Blog

When teeth are crooked, crowded or have gaps between them, it is easy to feel self-conscious about it. However, many of us may also feel self-conscious about the possibility of wearing a clearly visible metal brace over our teeth. This is where Invisalign aligners come in. Made of clear plastic, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible throughout the whole treatment and can correct a whole range of orthodontic problems, such as tooth crowding, crooked teeth and gaps in teeth.

How do they work?

The Invisalign aligner is a custom-built plastic mould, which fits over your teeth. After a consultation, photos and a mould are taken of your teeth. The Invisalign lab will use these to construct a 3D image of the movement your teeth will achieve over the course of treatment. A series of aligners is then made, and you will switch between different aligners as your teeth gradually move position. The aligners are removable, allowing for ease of cleaning teeth and eating, but you should wear them as much as possible (around 22 hours per day) to allow for faster results. You will visit your London dentist every couple of weeks to check up on the treatment, and receive your new aligners.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

The most obvious advantage, and function, of the aligners is that they will move your teeth gradually so that you have a smile that you are proud to show off. This is achieved without any obvious wires or metal brackets. The aligners are made from practically transparent material and cannot be seen except very close up. In addition, oral hygiene is much easier than with traditional braces, due to the aligners being removable. You may also find that they cause less discomfort than metal braces, which can occasionally cause gum irritation.