Traditional ‘train track’ braces are no longer the only choice for straightening your smile. Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that uses discreet, removable aligners instead. But what is the Invisalign process? Ollie & Darsh explains what to expect.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign can fix various orthodontic issues – like crooked teeth and gaps – with the help of barely perceptible, clear plastic aligners. These discreet aligner trays are custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth, manipulating them into the desired position. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day for the best results (you can take them out to eat and drink whenever you like!) and are replaced with a subtly different new set every two weeks.
What Is The Invisalign Process?
Having carried out thousands of successful treatments over the years we’re in the top 0.5% of providers across the UK – we follow a tried and tested Invisalign process here at Ollie & Darsh. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of all the Invisalign stages of treatment.
Consultation
The first step of the Invisalign treatment process is the free initial consultation. You’ll be warmly welcomed to the clinic by our Business Manager, Suzy Gorman, who will give you a full demonstration of how Invisalign works. This is an opportunity to see and hear just a few of the many success stories of clients whose smiles were completely transformed by the Invisalign process. It’s also a chance to ask any questions you might have at this stage.
Evaluation
If you liked what you heard at your consultation and want to go ahead, the next step in the Invisalign treatment process is to undergo an evaluation. One of our highly experienced and certified practitioners will assess your compatibility with the Invisalign process. The vast majority of people are ideal candidates. But unfortunately, some orthodontic issues (like short or tilted teeth) aren’t suited to this procedure.
Diagnostics
If, after your examination, our clinicians feel that Invisalign is appropriate for you, we’ll then carry out some diagnostics. This involves a wide range of tests and information gathering to help us clearly understand your past, present and future orthodontic health. So we’ll review your dental records, take X-rays and scans of your smile, and formulate a bespoke treatment plan that shapes the Invisalign process.
Preview
Now that your treatment plan is taking shape, the next step of the Invisalign process is truly exciting. By this point, we can generate a virtual 3D image using Invisalign’s powerful ClinCheck software to give you a detailed view of how your teeth are projected to move throughout your treatment. So you can visualise exactly how your smile will look at the successful conclusion of your Invisalign journey with us.
Approval
Notice we haven’t even begun the actual Invisalign treatment process yet! This is because, having laid all the groundwork up to this stage, we want to ensure that you’re 100% happy and satisfied with your treatment plan, the expected results, and everything else moving forward before we begin. Then, if you’re happy and approve our plans, we’ll start making your first set of bespoke Invisalign aligners.
Process
At this stage of the Invisalign treatment process, we pass the baton on to you. You’ll need to wear your clear, discreet and comfortable Invisalign aligners every day for the allotted timescale. You can leave your aligners in to drink water, but for everything else, including food, you’ll need to take them out. Remember to keep your teeth and trays nice and clean at all times. The Invisalign process takes discipline, but it’s worth it!
Alignment
You’ll wear each aligner for two weeks. Then, after every fortnight, you’ll move on to a new set of aligner trays that are subtly different to the previous ones. Each custom-made set of trays is designed to maintain the gradual movement of your teeth towards the desired position, and keep you on track to achieve your smile goals. The number of aligners needed throughout the Invisalign treatment process varies and is unique to your journey.
Monitoring
Throughout your Invisalign experience, we’ll keep in regular contact with you. You’ll typically visit the clinic every two months for us to check in and monitor the progress of your treatment so far. This allows us to make any necessary adjustments and provide you with your next series of Invisalign aligners. Eventually, your teeth have moved into the desired position, and you’re completely satisfied with your brand-new smile!
How Long Does The Invisalign Process Take?
From start to finish, the Invisalign process typically takes around 12 months on average to achieve the best results. In some cases, it could be quicker. It could also take longer, depending on the complexity of your case. Everyone is different, and no two Invisalign treatment processes are the same. Adult teeth can sometimes take longer than expected to realign and, of course, the closer you follow your treatment plan, the quicker things will move.
Wearing Invisalign Aligners
You may feel some slight discomfort with each new set of Invisalign aligners as your teeth readjust, but this soon goes away. After that, they should become so comfortable that you almost forget they’re there! Other than when you want to eat or drink. But eating with Invisalign is simplicity in itself. You can simply remove your aligners to refuel and then slip them back in afterwards (having brushed your teeth and rinsed your trays, of course!).
Why Choose Ollie & Darsh For Invisalign?
If Invisalign appeals, and it feels like a good fit for you, there’s nobody better to oversee your Invisalign treatment process than Ollie & Darsh. As Diamond Apex Invisalign Providers, we represent Europe’s top 1% of Invisalign providers. That means we’ve helped countless clients to achieve their dream smiles, and you could be next. With 0% finance available to spread the cost of Invisalign and monthly open days (on the last Friday of every month) offering the chance to receive £1,000 off your treatment, you can afford to make your dream smile a reality.
If you’d like more information about the Invisalign process or to book an appointment, please contact us at 0151 236 6578.