Image-conscious individuals looking for an aesthetically pleasing smile, but who may be dubious about wearing traditional braces during adulthood, could find their perfect solution with Invisalign.

This innovative option is a revolutionary system that straightens misaligned pearly whites and closes any unwanted gaps between them. In the majority of cases, this method can alleviate the requirement for metal-wire braces that have been used for many years in traditional dentistry.

Using the latest in computerised technology, the Invisalign method utilises three-demensional modelling to generate a number of clear, see-through aligners that are virtually unnoticeable to the naked eye and are often referred to as “invisible”.

People who are looking to resolve issues with their smile can enjoy the comfort of this advanced correctional technique, which will not cause any discomfort for the wearer due to its custom-fitted manner.

This non-invasive method gently pushes pearly whites into their desired location that can give self-conscious individuals a new lease of life thanks to their brand new, dazzling smile.

How does Invisalign work?

Patients should wear their corrective appliances for 22 hours every day to ensure they can achieve the best results in the shortest possible time, only removing the aligners to clean and brush their teeth.

A dental professional will change the aligners every two weeks to guide the pearly whites into their ideal position over a gradual basis. This means patients will be attending regular appointments at their dentist to ensure appropriate progress is being made.

Overall, the corrective process is likely to take between six months to one year – depending on the extent of the issue – but patients should remember this time period is nothing compared to the extensive period they are able to enjoy their dazzling smile.

What happens during this procedure?

Following an initial consultation and examination of the pearly whites, a specialist will create an impression of the teeth using dental putty, as well as taking a number of photographs of the smile from a number of different angles.

From this, a 3D model is created at an Invisalign laboratory using a CT scanner, which is used as a basis to generate a simulation of the straightening process from the current position to the desired location.

Ivisalign aligners will then be created using the model as a basis, making them custom-made for each individual and allowing them to be changed every two weeks as the pearly whites begin to move into place.

The newly-created braces are then sent back to the dental practice, along with the 3D simulation, to allow patients to see the journey their teeth are expected to take during the process of correction.

Individuals will also be provided with instructions on how to use the aligners, including guidance on wearing them for 20 hours every day, which is vital if the procedure is going to work in the shortest time possible.

Additionally, it is important to attend regular appointments with a dental professional during this process, because it will ensure the treatment is going as initially planned.

Is this method better than traditional braces?

Many adults would argue the use of Invisalign aligners is far more suited to their lifestyles than traditional metal-wire fixtures.

One of the primary reasons people prefer the innovative course of action is due to the pain and discomfort that is associated with the use of more traditional methods, as well as the irritation and inflammation inflicted on the gum tissue.

Elastic bands and tightening forces used with metal-wire braces can also cause high levels of discomfort, with the majority of patients finding Invisalign devices extremely comfortable to wear.

Another benefit of the innovative method of correction comes in the form of its convenience, due to the fact they can be removed when eating. Image-conscious people using this technique may find one of the factors preventing them from seeking treatment was the worry they would get food debris stuck in the fixture.

Additionally, the use of Invisalign braces means an oral hygiene routine is easier to maintain, particularly flossing, which can be carried out following the removal of the corrective devices.

People with traditional braces often neglect their dental health due to the difficulty of carrying out simple tasks such as brushing and cleaning. For this reason, many wearers end up with bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay in the future.

The discreet nature of Invisalign aligners means they are virtually invisible to anyone unless they are extremely close. This will result in very few people will notice treatment is being carried out, which could be perfect for adults who carry out public speaking on a regular basis.

Additionally, the invisible nature of this procedure means the majority of people will not experience any disruption to their lifestyle, which has encouraged thousands to select this technique to correct problems with the alignment of their smile.

Some dental professionals offer patients a free consultation to assess the extent of the problem and discuss a potential course of action that will provide the best results, which is another benefit for those considering cosmetic dentistry. This appointment could inform individuals about how long the treatment will take, as well as the estimated costs.

Will Invisalign improve my smile?

This procedure is regularly used to correct the majority of issues with crooked teeth including overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding and gaps between pearly whites. More severe orthodontic cases, such as when extraction is required, Invisalign aligners may not be appropriate.

During a free consultation with a dental professional, patients should ask if they are suitable for this course of action, although many will suggest traditional wire braces, Damon braces or lingual fixtures.

Are there any drawbacks to this procedure?

Although Invisalign aligners may provide the perfect solution for individuals who have previously lived with a damaged self-esteem due to worries regarding their appearance, many people will find this treatment may not be suited to them.

Severe orthodontic problems may require the fixture of traditional metal braces, which are not ideal for those people who take part in public speaking on a regular basis.

Additionally, the high quality materials mean the cost of the procedure is higher than alternative methods of orthodontic treatment, which may result in many individuals who are suited to the procedure being unable to afford it.