When you are an adult who has misaligned teeth, it can negatively impact how you perceive yourself, and you may even be concerned about how others perceive you too, neither of which is going to be great for building your self-esteem!

However, in 2022, there has been an overhaul in how adult orthodontics are handled, and now, most adult patients with misaligned teeth can straighten their teeth using Invisalign aligners.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we can offer our adult patients a range of invisible braces Clapham, which includes Invisalign and the Damon system. Both of these are designed to move your teeth discreetly and within a shorter time frame than traditional braces, leaving you with a straighter smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off.

But when it comes to Invisalign, you may have some questions about these invisible braces Clapham before you begin treatment. Here, our dentist is happy to answer the most common questions that we receive about these aligners.

How do Invisalign aligners work?

Invisible aligners or invisible braces Clapham work by being custom fitted to your teeth and gently pushing them into the desired positions. If you are deemed suitable for Invisalign, our team will take an intraoral scan of your mouth. Using this image, a set of aligners will be created (usually between 10 and 14) to gently push your teeth into the desired locations.

The aligners need to be worn for 22 hours a day, and if any of them go missing, they need to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that the orthodontic treatment continues unhindered.

Can anyone benefit from them?

Sadly no, not everybody can benefit from these aligners. While there have been advances in what the aligners can treat, they’re still better suited to patients with mild to moderate cases of dental misalignment.

Is the aligner uncomfortable to wear?

Invisalign is designed to be as comfortable as possible and made from thin plastic, which slots over your teeth like a sports guard. There may be a sensation of tightening when you initially put the aligner into your mouth, which is normal, and as it pushes your teeth, there may be minor pressure. But if you notice excessive levels of discomfort, you will need to seek our team’s advice as soon as possible, as there may be an issue with the fitting.

How long do they take to straighten teeth?

If you wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, depending on the severity of your misalignment, they may be able to straighten your teeth in as little as 3 to 6 months. But be aware that this may vary, especially if you have a more complicated case or one that involves the use of other orthodontic tools before Invisalign.

Are they worth it?

Generally speaking, due to the ease of use and the reduced number of dental appointments required, most of our patients would state that Invisalign aligners are worth it. So, if this is something you are eager to try out, feel free to contact our team for a consultation.