It was not too long ago when the only orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth were fixed metal braces. Thanks to a forward-thinking approach to orthodontics, patients are now spoilt for choice with a plethora of exciting teeth-straightening options, including Invisalign Clapham.

As a long-standing dental practice, we at Clapham South Dental Centre know well that today’s patients look for customised, efficacious and convenience-focused dental treatments, which is why we are delighted to offer high-quality treatment options such as Invisalign Clapham.

Why are patients so drawn to the appeal of Invisalign Clapham? What does this system offer that makes it an increasingly popular choice for both patients and dental practitioners? Here, we take a look at some of the looked-for benefits of Invisalign.

Marvellous reasons to choose Invisalign

The first advantage of significant importance to patients on the Invisalign system is that the aligner trays are removable. This feature easily allows for fuss-free oral hygiene routines and the freedom to eat a more inclusive diet.

How this works is that patients are allowed a two-hour maximum period (for some patients this can extend to four) during the day within which they must eat and clean their teeth. Along with this convenience comes the need to practise restraint (no lingering over meals and snacking at will). Patients will also have to ensure that they adhere strictly to the time for removing the aligner trays.

There is hardly any patient who does not appreciate the discretion of these aligner trays. It is quite common for teens and adult patients to be more self-conscious about making it known that they are on orthodontic treatment, and the transparency of the clear plastic material the aligners are made of helps to obscure this fact. Invisalign patients can go about their day with ease knowing that the aligner trays are barely noticeable.

Another factor worth taking into consideration is that the system affords patients unrivalled control over their own treatment plans. It is up to the patients to comply with the guidelines for use as advised by our supervising dentist. Not only do patients need to ensure they wear the aligners for the minimum prescribed number of hours, but they must also follow the interchange schedule for each aligner tray in the series provided.

In addition to this, patients come to appreciate the fact that due to their responsibility in changing the aligners according to the schedule, they do not have to attend frequent dental appointments. As each tray has been deliberately designed to move teeth into desirable positions, there is no need for manual adjustments to be made by our dental practitioner.

While such desirable benefits are great reasons to make Invisalign the orthodontic solution of choice, there are a few things to know about choosing these removable aligners. Of prime importance is the safe storage of the aligner trays when they are not being worn. This is to protect the trays from damage and prevent loss – both of which are crucial if a patient is to avoid interrupting their treatment plans. To discuss what this treatment plan involves, please set up an appointment with our dentist by giving us a call at Clapham South Dental Centre.

You took the plunge and finally had your Invisalign aligners fitted. You’re really happy with how natural and comfortable they are, but now you want to make sure you keep them sparkling clean and taken care of, so they keep up their invisible appearance. We at Clapham South Dental Centre have collected all our top tips to help maintain your new aligners.

An Invisalign recap

Invisalign Clapham is a type of aligner used to straighten out crooked teeth, space out overcrowding or pull back overbites. They consist of a clear tray that is made from durable, rigid plastic. You will need to wear your aligners for 22 hours per day, then once the treatment is complete you’ll receive retainers which will normally have to be worn overnight for a certain period. The treatment is very subtle and perfect for adults with orthodontic problems who want a discreet way to treat their issues.

What is the best way to clean my aligners?

Just like your natural teeth, your Invisalign Clapham will need to be looked after assiduously. You will need to be cleaning the aligners every time you clean your teeth. To clean them you will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, aligner cleaning tablets and a bowl of tepid or cold water.

What’s the process of a good clean?

First, you need to rinse your aligners under lukewarm water – be sure to avoid hot water as this can cause heat damage to them. Secondly, you need to soak them in the special Invisalign cleaning fluid. We recommend leaving it for between five to ten minutes, but always double-check the instructions. Once ready, take your toothbrush and brush along the lining of the device both inside and out of the shell. Be extremely careful when doing this as too much pressure on the plastic could cause a break.

When you’ve completed the brushing you need to check over your aligner for any leftover build-up of plaque or tartar. This can appear cloudy or white and it will also be stubborn to remove. Much like how plaque or tartar will cause damage and infection to your teeth and gums, it will begin to rot your aligner and can lead to the plastic becoming fragile and eventually breaking. It’s also worth noting regular cleaning will also mean your aligners stay odour free.

Extra top tips for aligner use

Whenever you take out your Invisalign aligners you need to make sure you clean your teeth before putting them back in again. If there is any food or drink trapped under them it will cause serious damage to your teeth over long periods.

Keep your Invisalign Clapham clean and safe – always try to keep them in their box or in a glass of water. You don’t want any dirt to get onto the surface without you knowing.

Avoid drinking anything other than water when wearing your device. Tea, coffee, squash, juice or alcohol will all leave your aligners looking stained and discoloured and your once beautiful clear solution to straight teeth will appear less than squeaky clean.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment comprises removable retainers moulded perfectly to your own teeth which appear invisible to the outside world. Past orthodontic treatments have focussed entirely on the pulling of teeth into a new aligned position, using a series of brackets and wires which have not always blended with the natural appearance of a patient’s smile. With modern advances within the dental world, both in terms of knowledge and equipment, orthodontic treatments have excelled and taken a cosmetically appealing turn. Effective tooth realignment combined with a cosmetically appealing material ensures that no compromises are made.

Why a consultation first?

As with all treatments and procedures, it is necessary to first understand all the details of the process before leaping into it. This includes all the benefits, whether short or long term, alongside any commitments and responsibilities which may come into the process. For this reason, a consultation appointment will always be booked first to ensure that any questions you may have get answered and to ensure that the treatment process is understood in full.

As with all consultation processes, a full, in-depth education on the entire process will begin. This does not mean an hour-long lecture, but a discussion on how the process relies heavily on the patient’s commitment, the length of time the process may or may not take and any benefits or impacts that the treatment may have on daily life. On top of all this, a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth and gums will need to be carried out both physically and in terms of digital scans and X-rays. Whilst this may seem a lot to cover, this thorough process from the outset ensures that the treatment is right for you going forward and puts to rest any concerns you may have.

With Invisalign Clapham, one of the highly innovative aspects to the treatment is the 3D plan which is created from the digital scans taken. This plan enables you to better understand what changes can be made, and effectively enables you to visualise your end goal.

Should the decision at the end of the consultation process be to go ahead with the orthodontic treatment, a series of tailor-made aligners will be created and provided to you within one to two weeks.

The next step – having your aligner

Once your custom-made aligners are ready, you will be invited in for an appointment to recap over the important aspects of the treatment and to show you how to use your aligners in the most efficient way. Whilst the treatment is essentially carried out at home, at no point are you left unsupported, our dental team at Clapham South Dental Centre are with you whenever you need them.

Once you have the aligners, it is important to follow the plan provided in sequence. Whilst this varies from patient to patient, the general idea is to wear the Invisalign Clapham aligners for approximately 22 hours a day, with removal being solely during the oral hygiene process and whilst eating. Aside from that the aligners should be at work and gently pushing your teeth into a new aligned position.

Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after treatment has begun a check-up with your dental team will be carried out. This not only allows them to monitor your progress, but also enables you to voice any concerns you may have. As the treatment develops you will be advised when to change over to the next set of aligners. The reason for this is to continue guiding the teeth into their new positioning in a gentle, but efficient manner.

Once the end goal has been successfully reached, a new tailor-made retainer will be created which is to be worn ongoing. Once again, the outside world will be unaware of the Invisalign Clapham appliance, but it will be hard at work preserving the positioning of your new smile.

A neat and straight smile is attractive to look at and helps boost self-confidence, which encourages you to smile more frequently and increases attraction further. But it is not all about looks, a beautifully straight smile is easy to keep clean and as a result, promotes better dental health. If you suffer from crooked teeth, then you need to speak to us at Clapham South Dental Centre.

Straightening teeth is now so much easier than in previous generations, and you can now achieve a neatly aligned and beautiful smile without the use of metal braces that need to be fixed in your mouth for several months or even years. For this, you will need to find out about Invisalign Clapham.

Why is Invisalign so popular?

Invisalign Clapham is a modern, convenient and effective method for straightening teeth here at Clapham South Dental Centre. As its name suggests, Invisalign Clapham is almost invisible and therefore a highly popular treatment for crooked teeth. Thanks to the discretion and convenience of this treatment, Invisalign has become the preferred alternative to traditional orthodontics for those with moderate misalignment issues. It has helped correct approximately 4 million smiles across the world so far, continuing to grow in popularity amongst dentists and patients alike.

How does Invisalign work?

To find out more about Invisalign Clapham, you need to book an appointment with our dentist here at Clapham South Dental Centre. Our dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure that there are no underlying dental issues. If you do require some cleaning, then our hygienist can perform a scale and polish to remove any excess plaque or tartar from your teeth.

Once you are ready, you will undergo a specialised scan using the iTero scanning machine designed by Invisalign. This machine is a laser scan that takes pictures of your mouth to make an accurate digital 3D impression of your teeth and gums. This impression can be seen on a screen and will allow you to find out how your teeth will look following successful treatment with Invisalign. Furthermore, the results can be used to create a tailored series of Invisalign aligners that work together to produce the desired result. The scan allows the aligners to be produced precisely and accurately so that they are comfortable to wear and create results that are very close to what was predicted.

The aligners work in a series, and the duration of the treatment will depend on the extent of movement that is needed to achieve your desired smile. Each aligner must be worn for two weeks at a time for 22 hours a day before you move on to the next aligner in the series.

We recommend that you visit our dentist after every three or four aligners or more frequently if necessary to make sure that the process is coming along successfully and that there are no dental issues in the process. Speak to us at Clapham South Dental Centre today and find out more about Invisalign Clapham.

Looking to have your teeth straightened using invisible aligners?

At Clapham South Dental, we can offer you Invisalign Clapham, and will always aim to make your experience with us as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Here, we offer a quick guide on how to choose a suitable provider of Invisalign Clapham. So, read on and enjoy!

Certification

Not just any dentist can use Invisalign Clapham and so when you are looking for a dental team to provide it for you, you should in the first instance ask about their certification and training with this aligner.

All of our practitioners who offer this aligner have attended all of the required and additional training, so when you come to us, you can rest assured that you are getting the best!

Experience

Certification is one thing, but experience is another!

When shopping around for a dentist to provide your invisible aligner, ask them about when they received their certification and always ask to see their certificate and portfolio.

That way, you will be able to get a sense of how experienced they are at using the aligners.

Reviews

It’s happened to the best of us; we have a job completed by a professional, only to find that it doesn’t live up to our expectations. And then we go online to look at reviews and find that we should have read those first!

When you are looking for an orthodontic dentist, always read the reviews of their practice! That way, you will be able to gauge what kind of environment you will be walking into when you work with them, and you will be able to determine if they are suitable for you.

At Clapham South, we regularly receive 5-star reviews from our patients and, should we dip below their level of expectation, will always work to rectify it as patient care is our number one priority.

Portfolio

Technically, the use of an invisible aligner falls under the umbrella of cosmetic work. And so, when you are shopping around for a dentist to undertake this procedure with, you should ask to see their portfolio of past work.

This establishes 2 things; the first is that they have used this brand of invisible aligner before and are comfortable enough with it to showcase their work. Secondly, it highlights professionalism on their part; logging photos and keeping a portfolio is essential for all kinds of cosmetic work, even dental, to help the dentist display their pride and expertise in this field.

All of our cosmetic dentists at Clapham South have either a physical or online portfolio of their work, which they will be more than happy to show you if asked.

Communication

OK, so this may sound obvious, but when you are in the dental chair, it is all too easy to forget that you can actually shop around for your dental practitioner.

There are lots of dental practices that can offer this treatment and so, it is important that you choose an orthodontist or dentist with who you feel comfortable working.

At Clapham South, our invisible aligner dentists will always aim to make you feel comfortable and will answer any questions that you have using jargon-free language. We will always be on hand if you need us at any stage of the treatment, as we know how confusing aligners and braces can be at times!

Heard of Invisalign Clapham? But have you heard it is a tough aligner to use?

What are some of the best tips for using Invisalign Clapham? Here we discuss 4 aspects of the aligners’ usage in daily life. Enjoy!

Cleaning the aligners

With Invisalign Clapham, there are many options available to help you keep them clean.

The first is to simply rinse the aligner(s) under a cold running tap twice a day. If there are any stuck-on bits of food debris or stains, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove it and, if required, you can even use toothpaste to help.

Refrain from rinsing your aligners under hot water! Remember, invisible aligners are made of plastic and can easily warp. While it can be tempting to clean them using mouthwash, these can create staining on the aligners and so, it can be counterproductive.

There are other options available for cleaning invisible aligners too; you can also use a denture cleaner or even use suitable cleaning crystals to give your aligners a minty fresh taste!

If you aren’t sure which is the best option for you, talk to our dentist at Clapham South.

Storing the aligners

Yes, invisible aligners are sturdy enough to push your teeth into new positions but that doesn’t mean that they are impervious to damage or harm.

When our team gives you your aligners, they will come with a branded carry case. To keep your aligners safe and intact, we strongly recommend that you use this case to carry and store your aligners. Even if you are out and about with friends, or going out for a meal, when the aligners come out, put them in the carry case.

Refrain from throwing them into your bag, pocket or other areas as this can still cause them damage.

Saving the aligners

When you start using invisible aligners, you may receive up to 14 of them. To work correctly, they will need to be worn in a sequential order which our team will discuss with you.

However, as mentioned previously, aligners can become damaged with daily activity which means that most dentists and orthodontists will recommend patients who use an invisible aligner to save the used ones.

If one of your aligners becomes damaged, our team will need to send off for a new one to be created, which can take up to 2 weeks. And in this time, if you aren’t wearing an aligner, your teeth may move into a former position, which overall can delay treatment. Therefore, it is wise to save former aligners if this should occur. So, keep them safely stored!

Removing the aligners

Invisible aligners are removable and as such, we know it can be all but too tempting for people to take them out as and when they want to.

But when you remove your aligners to eat, drink or brush your teeth, we advise you to time yourself. For any invisible aligner to be effective, it needs to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day.

If you are having issues sticking to this time regimen or any other one that our team has put in for you, feel free to book an appointment.

Invisalign Clapham orthodontic solutions available at Clapham South Dental Centre enjoy immense popularity with our patients due to one of their world-famous traits – these braces are virtually invisible.

Orthodontic solutions come in a choice of various shapes and sizes and it can be quite overwhelming for a patient to decide on which one to choose. This is where our well-experienced dental practitioners play an instrumental guiding role in recommending the right choice according to individual patient needs and preferences. We will talk you through each of the suitable orthodontic tools and what can be expected using them. We work with our patients by listening to their concerns and ensure that they have all the information they need to make the ultimate decision for their oral health goals.

Factors that set Invisalign Clapham apart

Considering the availability of a diverse set of orthodontic tools, it is quite reasonable to ask what makes Invisalign Clapham such a great choice to straighten teeth. According to our patients, the following are just some of the reasons that have tipped the balance in favour of the clear aligner-based system.

Easier to clean teeth

One of the most remarkable features of this orthodontic system is that it is removable. This opens up a few advantages for the patient. As the aligner trays are made from pliable smart plastic, all a patient has to do is remove them before brushing and flossing. Teeth then become easier to clean as all barriers are removed first. The process for sterilising the trays is simple too; they can be brushed out and soaked using appropriate cleaning agents.

Fewer food restrictions

Aligners are removed before eating which means there are fewer restrictions when it comes to choosing what to eat. However, we would like to remind patients that a tooth-friendly diet is the best choice to maintain oral health. This type of diet is generally low in sugar and highly acidic foods and beverages. Next in importance is the number of times in a day teeth come into contact with such foods and beverages; the fewer, the better.

Fewer follow-up visits are required

This is a particularly desirable benefit for busy patients who do not have the time for frequent visits to the dentist. Right at the start of their treatment plan, patients are given their set of aligner trays with instructions on how often to change them. Patients may need to come in occasionally just for us to make sure that the teeth straightening process is coming along nicely.

Straightening your teeth offers amazing benefits, some of which can be life-changing. Just think of the confidence boost that comes from a beautifully aligned smile and what that would mean for your professional or personal life.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we provide a full range of high-quality dental care to the NHS (we welcome new patients too) and private patients. Are you in need of orthodontics? Schedule a consultation with us and we will provide you with a complete treatment plan.

We all have dental issues from time to time, some of the issues we experience will create the need for us to seek advice from a dentist and undergo treatment. The best way to avoid the need for dental intervention is to ensure we maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, brushing and flossing are the simple tools we can employ to maintain good oral health.

For adults with misaligned teeth maintaining good oral health can become problematic, as the contours of the teeth can make it difficult to gain full access to the areas around them while brushing. This makes it more likely for problems to arise. Yet, there are modern solutions that can be used to address the issue of misaligned teeth in adults.

We at Clapham South Dental Centre want to make any potential patients with misaligned or crooked teeth aware of our Invisalign Clapham service, a discreet treatment solution that is the perfect answer for those with misaligned teeth.

Living with the issues of misaligned teeth

Those living with misaligned teeth may experience more dental issues in life than others, largely due to the inability to clean their teeth correctly. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, leading to a greater need for invasive dental intervention at different stages in life.

People living with misaligned teeth may also find they experience weakness in the bite, making the action of chewing food hard work. This leads to the act of eating becoming a difficult one, which can result in some limiting their choices of foods as they seek to avoid things they perceive as hard for them to eat and enjoy.

In extreme cases of misaligned teeth, speech impediments can be present, there is a strong connection between misaligned teeth and lisps. This can lead to someone becoming inhibited and may have a negative psychological impact on the individual.

The Invisalign Clapham service can address all these issues head-on, leading to the individual who receives treatment enjoying a higher standard of oral health and a far greater quality of life.

Out with the old. In with the new

The reason why there are still many adults living with misaligned teeth in the UK is clear to understand, they may have been offered tooth alignment treatment at a stage of life when they already feel sensitive, their teenage years. They may have been offered wire and metal bracket braces – rejecting this treatment as they may have associated it with a negative image that would lead to them experiencing self-consciousness.

The good news is that the wire and metal braces can now be confined to the past in many cases, in their place is a modern alignment device that can allow a patient to receive treatment in an extremely discreet way. Due to being made from two layers of clear plastics that have been developed to be hard-wearing and durable, these new aligners are practically invisible to the eyes of others when being worn.

If you want to know more

If you want to find out more about the Invisalign Clapham service being offered by Clapham South Dental Centre, you should give our practice a call. Our reception staff can take you through the process of registering with the practice and make an appointment to see one of our dental consultants.

Aligners are a great orthodontic treatment option, especially for those who require a lighter and more convenient form for correcting their teeth. But how can you get the most from Invisalign in Clapham and other clear aligners?

There are more benefits to aligners than just their subtlety and convenience in daily use. The smaller adjustments used throughout the treatment are far more tolerable and allow you to continue with your everyday regime without the use of pain relief. Also, no one is performing an orthodontic adjustment that comes when using a standard brace, but there are limitations to aligner use.

One being that the shape of the aligner is critical to the effectiveness of treatment and in order to be as comfortable as they are, aligners are vulnerable to being warped and damaged; this is particularly true for high-temperature situations or eating hard food while wearing your aligner. This can result in changing the underlying fundamental shape of the aligner and start to alter the pressure it applies to your teeth or cracking the aligner. By relieving any tension that is stored in the aligner, it stops pushing on your teeth correctly, making them worthless.

Why choose us for Invisalign?

Invisalign in Clapham are provided in their own individual packaging; you are advised to keep them in the original packaging until they are ready to be used. Store this packaging in a cool, dark place. When you remove your aligners, try not to place them in a tight jean pocket or anywhere they may become crushed. Aligners are very easy to clean and a gentle rinse with cool water should suffice; avoid using hot and especially boiling water and scrubbing or abrading your aligner. Also, to keep your aligner clear and invisible, you should avoid washing it in any coloured substances, like mouthwashes.

These are pretty minor considerations compared to the relative inconvenience of meticulously cleaning a standard metal brace after eating. Thankfully, even in the worst-case scenario, you can reorder any aligner and receive it within approximately a week. Do not be tempted to either go back to an earlier aligner or skip ahead to a future aligner; each of the aligners is progressively taking your teeth through very important steps to the final outcome of your treatment. Skipping ahead or loitering on an aligner should be avoided and will take your teeth out of sync with your treatment schedule. This can majorly delay treatment completion.

As long as you use your aligners by directly paying attention to wearing them as often as you need to, your treatment should continue as predicted. But cutting corners and trying to either accelerate the treatment or avoid ordering a replacement aligner when necessary is going to cause far more issues. If you have lost one of your aligners or have concerns that one of them has warped or become damaged, please contact the clinic and we will be happy to advise you about Invisalign in Clapham.

Whether you are a teenager or an adult, having misaligned teeth can be irritating.

And, while you may think that the only way to correct such an issue is with a metal brace, there are many other options that you can try.

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may be able to wear either a clear or invisible brace, which offers all of the advantages of a metal brace without any of the aesthetic issues.

At Clapham South Dental, we are able to offer our patients a myriad of different orthodontic options, including Invisalign in Clapham. As the name suggests, this aligner is the closest you will ever get to having an invisible brace as it is made from clear plastic and slots over your teeth. Powerful and versatile, it can correct a range of orthodontic issues quickly, allowing you the freedom to smile without concern while wearing it! Perfect!

Curious to learn more about Invisalign in Clapham? Here, our team answers 5 FAQS that we get about this aligner.

Does wearing the aligner hurt?

While it is not as uncomfortable as regular braces, you may experience a bit of discomfort while wearing Invisalign in Clapham.

Remember, it is still an orthodontic appliance as it is gently pushing your teeth into your desired position; even with gentle force, it may still be uncomfortable. If you have any concerns over the level of discomfort you are having during this treatment, however, talk to our team.

Can I take it out?

Yes, you can!

This invisible aligner can be taken out so you can eat, brush your teeth or attend dental check-ups.

But in order for it to be successful, you need to keep it in for a minimum of 22 hours per day.

How often will I need to attend appointments?

With this kind of aligner, we will only need to see you every 6-8 weeks, unless there is an issue.

There is an app that can be used in conjunction with the aligner, which will allow you to send our team photos of your smile and will help us judge how well the treatment is going.

Just be sure to change to the next aligner in the sequence every 14 days and to keep the aligner in your mouth for the required time, then your dental surgery trips will be minimal.

How long is the treatment time on average?

This will depend on the severity of the misalignment, but for most of our patients, treatment with this aligner is completed within 3-6 months. Remember, you have to keep it in your mouth for the required 22 hours per day for your treatment schedule to run on time.

I have an overbite; can it correct it

This will depend on how severe the overbite is but when you attend our consultation, our team can make an accurate assessment.

Generally speaking, we have helped many patients to treat overbites using invisible aligners, so hopefully, it won’t be an issue!