, and allows for better oral hygiene without the obstruction of brackets and wires.
5. How does Invisalign® compare to other clear aligner brands?**
Invisalign® is often highlighted for its advanced technology, including the use of SmartTrack material for better fit and comfort, as well as a comprehensive digital treatment planning system. This allows for precise movement of teeth and potentially more predictable outcomes compared to some other clear aligner brands.
6. What makes Invisalign® unique compared to traditional braces?**
Invisalign® uses a series of custom-made, transparent aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning, offering a more discreet and flexible approach to orthodontic treatment.
7. Is there a way for remote monitoring of progress?
Yes, using a dedicated app, your doctor can remotely monitor your progress and offer feedback between in-person visits.
8. How frequently do you have check-ups?
Check-ups are scheduled approximately every 6-8 weeks to assess your progress and provide the next set of aligners.
9. What happens when you receive your first set of aligners?
At the time of receiving your first aligners, the doctor will evaluate your smile to confirm that everything meets the required standards from the outset.
10. What is the role of the doctor in creating a treatment plan?
Your doctor collaborates with you to develop a personalised treatment plan, ensuring that it meets your expectations before moving forward.