Category: Invisalign

Looking after your aligners for successful teeth straightening with Invisalign

Invisalign London is a highly efficient method of teeth straightening that is ideal for the modern generation who are looking to straighten their teeth without drawing unwanted attention to their mouths. Here at Clear Braces Direct we want to encourage you to straighten your teeth easily and conveniently with Invisalign London. Invisalign London works by using clear thermoplastic aligners that are worn in your mouth to push your teeth into a neatly aligned formation.

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Compliance is key for successful results

Most of the process is carried out in the comfort of your own home. The aligners come as a series and you can work through the series without having to visit the dentist very often. However if you are to straighten your teeth successfully with these invisible braces then compliance and dedication is key. Each of the aligners needs to be worn for approximately 2 weeks and they need to remain in your mouth full time. By full time we mean 20 to 22 hours a day taking them out only for eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. If you wear them for less than 18 hours in a day your teeth will move in the direction we want them to for 18 hours and then they will move back into their original positions for the next 6 hours which means you will only gain about half a day’s benefit at the most. If you drop below 18 hours a day then you will need to add another day to the entire process. Even at 18 hours a day the treatment will not be as productive. Therefore it is important that you wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours and put a timer on your watch or mobile phone to remind you how long they have been out of your mouth.

For best results you need to wear your aligners constantly. In this way you will find that your teeth fit smoothly into the next set of aligners. If you do not wear the aligners properly then they may not grip all of your teeth correctly which will prolong the treatment time. To get your treatment back on track you may require extra scans and new aligners and this will be timely and costly for you. With good compliance you can straighten your teeth in as little as 6 to 12 months with Invisalign.

Hold on to your aligners!

Another good tip is to retain your old aligners when you finish with them. If you accidentally lose or damage your current aligner then you can always wear your previous aligner until you receive a replacement. This can prevent your teeth from falling back into their original positions. It helps keep your treatment on track. The aligners will have a handy travel case and it is important that you keep the aligners in the case when they are out of your mouth to prevent any scratches or damage. It is also important to remember that you keep your aligners clean, brushing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinsing them with cold water before you put them back in your mouth. Look after your aligners and you will achieve excellent results with us.

Straighten your teeth discreetly with Invisalign

Wholesome teeth and gums are important for our overall health and wellbeing. It is important that we look after our teeth as children, continue to maintain good dental hygiene and visit the dentist on a regular basis, so that we can keep our teeth for the whole of our lives. Teeth straightening is an excellent way of promoting good dental health. Straightened teeth are easier to look after and less prone to cavities and tooth decay. You need to speak to us at Clear Braces Direct and find out about straightening your teeth with Invisalign London.

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Clean teeth and healthy gums for successful teeth straightening

Invisalign London is a popular choice for teeth straightening that can help you correct the misalignment issues of your teeth within 6 to 12 months. If you have complex orthodontic issues this may take longer, however, Invisalign London helps you achieve excellent aesthetic results. If you have decided to straighten your teeth then you need to begin with a professional clean, or a scale and polish, to remove any excess plaque and tartar from your mouth. Most orthodontists will recommend this and if they do not do so it is still very important that you go ahead and book one. Once your teeth are clean you are ready to begin the treatment.

You need to undergo a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that teeth straightening is right for you. This means your mouth has to be free of cavities, tooth decay or gum disease. These issues can be worsened by teeth straightening and may cause other complex issues, so your dentist will put together an individually tailored treatment plan appropriate for your dental health.

How does Invisalign work?

When you are ready for teeth straightening, a series of aligners will be digitally designed and manufactured to push your teeth into a neater formation. The number of aligners that you require will vary according to how crooked or wonky your teeth are to begin with. Each of these aligners work for 10 to 14 days and should move your teeth by approximately 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm. After this the aligner will stop working as it cannot move your teeth any further and you move onto the next aligner in the series.

On the day that you change your aligners they may feel a bit tight and slightly uncomfortable for a few hours. If you change the aligners before bedtime then by the time you wake up in the morning your mouth should become accustomed to the new fitting. During the day you can take your aligners out when necessary and it is recommended that you do so at meal times so that you can enjoy the food and drink of your choice, brush your teeth, clean your mouth and put your aligners back in. You should aim to keep the aligners in your mouth for around 22 hours of the day. Good compliance will yield better results.

Speak to us at Clear Braces Direct today and find out why more than 14 million people have undergone teeth straightening with this system, the many advantages that it can bring and how easy and convenient it is to straighten your teeth with clear aligners.

Gentle and efficient teeth straightening with Invisalign

Invisalign London is an excellent method of teeth straightening that can help you improve the appearance of your smile and enjoy better dental health. It is comfortable and convenient yet, as with other teeth straightening procedures, there are a few things to consider before undergoing treatment with it.

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Make sure any teeth straightening is right for you

To begin with you need to make sure that your teeth are free of tooth decay. Tooth decay can often be asymptomatic to begin with so you may not have any symptoms, but that does not mean you do not have cavities or decay. By undergoing a thorough examination of your teeth and gums before beginning your Invisalign London treatment you can prevent complications in the future. This is because teeth that are affected by cavities and tooth decay are not right for teeth straightening. Within a year or less dental complications may begin to show. Any restorative dental treatment needs to be carried out before you can straighten your teeth.  Once you have a positive diagnosis and your mouth is free of cavities, tooth decay, abscesses, gum disease and periodontal disease then you are ready to undergo teeth straightening with Invisalign London.

Individually tailored treatment plan

Next you need a thorough smile assessment to find out which issues need to be treated using Invisalign. Your teeth may be misshapen, some small, some large, you may have chipped and worn teeth, there may be issues with your bite or your teeth may simply be crooked and wonky. By assessing each of the issues that are affecting the appearance of your smile and the alignment of your teeth and jaw, we can put together a customised treatment plan for you and achieve a beautiful smile.

Invisalign helps correct the alignment of your smile within 6 to 12 months, depending on the extent of misalignment that you begin with. It is better suited for patients with mild or moderate misalignment issues of the teeth, whereas more complex dental needs may need to be addressed using fixed braces to begin with before you can complete the procedure with Invisalign.

Smile makeover

Invisalign can also be used to align your teeth prior to other dental treatments.

Maybe you are considering whitening or brightening your teeth and you are looking to improve your smile with veneers, using invisible braces is a great way to prepare your teeth for a big transformation. If you are looking to undergo dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth then it may also be a good way to create space for replacement teeth.

Using Invisalign with us is convenient. You will be able to straighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home with very little time spent at the dental practice. The aligners are delivered to you and you work through the process independently with little or no fuss. Speak to us at Clear Braces Direct today and find out more about teeth straightening, whether to restore your smile or prepare your smile for dental treatment. You can straighten your teeth and smile happily and confidently very soon.

Combat tooth decay and gum disease at your convenience with Invisalign

Tooth decay and gum disease do not only affect your mouth, but they also have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. Research shows that patients who suffer from dental health issues are more likely to have a stroke or a heart attack in comparison to those with healthy teeth and gums. If you want to enjoy healthy teeth and gums then you need to maintain an excellent dental hygiene routine and visit the dentist on a regular basis. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. It is important that you brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, completing your nighttime routine with a fluoride mouthwash.

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Regular visits to your dentist should include a professional clean where stubborn plaque can be removed and any signs of cavities or gum disease can be treated quickly and thoroughly. By cutting down on sugary snacks and fizzy drinks you can also enjoy better dental health. Cigarettes and drugs are toxic for your teeth and gums and by making better lifestyle choices you can improve your dental health further.

Benefits of teeth straightening with aligners

Another excellent way to improve your dental health is by addressing any misalignment issues of your teeth.

Crooked and wonky teeth are more prone to the build up of plaque and the development of cavities and tooth decay. If you are troubled by crooked or wonky teeth then you need to speak to us at the practice and find out about Invisalign London. Here at Clear Braces Direct we can help you undergo teeth straightening with Invisalign London at your convenience. If you have a busy lifestyle and do not have the time to spend hours at the dental practice or take time off work to make regular appointments to address your dental needs, clear braces  could be the ideal solution for you. With these devices you can straighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.

Invisalign London is a modern and a highly efficient method of teeth straightening that can help transform your dental health. Although mainly used for cosmetic purposes, by straightening your teeth and improving the alignment of your smile you will reduce the chance of any plaque building up in your mouth and thereby help prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease.

Invisalign London is ideally suited for the modern lifestyle. The aligners will be delivered directly to your door and you can begin the process in the comfort of your own home.

The process works using a series of aligners and each aligner can be swapped for the next one by you without having to visit the dentist, unlike traditional orthodontic braces. The process itself lasts between 6 and 12 months depending on your dental requirements helping you to promote better dental health for the rest of your life. Speak to us at Clear Braces Direct today to find out more about Invisalign. Learn how you can improve the health of your teeth and gums and prevent tooth decay, gum disease and the complications that they can bring.

Three advantages of Invisalign

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile and are thinking about straightening your teeth, then you need to speak to us at Clear Braces Direct and find out about Invisalign London. Invisalign London has already treated more than 14 million smiles across the world. Read on to find out why it is so popular and by taking a look at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures on our website you can see for yourself the excellent results Invisalign London can help you achieve. It continues to be the most popular choice of teeth straightening for those looking to address the aesthetic issues that affect their teeth and at the same time it helps improve your dental health.

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Discretion

Firstly, Invisalign London, as the name suggests, is an invisible method of straightening your teeth. This is one of the key reasons for its popularity. Over the last few decades much research and development has been carried out in the field of invisible orthodontics. In previous generations adults used to avoid orthodontic treatment because traditional braces can attract unwanted attention to the mouth. To combat this issue different types of invisible orthodontic treatments have been established. Invisalign has become the most popular of them all. And you can straighten your teeth at your complete discretion.

Comfort

Next Invisalign is comfortable in comparison to traditional orthodontic braces. Invisalign works using clear plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth. This replaces metal brackets and archwires which often cause pain and discomfort. Traditional braces can cause cuts and sores in the mouth and they take a while to become accustomed to, whereas Invisalign aligners are reported to take less than 24 hours until you forget that they are even there.

Convenience

Another reason for their popularity is the convenience that Invisalign aligners can provide in comparison to other braces. Invisalign can be taken out of your mouth when necessary. The guidelines recommend that you wear the aligners from between 20 to 22 hours a day. When you take the aligners out of your mouth you are free to eat and drink as you wish. There are no dietary restrictions. You can enjoy all the food and drink that you normally would. Before putting the aligners back in your mouth you need to brush your teeth thoroughly, floss and use a mouthwash where possible, so that your teeth remain clean whilst the aligners are in your mouth. The aligners are very easy to clean as well. You will be provided with cleaning crystals in which you can soak the aligners when they are out of your mouth. You can also brush the aligners with an ordinary toothbrush brush and toothpaste and rinse them with cool water and put them back in your mouth. They are easy to look after, but it is important that you remember not to keep them out of your mouth for too long.

Speak to us at Clear Braces Direct today, to add to your convenience we can deliver your aligners straight to your door. You can work through the process in the comfort of your own home and within 6 to 12 months you should be able to achieve a beautiful, neatly aligned smile at your comfort, convenience and discretion.

Top signs Invisalign may not be right for you

It is seen by many as something that was once only dreamed about by many adults who had misaligned teeth; an aligner that is completely clear that moves your teeth.

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And while the majority of adult and teenage patients who have a dental misalignment are suitable for invisible aligners, there may be some instances in which it is not the right treatment option for you. But don’t worry! There are now even clear braces which have thinner wires and tooth-coloured or clear brackets, so even if you need to have a fixed brace, it doesn’t have to be as awkward as a traditional one.

When you come to Clear Braces Direct, we will initially assess you for your suitability for Invisalign London and in 95% of cases, our patients are indeed suitable for using this clear aligner. We will happily guide you through the process of wearing the aligners and the aftercare, to ensure that you get the straighter smile that you want and deserve.

But what are some of the signs that you may not be suitable for treatment with Invisalign London? Our team at Clear Braces Direct discusses some of them here.

You have a complex misalignment

It can be hard without orthodontic or dental training to know exactly what is meant by a mild, moderate or complex case of dental misalignment. In simple terms, you would be suitable for Invisalign London if your misalignment was located at the front of your mouth and did not typically involve teeth with excessive overlap, spacing or misalignment. Complex cases of dental misalignment usually involve teeth being behind each other, being overly crowded or teeth that are protruding, requiring rotating or if there are misalignments with the molar teeth.

You haven’t had a check-up in a while

Dental health is important for any orthodontic or even cosmetic dental treatment and if you haven’t had a dental check-up in a while, then you may not be suitable to begin invisible aligners. This is because you may have untreated tooth decay or gum disease. Both of these are detrimental to the orthodontic process and need to be under control before you begin any kind of brace or aligner treatment.

You have a lot of missing teeth

Misalignments can be due to teeth being extracted and while it is unfortunate, if you have lost a lot of your adult teeth due to extraction it is unlikely that you will be suitable for invisible aligners. This is because this is a complex issue to resolve and would usually require a fitted metal brace.

You grind your teeth

Grinding your teeth is usually a sign that your molar teeth do not line up correctly and as mentioned before, this is an indicator that you may need more extensive orthodontic work. However, if you have straight molar teeth and you grind them, then you may not be suitable for invisible aligners, because you need to wear the aligners at night and excessive grinding can cause damage to the plastic.

You smoke

Smoking is not good for your dental or general health and if you are looking to undertake treatment with invisible aligners, the majority of dental surgeries will not be overly eager to prescribe you any kind of orthodontic tool if you smoke. This is because smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and other dental issues which can be exacerbated even more by orthodontic treatment.

FAQs about Invisalign answered by our team in London

If you are an adult or teenager looking for a way to straighten your teeth without the visual overtness that comes with fitted metal braces, then it’s highly likely that you have been online and discovered invisible aligners.

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If you haven’t and are new to the area of adult orthodontic care, you may be curious as to what invisible aligners are, how they could benefit you and of course whether or not they would be suitable for you. This article sets out to explore that in a bit more depth.

At Clear Braces Direct, we are always happy to meet with patients who want to straighten their teeth, but would not be suitable for the traditional metal brace. We specialise in the use of Invisalign London and can advise you as to this aligner’s appropriateness for you, as well as supervise you through the overall treatment.

Of course, as is the way with anything that you are going to be investing a lot of time and money into, you will inevitably have some questions. In this article, our team answers the most common ones that we receive about Invisalign London.

Who can benefit from clear aligners?

The majority of adults who have a misalignment with their front teeth could benefit from Invisalign London. If you have a more complicated case of dental misalignment involving your molar teeth, protruding teeth or teeth that require rotation then it would be highly unlikely that this aligner would be suitable to correct your condition. The only way to be certain that you would benefit from the treatment is to meet with our highly trained team to discuss suitability and undertake an assessment.

How long does the process take?

When you begin wearing your invisible aligner, the process takes between 3 to 6 months to straighten your teeth. If you have a slightly more complicated case, it can take up to 9 months and while this may seem like quite a long time, in comparison to the 36 months on average for a metal fitted brace, it is comparatively short!

Is it uncomfortable?

It would be false to state that invisible aligners are completely comfortable. After all, they are tasked with moving your teeth! However, as there are no tightenings or adjustments needed when wearing this aligner, they are highly likely to be more comfortable. And as there are no metal brackets to rub against your inner cheeks, there will be less soreness and discomfort in daily life, especially when you go to bed!

Is it expensive?

You may be concerned that Invisalign is expensive. Our team at Clear Braces Direct would be more than happy to discuss financing options with you and, if you are eligible, you will be able to spread the cost of this treatment over several months.

Do they work?

If your dental condition is suitable for invisible aligners then yes, they will work at moving your teeth into a more desirable position. But you will need to keep up the orthodontic work, even when the aligners are removed, by using retainers to ensure that your teeth do not revert to their former positions.

Key ways Invisalign can improve your day-to-day life

When the majority of people think about orthodontic care or getting their teeth straightened, they automatically assume that the only benefit that this will have is that they will get a straighter smile.

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If you are looking to undergo orthodontic care as an adult, then it’s highly likely that the only reason you are doing so is to get the attractive smile that you want and deserve. But were you aware that if you are using invisible aligners that there are many other benefits having your teeth straightened can offer?

At Clear Braces Direct, we know how important it is for our patients to have a straighter smile that they feel confident showing off. When you come to see our team, we will assess you for our most popular aligner, Invisalign London and will be sure to answer any questions or concerns you have relating to this treatment, to ensure that you know what to expect and how it can better improve your situation.

So, what are some of the advantages of using Invisalign London to get a straighter smile?

Straighter smile

OK, so of course, the core advantage of using any kind of orthodontic tool is that you will get a straighter smile and with Invisalign London this could be within a reduced time frame. A pleasing smile is more likely to be shown off and studies have found that when you smile, your brain releases feel-good neurochemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine has also been linked to higher levels of creativity, so having a straighter smile is more than simply an aesthetic improvement for many.

Better oral health

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, not only for patients but for dental teams as well. So, when you have your teeth straightened, it will be easier for you to brush them and even use accessories like water flossers in your home. This will reduce the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease.

Better physical health

There have been numerous studies that have found a link between excessive plaque in the mouth and secondary health-related concerns, such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, strokes and even gastrointestinal issues. As mentioned earlier, it is harder to remove plaque if you have misaligned teeth so by getting a straighter smile, you can also improve your physical health.

Varied diet

If your teeth are not correctly aligned, it can make it harder for you to bite into and chew certain foods thoroughly, meaning that you may have removed these from your diet. Invisible aligners allow you to straighten your teeth faster, meaning that you can add foods to your diet that you may have excluded, such as corn on the cob and other bitty foods that may get stuck in between your teeth.

Improved sleep

Even if you have a slight dental misalignment, you may be suffering when you lay down to get your 40 winks. Why? Because misalignments increase the chances of you grinding your teeth, which can cause disturbed sleep and waking up with a headache. Thus, straightening your teeth usually leads to more restful sleep too!

Mistruths about Invisalign explored

When you are looking to begin any kind of treatment, you will probably go to the internet and skim through articles and even go onto message boards and forums to see if this treatment is right for you. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of adult dental patients seeking orthodontic care and thereby an explosion in online forums talking about invisible aligners.

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While the majority of those who have used invisible aligners on these forums state that they have been beneficial, there are those few articles and pieces of misinformation online that can deter people from seeking them out as a treatment option.

At Clear Braces Direct, we know all there is to know about invisible aligners, particularly Invisalign London and will always be happy to meet with you or members of your family to answer any questions that you have about the process and, of course, oversee your treatment from start to finish.

What are some of the most common misconceptions that people have about Invisalign London due to mistruths and false articles on the internet? Read on to find out.

It takes too long to straighten teeth

Invisalign London is exceptionally quick at straightening teeth. Consider that when you have a fitted metal brace this can take up to 3 years to straighten your teeth, whereas invisible aligners take between 3 to 7 months on average, depending on how severe the misalignment you are having treated is. Thus, it saves a lot of time and can be undertaken in preparation for an important event like a wedding.

They are not as beneficial as braces

If you have a complex misalignment, then no, invisible aligners are not going to be as efficacious at correcting it as traditional braces would be. However, if our team deems that you are suitable to use invisible aligners due to a mild or moderate case of dental misalignment, then it is likely that you will receive the full benefit from using this tool and will get the straighter smile that you want.

You can’t use aligners if you have an overbite

Like most things in orthodontic care, there are varying levels of condition and if you have a very extreme overbite or one that involves protrusions or issues with the molar teeth, then it’s highly unlikely that our team would recommend that you use invisible aligners. But if you only have a mild overbite, underbite or crossbite, then you may be suitable to use this invisible aligner and should contact our team for an assessment.

It’s very uncomfortable

Compared to traditional braces which require tightening and straightening, invisible aligners are not considered by many to be uncomfortable. This is because they gently push your teeth into the required location rather than pulling them, thus making the process more gradual and more comfortable overall. If you feel that you are noticing excessive levels of discomfort whilst using invisible aligners, feel free to contact our team.

You can get the same results with at-home aligner kits

No you can’t, as an at-home aligner kit will usually require you to take a mould of your teeth yourself, which increases the rate of error. If you want to have your teeth straightened using aligners, you should always seek the advice of a trained team like ours at Clear Braces Direct.

Top tips to ensure Invisalign works for you

When you are an adult, anything that you want to invest in (whether spending time or money) needs to result in the best long-term outcome. This is especially true when it comes to orthodontic care.

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In years gone by, the only way that adults could straighten their teeth was by using a fitted metal brace. In the last few decades, there has been something of a shift and now you can get the straighter teeth that you want using invisible aligners. But how do you ensure that this method works for you?

At Clear Braces Direct, we specialise in the use of Invisalign London and will always be happy to provide you with tips and advice for your unique clinical case, along with the best way for you to get the straighter smile that you want with the minimum amount of inconvenience during your daily life.

With that in mind, what are some of our standard tips for people who are using Invisalign London to ensure that this aligner works? Read on to find out!

Keep them in

You may have read online that Invisalign London is removable, and this is true. For this aligner to have the desired effect, you will need to keep it in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours per day. But don’t worry! It is comfortable enough to wear to bed and should not get in the way of meetings or other events where you may be required to speak. Of course, you will need to take your aligners out when you are eating food or drinking any beverages that are not water.

Keep them clean

This is more for your dental health than the aligners themselves. To ensure that their treatment goes off without a hitch, you need to keep the aligners clean. Ideally, you will need to rinse them under a cold water tap as often as you can and if there is any food debris or plaque on the aligners, brush it off with a toothbrush. This will prevent plaque and bacteria from being pressed against your teeth and gums which would lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Keep in touch

As these aligners do not require tightening or adjusting, this will mean fewer dental appointments will be required. But you should still keep in touch with our team through the associated app itself. It is advised that you send us a photo once a week of your smile with the aligners in and without them in, so we can assess whether the treatment is working as planned.

Keep them safe

When you are given the aligners to wear, you will also be given a carry case and when the aligners are not in your mouth, you should place them in this carry case. Do not simply toss them into a bag or pocket, as this can cause them to become damaged or even broken.

Keep the old ones!

A standard set of invisible aligners comes with around 12 to 14 aligners, and you should wear each of the aligners for around 2 weeks. When you have finished using an aligner, do not simply throw it away; instead, hold onto it. This is so if the new aligner you are wearing becomes damaged, you will be able to have a backup to wear whilst you get a replacement. This will ensure that your teeth do not revert and that the process goes on as planned.