Invisalign, as its name suggests, is an almost invisible way to treat misalignment of the teeth. The Invisalign system uses cutting-edge technology to create a series of clear and transparent custom-made removable plastic aligners. Invisalign aligners gradually and gently shift teeth into a new, more favourable position. Although Invisalign is not an orthodontic cure-all, it can achieve great results for mild to moderate tooth alignment and bite related problems.
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Invisalign has become a very popular orthodontic treatment, with more than 5 million patients worldwide having started Invisalign treatment.
Thanks to its hardly visible appearance, Invisalign is particularly suitable for adults and older teens who may feel self-conscious about wearing fixed braces. The aligners are removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, teeth brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene and can also be taken out for those special occasions when you want to look your best (but make sure you pop them straight back in afterwards!).
Seeing is believing with Invisalign SmileView. Take a smiling selfie and in just 60 seconds you will see how your smile could potentially look following Invisalign treatment.
Our first job is to check that you are suitable for Invisalign treatment. Using cutting edge software and technology we will be able to assess if your orthodontic problem can be treated successfully with Invisalign.
We use ClinCheck 3D software to create your personalised treatment plan, which shows you exactly how your teeth will move and even how their appearance will be transformed at the end of the treatment process.
When your custom aligners are ready to go, you will wear a different one every one to two weeks until your teeth are moved to an improved position. Treatment times will vary, depending on your case, but most problems are rectified within 9-12 months.
When you have worn your last aligner, your treatment is complete! We give you a final retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions and leave you to enjoy your smile.
Invisalign aligners are made from specialist material which is trimmed to fit your gums perfectly. They are designed to fit your teeth closely so it may feel a little uncomfortable when you wear a fresh aligner, but this is normally just a feeling of pressure and a good sign your teeth are on the move.
Even though Invisalign aligners are fully removable, they should be worn for at least 22 hours a day to ensure the quickest, most effective results.
Don’t forget, it is very important that you wear a retainer following your Invisalign treatment to keep your teeth in line and maintain a beautiful smile. Your orthodontist will discuss the types of retainer that we can provide.
“My Invisalign experience with Colchester Orthodontic Centre was fab. I was supported the whole way through and given many options. The Invisalign aligners are very comfortable and discreet. I am now really happy with my teeth and would definitely recommend both Invisalign and Colchester Orthodontic Centre.”
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Your orthodontic treatment will be planned, managed and supervised by one of our specialist orthodontists. They are supported by a team of orthodontic therapists, orthodontic nurses and treatment coordinators. During your treatment, appointments will often be with our orthodontic therapists.
Invisalign aligners should be worn as close to 20-22 hours per day as possible. However, you will need to remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, contact sports, swimming, brushing and flossing your teeth. As your aligners are custom made to fit your exact gum line you should be able to wear them comfortably for the recommended time each day. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding or job interview but just remember to pop them back to get the best results.
You will need to remove your aligners when you drink anything other than water. We will provide you with a small aligner case so you can keep them clean and safe when you take them out. We recommend brushing your teeth after eating and drinking before you pop your aligners back in.
Invisalign aligners are removed easily before eating, so there are no foods you need to avoid. Unlike fixed braces there are no wires or brackets that can become damaged or trap food. It is important to brush your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid your aligners becoming stained from any food residue.
You should clean your aligners regularly with a toothbrush, toothpaste and cold water. Once or twice a week you may wish to use a product such as ‘Retainer Brite’. The Retainer Brite tablets have been designed to target odour-causing bacteria, plaque and tartar. Dissolve one tablet in a small cup of water and place your aligners in the cleaning fluid for 15 minutes to keep your aligners fresh, bright and odourless.
Invisalign aligners can occasionally affect your speech and some people can intermittently experience a slight lisp. This is common when aligners are first fitted. This will soon disappear once your tongue gets used to having the aligners in your mouth.
Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force. Most people experience some mild discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This is normal and is due to the pressure being applied to your teeth. It is a sign that the aligners are working and any discomfort will soon ease.
Invisalign aligners are manufactured by Align Technology Inc. This company was founded in 1997 and over 9 million people have used Invisalign aligners to transform their smiles.
If you lose or break an aligner please contact us straight away. Your orthodontist will be able to advise the best course of action to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan. They may suggest that it is possible for you to wear a previous set of aligners, move onto your next set of aligners or order you replacement aligners (which would incur a fee.)
Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment we will provide removable and bonded retainers to prevent your teeth moving back to their original position. Removable retainers are similar to Invisalign aligners and worn while you sleep, every night, for around 4-6 months. After this time, you will gradually wear them less frequently but may continue to wear them once or twice a week indefinitely. Bonded retainers are thin strands of wire bonded to the back of the upper and lower incisor and canine teeth. They should be considered as life-long fixtures.
by Dental
DesignSite last updated: December 2024
