Invisalign

Initial consultation

At the initial consultation, we’ll invite you into the clinic to have a face-to-face discussion with one of our highly trained, well-experienced dentists. During this visit, we will discuss the Invisalign process, how Invisalign works and the likely Invisalign cost for you. This way you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

X-rays and photographs

X rays will most likely be taken during your initial consultation after you’ve decided to go ahead with treatment. We’ll take a number of x-rays and photographs of your mouth, teeth and face from a variety of angles so that we have a detailed map of your mouth mechanics to base our dental work on. In certain cases, we’ll also take a lateral cephalometric x-ray. This is a type of x-ray that is popular with and frequently used by dentists because it provides elaborate images of the relationship between jaw and cheekbone. This is helpful in planning how we’ll go about aligning your teeth for our intended goal. From these images we’ll be able to have a good idea of what we’re working from. The final piece in the jigsaw here is to take digital impressions of the teeth on which your Invisalign aligners (or tray) will be based on.

Preparatory work

Some patients may need small composite patches applied to each tooth to help Invisalign’s clear aligners to grip onto each tooth and move them. Each patient is different and not all require these patches. The patches are simply made from the same composite material that fillings are made out of and will be removed very easily and without any discomfort at the end of the Invisalign process.

First fitting

You’ll receive the first feel of your Invisalign braces in the same visit as your preparatory work is done. The clear aligners are modelled from your impressions and should feel tight when first put on. At this point it is entirely normal for your new Invisalign braces to feel strange in the mouth. They should be tight – but not painfully so – as they must be strong enough to begin the realignment process.

If you feel any pain or distress during the first fitting of your aligners then speak to your dentist. Remember that they may not be particularly comfortable at first but that you will very quickly become used to how they feel.

Changes to your mouth

When you begin to wear your clear aligners you will feel some strange and peculiar changes going on in your mouth. This is all perfectly normal and part of the process of getting used to Invisalign. Traditional braces have very similar side effects. The first change will be a certain level of discomfort including aching as your teeth are forced into their new position. This should stop after a few days after every tray change.

Additionally, Invisalign wearers sometimes feel enhanced sensitivity in their teeth. This should subside after a short period too but toothpastes designed specifically for sensitive teeth will help mitigate this small nuisance. Wearing the clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day is recommended for optimum results.

Changing your Invisalign braces

Your clear Invisalign aligners will be changed every one or two weeks, depending on the decision of the dentist. Occasionally, should teeth not have moved to the required position, this time may be extended.

Each new aligner will have been constructed as a next "phase" in the movement of your teeth, inducing your teeth towards the intended alignment goal. This is how Invisalign works.

You will not need to come each time you change your Invisalign aligners but will have regular check-ups throughout your process.

Of course, should you feel any pain or serious discomfort between visits then please contact the clinic to speak to staff.