Blog

When you are an adult who is interested in straightening your smile, you will want to ensure that any treatment that you undertake will be beneficial.

With the use of invisible aligners, it is easy to assume that the control and success of the aligner are completely within the hands of the dentist. However, this is not true, and there are many things that you can do that will ensure your time wearing an invisible aligner is successful.

For years at Clear Braces Direct, we have been helping patients get the straighter smiles that they want using Invisalign London. This clear plastic aligner can slot over your teeth and gently apply pressure, moving them in gradual steps rather than tightening sessions, which is common with a fitted brace.

So, what are some of the things you can do to ensure that Invisalign London works for you? Read on to find out.

Hygiene

This aligner is removable, so it will not have a detrimental impact on your oral hygiene.

However, Invisalign London will require you to take care of your teeth and gums. When you remove the aligner during mealtimes, you will need to clean your teeth before you wear the aligner again to ensure that food debris and bacteria are not pressed against the teeth or gums. You may also need to see a dental hygienist throughout this treatment if you have a history of gum disease or if there is a family history of this disorder.

Diet

It goes without saying that when you undertake any kind of orthodontic treatment, you should minimise your sugar intake as this can increase the chances of secondary conditions occurring. However, as invisible aligners are removable, you will not need to alter your diet as much as you would with a fitted brace.

Smoking

Everybody knows that smoking is bad for your health, and this extends to your teeth and gums. If you are looking to undertake invisible aligners, it may be worth kicking the habit fast. Smoking whilst wearing invisible aligners not only increases your chance of developing gum disease but also heightens the chance of you developing oral cancer. It is also worth noting that if you smoke whilst wearing an aligner, this will dry your mouth out, which can lead to a higher chance of developing tooth decay. A dry mouth has less saliva, which is essential for keeping food debris and sugars off of your teeth to keep them healthy.

Appointments

One of the main reasons why people choose to undertake invisible aligners is because there are fewer appointments with our team. But you will still need to see us every 6 to 8 weeks on average, provided that there are no issues with the ongoing treatment.

Engagement!

This brings us to this point! When you come to Clear Braces Direct to undertake invisible aligners, we will need to see weekly selfies of your smile to ascertain whether or not the aligners are working as predicted. If they aren’t, you may need to come in and see our team for adjustments to be made.

When it comes to wearing an invisible aligner, you may think that the only thing that will prevent you from being suitable would be the severity of the dental misalignment.

It is true that the severity of the misalignment that you have will impact the choice of orthodontic treatment that may be suitable for you. However, there is a lot more that goes into deciding whether or not an invisible aligner will be the right option for you.

At Clear Braces Direct, our team knows all about the suitability for Invisalign London as this aligner is our speciality. We are always happy to discuss this with our patients and will always be honest about whether or not this aligner is the most suitable one to help you get the smile that you want.

So, what are some of the factors that may impact your suitability for treatment with Invisalign London? Read on to find out.

Good oral health

First and foremost, you need to have good oral health. If you have any active decay or gum disease, then you will not be able to undertake treatment with Invisalign London. This is because it is detrimental to put pressure on teeth that are already cracked or damaged or on gums that may be rejecting the teeth they are supporting. If you have any signs of gum disease or tooth decay, these must be resolved before you undertake any orthodontic treatment.

Age

There is a reason why our team prefers using invisible aligners on adults.

In simple terms, it is because they tend to be more compliant. Many parents have approached our team to ask about their children undertaking invisible aligners rather than braces. But we have found that this is rarely suitable, as children are less likely to keep the aligners in for the required time each day. Invisalign is working on developing a suitable model for child patients, but at the moment, we do not have any options available; our youngest patient group tends to start at the age of around 13 years old.

Non-smoker

It is preferred that those who undertake invisible aligners do not smoke; this is because there is a direct link between smoking and a higher incidence of gum disease and tooth decay. Cigarette smoke dries out the mouth and reduces saliva, which is otherwise beneficial in keeping your teeth free from debris and reducing decay. Similarly, cigarette smoke has been linked to the formation of aggressive gum disease, and as mentioned earlier, this is not good if you want to undertake orthodontic treatment.

Mild to moderate issue

We mentioned this before, but you do need to have a mild to moderate case of dental misalignment to use invisible aligners. If your molar teeth are involved in your misalignment, or if there is excessive spacing, crowding or severe protrusion. then you may be more suitable for a fitted brace.

Willing to participate!

And finally, you have to want to undertake the treatment and engage with the guidelines. These will involve you sending our team weekly selfies of your smile so that we can assess whether there are any issues. You will also need to wear the aligner as prescribed and, of course, ensure that your oral health remains in good condition.

Have you ever felt a little bit like you’ve missed the boat, when it comes to getting your teeth realigned? Or are you a teenager who can’t contemplate risking people seeing how you are getting your crooked teeth straightened? Or perhaps you are one of those people who procrastinates and thinks you’ll sort your mild to moderate alignment issues tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes, not for doing something about it anyway. At Clear Braces Direct, we understand that finding an appropriate treatment for realigning teeth could pose a number of barriers for people: time, money, motivation – you name it. But, we are here to offer you a convenient and discreet method of realigning your teeth in as little as 4 to 6 months – that’s got to be worth taking action, right? When it comes to getting great care, we are Diamond Apex providers of Invisalign in Newcastle. We reduce the amount of times you will need to come in to see us to save you time and money, and to make life easier for you. We know your time is precious and we have the means to provide personalised treatment, while you spend more time doing the things you really want to do.

What is Invisalign then?

Invisalign in Newcastle is a system that uses plastic aligners that push your teeth into the targeted positions as they are being worn. The plastic is see-through, so only your teeth should be noticed by other people, allowing you to continue with your life, without the need to worry about what others are thinking about your smile. The aligners may also be removed for 2 hours each day, allowing you to consume food and drink normally, as well as brush and floss efficiently. You will just need to change your aligners regularly as directed by us and we will send your new aligners to your home for free! It’s just another way that we aim to keep your life simple.

What are the other advantages of Invisalign?

We will only call you in for a check-up if we think you really need one. Otherwise, we are able to monitor your progress remotely, using our personalised remote monitoring system. The app that we provide you with will also enable you to keep an eye on your progress too, which should be a motivational aspect of your treatment. What’s more, we will find out what the shape and size of your mouth is for your aligners to be made bespoke for you and, using iTero technology, we will also be able to create a 3D animation of how your teeth will look after treatment, before it has commenced, which should be highly motivating for you knowing how great your teeth are going to look. Invisalign in Newcastle can also improve your speech if you have developed speech issues due to your misaligned teeth, as well as reduce any jaw pain you may have. By realigning your teeth, you may also find that you can chew more easily and that you can brush and floss your teeth more efficiently afterwards.

Find out more

To find out whether or not Invisalign is the treatment for you, why not come and have a free consultation with us? It is a no-obligation opportunity for you to let our experienced dentist examine you and to advise you on the treatment options. If Invisalign is the way forward, you could have a great smile in just a few months. We know how to take care of our patients!

Are you eager to get straighter teeth as an adult, but don’t know which orthodontic tool you may need?

There are many types available, from fitted braces all the way to invisible aligners. And which one is more suitable to correct your case can only be decided by a team with expertise in orthodontic care.

At Clear Braces Direct, we specialise in orthodontics, especially the use of Invisalign London. So, if you want a straighter smile using a discreet tool, call us!

Curious to learn how Invisalign London differs from a standard brace? Read on to learn more!

Which is more comfortable?

Wearing a fitted brace is associated with discomfort by many, primarily because it is linked to the brace being tightened or adjusted, which places pressure on the teeth and the jaw. However, while wearing Invisalign London, you may also experience some discomfort as the aligners move your teeth. But, as there are no adjustments needed with invisible aligners, many patients find them more manageable.

Which option takes longer?

Usually fitted braces take longer; this is because the issues that a brace can treat are more complicated than those associated with aligners. So, the treatment takes longer.

On average, treatment with a brace takes around 36 months, whereas an aligner can straighten your smile on average in around 3 to 6. If you would like a more specific breakdown of treatment times, please contact our team for an assessment.

Do aligners need as much maintenance?

Aligners do not generally need as much maintenance as a fitted brace, but you do still have to look after them!

For instance, in order to maintain a good level of oral hygiene, you will need to wash the aligners at least twice a day; this can be done by rinsing them under a cold tap. To keep them safe, you will need to carry them in the carry case provided; this will prevent them from becoming damaged or stained. So, generally speaking, no, aligners do not need much maintenance.

Which is easier to eat with?

Many people associate difficulty eating with a fixed brace.

You have to avoid certain foods, and if you don’t, they may get stuck behind the archwires and around the brackets. So, if you have a fitted brace, you need to brush your teeth after each meal. This is largely the same with aligners. You can take them out to eat but, in order to maintain a good level of oral hygiene, you will need to brush your teeth before you wear your aligners again.

But, when comparing the two, many patients find aligners easier to eat with as the choices of food are not limited.

Which is more affordable?

Many patients are surprised to learn that when standard fitted braces are compared to invisible aligners, the aligners are often more affordable.

There are a few reasons for this. For one, when you wear a fitted brace, you have to attend orthodontic appointments to have them tightened or adjusted. This adds to the cost of the brace. You are also more likely to be wearing a brace for longer than an aligner which also adds to the cost. So, while you may think an aligner is going to be more expensive, it is not usually the case.

If you are looking for a discreet method of realigning mild to moderate alignment issues such as a crossbite, under or overbite, or crowded or gapped teeth, then you could be forgiven for fancying something that other people won’t realise is in your mouth, especially if you need to go to school or head to the office for an important meeting. With Invisalign in Newcastle, other people shouldn’t realise that you have anything in your mouth and, if they catch a glimpse of something, they won’t realise what it is, but you can bet they will recognise the great results when your smile is ready to shine! At Clear Braces Direct, we are Diamond Apex Invisalign providers, which sets us apart from many other dental practices offering this treatment. We have successfully treated over 6800 patients and it is through doing so that we have gained the experience we need to deliver the diamond level of care that we do. All of our team is highly qualified and keen to deliver personalised, bespoke treatment that is convenient and cost-effective for you.

How does Invisalign work?

You may think that you haven’t seen Invisalign in action, but this is probably because the aligners that are worn in people’s mouths, over their teeth, are discreet. When the plastic aligners are worn, the material is transparent and so only the teeth should be visible. Each set of aligners applies an amount of pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the position we need them to go to for your smile to look wonderful. Your aligners will be sent to your home for free, saving you time and money as you won’t have to come to us to collect them. By realigning your teeth, you are not only improving the aesthetic appearance of them, but you could also be improving your speech, reducing jaw pain and improving your chewing action, as well as making it easier to brush and floss stringently, improving your oral hygiene routine.

What are the other benefits of Invisalign?

Aside from the fact that you can have Invisalign in Newcastle to improve the appearance of your smile in a discreet way, and that this can have a positive impact on your speech and other health issues, Invisalign also gets results in as little as 4 to 6 months, depending on your individual needs. Furthermore, you may also remove the aligners for up to 2 hours a day, which will allow you to continue eating and drinking as normal. You will also be able to brush and floss properly, and you can take them out when you want to play sports or hang out with friends for a while – the choice is yours. Invisalign is a super way to get a super smile and to feel like a super new you when the results are in. You will also be able to visualise what the results will be, because we use iTero technology to scan your mouth and to get the measurements to have your aligners made bespoke for you, making them more comfortable to wear. Once we have this, we can also generate a 3D animation to show you what your teeth will look like after treatment has been completed.

Find out more

To find out whether or not Invisalign in Newcastle is the treatment for you, why not book in with us for a free, no-obligation consultation?

It seems that in 2022, there are a lot of treatment options available at home. There are at-home hairdressers and at-home beauticians, and now, there is even the option to have dental aligners delivered to your door to straighten your teeth without the oversight of a dental team.

This may sound great, especially if you have a phobia of attending dental surgeries. But in reality, realigning your teeth without professional oversight can be complicated and dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know how at-home aligners bought from online providers may differ from aligners used in dental surgeries.

At Clear Braces Direct, we are proud to offer orthodontic treatments, which include Invisalign London. This aligner can be used in conjunction with regular checkups with our team, or you can use it at home with regular contact with our team. The professional oversight can make the difference between a straighter smile and one that may be worse after the aligner comes off.

In this article, we will compare internet-bought aligners with Invisalign London so that you can ascertain which one may be right for you.

Accuracy

Let’s start with accuracy. When you come to see our team at Clear Braces Direct to undertake Invisalign London, we will use an intraoral scanner to take a clear and precise image of the inside of your mouth. This will help to create a better-fitting aligner, which will, in turn, result in straighter teeth. With at-home kits, you may be required to make a dental mould of your teeth by yourself; this may sound simple, but it can actually lead to inaccuracies, which can cause the aligner that is made from the mould to be incorrect.

Professional care

You should not attempt to straighten your teeth without the oversight of a dentist. When it comes to invisible aligners, our team knows all there is to know about them and can provide you with higher quality professional care, which will result in a straighter smile. Many online options do not offer this and are, therefore, not as reliable when it comes to straightening your teeth.

Length of treatment

The length of treatment with the invisible aligners that we use varies from between 3 to 6 months on average, but this is due to the constant communication that we maintain with our patients. There is very little data available as to how long it takes for an internet-purchased aligner to straighten teeth, but we are willing to bet that it is a little bit longer than 6 months!

Potential issues

Any treatment that involves moving teeth will come with potential issues. However, these are mitigated by our patients using the associated invisible aligner app once a week. You will need to send us a selfie of your smile so that we can assess any potential issues that may be occurring, such as your aligner not tracking correctly. If we spot an issue, we will call you in. Issues that may arise from internet aligner providers are somewhat similar, but you may not have the ability to resolve them in the same way, thus leading to more complicated alignment problems.

When it comes to orthodontic care, especially in your adult years, there are many options available.

And, just like most cosmetic treatments, many things can make you an ideal candidate for treatment, or there may be certain issues which can make you unsuitable. When it comes to considering undertaking invisible aligners, we feel it is important to have an idea about your suitability before approaching our team. Just to avoid disappointment!

At Clear Braces Direct, we have extensive experience of working with invisible aligners, particularly Invisalign London and will be able to accurately assess your suitability. Our team will help you every step of the way, answering queries and concerns, to ensure you feel confident and happy using this aligner to straighten your teeth.

But what are some of the requirements for undertaking Invisalign London?

Good oral health

At the foundation of all cosmetic treatment relating to dentistry is good oral health. When you come for a consultation with our team, we may refer you on for additional work before you begin wearing Invisalign London if needed.

If you have active tooth decay, gum disease or loose restoratives, we will need to resolve these issues and get your oral health back on track. That way, no issues will interfere with your orthodontic treatment!

Clinical case

You may have heard that not everyone is suitable for using invisible aligners. And sadly, this is true.

If you have a more complex case of dental misalignment, such as teeth that require twisting or problems with molar alignment, then you may be more suited for a fitted brace. This can also be the only viable solution if you have an extreme bite issue.

Luckily, invisible aligners can correct most problems. If you have rotated front teeth, slight protrusions, crossbite, over or underbite that is not too extreme, spacing or crowding issues, then you may be suitable for this invisible aligner. Just contact our team and set up a consultation with us to be sure.

Compliance

There is a reason why invisible aligners are not often deemed suitable for children. And this is related to compliance.

Invisible aligners are removable and so for them to move your teeth you will need to keep them in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours per day, or as directed by our team. If you do not do this, it can cause a delay in the realignment process. Or it may lead to your teeth becoming stuck in one position, or even reverting to their former alignment. So, compliance is key and in the case of children, most dental teams prefer them to wear a fitted brace!

If you are struggling to stick to the 22 hours per day of wearing the aligner, contact our team and we can discuss alternatives which may be more suitable.

Age

Most people who undertake invisible aligners are over the age of 18. However, they are also popular with teenagers.

This is because for the aligner to work, you need to have lost all of your baby teeth. The minimum age for invisible aligners is 13, so if you are this age and want to straighten your smile, ask an adult if you can contact us!