Have you heard about invisible aligners? Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth in your adult life without using a metal brace?

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team uses Invisalign Clapham to help our patients get the straighter smiles that they want, all while being discreet and easier to use than other orthodontic options

Here, our team answers some key questions that our patients have had relating to Invisalign Clapham. So, read on to learn more!

How do invisible aligners differ from braces?

Invisalign Clapham differs from braces in how it looks, how it works and how long it takes.

The aligners are made from clear plastic, so when they are placed in your mouth, they will be practically invisible. They work by differently shaped aligners (worn in a sequence) applying pressure to your teeth and gradually moving them into the desired positions. They will be made using images taken of your mouth using an intraoral scanner and can be custom-fitted to the shape of your teeth.

How long do aligners take to straighten teeth?

On average, invisible aligners take between 3 and 6 months to straighten teeth, but this will depend on the issue being corrected. This timeline may also vary if you do not wear the aligners as directed. They are removable, so it can be tempting to leave them out for extended periods of time. In order for them to be effective, you will need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

But during your initial consultation, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will be able to give a clearer guide on how long your treatment will take.

Are the results as good as those obtained with fixed braces?

Yes, the results obtained using invisible aligners are indistinguishable from those achieved with a metal brace.

Just be sure to wear the retainers after your treatment has concluded. Not doing so can result in your teeth moving back to their former positions or the treatment slowing and stopping altogether.

Who is suitable for aligners?

If you have a mild to moderate misalignment, protrusion or spacing issue, then you will likely be suitable for treatment with invisible aligners.

However, our team will state that before undertaking invisible aligners, your oral health has to be in good condition; you cannot have tooth decay or gum disease. If you have either of these problems, they must be treated and resolved before any orthodontic care is performed.

Are aligners hard to care for?

No, aligners are actually remarkably easy to care for.

As they are removable, you can clean them by rinsing them under cold water. Simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stuck-on debris. Do not rinse them in hot water; doing so can cause them to warp out of shape. You can also invest in a denture cleaner to soak the aligners in, or you can purchase a cleaner designed for use with invisible aligners and soak them as and when needed. This will keep them clean and minty fresh!