Is There Really Such A Thing As Invisible Braces?

Discreet treatment, fast results and minimal interruption to routine are very often important factors to adult orthodontic patients.

With hectic family lives and professional careers, these concerns are understandable and Invisalign goes a long way to addressing these concerns with a product that is certainly discreet and effective.

The transparent aligners that are used during Invisalign treatment are so subtle that they could be referred to as being ‘invisible braces’ in the sense that they are made from an almost completely see-through material.

In considering discreet braces for adults, Invisalign would often be a number one choice thanks to their transparent design, which minimises their appearance very effectively.

However, with Invisalign, it is not all about looks – this teeth straightening treatment is also highly effective.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign treatment works through the use of individual, clear aligners that are worn over the top of the teeth. These aligners are made from bespoke moulds that fit the patient’s teeth perfectly and are formulated to gradually move the teeth over time.

They apply gentle pressure at strategic points to allow the teeth to gradually move into the perfect alignment. At the start of the treatment, you will receive the full case of aligners and will change them every 10-14 days in line with your treatment plan.

You will visit the dentist occasionally throughout the treatment plan to ensure everything is on track, but checkups will be far less frequent than with fixed braces.

Invisalign offers an almost invisible solution for teeth straightening without any need to wear the fixed braces commonly associated with teeth straightening. Not only is the treatment plan more discreet, it is also more flexible and designed to fit your lifestyle.

Are they really invisible?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from patients. The aligners are made from a clear plastic that sits flush against your teeth. They are also shaped to your gum line to make them even more discreet.

While they can be slightly visible very close up and from certain angles, they are much more discreet than options such as fixed metal braces. This makes them incredibly popular with adults and teens alike.

Taking good care of your aligners will help to keep them looking clear and beautiful. They are prone to staining, particularly if they come into contact with food and drink items. They can also be stained by some products intended to clean them, such as mouthwash.

Cleaning your aligners with a non-abrasive cleaner such as a cleaning tablet will help to keep them clean without staining them or causing the surface of the aligners to become scratched.

Another benefit of invisible aligners is that you can remove them if you really need to. For example, if you’re giving a presentation at work or school and are worried about your aligners impacting your speech, you can quickly remove them beforehand.

Provided you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, taking them out for short periods should not derail your treatment plan.

How is Invisalign different from other braces?

By fitting over the teeth rather than being fixed to the teeth, Invisalign offers a very different method of teeth straightening.

As well as being more discreet, there are a number of benefits to Invisalign treatment. This includes the following unique benefits:

• Patients are able to remove the Invisalign aligners to eat. In fact, they must be removed while eating, allowing you to continue to eat the foods that you enjoy without worrying about the effect on your braces.

• The patient can also remove their braces to brush and floss. This makes it easier to care for your teeth throughout treatment.

• The aligners are laser-cut to fit your teeth and gums, which makes them more comfortable to wear than fixed braces. There are no wires or brackets that can poke your gums, cheeks or tongue.

While there may be lots of benefits to Invisalign, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind before choosing this treatment plan:

• In order for the treatment to be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for around 20-22 hours per day. If you are forgetful and or likely to lose your aligners, this might not be the right treatment plan for you. You will need to be very disciplined to help ensure you keep wearing the aligners, even when it might be a little more uncomfortable.

• Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is not completely discomfort-free. When you switch to a new aligner, you can expect mild discomfort, but this should be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.

• Invisalign isn’t the right choice for every orthodontic case. If you have extreme rotations, you might be better off with traditional fixed braces.

• No orthodontic treatment is permanent, and you will need to commit to wearing a retainer at night time for as long as you want to maintain the results.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

To be a good candidate for Invisalign, you will need to have good overall oral health and be able to follow the treatment plan. You will need to commit to taking good care of your teeth during the treatment, as wearing aligners could put you at increased risk of tooth decay if you use them incorrectly.

Invisalign is suitable for a wide range of alignment issues, including very simple to more complex cases. To get a better grip on difficult teeth, we can use small dots of resin called attachments. This allows your aligners to get a better grip on the tooth. This is very similar to the action of fixed brackets and wires.

Precision wings can also be used to adjust your bite, which is something often associated with fixed braces. There is a common misconception that Invisalign can only be used on teenagers with simple alignment issues, but this isn’t the case.

Individuals of any age can benefit from Invisalign aligners and enjoy straighter teeth, even in very complex cases. In the case of overcrowding, we might recommend extractions prior to treatment to make space for your teeth to move into the correct alignment.

How long will I have to wear Invisalign aligners?

Along with being flexible, comfortable and discreet, Invisalign teeth straightening treatment also delivers fast and efficient results.

Although each case must be treated on its own merits, Invisalign treatment usually takes between 12 and 18 months, however, this could be shorter or longer.

For example, if you choose to only focus on the front top teeth that are visible when you smile, the treatment will be much quicker. Simple alignment issues will also be much quicker than more complex cases.

Thankfully, we can offer a preview of what you can expect your smile to look like before you start treatment. This can help you to stay on track and motivated to wear your aligners every day.

During your initial consultation, we will scan your teeth using a special wand. This allows us to create a 3D view of your smile as it currently is. We can then apply the Invisalign technology to show what your smile could look like after treatment.

This can help patients to decide if they want to invest in their smiles. It can also help patients to stay on track with their treatment, as they know exactly what they are working towards.

Will Invisalign invisible braces hurt?

Orthodontic treatment involves applying pressure to the teeth to move the teeth into the correct alignment. Applying constant pressure to the teeth is likely to cause some discomfort, but this should be easily managed. The benefit of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners if you are really uncomfortable, which wouldn’t be an option for fixed aligners.

The most uncomfortable part of the Invisalign treatment will be the days surrounding an aligner change. When you switch to a new aligner, it will take some time to get used to the new position. As your teeth move, the aligner is applying less pressure, and then your teeth will be ready for the next aligner in the case.

How do I get started with Invisalign treatment?

Bhandal Dental Practice offers a number of teeth straightening solutions for adult patients, including Invisalign. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments, get in touch with our team.

To discuss which treatment is best for you – and to find out if you are suitable for Invisalign treatment – make an appointment to speak to one of the dentists at Blackheath Dental Practice by calling 0121 561 3526.