Frequently asked questions about Invisalign answered

When most adults are advised to undertake orthodontic treatment, many of them presume that this will mean wearing a fitted orthodontic or metal brace.

This can create more than a few problems, especially if you have a job that requires you to give talks, such as a lecturer, as you may be self-conscious about people looking at your teeth. Luckily, there is a way to get the straighter smile you deserve without undergoing such extensive orthodontic work, and that is with the use of invisible aligners.

When you come to us at Clear Braces Direct to talk to our team about orthodontic treatment, we will likely advise the use of one of our most famous and successful aligners: Invisalign London. This aligner has helped thousands of people get the straighter smiles they wanted, without using excessive force or visually noticeable methods, making it exceedingly popular.

But even at this early stage, you may have queries about how Invisalign London works. In this article, our team aims to answer five of the most common questions about this invisible aligner treatment.

How do the aligners work?

Invisalign London works due to its unique and custom-fitted shape. When you come to see our team for your initial consultation, we will assess your suitability, and assuming that you have good oral health and only a moderate case of dental misalignment, we will then use an intraoral scanner to take an image of your teeth.

The image from the scan will be used to create the shape of the starting aligner. Using computer technology to move your teeth digitally, another set of aligners will be custom-made to support the movement at each stage.

How long does it take?

It is hard to say since your clinical case will vary from other people. However, on average, invisible aligners can straighten your teeth in as little as 3 to 6 months, provided that you wear them for the allotted time per day, which is usually 22 hours.

Can they correct overbites?

In some cases, yes, they can correct overbites. As mentioned earlier, your overbite will have to be mild to moderate, and it cannot involve crooked molar teeth that need notating, as this can only be achieved using standard metal braces.

Is it uncomfortable to wear them?

Because the aligners are slimmer than traditional fitted braces, many patients find that they are easier to wear in daily life. Because the aligners do not exert pressure or force in the same way as braces do when they have been adjusted or corrected, the treatment itself is more comfortable in general.

However, you should expect some sensations of soreness and pressure, for which you will need to take over-the-counter pain relievers. If it becomes excruciatingly difficult to wear your aligners, please contact our team.

Are they going to be expensive?

The cost of braces in adult life is governed by multiple factors, one of which involves visits to the dentist to have the braces tightened. As invisible aligners do not require this, you may be surprised at how affordable they can be. We are also able to offer financing options to suitable patients to help break down the cost of treatment.