How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign?
Invisalign is used by patients all over the world to straighten their smiles. The system uses clear aligners made using SmartTrack, a specially designed flexible plastic created for this treatment.
Your orthodontist will custom-make your aligners. They will start by constructing a 3D scan of your mouth and will then create a bespoke plan for you of how each tooth should be positioned and moved with your Inbisalign.’
The Invisalign tray will be replaced for you about every fortnight or your dentist could suggest an alternate time frame. This is part of them creating your plan for you and they will discuss this with you.
You can even get just a partial set if that is all you need. A partial set is designed only to move the front teeth.
Invisalign has so far aided in the improvement of over 14 million smiles, including 2 million teen smiles!
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign aligners have so many benefits, these include the following:
- The Invisalign is virtually invisible and unnoticeable on your teeth- it does not come with any brackets or wires, or the restrictions that come with metal braces.
- The Invisalign can be removed during meal times and during sleep, whereas normal braces cannot be removed.
- Invisalign aligners are easier to clean than normal braces.
- Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than normal braces, as it applies less pressure to the teeth.
- Wearing Invisalign requires fewer trips to the dentist than normal braces do.
- If you wear normal braces, they can cause cuts inside your cheeks. With Invisalign, you won’t have this problem.
- Invisalign removal is quick, easy and painless– whereas removal of normal braces is time-consuming and can cause discomfort and pain.
- Invisalign allows you to view your treatment plan and virtual results before you have even started the treatment, so you will have a better idea of what your teeth are expected to look like after your Invisalign journey is over.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
There are also some disadvantages to using Invisalign clear aligners. It is not necessarily going to be the right choice for every patient. You could be ineligible or you may feel it is not the choice for you. Your dentist will be able to offer a suitable alternative that could work for you.
To help you make the right choice as well as show you the advantages we also believe that you should be aware that there are, like in all things, some disadvantages. These are the following:
- Invisalign is generally more expensive than getting normal braces.
- You may forget to put in and take out your Invisalign each time, which may put you behind on your teeth straightening progress.
- It requires effort to clean and maintain your Invisalign aligners and the trays that they are stored in. If you do not clean them properly, old food and bacteria could build up on them, which can stain and damage your aligners.
- If you do not clean your Invisalign well enough, this increases your risk of cavities and bad breath.
As is clear, the main problems that generally occur for patients receiving Invisalign treatment are mostly down to improper care of the aligners. If you are able to go to the dentist for regular check-ups and make sure that you have a proper routine for maintaining the cleanliness of your aligners it could be the right option for you.
Obviously, there are a few disadvantages but do not let that deter you from the huge number of advantages. We at Didsbury Dental Practice thoroughly believe that Invisalign aligners are so worth it.
The majority of patients that use Invisalign as their treatment choice get astonishing results and are very pleased with them.
Can you drink with Invisalign aligners in?
One of the main disadvantages of these aligners is that you cannot drink certain things whilst you are going through Invisalign treatment.
Luckily we have a few tips to help you with this:
- Remove the aligners before drinking any beverage other than water.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary or acidic drinks.
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining drinks.
- Avoid drinking beverages that are too hot or too cold.
- Use a straw when drinking sugary or acidic beverages to minimise contact with your teeth.
- Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can brush your teeth after meals and drinks.
- Clean your aligners regularly with the recommended cleaning solution to keep them clear and free from bacteria.
- It is also important to, as previously mentioned, maintain good oral hygiene while undergoing Invisalign treatment. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It is also recommended to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
How much is Invisalign?
The price of Invisalign is usually between £1,500 and £5,500. To find out exactly what your aligners will cost you you will need to speak to your dentist or orthodontist.
Didsbury Dental Practice offers clear aligners/invisible braces from £3950. We also offer them by way of paying a monthly fee.
We can offer you a range of payment plans and different finance options that help to make our fees much more affordable and this now includes orthodontic treatments. We believe that exceptional dental care shouldn’t discriminate
Click here to view our full list of dental fees.
If you are interested in getting Invisalign, contact us to book your first consultation with one of our Invisalign dentists. We are more than happy to help!
Can you get Invisalign through the NHS?
Unfortunately, NHS funding does not cover Invisalign treatment. The NHS can only offer you traditional metal braces at their practices.
You will only be able to access Invisalign treatment if you are paying privately.
How long do you have to wear Invisalign?
Your dentist or orthodontist will advise you only exactly how long you individually should be wearing your aligners for throughout the day and night. Usually, the recommended amount of time to wear them for is about 20 to 22 hours.
It is probable that you will be advised to wear your aligners whilst you are sleeping at night in order to keep you on track. If you do not wear them at night it will likely slow down the whole process and it will take you longer to get to the desired result.
This being said you should always double-check with your dental health professionals if you are unsure of anything.
Some patients have complained that they face a couple of problems with wearing their Invisalign aligners at night. These are, having a particularly dry mouth and sometimes drooling. Both of these problems although annoying are able to be helped.
If you are struggling with having a dry mouth then we suggest sleeping with a glass of water next to your bed. This way you will have immediate relief if you do face this issue.
If you are having problems with drooling, try sleeping on your back instead and this should hopefully solve the problem.
There is also an added benefit to wearing them at night which is that they will stop any teeth grinding occurring overnight which will ease the process of your teeth moving into the right place.
If you do ultimately decide that wearing your Invisalign aligners is not right for you at all or even if you are just having a night off then you need to make sure that they have been properly cleaned before you put them back in your mouth.
Again, if there is anything that you are at all unsure of throughout your treatment speak to your dentist or orthodontist as they are best positioned to help you.
Didsbury Dental Practice
To learn more about Didsbury Dental Practice, visit our website here.
Click here to learn about our Invisalign treatment for adults and teenagers.
We offer a wide range of dental services, including teeth whitening, Alias lingual braces, Six Month Smiles Braces and Damon Clear Braces.
If you need an emergency appointment, call our dental emergency helpline on 0161 413 2835, or walk into our practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.
Visit our blog to read more articles on dental health such as ‘Can Invisalign Change Your Face Shape?’ and ‘Does Invisalign Give You a Lisp?’
