What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign London at ēm dental offers a discreet way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made clear aligners. Invisalign® aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth towards their planned positions without the need for traditional fixed braces.
Each aligner is made specifically for your teeth and is designed to apply controlled pressure to selected areas of your smile. The aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing.
Invisalign® can be used to address a range of orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, spacing and certain bite or alignment problems. Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for your individual needs.
What Can Invisalign® Treat?
Invisalign® may be suitable for a range of mild to more complex orthodontic concerns, depending on your individual case. Treatment can be used to improve the position and alignment of teeth and may help address concerns such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Uneven tooth alignment
- Certain bite problems
- Teeth that appear protruded or out of position
The suitability of Invisalign® depends on your teeth, bite, oral health and the result you want to achieve. Your dentist will assess your smile before recommending treatment.
Benefits of Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Clear aligner treatment offers an alternative to traditional fixed braces for suitable patients. Because Invisalign® aligners are removable and designed to be discreet, they can fit more easily into many people’s daily routines.
- Nearly invisible clear aligners
- Removable for eating and drinking
- Can be removed for brushing and flossing
- Custom-made for your teeth
- No traditional metal brackets or wires
- Designed around your individual treatment plan
Your dentist will explain the advantages and limitations of Invisalign® and whether clear aligners are appropriate for your particular orthodontic needs.
Who Is Invisalign® Suitable For?
Invisalign® may be suitable for teenagers and adults who want to improve the alignment of their teeth using clear, removable aligners. Suitability depends on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, your oral health and your treatment goals.
Before starting treatment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and discuss your bite and alignment. This assessment helps determine whether Invisalign® or another orthodontic option is the most appropriate treatment.
When Invisalign® May Not Be Suitable
Clear aligners are not suitable for every orthodontic problem. Some more complex cases may require a different form of orthodontic treatment. Existing dental problems may also need to be addressed before orthodontic treatment begins.
Your dentist will explain the available options after assessing your individual needs.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
1. Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will assess your teeth, bite and overall oral health and discuss what you would like to change about your smile. This helps determine whether Invisalign® is suitable for you.
2. Digital Treatment Planning
Your treatment is planned according to the current position of your teeth and the movement required to achieve the planned result. Your dentist will discuss your treatment goals and expected outcome with you.
3. Custom-Made Aligners
A series of clear aligners is created specifically for your treatment plan. Each aligner is designed to make gradual changes to the position of your teeth.
4. Wearing Your Aligners
You wear each aligner according to your dentist’s instructions and progress through the series as your treatment develops. Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating, drinking anything other than water and cleaning your teeth.
5. Progress Reviews
Your progress is monitored throughout treatment. Your dentist will check how your teeth are moving and make sure your treatment is progressing as planned.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
The length of Invisalign® treatment varies from person to person. It depends on factors including the complexity of your orthodontic concerns, the amount of tooth movement required and how consistently you wear your aligners.
Some cases can be completed within a few months, while more complex treatment may take longer. Your dentist will provide an estimated treatment time after assessing your teeth and creating your treatment plan.
How Often Do You Need to Wear Invisalign®?
For Invisalign® treatment to progress as planned, aligners need to be worn consistently according to your dentist’s instructions. Because they are removable, it is important to follow the recommended wearing schedule and only remove them when necessary.
Your dentist will explain how to wear, remove and care for your aligners and when to move on to the next aligner in your treatment series.
Is Invisalign® Painful?
Some patients may experience temporary pressure, tightness or mild discomfort when starting a new aligner. This can occur because the aligner is applying controlled pressure to move the teeth.
If you experience persistent or significant discomfort, speak to your dentist so that your treatment can be assessed.
Invisalign® vs Traditional Braces
Invisalign® and traditional fixed braces can both be used to improve tooth alignment, but they work in different ways.
Invisalign® uses removable, clear aligners rather than fixed brackets and wires. This makes the treatment more discreet and allows the aligners to be removed for eating, drinking and oral hygiene.
The most suitable orthodontic treatment depends on your individual teeth, bite and treatment goals. Your dentist can explain whether Invisalign® or another orthodontic option is appropriate for you.
Invisalign® and Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontic treatment can sometimes be part of a wider cosmetic dental treatment plan. If you are considering treatments such as porcelain veneers or composite bonding, your dentist can discuss the appropriate sequence of treatment.
In some cases, improving tooth alignment before cosmetic treatment can help create a more balanced result. Your dentist will assess your smile and recommend the most appropriate approach.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost in London?
The cost of Invisalign® depends on the complexity of your case, the expected treatment time and your individual treatment plan.
At ēm dental, your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss the recommended treatment and associated costs during your consultation. You can also view our current treatment prices before booking.
Invisalign® Aftercare and Retainers
Once your active Invisalign® treatment is complete, retainers are generally used to help maintain the position of your teeth. Teeth can naturally move over time, so following your dentist’s retainer instructions is an important part of maintaining your result.
Your dentist will explain which type of retainer is appropriate for you and how often it should be worn.
Why Choose ēm dental for Invisalign®?
At ēm dental, Invisalign® treatment is planned around your individual smile and orthodontic needs. Your dentist will assess your teeth, discuss your goals and explain what clear aligner treatment could achieve for you.
Your treatment is monitored throughout the process so that your progress can be assessed and your aligner plan followed appropriately.
If you are considering Invisalign in London, you can book a consultation with ēm dental to discuss your teeth, treatment goals and suitability for clear aligners.
Invisalign® FAQs
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Invisalign® treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of tooth movement required. Some cases may be completed within a few months, while more complex treatment can take longer. Your dentist will provide an estimated treatment time based on your individual treatment plan.
Is Invisalign® painful?
Some patients experience temporary pressure, tightness or mild discomfort when starting a new aligner. If you experience persistent or significant discomfort, contact your dentist for advice.
Can I eat while wearing Invisalign®?
Invisalign® aligners should generally be removed when eating. They can also be removed when drinking anything other than water. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for your treatment.
Can I brush my teeth with Invisalign®?
Yes. The removable nature of Invisalign® aligners allows you to take them out when brushing and flossing. Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment is important.
Can Invisalign® fix crowded teeth?
Invisalign® can be used to treat certain cases of crowded teeth. The suitability of clear aligners depends on the severity and nature of the crowding, so your dentist will assess your teeth before recommending treatment.
Do I need retainers after Invisalign®?
Retainers are generally recommended after orthodontic treatment to help maintain the position of your teeth. Your dentist will advise you on the appropriate retainer and wearing schedule for your individual needs.
Book an Invisalign® Consultation
If you are considering Invisalign in London, book a consultation with ēm dental to discuss your smile and find out whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for you.