Are you unhappy with your smile because of crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth? If so, you’re not alone. According to a survey by the Portman Smile Clinic, almost a third of UK adults have either had orthodontic treatment or are considering it.
While wearing braces London has long been the go-to solution for fixing these types of dental problems, there’s now a clear alternative – Invisalign.
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that slowly and gently shift your teeth into their correct positions. They offer several advantages over traditional braces, and because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, keep reading. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this popular orthodontic treatment, including how it works, how much it costs, and whether or not it’s right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, customised aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. These aligners are made from smooth plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. Most people wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day and only remove them when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Every two weeks or so, you’ll move on to a new set of aligners that are slightly different from the previous ones. As you progress through the treatment plan, your teeth will eventually end up in their correct positions.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are practically invisible – unlike metal braces which can be quite noticeable. This means that no one will be able to tell that you’re straightening your teeth unless you tell them!
Other benefits include:
- Fewer food restrictions: Because you can remove your aligners while eating and drinking, there are no food restrictions like there are with braces (no more saying goodbye to popcorn and chewing gum!).
- Better oral hygiene: Because you can remove your aligners while brushing and flossing, it’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
- More comfortable: The aligners are made from smooth plastic instead of metal wires and brackets, so they’re much more comfortable to wear. You may experience some soreness when first starting treatment as your teeth adjust to the aligners but this generally goes away after a few days.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?
The length of Invisalign treatment varies from person to person, but most people can expect to wear their aligners for about 9-15 months. This is shorter than the average treatment time for traditional braces, which is usually between 18 and 24 months.
Most people will see a significant improvement in their smile within the first few months of treatment. If you need only minor corrections, you may even be done in as little as six months.
Your orthodontists London will develop a customised treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. Once you start wearing the aligners, you’ll likely need to come in for check-ups every four to six weeks so the orthodontist can track your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic treatment option for many people, but it’s not right for everyone. Here are a few potential disadvantages to keep in mind:
- The aligners must be worn consistently: In order for Invisalign to work, you need to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours per day. However, you can’t eat or drink (except for water) while wearing them, so you’ll need to be disciplined about taking them out and putting them back in. For this reason, Invisalign is not usually recommended for children or teenagers.
- It’s usually more expensive than braces: Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. However, the cost of treatment will vary depending on your individual case.
- It’s not suitable for everyone: Invisalign is not recommended for people with severe orthodontic issues. If you have a complex dental issue, your orthodontist Richmond may recommend traditional braces instead.
Cost of Invisalign Treatment in the UK
The full cost of your treatment will depend on the severity of your misalignment, the length of time you need to wear aligners for, and the dental clinic you choose.
Most people can expect to pay between £1,500 and £5,000 in total. Some dental clinics offer payment plans that allow you to pay for your Invisalign payments monthly. These payment plans start at around £50 a month.
If you’re considering Invisalign, you will have a consultation before beginning treatment. This consultation should include a full estimate of costs including Invisalign aligners, dental clinic visits, x-rays, and anything else required as part of your treatment.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic treatment option for many people. It’s practically invisible, more comfortable than metal braces, and can be removable for eating and drinking. Most people will see a significant improvement in their smile within the first few months of treatment.
Invisalign is a significant investment for most people, and it’s not available on the NHS. However, most people who’ve undergone treatment agree that Invisalign was worth the cost.
What Are the Alternatives to Invisalign?
If Invisalign isn’t right for you, there are other orthodontic treatment options available aside from traditional metal braces.
Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club is an at-home teeth straightening system that uses clear plastic aligners. It’s a more affordable alternative to Invisalign, but you won’t have the same level of supervision from a dental professional.
You visit a SmileShop for an initial 3D scan of your teeth or take an impression at home yourself which is then sent to the company. A licensed dentist or orthodontist will review your case and create a treatment plan. You’ll then receive your clear aligners in the mail and be able to track your progress online.
You’ll need to wear your aligners for 22 hours per day, and the average treatment time is four to six months. Smile Direct Club is only suitable for people with mild to moderate dental issues.
Lingual braces
These are metal braces that are placed on the back of your teeth, making them nearly invisible. They’re more expensive than traditional braces and can be difficult to clean, but they may be a good option for people who are concerned about the appearance of metal braces.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets and wires. They’re less visible than metal braces, but they may be more noticeable than Invisalign aligners.
Damon braces
Damon braces are a type of self-ligating metal brace that uses a slide mechanism to hold the wire in place. This can make them more comfortable than traditional braces, and they may also be smaller and less visible.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
The almost invisible aligners are a major selling point for many people, but Invisalign may not be the best choice if you have a complex dental issue.
The cost of Invisalign is also something to consider. Treatment can be expensive, especially if you’re eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment.
You should research the alternatives and discuss the pros/cons of various types of braces with an orthodontist before making a decision.
