Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth, without needing to worry about the physical appearance of metal braces?
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, and your age (you must be over 18), we may have the solution for you. In the last 30 years, invisible aligners known as Invisalign have trickled their way down into common dental practices, offering adult patients an alternative solution to straightening their teeth. And as you can guess from the name, this aligner is made from a clear plastic that slots over our teeth and is removable, so it is more like a sports guard than an orthodontic appliance.
At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are happy to be able to offer our patients invisible braces in Clapham like Invisalign and can assess if they are the correct brace for you. We can also offer financing options, to help you spread the cost of any orthodontic treatments, thus reducing the concerns that you may have about paying for such treatments. Great stuff!
Have some questions about invisible braces in Clapham? Here, our team answers 5 common queries that we have been asked by patients, so enjoy!
What they are made from
Invisible braces in Clapham, or Invisalign if you prefer, are made from a patented thermoplastic known as SmartTrack, which was created solely for orthodontic purposes.
It is tough but malleable, and it is clear, earning the aligner its name and popularity among adults and teenagers.
How they move teeth
Invisible aligners or braces like Invisalign do not rely on tightening. They are 3D printed to the form of your teeth and as your treatment progresses, the aligners gradually change shape with your teeth. They use pressure points to gently push your teeth and when each aligner has completed its task, it will feel loose, allowing you to remove it and put the next aligner in the sequence in.
Disorders they can treat
Invisible aligners and braces can treat many orthodontic issues; everything from overcrowding to overbites can be corrected depending on their severity.
If we decide that you need to have corrective work performed on your molars or your bite meshing, we will usually advise you to wear a traditional orthodontic brace.
Longevity
Most invisible aligners are designed to be worn for around 2 weeks, but the results that they create can last a lifetime.
Be sure to follow our team’s post-aligner or brace advice, such as the wearing of a retainer to ensure that your straighter smile lasts for the rest of your life.
Complications
A common issue that prevents people from undertaking clear or invisible aligners in the first instance is the occurrence of things like tooth decay and gum disease; once this has been corrected, you will be able to proceed with orthodontics.
As is generally advised with dentistry, it is wise to avoid smoking and drinking excessively while wearing orthodontic appliances, as this can speed up the formation of periodontal issues and recession of the gums.
