Questions about Invisalign answered

When undertaking any dental treatment, from a filling to a dental implant, you as the patient will likely have some questions for your dentist.

And as the rise in popularity surrounding invisible aligners continues, our team has answered a fair few questions about these treatment options and their suitability for the majority of our patients.

But, as we know all there is to know about this aligner, we are more than happy to advise you on the potential usage of it when straightening your teeth.

Because at Clear Braces Direct, our team has been using one of the world’s most famous invisible aligners to help our patients get the straighter miles that they want and deserve.  Invisalign London is suitable for patients with mild-to-moderate misalignment who wish to get straighter teeth with visible discretion.

Now, back to those questions that we are asked about Invisalign London! Here, our team answers 5 of the most common ones that we receive, allowing you to learn more about the aligner before you approach our team about it.

Do the aligners hurt?

When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign London has a very different method of action.  Rather than the brace needing to be altered or adjusted (as is the way with traditional orthodontics), each aligner in the set is designed to move your teeth in smaller increments over two weeks. So, in theory, there should be less discomfort.

But remember, an aligner still needs to move your teeth so, you may need to invest in some over-the-counter pain relief for those days when you switch between aligners.

Is the treatment expensive?

Invisible aligners do not require adjusting or trips to a hygienist to keep your teeth and gums healthy for the duration of the treatment.  Ergo, despite them being more trendy amongst dental patients, many see them as more affordable, especially when compared to other orthodontic tools.

At Clear Braces Direct, we are aware that money does not grow on trees and so, we are happy to offer suitable patients financing options to help them spread the cost of their treatment into monthly increments.

Do aligners take longer than regular braces?

In a word, no. It is very unlikely that wearing an aligner will take longer to straighten your teeth than a regular brace, especially in your adult years.

Traditional braces can take up to 3 years to straighten your teeth, whereas an aligner on average, takes between 3 to 6 months. But this period is based on the severity of the misalignment being treated, and how dedicated you are to wearing the aligners for the required 22 hours a day.

How do I care for the aligners at home?

Aligners are easy to care for and each day, you should aim to clean them under a cold tap to remove any debris. This will keep your gums and teeth healthy and will keep the aligners clear.

You should also aim to carry your aligners when you are not wearing them in the carry case provided. If you have an issue with a lost aligner or a damaged aligner, contact our team.

Will I need to wear a retainer afterwards?

Yes, you will need to wear a retainer after using an invisible aligner to ensure that your teeth do not revert to their previous positions.