If you have been thinking about improving the appearance of your teeth or you are looking for ways to promote better dental health then you need to speak to your dentist and find out about straightening your teeth with Invisalign London. Invisalign is a modern and effective method of teeth straightening used by patients across the world. Invisalign could be the ideal solution for you if you have avoided traditional orthodontic treatment or you suffer from mild or moderate misalignment issues.
Is Invisalign suitable for you?
To begin with you will need to find out if Invisalign is suitable for you. First established in 1999, Invisalign has helped correct more than 14 million smiles. There have been significant advances in Invisalign technology and it can be used alone or in combination with other treatments or procedures for excellent aesthetic results. To find out if you are eligible you can book a consultation and an assessment of your teeth and gums so that your dentist can discuss the options that are available for you and whether you can use Invisalign alone or as a combined treatment plan.
If your dentist is happy that you are a good candidate for Invisalign then they will speak to you about undergoing a professional clean with your hygienist before you begin. You may require dental treatment if you are suffering from cavities, tooth decay or gum disease. This will need to be treated first. After this a 3D scan will be carried out to create a digital impression of your mouth and a set of aligners will be designed for you. If you have had dental implants or other restorative treatment such as a bridge then Invisalign may not be suitable as these are fixed into your mouth and may be affected by teeth straightening.
Invisalign aligners
Once the digital impressions have been taken they will be sent to the Invisalign laboratory who will manufacture the aligners for you. These aligners may take up to 4 weeks to arrive and then the process can begin. You may require attachments that will be fitted onto the surface of your teeth that help grip the aligners more effectively and encourage better movement of your teeth. You will receive a full set of aligners each of which will be numbered to avoid confusion. Each aligner needs to be worn for approximately 22 hours of the day for 10 to 14 days depending on your prescription. You can take the aligners out at mealtimes and if you are drinking anything other than water to avoid staining or damaging your aligners. Once you have eaten you need to clean your teeth thoroughly before putting the aligners back in your mouth. They are easy to maintain. You can brush your aligners with an ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste or you may wish to soak them in a cleaning solution before putting them back in your mouth. The treatment should take between 6 and 12 months if you have mild or moderate and misalignment issues, or 12 to 18 months if your issues are more complex. Speak to your dentist today to find out more.