Invisalign is a form of removable clear aligner treatment and was the first company to bring clear aligners to the market back in 1998. Often referred to as ‘clear braces’, aligners provide an alternative to fixed brace orthodontics and are ideal for adults and teens who don’t want to be seen wearing traditional metal braces. Although several other companies are offering ‘aligner style’ treatments, Invisalign have treated more cases having already improved the smiles of over 9 million people.

You may have already noticed that when we talk about Invisalign aligners, we talk about them in the plural. This is because, unlike a single orthodontic brace which is fixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment, Invisalign aligners are designed to work together. Let us explain…

Depending upon a person’s orthodontic condition they may need anywhere between 12 and 48 custom-made aligners to achieve the desired result. Each aligner is designed to be worn for a short period (typically 2 weeks) and moves the teeth approximately 0.25mm. Once the first aligner has done its job, it’s discarded in favour of the subsequent aligner. Teeth are then moved a further 0.25mm and this continues throughout the treatment until the final aligner is worn and your smile goals have been reached.

Similar to the gradual but sustained force that fixed metal braces apply, each clear aligner is designed to apply the same type of gentle force. When force is applied, pressure is transferred through the tooth and into the tooth root. Your jaw bone responds by gradually shifting the tooth socket and the teeth move accordingly.

In a word, no! You may feel some slight tension or pressure during the first 3 days – this is when the majority of the tooth movement is done - but this is natural and is a sign that your Invisalign treatment here in Chesham is working. After this, you should be able to continue as normal.Also, and unlike metal braces, there are no brackets and wiring to catch on the inside of the mouth or tongue, so after a few days, you probably won’t even realise that you are wearing them.

After the initial smile consultation with our experienced York House dental team, we use  digital photos, along with your virtual smile assimilation to create your custom Invisalign aligners. Once your clear aligners are made, (typically around 2-3 weeks) you will be called back to our dental practice to collect them and be shown how to put the first one in. To be fully effective each aligner (tray), which is worn over the teeth just like a mouthguard, must be worn for 22 hours a day. Any less than this and it might jeopardise your treatment timings. As you progress through the series of aligners you should start to notice a change in your smile. Once you have reached the end of the predicted treatment time, your teeth should be in the desired position and you can enjoy your new-found smile.

Because Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be easily removed by patients, it may be that you forget to pop them back in after eating or you fail to wear them for an evening out or while meeting family or friends. While an hour or so once in a while might not make a great deal of difference, the longer the aligners are left out of the mouth the more your teeth will start to drift back to their original position. This, in turn, can result in complications that may be difficult to correct.It’s important to remember that your Invisalign trays are only ever effective when they are in contact with your teeth. This is why you must wear your Invisalign trays for 22 hours a day leaving sufficient time for eating and brushing (this is the time when your aligners are supposed to be removed).

During your treatment period, you will have regular check-ups at our dental practice to monitor progress. If teeth are not moving sufficiently, then you may be asked to wear your trays for longer.

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits all answer. This is because each patient and their required treatments can be very different.

For instance, a patient with a mild tooth correction may only need 12  custom aligners (trays) for a six-month treatment. Naturally, this will cost less than a patient with a more complex bite alignment problem who requires say 36 trays over an 18-month period.

This is why when we quote prices we will always give a ‘from’ price. In this instance treatments cost from £2,450 for a single arch and £4,000 for both arches.

Don’t worry though because we won’t keep you in the dark with regards to your Invisalign cost. During your consultation, we will give you a full treatment breakdown in the form of a treatment plan and this details the exact price you will pay for your specific treatment. Nothing more, nothing less!

Of course, if you are concerned about the initial cost, our York House dental team also offer a variety of payment plans that allow patients to spread the cost of their Invisalign treatment over a series of months. So don’t forget to ask us at the time of booking your consultation.

After your final aligner has been worn you should have a straighter, healthier smile. However, to keep your teeth in perfect alignment, you will be required to wear a retainer. This is a lightweight clear plastic device that is worn over the teeth in the same way as your aligners. While some people will be required to wear a retainer all day every day, others may be instructed to wear theirs for slightly less.

Typically, however, after the 12-month point, there should be sufficient bone formed around the newly moved tooth to better hold it in position and therefore you shouldn’t have to wear your retainer as frequently. Our dentists may suggest just 3-5 times a week or during sleep is sufficient.