Invisalign
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment, which uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to gradually encourage the teeth to move in order to create a straight, healthy looking smile. Invisalign is different to conventional braces because they do not involve a bulky, metal brace; instead patients wear a series of plastic aligners.
How does Invisalign work?
The Invisalign treatment works by encouraging the teeth to move in the desired direction over the course of the treatment. Each aligner is shaped slightly differently and gentle pressure is applied to the teeth to force them to move into the correct position. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and then replaced with the next one in the series until the treatment is complete. The aligners must be worn for between 21 and 23 hours each day to ensure that they achieve optimum results.
What does the treatment involve?
The treatment involves wearing a series of clear, plastic aligners, with the aligners being made to fit the patient’s mouth perfectly. The aligners are manufactured on an individual basis. Dental technicians use digital images and moulds of the patient’s mouth to make the aligners, and each aligner is shaped slightly differently to fit the mouth as the position of the teeth changes over the course of treatment.
Once the aligners have been manufactured, the dentist will check that the aligner fits properly and the patient will be asked to wear the aligners for between 21 and 23 hours each day. Each aligner should be worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next aligner in the series. Over the course of treatment, the patient will be asked to return to the dentist on a regular basis to check the progress of the treatment.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Discreet treatment
At Galston Dental Practice, Invisalign is a perfect solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile without wearing metal braces. Invisalign at Galston Dental Practice is different to conventional braces because they are made from clear plastic, meaning they are invisible to other people; many people worry about the way they will look when they have braces, so this is a great comfort to them.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and they do not require tightening, which often causes patients with traditional braces a great deal of pain. The aligners are custom made out of a clear plastic and as there are no metal brackets and wires like traditional braces there is no irritation to lips and cheeks.
Removable
The Invisalign aligners are also removable, which mean you can eat what you want and clean your teeth properly; with normal braces, food often gets trapped in the brackets and wires and this can contribute to embarrassing social situations, as well as poor oral hygiene. When you remove the aligner, you can clean your teeth thoroughly and this will help to reduce the risk of oral health problems, which is why Invisalign at Galston Dental Practice is such an advanced treatment.
Stages of treatment
Stage One
During the initial consultation here at Galston Dental Practice, the dentist will check that the patient is a suitable candidate for the treatment and explain what the treatment involves and how long it will take.
Stage Two
The dentist will then create a mould of the patient’s teeth and take images, which will be converted into 3D images. The images will be used to determine the treatment pathway and track the movement of the teeth over the course of the treatment.
Stage Three
The plan and the images will then be used to manufacture the aligners at the invsalign laboratory in the USA.
Stage Four
When the aligners have been manufactured, they will be sent back to the dentist and given to the patient. The dentist will check the fit and then the patient will start their treatment.
Stage Five
The aligners must be worn for a minimum of 21 hours each day. Each aligner should be worn for two weeks and then replaced with the next aligner in the series.