Before you start your Invisalign journey with us, you must know these 16 points so you are aware of what to expect!
Crooked or out-of-place teeth do not only knock your confidence, but they can also lead to a variety of health issues down the road. Yet, there are many people out there with crooked and misaligned teeth.
Traditionally, wires and bracket braces were an easy solution to this problem in Preston, Lancashire but now, there is a new and even more convenient solution, Invisalign.
The major concern of people about traditional braces is having people notice the metal wires in their mouths when they use them. It makes many feel embarrassed and get more self-conscious. But Invisalign has proved to be a worthy alternative treatment to help you have straighter teeth.
It uses clear BPA free plastic aligners instead of metal brackets, so no one will notice them in your mouth. Invisalign gives you the benefit of straightening your teeth without the self-conscious feeling that comes with traditional braces, instead, more freedom!.
If you have been considering Invisalign to revive your smile and make boost your confidence, here are some things you need to know about the treatment. To make it easy for you to understand, we have put them together in form of answers to questions you might have in your mind concerning the treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern solution provided to help people get straighter teeth without having to use wires. It involves the use of clear, smooth custom-made plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. The aligners slowly straighten your teeth into the correct position.
During the treatment, you may, however, need more than one set of aligners. You get a new set every one-two weeks until the treatment is over.
Is Invisalign the right treatment for you?
Yes, Invisalign treatment is great for both teens and adults looking for an almost invisible method to improve their smile. It is an effective treatment option capable of correcting a variety of dental issues, including crooked teeth, gaped teeth, and bite issues without interrupting your busy life.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
The primary advantage of Invisalign treatment is that the clear aligners are not obvious – they are virtually invisible. So people will not notice you are wearing them.
That means you can wear them to work, social gatherings, or school without feeling self-conscious. Also, you can take them out any time you want to brush, eat, or drink. They are easily removable.
How long will the treatment last?
Treatment duration depends on a couple of factors, including how often you wear your aligners and how complex your orthodontic case is. Dr Andrew Holly in Preston is able to tell you how long your treatment is likely going to take after assessing your case.
However, Invisalign treatment on average takes between 12 to 18 months. But you will definitely start seeing results after a couple of weeks.
How will the treatment straighten your teeth?
Invisalign treatment is customised. Your doctor will create a treatment plan unique to you based on your specific needs. You will then have to wear a sequential series of aligners that gently apply the right force to the right place, gradually adjusting your teeth to the right position.
Throughout the treatment, Dr Andrew will be there to monitor your progress and ensure you have the next set of aligners that correctly fit.
Are the aligners painful?
During the first days of wearing a new set of clear aligners, it is normal to feel temporary discomfort. This is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working. However, it is usually a mild discomfort that some people even describe it as feeling like pressure. The discomfort should go away after a couple of days.
How often would you have to wear the aligners?
To get the best results from the treatment, you will have to wear your aligners most hours of the day. It is recommended you have them in for about 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only when you want to brush, floss, eat, or drink.
The more time you have your aligners in, the more effective your treatment will be.
Will people notice you are wearing them?
Like we earlier said, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible. Most people will not notice you are wearing them. So if you have been worried about having an improved smile because of people noticing traditional braces, you will find Invisalign much more convenient. It is seamless and will perfectly fit your lifestyle.
Will you also need attachments?
Yes, you will need attachments with Invisalign treatment. These are small tooth-coloured shapes that are attached to your teeth to help the aligner trays fit tightly and smoothly to your teeth. However, the attachments are discreet, so most people may not notice them too.
Can you take out the aligners any time you feel like taking them out?
The aligners are removable and you can easily take them out. However, remember you shouldn’t be taking out your aligners anyhow.
You need to have them in as much as possible so you can get the best result from the treatment. But when you want to eat, drink, or brush, you can take them out.
You can also take them off for special occasions like a job interview, wedding, or playing your favourite instrument but this should only be for an hour or so, not several hours if possible.
Are there any restrictions on what you can eat while in treatment?
There is no food restriction at all. You can eat your favourite foods and still enjoy your favourite wine. That is one of the advantages of Invisalign over traditional wires and brackets. However, remember to always take out your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water.
Will the aligners affect your speech?
Yes, you may have a slight lisp when you first start to wear your aligners. But you will get used to it after a few days of having the aligners in your mouth. The lisp will go away.
How should you clean your aligners?
You can get the Invisalign Cleaning System from us or online. This is the best way to clean the aligners. You can also use a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush and rinse in lukewarm water. However, never use hot water on the aligners. It can permanently warp the plastic.
Will you need a retainer after the treatment?
Yes, you will need a retainer after the treatment is over. That will prevent the teeth from gradually moving from their newly achieved positions.
Some people continue to use their plastic aligners as their retainer while some may consider getting another retainer entirely. We will provide you with free Essix retainers as part of your treatment to ensure you have a dedicated set of aligners/retainers that are fresh and do their job correctly.
How expensive is the Invisalign treatment?
It can be difficult to know the exact price of your Invisalign; it will depend on how complex your case is and how many aligners you will need. But in most cases, its cost is similar to that of braces. Prices on average start from £2,500. You can get more information about Invisalign price and finance on our pricing page.
Will my dental work insurance cover your Invisalign treatment?
Because the treatment is considered a cosmetic treatment, most insurance will not cover the treatment. However, there are different special payment plans that will allow you to spread out treatment payment.
You can speak to our team by filling our contact form about the various Invisalign payment options available to you.
