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.