Thinking about getting Invisalign dental braces? You’re not alone! In fact, a lot of people are now turning to this modern orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth instead of the traditional metal braces.
In case you didn’t already know, Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable, and super-effective way to fix misaligned teeth – but before you jump in, there are a few things you should know. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate your Invisalign journey (including how you can register for a free consultation so you can make the best decision and boost your smile potential.
What Exactly is Invisalign?
Invisalign dental braces are a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners designed to move your teeth into their corrected positions gradually. Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, so you won’t have to worry about flashing a mouth full of metal in any photos!
Each set of aligners is worn for approximately 1 to 2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Slowly but surely, these aligners apply gentle pressure to guide your teeth where they need to be. The entire process typically takes between 6 to 18 months, but the duration of treatment depends on how complex your case is.
Things to Consider Before Starting Invisalign
- Are you a good candidate?
Invisalign dental braces work well for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps between the teeth, crowded teeth, and minor misalignments. If you have severe alignment issues or a complicated bite problem, traditional braces might be a better option for you. The best way to know for sure? Book a consultation with Orthodontics For You for a free, no obligation assessment with our team of expert orthodontists. As part of your free assessment, we’ll take impressions and 3D images of your teeth to design a personalised dental treatment plan. Once your custom Invisalign aligners are ready, we’ll invite you back to the practice to ensure they fit perfectly. - Are you ready to commit?
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, but that also means you must be disciplined. To see results, you need to wear your Invisalign dental braces for 20 to 22 hours per day (taking them out too often or for long periods can delay your progress). - How much does Invisalign cost?
Our costs for adult Invisalign treatment start from £4,000 based on a single arch (upper or lower) and with an average level of treatment complexity: If both arches require treatment, costs will be higher (but not usually double). This is a guide price for private patients of Orthodontics For You and can vary depending on individual needs, but the good news is you can spread the cost of orthodontic treatment with our monthly direct debit payment option. - Oral Hygiene is Key
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you won’t have to deal with food getting stuck in brackets and wires. But that doesn’t mean you can slack on oral hygiene… as we mentioned before, discipline is key! You’ll need to brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in to keep plaque and bacteria at bay (dental travel kits are available to help keep your teeth and aligners clean on the go). - There Might Be Some Discomfort
Invisalign is known for being more comfortable than traditional train track braces, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely pain-free. When you switch to a new set of aligners, you may feel some tightness or mild discomfort. This is normal and it means your teeth are moving! The soreness usually goes away within a few days, so try not to worry about this too much. - Treatment Takes Time and Regular Check-Ups are Necessary
As we mentioned earlier, most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in 6 to 18 months, but every case is different. Your orthodontist will give you a guide on an expected treatment time during your initial assessment, and you will need to head to the practice every 6 to 8 weeks throughout your treatment journey to ensure your Invisalign aligners continue to work as necessary.
Life with Invisalign: What to Expect
- One of the best things about Invisalign is there are no food restrictions! Just take your aligners out before eating or drinking (except for water), and you’re good to go.
- You might notice a minor lisp when you first start wearing Invisalign, but don’t worry – it’s normal and usually disappears within a few days as you get used to the aligners.
- To keep your aligners looking fresh and free from bacteria, rinse them with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning solution daily. Never use hot water as it can warp the plastic!
- If you feel a little sore when switching to a new set of aligners, that’s normal too. To ease this temporary pain, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, using a cold compress, or orthodontic wax to ease the discomfort (we’ll make sure you’re stocked up when your aligners are first fitted).
Retainers: The Final Step
Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to keep your teeth from shifting back. Your orthodontist will advise how often you will need to wear your retainer, but many people start with full-time wear before transitioning to nighttime use only.
The Bottom Line
Invisalign dental braces are a fantastic way to get a straighter smile without the hassle of traditional braces. But success depends on your commitment to wearing the aligners, maintaining good oral hygiene, and sticking to your treatment plan. If you’re ready to transform your smile, book a consultation with Orthodontics For You today and let’s see if it’s the right orthodontic option for you. Remember, with patience and dedication, you’ll be on your way to a confident, beautiful new smile in no time!