A smile is amongst the first things that someone else notices about you, so it should be something that you are proud to show off. If you are insecure about your smile because of gaps or crooked teeth then booking a consultation appointment with one of our practitioners at Clapham South Dental Centre will allow you to find out what you can do to straighten out your smile. We provide Invisalign in Clapham which is a simple way to straighten your teeth in as little as six months. With no messy bite impressions needed and no unsightly metal brackets attached to the surfaces of your teeth, it is an ideal treatment for those who wish for their treatment to be as simple as possible and do not want to have an appliance permanently attached to their teeth for several years. It is easy to book a consultation appointment with one of our practitioners over the phone or through our website, and our friendly team will explain everything as fully as possible to you as well as answering any questions that you may have.

Appliances designed by technology

When you decide that you are going to have Invisalign in Clapham you will have a consultation appointment where a 3D scan is taken of your entire mouth. This image will show the current positioning of your teeth, but it will also produce several other images that are predictions of how your teeth will need to move to become straight and even. You will have a set of clear, plastic aligners custom made for each stage of the movement, and these aligners will gradually move your teeth into new positions. They should be comfortable to wear and fit snugly over your own teeth. Our dental practitioner will issue you with a few sets of your aligners at a time, having regular appointments to make sure your treatment is working effectively and to provide you with your next lot of aligners.

Six months to get your new smile

Invisalign in Clapham generally takes between six and twelve months to complete, depending on how severe your individual situation is. The aligners that you are provided with must be worn for at least twenty-two hours of the day, otherwise, you risk your treatment not working properly and taking longer to complete overall. Each set will need to be worn for around two weeks, but this can sometimes vary depending on your personal circumstances too. Once your treatment has finished you will have another appointment at our practice where your dental practitioner will issue you with a retainer. This is an appliance similar to your aligners but is designed to prevent your teeth from returning to their original crooked positions. Retainers need to be worn continuously for a period of seven days after your treatment has come to an end, but after this, they can be worn just at night whilst you are asleep. Sometimes people will only need to wear a retainer at night for a matter of months, but in some cases, a retainer will be required for several years after treatment has ended.

We understand that it can be upsetting if you have teeth that are crooked, as it can really affect your confidence. If you are looking for a way to straighten your smile, without drawing attention to your teeth, then Invisalign in Clapham could well be the treatment for you. Clear, plastic aligners are used to gradually move your teeth over time.

What’s the process?

Our Clapham Invisalign treatment consists of 4 steps, each one bringing you a step closer to a straighter smile! Firstly, we will take you through a Case Assessment, which is a set of photos that helps us to determine whether or not you are suitable for the treatment. We will never recommend the treatment if it isn’t right for you as it can damage your teeth and cause problems. But don’t worry, the majority of people are able to proceed with this treatment.

The second step involves taking various photos and scans of your teeth, such as x-rays. This will give us a very clear picture of your teeth, allowing us to create a digital treatment plan for you. Using the latest technology, we can show you what your teeth will look like at the end of your treatment via a 3D video. This can really help to give you an idea of what to expect, which really excites our patients.

Once all of your scans have been sent off and your custom aligners have been created, your journey can truly begin. You will be given an initial set of aligners that you wear for around 20 hours a day, you should find this easy as they are very comfortable. You will change to a new aligner every 1-2 weeks from the comfort of your own home and visit up every 4-6 weeks so that we can give you a new set of aligners as well as monitor your progress.

After around 4-6 months, the final step of the process is having one more appointment with us, to make sure everything has gone as it should and so we can give you a retainer. With any teeth straightening treatment, it is always recommended to wear a retainer afterwards so that your teeth don’t move back into their original position.

What are the benefits?

One of the main advantages that our patients love about our Invisalign at Clapham is the appearance of the aligners whilst they are in your mouth. Due to the thin, clear plastic material that is used, other people will hardly notice you have an aligner at all.

The ease of the whole process is a big appeal to our patients, as there is no invasive surgery involved. The maintenance is also simple, as all you need to do is brush the aligners with your toothbrush and give them a rinse to keep them clean.

Being able to eat whatever you want throughout this process is also a big advantage. As these aligners are removable, you can simply take them out before you eat, meaning you don’t have to restrict anything.

At Clapham South Dental Care, we take pride in giving our patients high quality treatments that can help to boost both their confidence and oral health. If you are looking to get your teeth straightened, don’t hesitate to contact us today for an appointment!

The clear aligner is fast becoming a real contender when exploring orthodontic treatment options. Invisalign Clapham has become well known locally and by operating through local clinics, the biggest provider of aligners can ensure its products are used effectively and with the care that you can only get from your local community dental surgery.

The challenges that had to be overcome to develop an aligner which could perform as well as an affordable brace have been many and now we are proud to be an Invisalign Clapham local provider.

A clear aligner straightens teeth, using consistent force and relies on the same principles as a brace, but with a different method of action.

Aesthetics

For most, braces are a way of improving their facial aesthetics and there’s nothing wrong with that. Yes, not having a fully closing bite can have some health implications, but they’re fairly minor if the misalignment is minimal. The use of an ‘invisible brace’ allows a patient to enjoy the advantages of orthodontic treatment without the disadvantages of 6 months to 2 years in a brace. So, it is not surprising why so many choose to pursue their treatment with aligners.

Installing a brace and fitting aligners

For the sake of simplicity, we are only going to touch on the basic installation of a standard brace, but there are many brace designs with much more complex interactions. The traditional brace moves teeth via a bracket, which is glued to the front of each tooth. There, the iconic square shape of these are linked together with a stiff, curved rod called an archwire; it is by adjusting the brackets on the archwire that the braces can be used to pull teeth towards one another or push them apart, correcting aesthetic and functional issues.

The installation can take up to an hour and when adjustments are made (the first of which will be immediately after installation), it will be slightly uncomfortable. Soft food is recommended for the next week and the use of over-the-counter painkillers is advised to combat pressure-related sensations.

The Invisalign Clapham aligner fitting is very different; an accurate 3D model needs to be made of your teeth, to begin with. This used to be carried out by sitting for a dental mould which would be used to create a plaster replica, which was then 3D scanned. As 3D scanners have improved in accuracy, it has become possible to scan the inside of a patient’s mouth directly. It is also possible to predict a 3D model from a set of X-rays, which we may also use.

How long do aligners take compared to braces?

There is no fair way to compare the treatments without some knowledge of the case they are being applied to. For orthodontic corrections that involve molars or altering the palate, an aligner would be ineffective and in general, a standard brace is used in such instances to get results quickly. In six months, your teeth will have been moved into an exceptionally good position, but it will have been a bit uncomfortable. Braces cannot be removed but aligners can be; remember, not wearing them consistently results in an extended treatment time. How long you use each aligner is based on how your teeth react to them, so while we will provide an estimated treatment time, we cannot guarantee it.

Invisalign has become a popular means of straightening teeth in recent years. It’s often chosen by patients here at Clapham South Dental Centre because it’s discreet and convenient, offering great benefits in a relatively short time period. Those who smoke may wonder if this kind of treatment is a viable option for them, so here we explore the facts relating to aligners and being a consumer of tobacco products.

What are the main factors to consider?

Those who have smoked for any length of time will know that tobacco can cause staining to the nails, hands and teeth. This is also true of aligners, which can become discoloured as a result of tobacco use.

If the individual requires to smoke during the course of wearing the clear moulds, they should take care to remove these before smoking. While this is not necessarily problematic in itself, it’s time that is a significant factor. The success of invisalign in Clapham depends on the patient being able to wear the aligners for most of every 24 hour time period; only removing them in order to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. If smoking time is added on to that, then the efficiency of the treatment can be diminished. This can mean that the patient does not get the results that they were hoping for at the end of the treatment.

Is vaping with aligners ok?

Vaping, or smoking an e-cigarette, is a relatively new activity. The result of this is that not a lot is known about how it can affect aligners. However, the time factor is an issue as with cigarettes: removing the aligners to vape can decrease the effectiveness of treatment and mean that the results aren’t quite what they should be.

What to do

Talk to us to find out more about Invisalign in Clapham: we want to help all of our patients to achieve the best possible smile. As well as advising about aligners or other suitable treatments, we can also advise on how best to take care of the teeth and gums. Stopping smoking can help to improve oral health quite significantly, so here are our tips for getting started stopping.

You may want to consider nicotine replacement therapy. This can take the form of patches, gum, lozenges or oral sprays. The purpose of these is to help people to wean themselves off nicotine in a gradual manner, with the aim of making being a non-smoker more achievable.

Talk to the doctor if you think you may need more assistance! There are various medications available on prescription that can help support the patient in stopping smoke. You should investigate alternative ways to relax and try to relieve stress. Meditation, mindfulness and yoga can all help to keep people calm and resolve stress as they transition into being a non-smoker.

We understand that it is not easy to quit smoking, but if that is not possible; it is still well worth talking to us to investigate all options for improving the look of the teeth. Invisalign may remain the best choice, and with support from us, patients can expect great results!

So you’ve heard about clear aligners? If so, it was probably from a TV advert or maybe an online banner? The irony is the oldest and most trusted clear aligners provider only operates through dental clinics. Invisalign in Clapham has been a part of our practice for more than 5 years. So let’s talk about what they are and how they work.

What are clear aligners?

The clear aligners are a very cleverly shaped thin plastic mouth guard, like a very thin transpiration gum shield. Its simplicity hides a lot of designers work and showcases a progressive approach to orthodontics.

The organising or alining of teeth is achieved by pressure exerted on the tooth surface by the aligner, under tension. This constant mild pressure is far less intrusive than a traditional brace, which is far from subtle in form or function.

Aligners are used in succession, with each one achieving a small milestone on the route to an overall straighter smile.

How we use aligners in our clinic

Before you can get too excited about getting aligners, it’s important to have a level headed conversation with our dentists. This is where Invisalign in Clapham diverges from an online mail-order aligner, who will happily send out home dental mould kits with little or no exploration of your needs or suitability.

Aligners are suitable for minor or cosmetic orthodontic issues. They could be used at the end of treatment using other orthodontic tools, like metal braces or a palate block if required. Alignment is only recommended for healthy teeth without cavities or decay, requiring treatment and resolution before fitting of aligners can start.

Once you receive your aligners, you will have to wear them as much as possible; 22 hours a day is recommended. The only time you would remove them is when eating. It is recommended that when using aligners, you brush your teeth after eating before placing your clear aligners over your teeth. The aligners restrict the flow of saliva over your teeth, and trapped food under the aligner can quickly cause cavities

In general, we find most of our patients are very happy with the daily ease of using an aligner, with most of the time the aligners going completely unnoticed by others and becoming a small aspect of their daily routine.

Clear aligners in the mail

The mail-order aligner providers have been condemned for their business model by the BOS British Orthodontic Society and we would not be involved with any manufacturers who operate without a dentists supervision, due to risks of damage caused by inappropriate use. This can be magnified in nervous patients who are much less inclined to attend an appointment with our dentists and may feel more at ease with online services. Unfortunately, nervous patients tend to have multiple or complex dental conditions at the same time, due to a lack of early intervention. We are always considerate of the needs of our patients and would strongly recommend you contact us before pursuing Invisalign in Clapham or any orthodontic treatment.

Misalignments within the mouth are very common and can be anything from misaligned teeth to bite problems such as overbite, underbite or even crossbites (a poor alignment of the dental arches). When you think of realigning your teeth, a lot of people think of the traditional fixed, wired braces. Whilst a very common method, we prefer to use clear tray aligners when possible, otherwise known as Invisalign in Clapham.

Could Invisalign be the treatment for you?

Whether you are a teenager whose teeth are still growing and changing, or an adult who has decided to perfect their smile, we have a variety of different aligners to suit our patients’ needs. Do not worry about being out of your depth with research, we will happily discuss all of the options which are open to you and answer any questions you may have whether it is before, during or after your journey with us.

The process behind creating your dazzling new smile.

To get the process started we will take you through an assessment which entails a series of photos that allow us to determine the best course of action for you.

Once we are certain that invisalign is the way forward for you we will take some more photos in the form of X-rays and digital scans. If we believe it to be beneficial, we will also take some dental impressions of your teeth. This will allow us to gain a more in depth insight into what you need to achieve the best results from your  Invisalign treatment. With this information we are then able to create a personalised, digital treatment plan for you. Technology has advanced so much that we will even be able to show you a 3D video of what the results will look like.

Once we have all the above information we will provide you with a series of aligners which you will have for an average of 1 to 2 weeks. Please note your dentist will advise you as to what suits your individual needs best so do not worry if it is longer. These should then be worn for the recommended 22 hours a day and changed at home. No need for extra appointments, diet changes, or different hygiene systems as the aligners are easy to remove and insert. As with all treatments there may be some discomfort during the re-alignment but it should always be minimal. Please discuss with your dentist if you feel too uncomfortable.

Although you can change these retainers yourself, it does not mean we hand them over and leave you to it for the duration of your treatment. We will see you approximately every 4 to 6 weeks, where we will monitor the progress made and provide you with your next set of retainers. Once the Invisalign treatment is complete you will need to wear the clear retainers to maintain your new smile but these are so discreet that they will not be noticeable.

Please note:

All dental procedures/ treatments carry a potential risk. Therefore for more information about any of the procedures mentioned in this article please contact your local dental team.

If you’re a mom of young children then you know that regular visits to the dentist for old school orthodontics are out of the question. At Clapham South Dental Care we totally understand this, but we also understand that if you do want to straighten your teeth for whatever reason, you want to be able to do it quickly and quietly and without the risk of cuts if you get bashed in the mouth by your toddler. With Invisalign in Clapham, all this and more is possible and the best part is, your treatment can be controlled by you at home after your initial appointment, so you won’t need to come in regularly for changes.

How does Invisalign work?

At a consultation appointment for Invisalign, you will be able to discuss with your dentist your smile goals and what exactly you hope to gain from orthodontic treatment. We will take photos and X-rays of your teeth to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment. Once this has been confirmed we can take a completely painless 3D scan of your mouth and teeth, the information gathered by this technology is uploaded into a computer where a 3D model is created of your smile. We can use this model to create a simulation of how your teeth will shift over time and show you what the results will be before treatment even begins.

Once you are happy with the plan we create for your orthodontic care we send this information off to a lab which then creates your first set of clear aligners. These aligners will be sent to you in a pack and you will need to change them yourself.

The benefits for busy moms

At home control – we know that you barely have enough time for yourself during the day when you’re taking care of small children, let alone make regular trips to the dentist and this is the beauty of Invisalign. Once your 3D scan has been taken and your custom aligners are created we will send them to you in a neatly packaged box with instructions on how and when to wear them. Usually, aligners need to be changed every 1-2 weeks as your teeth shift into place so it’s handy to have the next aligner nearby.

Safer than other appliances – a miss thrown building block or an unintentional toddler punch to the face happens more often than we would care to admit, but imagine how much worse it would be if you had a set of sharp metal tracks glued to your teeth. With Invisalign in Clapham, your teeth will remain smooth and metal-free so that playtime won’t end up in you needing stitches.

Removable – your oral care is important to us and we want you to be able to take care of your teeth easily without having to worry about cleaning in the little places between wires and brackets. With removable aligners, it’s easy to both eat the foods you love and keep your teeth properly clean.

Have you recently or ever covered your mouth with your hand when smiling? Do you feel a lack of confidence because your teeth are crooked and you don’t want to spend years having uncomfortable and unsightly metal braces in your mouth? At Clapham South Dental Centre, we want to change that and help give you the smile you deserve so that you can smile at the world with a new and transformed set of teeth with Invisalign in Clapham

Why choose Invisalign?

Invisalign is the most advanced system when it comes to orthodontics which has been giving more and more people straighter smiles in less time than it takes for traditional braces to work and with less discomfort. Traditional braces use metal brackets, which are glued to the front of the teeth, which often cause cuts and mild scarring on the inside of the cheeks. A metal wire is threaded through these brackets and is set at a different tension each month in order to pull the teeth into position. This treatment can take up to three years and for many adults that is three years too many to be looking like a middle school teen.

With Invisalign in Clapham, you get all of the benefits of braces with far fewer issues than you would experience with traditional metal braces. Results have been seen in as little as 4 months while the average case usually takes under 9 months and the best part is, the treatment is just about invisible. Clear aligners are used to gently push the teeth into position over time and no one will even be aware that you are undergoing treatment, the pushing of the teeth is said to be much more gentle than the pulling with wires under tension and the ease of comfort makes life under treatment more enjoyable.

Because the system is removable, Invisalign aligners can fit into any lifestyle, whether it be corporate and professional or active and sporty. This also means you can take them out to enjoy whichever foods you would normally eat and you can ensure that they and your teeth are properly cleaned.

What does it fix?

Not only does Invisalign in Clapham fix overcrowded teeth but it can also fix any gaps you may have as well as correct malocclusions (problems with the bite) like an overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

How it works

With new and advanced 3D imaging technology, we will take a scan of your mouth, this is completely painless and not nearly as uncomfortable as using a mould to cast the shape of your teeth. This digital scan is imported onto a computer which shows a 3D model of your teeth and jaw, the computer also analyses this model to create a simulation of how your teeth will move over time and calculate how long treatment can be expected to take. This information is then sent to a lab where a set of custom clear aligners are created for you. You will receive the full set of aligners for the course of the treatment which you can change yourself at home every 1-2 weeks so there will be no need to constantly visit your dentist for adjustments.

As odd as it may seem to combine an aesthetic benefit to a brace or aligner, in modern dentistry, this is now almost considered the gold standard.

Indeed, as cosmetic dental work and orthodontic treatments merge, more people than ever are asking their dentists about realigning their smiles with either a clear or invisible aligner. As the name suggests, both of these options are designed to look as discreet as possible, while also moving your teeth into a more desirable position. Perfect!

If you are one of the many people who feel that their smile could use a bit of a cosmetic makeover in relation to misalignment, you will be glad to learn that there are many braces which may help. As you may have guessed, each brand of clear or invisible aligner provides its own benefits and is more suited for correcting certain conditions.

Our team at Clapham South Dental have the knowledge and the experience to help you choose the brace that you are most likely to benefit from. One of our most popular aligners, Invisalign in Clapham, has helped many of our patients to get the smile that they have always wanted and so, in this article, we will be focusing on this particular invisible aligner.

But, while Invisalign in Clapham may sound like it is too good to be true, we have compiled the following facts about this brace, so you can assess its suitability to you and your lifestyle. Enjoy!

Adapting can be tough

Invisalign in Clapham is designed to slot over your teeth and is made from a clear, plastic tray.

Adapting to this foreign object in your mouth can be tough; you may experience soreness on your tongue and inner cheeks during those first few weeks. If you do, our team can offer you a dental wax to alleviate the friction.

There may be a lisp!

As is the way with having something in your mouth, you may notice that your speech patterns change temporarily. While many patients are able to go back to their original speech patterns quickly, there may be a period of lisping!

Removable braces are great and bad

This brace is removable and while this is great, it can also be bad. You have to be disciplined when weaning this brace, as failure to wear it for 22 hours each day can result in your progress slowing. If you are a bit unreliable, this brace may not be the right choice for you!

You will need a mini-toothbrush!

As you can remove this brace to eat, you will need to carry a mini-toothbrush with you to clean your teeth before putting it back in. If you don’t, you could increase the risk of decay and gum disease by pushing the unremoved bacteria against your teeth.

The results are worth it!

The results make all of this worth it! As this brace can straighten your teeth in 6 months, these potential downsides are short term and the results are striking!

While many people shudder at the thought of having metal braces fitted, thanks to advances in dentistry many patients are now able to wear clear or invisible aligners. As the names suggest, these are more visually discreet than regular braces, but can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems. Brilliant!

Despite this, many patients experience the inevitable issues that come with wearing a removable brace; some of these include problems with speech, while others may find their newly-acquired braces a bit insecure at first. However, these are often temporary, but can prove a bit challenging in those first two weeks.

Luckily, we can help!

When you come to Clapham South Dental Centre for Invisalign in Clapham, our team can offer you targeted, personalised advice to help you get the most out of this invisible aligner. Our team has helped thousands of people to improve their smiles using this brace and now, we can help you too!

So, what are some of our team’s tips for getting through the first 2 weeks of wearing an invisible brace? Read on to find out!

Wear for the allotted time!

When you come to us for Invisalign in Clapham, our team will set you a wear time per day. As this brace is removable, it is important that you stick to this time, as failing to do so could extend the overall treatment time.

Typically, the wear time for Invisalign in Clapham is 22 hours per day, but our team will always ensure that you know your exact required time before treatment.

Put them in the case!

When you are fitted with your new braces, our team will provide you with a carry case to keep them in during meals. Make sure you use this case, as simply placing them in your bag when you are out for a meal could lead to damage and increases the risk of you misplacing them.

Carry a toothbrush

When you finish a meal, you will need to brush your teeth before putting your invisible braces back in. So, always carry a toothbrush.

This will prevent food being pressed against your gums, which may lead to plaque and decay; your teeth will thank you in the long run!

Water only

As other drinks like coffee or tea could stain your retainers (and your teeth), it is best to stick to water when you wear an invisible brace. Of course, this has the added bonus of keeping you hydrated!

Protect your tongue

During the first week of wearing an invisible brace, you are likely to notice sores appearing on the sides of your tongue due to the rubbing.

While this can be a minor nuisance for some patients, it can be extremely uncomfortable for others. If you find yourself in the latter group, ask our team for dental wax, which when applied to your brace will soften the sharp edges. It is also worth investing in a peroxide-based mouthwash to minimise the chance of your sore spots getting infected.