Category: Invisalign

If you undertook metal braces as a child or teenager but now require orthodontic treatment again as an adult, it is easy to assume that the use of invisible aligners will be a metaphorical walk in the park.

And while invisible aligners have changed the world of adult orthodontic care, the ideology that they are easy to use in daily life can lead to many patients abandoning their treatment as they do not know how to cope with some of the issues that can arise during the treatment.

At Clear Braces Direct, our team has over 5 years of expertise surrounding Invisalign London and are all too aware of the issues that can arise during the treatment. We are always happy to provide our patients with tips on how to manage the aligners at home and can advise you on ways to minimise discomfort and get the most out of the aligner.

In this article, our team discusses some of the most frequent questions we receive from patients surrounding the issues that can arise while wearing Invisalign London.

My aligners don’t fit; what do I do?

It is vital for successful realignment that Invisalign London fits over your teeth correctly.

This is known as tracking, and a loose tracking aligner is about as good as a chocolate teapot!

If when you receive your aligners they feel loose, then it is worth contacting our team for advice and a potential remeasuring of your teeth.

My aligners look stained; how do I clean them?

One of the best things about invisible aligners is that they are easy to clean for many people.

So to keep them in good condition, simply rinse them under a cold tap twice a day and use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove debris.

You can also invest in cleaning tablets, just be sure that they are designed for aligners or dentures. Do not under any circumstances use hot water to clean your aligners and do not use bleaches or mouthwashes as this can cause issues with staining.

The aligners are hurting me; is this normal?

It is tough to determine if the pain you are experiencing while wearing aligners is normal without seeing our team for an assessment.

If you are experiencing discomfort with a newer aligner after you have put it in, then this is likely normal and should resolve in a few days. If your new aligners are constantly hurting you, then it is worth contacting our team for an assessment to determine the underlying cause.

My tongue is sore; what can I do?

As the aligners are made from plastic and are 3D printed, during the first few days of wear they will likely rub against your inner cheeks and your tongue.

Luckily the application of dental wax can ease this discomfort, acting as a buffer between the soft tissues and the hard plastic.

I have a lisp because of the aligners; any advice?

Experiencing a lisp or other issues with speech is common when you first begin wearing any orthodontic tool.

Our team typically advises engaging in facial exercises, tongue exercises and even singing to help your speech patterns return to normal. For more information about these exercises, contact our team.

When you are looking into undertaking dental realignment as an adult, you have likely searched online for as much information as you can gather before approaching your dentist about it.

But with the internet being the way it is, it is also likely that you have stumbled across a few horror stories or myths that surround orthodontic realignment, not only as an adult but using aligners overall.

And this can be more than a bit disconcerting!

At Clear Braces Direct, our team has heard all of these myths before and can provide our patients with accurate information surrounding the aligners that we use in our clinic. We have been using Invisalign London to help patients get the smiles they want for over 5 years and have nearly 4000 cases of dental realignment success under our belts. So, we know more than our fair share about aligners!

So, what are some of the most common myths that exist online surrounding Invisalign London?  Read on for our team’s top 5.

Myth 1- Invisible aligners don’t treat complex cases

Initially designed to realign teeth with a mild or moderate issue, as the technology surrounding Invisalign London has advanced, this aligner has become better adapted to treating more complex cases.

You will need to have the go-ahead from our team, but over 90% of people who approach us to undertake the aligner are indeed suitable for it. But if we determine that your dental misalignment is too severe, you will likely need to wear a fitted brace instead.

Myth 2- Older people can’t use invisible aligners

One of our largest demographics of patients seeking dental realignment are patients who are over the age of 40 years old!

And as one of the requirements for starting treatment with an invisible aligner is the presence of a complete set of adult teeth, this aligner is better designed for older people.

As long as your mouth teeth and gums are healthy and you have an appropriate level of misalignment to correct, you should be able to use invisible aligners without issue.

Myth 3- Invisible aligners are more expensive than braces

Many patients assume that because invisible aligners are the new big thing, or are trendy, they will be more expensive than traditional metal braces.

In short, this is not true, as the costs associated with orthodontic treatment typically include the costs of the orthodontic appointments, adjustments, tightening and other procedures surrounding the general movement of your teeth under the guidance of a dentist.

But as invisible aligners do not require tightening or adjusting they are often more affordable than you may think.

Myth 4- Invisible aligners take longer than braces

As invisible aligners are designed to treat mild to moderate cases of dental misalignment, the average treatment time is 3 to 6 months for most patients. When compared to the average treatment time for wearing traditional braces in adult years, which can be as long as 36 months, it is evident which treatment is faster.

Myth 5- Invisible aligners don’t work

Of course, invisible aligners work! Over 99% of all cases undertaken will successfully realign the teeth and leave the patient with a better meshing, improved smile.

When you begin treatment with an invisible aligner, it is indeed an exciting time. 

Not only will your teeth become straighter without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment but you will likely save on time and money that is often associated with undertaking a brace or aligner in adult life.

But to ensure that you get the most out of wearing an invisible aligner, it is important to know how to manage them in daily life. This will not only ensure that they work, but that your teeth and gums remain healthy as well.

At Clear Braces Direct, we have the expertise needed to help you get a straighter smile using Invisalign London. We have helped many patients straighten their smiles using this aligner and if you are suitable, we would be more than happy to help you too!

So, what are some of our team’s tips when it comes to the daily wear of Invisalign London?  Read on to find out!

Time your wearing

It is important to note that Invisalign London is a removable aligner. This means that you can take it out to brush your teeth, eat food or attend dental checkups.

But you will need to keep the aligner in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours per day unless otherwise directed by our team. If you do not keep the aligner in your mouth, it is likely that your realigning procedure will stall or your teeth will revert to their previous positions.

Keep them clean

As you may know, invisible aligners are made from clear plastic.

And as they are removable, they are easier to clean than other orthodontic devices. In order to ensure that they stay clean, you will need to clean them a minimum of twice a day. Simply rinse them under a cold tap and use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn debris.

Do not use hot water to clean your aligners as this can cause them to warp.

Keep them safe

When out and about, it is easy to simply throw your aligners into a bag or your coat pocket.

Although the plastic that they are made from is durable, this is generally unwise. Because, much like the hot water being applied to the aligners, frequent mistreatment of them can cause them to become damaged, warped or torn, which will then require you to contact our team to have a new set sent out.

Keep appointments

Although we will aim to keep as much of your orthodontic care in the realms of your own home, when you are required to visit our team for a check-up or you need to send us a selfie (so we can assess how your treatment is progressing), please keep these appointments.

Not only do they allow us to see if your teeth are realigning correctly with the use of the aligner but they allow us to spot if you are suffering from the signs of dental decay or gum disease, which can be detrimental to the entire process.

Invest in pain relief

And finally, although the aligners are generally more comfortable to wear in daily life than other orthodontic tools, you will need to invest in pain relief. This will be more prevalent in the days following an aligner change, where the aligner will feel tight against your teeth as it attempts to move them into the desired position.

Most people are aware of what a 3D printer is and what it can do, alongside how it has revolutionised the health industry overall. But are you aware of its role in the creation and use of invisible aligners?

If you are looking to straighten your teeth using an invisible aligner, then you may want to have a bit more insight into how the aligners are crafted and created, and how you as a patient will need to use them to get the straighter smile that you want and deserve.

At Clear Braces Direct, our team has been using Invisalign London to straighten our patients’ teeth for over 5 years now and knows all there is to know about the creation, usage and daily wear of these nifty invisible aligners. So, if you are looking for a team with expertise in the area of invisible aligners, choose us!

In this short guide, you will be introduced to Invisalign London concerning how these aligners are created, how they are worn and how your smartphone can help you to get the most out of this treatment. Enjoy!

Consultation

First thing’s first, when you are considering undertaking Invisalign London, you will need to attend a consultation with a member of our team. This is so we can ascertain if you are suitable or not for invisible aligners, which will include assessing the condition of your teeth and taking a 3D scan of your mouth.

If we deem that you are suitable, the scans will be sent to a dental laboratory.

Creation

The scans that we collect at your initial consultation are uploaded to a computer and, using a kind of digital sped up orthodontic procedure, your teeth will be moved. From this, we will be able to determine how many aligners are required to make this computer simulation a reality.

Once we are happy that the aligners can move your teeth to the desired result, a 3D printer will create your aligners using a malleable but also fairly firm clear plastic.

This process is incredibly quick, and your new aligners may either be sent to our surgery or direct to your door within 7 to 14 days.

Daily wear

It is important when you are wearing your aligners that you wear them in the correct order and that you wear them for 22 hours per day.

This will ensure that the aligners have the required amount of time to move your teeth and that each step of the realignment process is accomplished.

To keep your aligners clean, simply rinse them under a cold tap twice a day, and if you have any questions, contact our team.

Selfies and appointments

This particular invisible aligner comes with an app, which you will need to use each week to send our team a photograph or a selfie of your smile, so we can assess if the treatment is progressing as needed.

If we detect a problem, we will likely send you instructions via the app or call you in for an appointment. It is important for the sake of your realignment that any appointments made with our team are kept.

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.

When you are looking for the right kind of orthodontic tool to straighten your teeth, there are many things that you need to consider.

And unfortunately, few of them are to do with discretion!

While there has been a movement in adult orthodontic care towards making aligners more visually discreet, there are other factors that need to be compared to determine the most suitable orthodontic tool for you.

At Clear Braces Direct, as our names suggest, we are bigger fans of the more discrete aligner or brace and are proud to be able to offer our patients Invisalign London. And while we do not disparage the use of the traditional brace, it is worth noting how the two treatments differ when considering orthodontic care.

In this article, we will be comparing Invisalign London to the traditional metal brace, so you can get a better feel for each of these treatments and which one may be the right one for you.

Length of treatment

Brace-  With adult patients, a traditional metal brace may be worn for up to 3 years. This is due to traditional braces being able to treat more complex cases of dental misalignment but also needing the additional time to do so.

Aligner- Aligners like Invisalign London typically take between 3 to 6 months to straighten someone’s teeth. But, as you may have guessed, aligners are better suited for people who have mild to moderate cases of misalignment or protrusion.

Discretion

Brace-  There is no way around it; metal braces are very visible! But many people now view metal braces with a hipster ideology, in that they are cool because they are retro.

Aligner-  An invisible aligner is made from clear plastic and while they can become stained, with correct cleaning every day, your invisible aligners will remain visually discreet and those around you may not even know you are wearing it.

Comfort

Brace-  It is hard to compare the comfort of a brace to an aligner, as each person has their unique comfort thresholds. However, when wearing a traditional brace, you will need to attend tightening or adjusting sessions with your dentist, which require the over wire to be tightened to move your teeth. This usually creates pressure in the jaw, which is not comfortable but can be managed with over the counter pain relief.

Aligner-  Aligners use small increments of change in their shape to move the teeth gradually over two weeks. This does not mean they are completely comfortable, as this still creates a feeling of pressure, which may need to be remedied with over-the-counter pain relief.

Affordability

Brace- The cost of having a brace in adult years includes trips to the dentist, adjustments and any hygienist treatments required to keep your teeth and gums in good condition.

Aligner-  Aligners can be used at home and as they are removable, you will not need to attend hygienist appointments and there is no need to visit a dentist to have the aligner adjusted.

Results

Brace and aligner- The results achieved using a brace or an aligner can be striking and life-changing. But to achieve these goals, you will need the oversight of a trained dental professional who can advise you on the most suitable tool for your orthodontic needs.

When you begin treatment with an invisible aligner, there are a few additional bits and bobs that may be required to ensure that the treatment is not only comfortable but is functional and that you can see it through to the end.

At Clear Braces Direct our team knows the ins and outs of how Invisalign London works and can provide our patients with targeted advice to ensure that you get the most out of the treatment with the tools provided and that you remain comfortable and confident through the treatment’s duration.

So what are some of the things that you will need to invest in to get the most out of Invisalign London? Read on to find out!

Dental wax

Dental wax can be a godsend to those who are new to the wearing of Invisalign London.

This is because when the aligners are first printed, the edges are still sharp and hard, which

when placed in your mouth, can cause issues with rubbing against the tongue and inner cheeks.

Dental wax acts as a softening buffer, which protects your tongue and inner cheeks against the sharpness of the aligners.

Simply ask our team about how to use this product!

Invisible aligner containers

When you receive your invisible aligners, they will come with a carry case.

And as you go about your day and you take the aligners out, it is important to place them in this carry case as opposed to your pockets or in your bag.

This is because the carry case is specifically designed to shield and protect the aligners against dust, debris and damage. And although you won’t need to purchase a carry case, it is important to keep yours on you. And if you lose it, talk to our team about a replacement.

Travel toothpaste and brush

Have you visited a pharmacy or chemist and seen travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpaste?

When you are using invisible aligners, it is worth investing in these to take with you to work, school or university. As you go about your day and you remove your aligners to eat, before you put them back into your mouth, you will need to give your teeth a quick brush. This is to remove debris and food, which could become trapped between your tooth and the aligner, this can lead to decay and gum disease.

So, to keep your dental health in good condition whilst wearing an aligner, invest in a travel toothpaste and toothbrush.

Pain relief

An invisible aligner is often considered the gold standard of orthodontic treatment because of its comfort.

However, many patients are surprised when they begin using the aligner as to how much pressure and tightness there is. Generally, this is normal and you should invest in over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ensure that any discomfort you experience is managed. 

Cleaning products

You could rinse your aligners under a cold tap to keep them clean or, if you want a fresh-tasting aligner, you could invest in specialised cleaning products.

These will keep your aligners clear and functional; just be sure that the products you use are specifically designed for aligners or denture cleaning.

At Clear Braces Direct, we are serious when we say we aim to get patients their new smile in as little as 4 to 6 months. If you have mild to moderate alignment issues such as crowded or gapped teeth, a crossbite, or even an over or underbite, then Invisalign in Newcastle could be the treatment you need. With our Diamond Apex accreditation from Invisalign, we have treated over 6,800 patients and our staff, therefore, have the experience and expertise you can rely on to achieve a beautiful smile. Invisalign offers many benefits that make it a treatment option to definitely consider and if it is deemed appropriate for you, then why not take up this serious offer?

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign in Newcastle is a system that involves plastic aligners that are see-through when worn over the teeth and gently pushes them into the targeted position over time. You will need to change your aligners on a regular basis, but don’t worry, we won’t be asking you to come and see us each week for your new ones! In fact, the aligners will be sent to you for free, so you can receive them in the comfort of your own home. You will also only have to come and see us at the practice if we feel that we need to see you. We have a remote monitoring system that we use for your bespoke treatment and we will only ever ask you to come in if there is a specific reason, allowing you to have more time to continue with your busy life and saving you money on unnecessary appointments.

The reasons to want Invisalign in Newcastle

If you are the sort of person who would prefer not to have a visible appliance in their mouth, while getting the treatment you need to realign your smile, then you are not alone! Invisalign offers the discretion you may prefer to have, just like the other thousands of patients we have treated with this system. The plastic is clear, so when the aligners are worn over the teeth, only your teeth should be visible. Furthermore, you can also remove your aligners for 2 hours daily. This means that you won’t be required to alter your diet and you will still be able to clean your teeth normally, plus you can remove them when you want to do something like play sports. The choice is yours! The aligners are also really difficult to break, because of the durable plastic material they are made from. This means that you shouldn’t really need to have any emergency appointments, saving you both time and money.

Initial consultation

We offer all of our prospective patients a free consultation to find out more about Invisalign and whether or not it is the right treatment for them. You will be able to have your smile examined and find out if this is the treatment for you. If it is, then you will be able to get going right away on gaining your new smile. If you’re serious about getting a great smile, so are we. Let’s do this!

In recent years, there has been an upsurge in teenage and adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment with clear or invisible aligners.

And it is easy to see why!

Clear or invisible aligners are, as the name suggests, visually discrete, allowing you to have orthodontic treatment without drawing attention to your teeth.  Not only that, but it is also a good way to straighten your teeth in an accelerated time frame.

But, unfortunately, while this can seem like an ideal solution for dental problems not everyone is suited to these aligners.

At Clear Braces Direct, our team can offer one of the most popular of all invisible aligners; Invisalign London! We have been working with this aligner for many years and know how it can bolster a patient’s confidence and get them the straight teeth that they deserve and want with minimal fuss.

But how do you know if you will be suitable for this aligner? In this article, we will be focusing on suitability for Invisalign London and hopefully, you will be able to determine if this aligner is the answer to your misalignment woes. Enjoy!

Adult teeth only!

While this is more common with young teenage patients, a key factor in using Invisalign London is that you should not have any baby teeth in your mouth.

Why is this important?  Because the teeth are going to be moved and, if they are not going to stay in place for the duration of the treatment, this can present an obvious problem when fitting the aligners and moving the surrounding teeth.

If our team spots that you have a baby tooth in your mouth, we will aim to remove it and allow the adult tooth to erupt before beginning any treatment with invisible aligners.

Good oral health

Another factor that we have to assess when looking at your suitability for invisible aligners is your oral health.

As gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and fall out, if we detect that you are suffering from gum disease, our team needs to treat this first. Similarly, if you have loose fillings, crowns or are suffering from tooth decay, then we will need to ensure that these are all stable and treated before beginning orthodontic treatment.

Responsible!

Invisible aligners are removable and therefore, it can be tempting for patients to leave these aligners out of their mouths for longer than they should.

Each day, you should aim to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours or as directed by our team;  failure to do so will result in either the orthodontic treatment stalling or your teeth reverting to their previous positions in your mouth.

So, if you feel you may struggle to keep your aligners in each day, please alert our team and we will aim to seek out a more suitable treatment for you.

Mild to moderate

The technology surrounding invisible aligners has advanced greatly in recent years. However, these aligners are still more suited to patients who have mild to moderate misalignments with the teeth at the front of the mouth. If you have misalignments with your molars or one of your teeth requires twisting or is protruding, then we may suggest a different type of orthodontic tool for you.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that having a beautiful smile can make you feel good about yourself. If you have a mild to moderate alignment issue, including crossbite, over or underbite, crowded or gapped teeth, then you may well have developed low self-esteem and feel awkward about having photos taken of you smiling, or you may wince when you catch a glimpse of your teeth in the bathroom mirror. Thankfully, you don’t need to let this affect your self-esteem any longer. In as little as 4 to 6 months, you could have an improved smile with Invisalign in Newcastle. At Clear Braces Direct, we are Invisalign Diamond Apex providers and we have been treating over 6000 patients with Invisalign, so we have the experience to give you great reasons to smile all round!

How Invisalign works

Invisalign in Newcastle is a system that consists of plastic aligners that are transparent when worn, so only your teeth will be on show to other people. They are made to fit your mouth bespoke thanks to iTero technology that is used to scan your mouth. From this scan, we can also generate a 3D animation of what your teeth will look like after treatment, as well as providing you with a weekly app to check your progress on. We will also measure your progress remotely and will only call you in for a check-up if we feel you really need one, so that we save you both time and money. What’s more, with Invisalign in Newcastle here at our practice you will be able to receive your new aligners in the comfort of your own home! We will have them delivered to you for free and you will need to wear a new aligner at regular intervals prescribed by us.

Anything else I need to know?

The beauty of Invisalign is that it offers convenience for patients. By wearing the aligners and them being barely visible, it allows people to continue with their day as normal. You may also remove your aligners for up to 2 hours a day, which means that you can take them out when you want to eat and drink, and you won’t need to avoid any food types. What’s more, you will also have time to remove them to brush and floss, and do other things like play sports or when you have a special occasion to attend. The choice and flexibility is all yours!

Consultation

To find out if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, we offer a free initial consultation, so you can come and find out if this is the right treatment for your specific needs. If you decide to go ahead with Invisalign, we then won’t need to see you unless we feel it is absolutely necessary, although we tend to see all of our patients at the end of treatment as well. If you have any questions during the initial consultation, our knowledgeable and highly experienced staff will be able to answer anything you need to know and ensure that you are fully aware of what will happen on your Invisalign journey. So, if you’re looking for Invisalign, you can find it with our team and get your new smile the easy way.