Thanks to modern technology, crooked teeth can be a thing of the past. Whilst orthodontics can be traced back to as early as the Ancient Egyptians (over 2000 years ago) it’s fair to say that straightening teeth has come a long way since then. Treatments are now subtle, removable and far more comfortable. Here at The Courtyard Clinic, we’re big advocates for Invisalign. So, in this blog post, we’re going to outline what Invisalign is, as well as how it works and answer other common questions we receive about the treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can be used to straighten teeth as well as align a patient’s bite. Rather than the brackets and wires of traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to straighten the teeth. Not only does this make the treatment far more discreet – perfect for those who may be self-conscious of having braces – but it means they are also fully removable. A patient is able to remove the appliances whilst eating as well as when brushing and flossing. This makes it a far more convenient option for those who do not want the hassle of the upkeep of metal braces.
How does it work?
At your first appointment, your dentist will take digital scans of your teeth. Rather than the traditional messy impressions used by other practices, here at The Courtyard Clinic we use an Itero scanner to make the process all that more comfortable. These scans will be sent to a laboratory where they’ll be used to make your clear, removable aligners. These are all slightly different meaning they gradually shift your teeth over time. Typically, you wear each set for a week or two, during which your teeth will be very marginally re-aligned. This process continues until your teeth have straightened to the final position that was prescribed. To make sure that everything is going as it should, it’s typical to see your dentist every 6 weeks.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case, but it can be anywhere from 7 weeks to 2 years. Treatment time can also differ depending on whether the aligners are worn for the specified amount of time each day or not. It is recommended that they are worn for at least 22 hours a day.
What does Invisalign cost?
There are different types of Invisalign solutions, but, here at the clinic, for both arches, the prices range from £1995 (for 7 sets of i7 aligners) to £3995 for unlimited aligners. Your dentist will be able to recommend which treatment is most suitable for you and outline what costs will be involved. Don’t forget, here at The Courtyard Clinic, we offer finance plans meaning you can spread the cost of treatment out over several months.
Invisalign is a great treatment for anyone looking to straighten their smile without the need for uncomfortable metal braces. Interested in finding out what Invisalign could do for you? Why not book in for one of our free consultations… We can take a look at your teeth, explain what results you can expect from the treatment and give you an estimation on treatment time and cost. Call us on 01932 582 949 to get booked in today!
