About Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners used as an alternative to traditional fixed braces. The aligners are completely transparent making this a popular form of treatment among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of fixed braces. The aligners must be removed for eating and teeth cleaning. Invisalign treatment can be quicker than traditional braces with treatment on average taking between 12 and 18 months.

Invisalign is a custom made appliance. Treatment begins by taking dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of the patient's teeth and sending them to Align Technology in Santa Clara, California. The impressions are scanned using a CT scanner to create a three-dimensional model. Technicians then individualise the teeth in the computer model and move them to their final positions as prescribed by the orthodontist. Custom software then simulates the movement of the teeth in stages. The orthodontist and patient then review the simulation online using Align Technology's 'Clincheck'. Once approved, the series of plastic resin aligners are manufactured and shipped to the orthodontist.

• 'Attachments' are sometimes bonded to teeth that need to be rotated or moved more than other teeth. Attachments are tooth coloured and are not visible when the aligner is being worn.

• 'Interproximal reduction' is sometimes prescribed. This is a process by which the contacts between teeth are carefully filed to allow a better fit of the teeth.

The average treatment time with Invisalign is about a year depending on the complexity of treatment. Simple treatment (mild overlapping or mild spacing) may be as short as six months. Complex treatment may take 18 months.

After the Invisalign treatment is complete, retainers manufactured from a similar plastic material must be worn at night time.

The final tooth position is not completely determined by the last aligner. If the orthodontist or patient wish to 'fine tune' the end position of the teeth, new aligners may be ordered. These are usually included in the originally quoted cost.

About Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen is a series of clear, removable aligners used as an alternative to traditional fixed braces. The aligners are completely transparent, making this a popular form of treatment among teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without the look of fixed braces. The aligners must be removed for eating and teeth cleaning. Invisalign treatment can be quicker than traditional braces with treatment on average taking between 12 and 18 months.

Invisalign Teen is identical to Invisalign for adults with the addition of tiny indicators on the back of the appliance which change colour over the 2 week period the aligners are being worn to confirm patient compliance.

Please call the practice to arrange an Invisalign consultation.