More about Invisalign
Invisalign teeth straightening
in Harborne and central Birmingham
Dr Ash’s Journey
As a teenager, Dr Ash had a canine tooth that stuck out. His mum had a tooth that was out of line in the same way. Aged 14 he had 4 teeth removed and conventional metal braces fixed to his teeth for 2 years at Birmingham dental hospital. Teeth straightening was so life changing it was one of the main reasons why he became a dentist. It has given him the confidence to smile and he enjoys passing this ‘freedom to smile’ feeling on to others.
As an adult his lower teeth started to become crooked and the upper teeth started to show gaps. As technology within dentistry has advanced, he recently chose to have Invisalign GO teeth straightening and his smile is close to being as it was when he was younger. His teeth can be kept more permanently in position to stop them moving back with a fixed and discrete thin retainer wire attached behind the teeth. Additionally, a removable plastic retainer is made to fit over the top of the teeth to wear at night. This ‘gold standard’ teeth retention is still to this day not often done for teenagers undergoing treatment with braces.
80% of all teeth straightening treatments in the UK are mild-moderate affecting the front teeth and can be corrected by Invisalign GO by a dentist. Fixed tooth coloured conventional braces are also available and for complex cases we have an in house specialist orthodontist.
How we can help…
Based on personal experiences we have developed a unique package to offer to our patients.
Complete treatment usually between 3-6 months
No tooth extraction
Complete 3D digital scanning and planning with no moulds needed.
Digital professional photography
Premium Opalescence home tooth whitening
Gold standard fixed and removable retainers
3D digital scan of your teeth starts off the process. No moulds of the teeth are needed! Digital photographs are also required to plan the treatment. A prospective smile simulation is created so you will can see a representation of how your smile could look. Following this a ClinCheck treatment planning can be designed specific to you and your smile outlining in further detail what is required and giving an indication of how long it may take. This gives you the opportunity to sit with Dr Ash and design your own smile.
On approval a sequence of aligners are 3D printed and worn to progressively align teeth into the ideal final position. Tooth coloured 'buttons' are attached on the teeth to help direct movement
Space creation only if required is carried out by very accurately and safely slenderising the teeth.
Q&A With Dr Ash
Retainer upgrades.
Teeth will always try to move if they are not held in place.
As with all good things that last, maintenance is requited. The gold standard of retention is long term use of fixed and removable retainers to reduce the risk of movement. A fixed metal wire and removable Essix plastic pressure formed retainer are custom made for you by a specialist orthodontic laboratory. These are supplied free of charge as part of the complete package as a standard.
All retainers undergo wear and tear and may need refixing or replacing. It is important to monitor the teeth and retainers for at least 12 months after treatment.
Although it is rarely noticed a small number of patients chose not to have a wire retainer. For an additional fee we can offer a fibre reinforced tooth coloured fixed retainer. This is slightly more bulky and technique sensitive to fit and may need earlier replacement.
Invisalign’s own brand of 3D printed Vivera retainers are 30% stronger and twice as durable as pressure formed plastic Essix retainers. For an additional fee and security of limiting teeth movement, patients chose to opt for Vivera retainers which come in a set of 3 which can then last for many years.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break.
How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. We will determine exactly how long your treatment could take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign GO treatment time is between 3 and 6 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign treatment?
Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, we will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome, but encourage you to share your treatment goals with us at your consultation and this is what we will aim towards. Occasionally we may need re-evaluate your progress and have additional aligners to progress towards the best result possible.
How often will I change my Invisalign aligners?
We will tell you how often you should change to the next aligner in the sequence (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). This is often weekly or every other week.
How many hours per day should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
For the best results, wear your Invisalign aligners for the maximum amount of time you can in the day. Only take them out for eating, brushing and flossing your teeth. You will need to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
How often will I have appointments?
We will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
What are "attachments." and why would I need them for my Invisalign treatment?
Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce attachments, small tooth-coloured shapes that are attached to your teeth. These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on in order to move your teeth with the right amount of force, and are what make complex tooth movements possible without braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable. While not everyone who uses Invisalign clear aligners will need SmartForce attachments, if you need them, we will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Like other types of orthodontic treatment, the price of the Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your dental correction and your course of treatment. Invisalign GO special offer package starts from £3300
Do you offer different payment options?
Many of our patients chose to pay for treatment in manageable amounts over the duration of the treatment. We can offer a 0% interest free payment option over 12 months. Longer terms are also available.
Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than braces?
Alternative fixed tooth coloured braces are often cheaper than Invisalign but are more noticeable. They can take more time to keep clean and hard, sticky, chewy foods must be avoided.
How many people have used Invisalign clear aligners?
Over 8 million people, including more than 1.4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles. Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favourite foods.
Can anyone tell that i’m wearing the aligners?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Can I take my aligners off whenever I need to?
Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favourite sport or instrument. Just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
Are there any restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy, as they can damage or get stuck in your braces. Foods and drinks that have coluring such as turmeric or tanins in tea or coffee can create superficial surface stains that can be removed.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. Typically, people describe it as feeling “pressure” and it’s normal — it’s a sign your Invisalign clear aligners are working and transforming your smile. Please let us know if you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.
Will Invisalign treatment still work if I only wear my aligners while I sleep?
You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the results you want.
Will wearing Invisalign clear aligners affect my speech?
It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having your Invisalign aligners in your mouth, and you may have a slight lisp. But this should disappear quickly.
Will smoking stain my aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing Invisalign aligners because it can stain them.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to your Invisalign aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.
Can the aligners slip off while i’m asleep?
It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall out, no matter what you are doing: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.
I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?
The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, but they might feel uncomfortable. If it’s been a longer time, let us know and talk to us about your unique situation.
